Racing titles have been part of the gaming community for a while now, capturing the rush one feels in a fast car as they progress faster and faster on the race track while overcoming various obstacles.
The PC platform, in particular, boasts a wide category of racing titles that cater to various preferences, from hyper-realistic simulations to adrenaline-pumping arcade experiences. That being said, some titles outperform others, and in this article, we’ll be discussing the best racing games on PC.
Top 5 Best Racing Games on PC
Below, we’ll be looking at five racing games that stand out more than the other titles present on the market.
1. Forza Horizon 5
Rated a whopping 9/10 on Steam and acquiring numerous game awards in the industry, Forza Horizon 5 takes the top spot on our list.
Set against the vibrant landscapes of Mexico, the game offers players an immersive open-world experience. In addition, Forza features over 500 cars for racing enthusiasts to play around with, providing variety alongside stellar gameplay.
Let’s expand on the “gameplay” for a second. Apart from the cars, the game has paid extra attention to detail when it comes to the environment a racer is dealing with. You’re not only exposed to challenging race tracks—the meticulously detailed surroundings add to the pleasure. Not to mention, the dynamic weather systems used, whereby a player’s driving skills are put to the test.
There are extracurricular activities you can participate in as well, including a variety of events that encompass traditional circuit races to exploratory challenges that encourage off-road adventures. With the integration of EventLab, you’re also able to design your races, game modes, and challenges, providing a clever blend of personal creativity.
One of the most impressive aspects of Forza Horizon 5 is its realism, with stunning graphics, realistic car physics, and an immersive audio design that captures the sound of engines roaring through diverse terrains.
2. Assetto Corsa Competizione
For those seeking a deeply immersive simulation experience, Assetto Corsa Competizione stands out as a premier choice. Based around the Blancpain GT Series, Assetto offers players the opportunity to race in meticulously recreated GT3 and GT4 cars on real-world tracks.
One of the most stand-out features of the game is its attention to detail—amazing. Through realistic tire functionality and obedience to the laws of physics, Assetto gives off a real-world feel. Though the handling is hard to grasp initially, a true driver latches onto the game mechanics as time passes.
Finally, the game modes. While there’s variety in Single Player and Multiplayer, Assetto went a step further to bring in a Ranked Mode where competitive drivers face off against each other to secure higher rankings.
3. Dirt Rally 2.0
Dirt Rally 2.0 specializes in rally and rallycross classes. With a thrilling off-road experience coupled by realistic handling and challenging terrains, the game gets a whopping 9/10 on Steam.
One of the most notable features of Dirt Rally 2.0 is the weather system, where realism is put into perspective. To get a better idea here, suppose you’re hit with foggy atmospheres or rain. Much like in real life, you’ll lose visibility in Dirt Rally 2.0 as well.
The driving dynamics require a subtle awareness of how every car handles and the capacity to adjust to the changing surface types, from loose gravel to slippery tarmac. The career mode offers a sense of advancement, where players can run their team, upgrade their cars, and race through a series of tough events.
4. Wreckfest
For players who enjoy a blend of racing and vehicular mayhem, Wreckfest offers a unique and chaotic experience. Rated 9/10 on Steam and 7/10 on IGN, the game is developed by Bugbear Entertainment. Though the game is race-centric, there’s a heavy emphasis on destructive mechanisms and over-the-top action, perfect for gamers who like a thrilling experience.
How physics is used here is interesting, where your cars suffer realistic damage that is reflected in their performance and appearance. In addition, the roster of cars is diverse, allowing players to choose from traditional muscle cars to the more modern creations. You can also choose lawnmowers in Wreckfast!
With customization tending to both cosmetic and performance upgrades, Wreckfest finds equilibrium between strategy and pandemonium, rewarding both tactical and aggressive playstyles. The fun multiplayer modes and constant content updates have cemented its position as a fan favorite among arcade-style racing enthusiasts.
5. F1 2024
As the title suggests, F1 2024 is based on the world of Formula One. Developed by Codemasters, this installment features all the official teams, drivers, and circuits from the 2024 FIA Formula One World Championship.
The Career Mode in the game is particularly interesting, where players are able to create their own drivers and have their own journey through the adversities offered by the world of Formula One. From negotiations over contracts to R&D choices and media interactions, both aspiring drivers and racing enthusiasts get a taste of the real world through the lens of a fictional character.
Additionally, the AI opponents are realistically driven, so every race is unpredictable and competitive.
Finally, the driving mechanics, which balance both accessibility and simulative experiences to cater to the needs of hardcore enthusiasts and newcomers. Like the other games we’ve discussed, there’s a dynamic weather system here with a plethora of Multiplayer features and events, including cooperative championships and competitive online competition.