When it comes to the best PS5 games, racing titles are often overlooked. This is a shame, as the immersive experience of gripping a virtual steering wheel, whether in a realistic simulation or a high-octane arcade racer, can be just as thrilling as any top-tier multiplayer game. These games also frequently showcase cutting-edge technology, rendering real-world cars and tracks in stunning detail that pushes the PS5 to its limits. The racing genre boasts a surprising amount of depth and variety, so we’ve compiled this list of the best PS5 racing games to help you explore this exciting world.
Top PS5 Racing Games You Should Try
From meticulous simulations to adrenaline-pumping arcade racers, the PS5 offers a diverse range of racing experiences. Here are some of the best:
Gran Turismo 7
Gran Turismo 7
With a roster of over 400 cars and more being added through DLC, Gran Turismo 7 is a must-have for any PlayStation 5 racing enthusiast. While firmly rooted in simulation, Gran Turismo 7 remains accessible to players familiar with arcade racers like Need for Speed and Burnout. Mastering techniques like braking, cornering, and maintaining the racing line is essential for victory and unlocking more cars. Gran Turismo 7 also features a comprehensive photo mode called “Scapes,” allowing players to capture stunning images of their favorite cars in over 2,000 real-world locations. The “Sport Mode” elevates online competition with daily ranked events featuring challenging performance restrictions.
Gran Turismo 7 – Announcement Trailer | PS5
The Crew Motorfest
The Crew Motorfest
Ubisoft’s The Crew franchise offers massive open worlds for exploration and racing with a diverse range of vehicles. The Crew Motorfest delivers the most refined version of this vision, featuring the stunning island of O’ahu, recreated in breathtaking detail. As a persistent online game, it’s also one of the best co-op experiences on PS5, with other players constantly cruising and racing around you. With over 600 unlockable vehicles, including cars, bikes, quads, monster trucks, and more, there’s something for every racing fan.
The Crew Motorfest: Teaser Trailer
Need for Speed: Unbound
Need for Speed: Unbound
Even non-racing fans are likely familiar with the Need for Speed franchise. Unbound takes the series in a fresh, stylish direction, incorporating anime-inspired visual effects. Beyond the visuals, this is a complete racing experience, featuring a story mode with choices and an unfolding plot, alongside robust online modes and competitions. Unbound strikes an excellent balance between hardcore racing simulation and arcade-style fun.
Need for Speed Unbound – Official Reveal Trailer (ft. A$AP Rocky)
Hot Wheels Unleashed
Hot Wheels Unleashed
Hot Wheels Unleashed captures the joy of childhood and translates it into a visually impressive current-gen game. Unlike other Hot Wheels games that pursued realism, Unleashed embraces the miniature cars and iconic orange tracks of the beloved toy line. Its attention to detail is sure to delight fans of all ages, and the easy-to-learn controls make it accessible to everyone. Hot Wheels Unleashed supports up to 12 players online and offers two-player split-screen, though it lacks cross-platform play.
Hot Wheels Unleashed™ Announcement Trailer
Wreckfest
Wreckfest
For those seeking demolition derby thrills, Wreckfest is the perfect choice. As one of the best racing games on PS5, Wreckfest delivers pure fun. It’s a professional racing game that doesn’t take itself too seriously, offering a unique experience with even a drivable sofa car. The multiplayer adds another layer of enjoyment, focusing on more than just winning. The diverse range of events keeps the gameplay fresh and avoids excessive competitiveness.
DIRT 5
DIRT 5
DiRT 5 casts you as a rising off-road racer aiming for rally racing stardom. Mentored by DiRT superstar Alex “AJ” Janiček, you’ll navigate a campaign spanning five chapters and 130 events. You choose your path through events you prefer, earning stamps based on your performance to unlock each chapter’s main event. The better you perform, the faster you unlock the “boss battle” races.
DIRT 5 | Official Announce Trailer
F1 2021
F1 2021
F1 games offer the closest experience to real-life Formula 1 racing and are among the best racing games on PS5. F1 2021 stands out as a true racing simulator with an in-depth damage system. “Breaking Point,” the single-player career mode, presents a compelling story of redemption, rivalry, and the pursuit of glory. Online, you can partner with or challenge a friend in multiplayer career mode. “Social Play” provides a casual unranked mode for newcomers, with collisions disabled. For a competitive experience, ranked leaderboards await in multi-lap races and time trials.
MotoGP 21
MotoGP 21
If cars aren’t your preference, MotoGP 21 delivers high-speed motorcycle racing action. This game demands more than casual racing skills, as the fundamentals of motorcycle racing differ significantly from cars. MotoGP 21 provides a thorough tutorial to guide you. The single-player career mode follows a rising racer’s journey through the professional ranks, offering RPG-like control over your team as you earn points by completing objectives.
MotoGP™21 Announcement Trailer
Riders Republic
Riders Republic
For those seeking something beyond cars and motorcycles, Riders Republic offers extreme sports racing. Developed by the team behind Steep, Riders Republic is a massive multiplayer sports game featuring 6v6 PvP matches and 50-person downhill races. A composite of America’s national parks provides a playground for skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, wingsuiting, and even jet-wingsuiting. Five career paths focus on racing and freestyle across various disciplines, unlocking new gear and earning stars to unlock careers and sponsors.
Riders Republic – Cinematic Premiere Trailer
Conclusion
The PS5 boasts an impressive selection of racing games catering to a broad range of preferences. From realistic simulations to arcade-style thrills and even extreme sports, there’s a racing game to get your adrenaline pumping. So, buckle up, choose your ride, and experience the thrill of racing on the PlayStation 5.
