Have you been itching to get your hands on a racing game that will pump you with adrenaline? Luckily, this guide will show you the best PS5 racing games.
Thanks to the power of the PS5, racing games have become extremely advanced as they feature breathtaking visuals and new features as well. With that said, let’s dive right in and get started.
Gran Turismo 7
Release Date: March 4, 2022
Gran Turismo is a long-running franchise that has been with the PlayStation brand since the PS1 days. Like previous titles, Gran Turismo 7 is a simulation racing game that features heavily on realism.
Thanks to the power of the PS5, the visuals are breathtaking. Every car is modeled to perfection as the devs got every tiny detail correct. What’s more is that every track is also detailed and the weather system makes the game come alive.
What sets this game apart from other racing games on PS5 is the use of the Haptic Feedback on the Dualsense controller. It’s something you have to experience for yourself to understand.
Dirt 5
Release Date: November 6, 2020
Unlike its predecessors, Dirt 5 ditches the franchises’ simulation experience in favor of a more arcade-focused racing game. Thanks to the PS5 and its controller, the handling feels fluid while the Haptic Feedbacks work overtime.
Despite being an arcade racer, Dirt 5 has some of the best psychics I’ve seen in a racing game. Plus, the dynamic weather enhances every race and makes it unpredictable. While the main story isn’t anything to write home about, Dirt 5 is easily one of the best racing games on the PS5.
Assetto Corsa Competizione
Release Date: September 12, 2018
Unlike Assetto Corsa, Competizione is a more competition-focused experience where you as a driver can test your speed and prowess as a simulator driver. The overall handling and physics of the game are top-notch as well.
The game allows you to compete against official drivers, teams, cars, and official circuits reproduced to the highest quality ever seen. When it comes to simulation racing games, this is easily one of the best ones on the market right now.
F1 23
Release Date: April 28, 2023
Speaking of simulation racing games, F1 23 is another one that is one of the best. Right off the bat, the first thing you’ll notice is the addition of the F1 Life feature. You will have the option to customize your virtual homes, play around with furniture, and create a showcase to show off your supercars.
Apart from that, the racing aspect of the game is extremely fluid as well. Every circuit is also carefully designed with love and it truly shows. You can experience authentic F1 racing on real tracks and bring your dreams to life.
Need For Speed: Unbound
Release Date: November 29, 2022
Need For Speed being featured on the best racing games list shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone by this point. The latest entry in the long-running franchise, NFS: Unbound, is a great arcade racer that tries to bring innovation to the tried and tested NFS format.
The gameplay is similar to the previous NFS title (Heat) but the newly added effects are what sets it apart. Every race feels like it matters and thanks to the effects, every jump, drift, and collision feels impactful. Unbound is not only one of the best Need For Speed titles but also one of the best PS5 racing games.
Hot Wheels Unleashed
Release Date: September 30, 2021
Like NFS, Hot Wheels is also an iconic franchise that has a large player base. The gameplay is arcadey and features a lot of loops and jumps. What sets this apart from most racing games is the ability to create custom tracks.
You can create wacky over-the-top tracks by adding tons of loops or massive jumps to keep that adrenaline pumping. The best part is that you can even play this with your friends in split-screen mode which is quite rare for racing games nowadays.
Wreckfest
Release Date: January 15, 2014
As the name suggests, Wreckfest is an arcade racer that features a lot of destruction and mayhem. By the end of a race, you’ll be lucky if your car has any pieces left on it. If you loved the old Burnout games, Wreckfest will be right up your alley.
There are a variety of fun and silly modes to experience which keeps the game fresh. Where Wreckfest shines the most is in its intense online battles. Face off against players across the world as you turn your car into a powerful battering ram.
MotoGP 23
Release Date: June 2023
Since we’ve talked about car racing games, let’s switch things up and talk about MotoGP 23. Thanks to the technological advancements of the PS5 (and next-gen consoles), MotoGP 23 is the best-looking MotoGP to date.
The tracks are spectacular, and they managed to do an insane job of designing the bikes. The overall sound design is sublime as well with almost every bike sounding unique.
Grid Legends
Release Date: February 24, 2022
Like NFS games, Grid Legends has a full-blown story that you have to progress through, and it is surprisingly fun with some tense moments sprinkled here and there.
What sets this game apart from other titles is the AI. Depending on how you play, the AI sets their playstyle to that as well. If you like to play aggressively, your opponents will start bumping into you and try to take aggressive turns as well.
Destruction Allstars
Release Date: February 2021
Destruction Allstars was one of the first PlayStation 5 exclusives released for the console. The initial trailers for the game got everyone hyped as it featured tons of chaos and fun gameplay.
While the gameplay is quite fun, Destruction Allstars seems to lack content and has a few balancing issues as well. Also, it’s worth noting that this isn’t your average racing game either.
Destruction Allstars is an arcade racer where you have to take out your enemies in a large arena while working with your team. You can even use power-ups and abilities of your characters to enhance the chaotic and wacky nature of the game.
Redout 2
Release Date: June 16, 2022
Speaking of arcade racing games, I cannot leave out Redout 2. It is a tribute to classic arcade racing games and features exhilarating futuristic races across an extensive single-player campaign and competitive multiplayer.
You can reach extremely high speeds since the cars are futuristic. Zooming past everything around you gives you an adrenaline rush like no other. Apart from just accelerating, turning, and reversing, you can strafe, tilt, and boost your hovercraft to maximize your efficiency on the track.
Project CARS 3
Release Date: August 24, 2020
Finally, let’s talk about Project CARS 3. Unlike the previous few entries, Project CARS 3 is a simulation racing game that emphasizes “authentic racing”. There are tons of tracks and cars to unlock which makes the grind worthwhile.
Plus, the game offers in-depth customization so that you can make your car feel truly unique. Project CARS 3 is one of the best racing games to play on a controller thanks to how accurate your handling becomes.
Conclusion
And there you have it; those are the 12 best PS5 racing games that you can play right now. Since this list features various types of racing games, you are bound to find one that you like.
Which racing game is your favorite? Did we miss any that should be on this list? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
