21 Best Current PC Racing Games

From gunning down the straightaway, drifting through tight corners, and tweaking your vehicle to get even better performance, racing titles have been entertaining for car enthusiasts to casual gamers. There are plenty of excellent racing video games available to enjoy right now on the PC platform. Now over the years, some titles can look and feel a bit dated. We’ve crafted a list of racing titles that not only still hold up today but are fantastic games to play. With that said, we’ll continue to update this list with new exciting titles as they release.

#21 Nightmare Kart

Platform: PC
Release Date: June 5, 2024

Not all racing games are meant to be bright, cheerful, or have you racing to see who the fastest is. In Nightmare Kart, you’ll get dragged into a certain “racing circuit” against your will. In these games, it’s not about speed so much as it is about destroying your opponent’s rides while preventing them from doing the same to you!

Use multiple tactics to take out foes, and last long enough to learn more about this mysterious setting and the races you’re in. Or don’t, and find yourself getting wrecked repeatedly!

Do you have what it takes to make it out of these races alive?

#20 Warhammer 40,000: Speed Freeks

Platform: PC
Release Date: August 6, 2024

Yeah, here’s a universe where you wouldn’t expect to find a racing title, and yet, Warhammer 40,000: Speed Freeks is one such entry, and it’s one that puts several twists on all that happens within it.

For example, you’ll play as a bunch of Orks who love nothing more than going fast, causing destruction, and putting their rides to the test. So, you’ll build the Ork-style car of your fantasy game dreams and then put them to task to defeat the enemy cars and keep certain teammates’ cars safe!

The multiple modes available within the game ensure that you have numerous ways to enjoy the death-defying battles and races that you’ll be part of.

#19 The Crew Motorfest

Platform: PC PS4 Xbox One PS5 XSX|S
Release Date: September 14, 2023

Epic | PlayStation | Xbox

In racing titles, it’s often about having the best car possible as you blitz down the road or track to get the best result. In The Crew Motorfest, you’ll have numerous car options from the past and present to pick from as you race down the numerous tracks and areas that Hawaii has to offer.

If you want specifics, classic cars are begging to be tried out, or you could go the electric route and see what it’s like to drive without using gas.

Once you have your car, go racing down the track or hook up with friends and see how fast you can race down the state’s wild side.

#18 F1 23

Platform: PC PS4 PS5 XSX|S
Release Date: JUNE 16, 2023

Steam | PlayStation | Xbox

There are many racing titles for you to enjoy, but few will have you going as fast as the cars in F1 23.

The official game of the Formula One World Championship will have you racing in some of the fastest cars on the planet and trying to come out on top of the most intense races.

But it’s not just racing you need to worry about. The game is authentic from top to bottom. You’ll need to ensure your car is as good as your driving skills, and when you partake in the story mode, you’ll need to overcome numerous obstacles thrown in your way.

But if you can endure them, you might just come out on top.

#17 Need For Speed Unbound

Developer: Criterion Games
Publisher: Electronic Arts Inc.
Platfrom : PC PS5 XSX|X
Release Date : December 02, 2022

There are many PC games out there right now that are racing titles. Go to Steam if you don’t believe us; you’ll find plenty there.

But Need For Speed Unbound might help you scratch an itch that others can’t fulfill. The game is one of the more stylized in the franchise, and you’ll want to see how far you can push the bounds of the game as you make a play for the top.

A 4-week competition awaits you. The better you do, the more you earn, and the more heat you’ll have put on you by the cops. Do you think you can survive the streets and come out on top?

#16 Grid Legends

Developer: Codemasters
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Platforms: PC, PS4, XBO, PS5, X/S
Release: February 25, 2022

Grid Legends is a game that gives you the freedom to not just make your own kind of race, but to challenge your friends to their limits in up to 21 person battles! You’ll be able to drive all sorts of unique vehicles as you race around the globe, and you’ll be able to ensure that your rivals don’t beat you as you drive them off the track! And as noted, there’s a “race Creator” mode that’ll let you make your own kinds of races and see how you and your friends and rivals handle them! So get in the drivers’ seat, and see who has what it takes to be the true racing legend!

#15 Overpass

Developer: Zordix Racing, Zordix AB
Publisher: Nacon, H2 Interactive
Platforms: PC, PS4, XBO, NS
Release: March 16, 2021

We see quite a wide range of racing games, from arcades to simulations. Overpass is one that is a bit unique and caters toward those that enjoy extreme off-road terrain navigation. This title puts players in control of big buggies and quads where the name of the game isn’t speed but overcoming the harsh terrain and obstacles that come across your pathway. With realistic terrain physics, you’ll also find realistic matching vehicles from the likes of Suzuki or Yamaha. It’s all about getting the vehicle through the journey without dealing too much damage to the ride. With that said, you can enjoy this game with other players as the title offers support for two players offline or up to eight players online.

#14 Dangerous Driving

Developer: Three Fields Entertainment
Publisher: Three Fields Entertainment
Platforms: PC, PS4, XBO
Release: April 9, 2019

Dangerous Driving comes from Three Fields Entertainment, a new indie development studio that was first released a video game in 2016. Overall, the team is mainly composed of former Criterion Games, primarily known for the Burnout series. As a result, the development team from Three Fields Entertainment decided to craft up a spiritual sequel to the beloved racing series. For those unfamiliar with the Burnout franchise, this game series focuses on intense racing with plenty of car wrecks along the way. Players are rewarded not only by the position they cross the finish line but also by the points racked up along the way. You’ll find yourself earning points for near-miss collisions and causing other players to wreck. Of course, a few game modes will be available, which may alter the goals you’ll need to accomplish during the race, such as eliminating opponents and leaving yourself the last man racing.

#13 Team Sonic Racing

Developer: Sumo Digital
Publisher: SEGA
Platforms: PC, NS, PS4, XBO
Release: May 21, 2019

Nintendo really set the bar high for kart racers, thanks to the Mario Kart franchise. While Nintendo is doing well with their exclusive franchise, Sega has opened up the Sonic Racing series in 2010 with Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing. Essentially, this is very similar to the Mario Kart gameplay. Still, instead of Mario and the cast of Nintendo characters, you’ll be trading them off for a cast from Sega’s line of video game titles along with tracks designed around their various IPs. One of the ways that Sumo Digital is making Team Sonic Racing different from previous installments is that they are dropping out all IPs outside of Sonic. So instead, the installment will solely be based on Sonic, the cast of characters, and likely memorable courses made from the franchise.

#12 The Crew 2

Developer: Ivory Tower
Publisher: Ubisoft
Platforms: PC, PS4, XBO
Release: March 16, 2018

Within The Crew 2, players will find an open world environment to roam and race, though, unlike most racing video game titles, The Crew 2 won’t limit players to just cars. Instead, players can traverse and race cars, boats, or even planes within the video game. Additionally, players can barrel down the map and quickly transform into different vehicles. This is a nice feature to have since you’re never really stuck with any one particular vehicle the entire time. The narrative campaign here is nothing too out of the ordinary we see in racing games. You’re just a typical unknown racer trying to race their way up the ranks.

#11 Trials Fusion

Developer: RedLynx, Ubisoft
Publisher: Ubisoft
Platforms: PC, PS4, X360, XBO
Release: April 24, 2014

The fifth game within the Trials franchise and the follow-up to Trials Evolution is Trials Fusion. If you’ve never played a Trials game, the title is more of a platform racer. Players control a biker who makes his way through various courses and obstacles, though because of the game’s physics, getting through courses is easier said than done. Regardless of its difficulty, Trials Fusion remains to be a fantastic platformer. Since its release, Ubisoft has provided six DLC packs along with free content downloads. With that said, there is also Trials Rising, and it seems rather split between which installment in particular players enjoy. We listed Trials Fusion in our point here, but if you enjoy this game, then it’s worth picking up the successor installment as well.

#10 Redout

Developer: 34BigThings
Publisher: 34BigThings
Platforms: PC, NS, PS4, XBO
Release: September 2, 2016

It’s a shame we don’t see the F-Zero franchise get picked back up these days. However, the franchise has helped pave the way for other thrilling racing games to hit the marketplace. If you’re a fan of fast-paced racing titles such as F-Zero and WipeOut, you’ll want to play Redout. Developed by 34BigThings srl, the developers have crafted Redout to be a tribute to the old racing monster titles that were not only fast-paced but a challenging and fun experience. Likewise, there is optional VR support available for those who really want to get into the action.

#9 TrackMania Turbo

Developer: Nadeo
Publisher: Ubisoft
Platforms: PC, PS4, XBO
Release: March 24, 2016

Much like the previous installments to Trackmania, Trackmania: Turbo features over-the-top arcade race tracks with high speeds and a focus on stunts. While the video game features over 200 different tracks in four different locations, a track editor was included to allow players to create tracks and share them online. Those who are not interested in the more realistic simulation-style racing titles will likely gravitate to titles like TrackMania Turbo. Players will find the intense, fast and wacky gameplay to be rather addicting, especially thanks to the various game modes. For instance, the Double Driver mode is where two players will work cooperatively by controlling the same vehicle.

#8 Dirt rally 2.0

Developer: Codemasters
Publisher: Codemasters
Platforms: PC, PS4, XBO
Release: February 26, 2019

When it comes to racing games, there are two sub-genres. You have your arcade-style titles that are easy to pick up and play. However, the more simulation title racers offer enthusiasts to a particular sport or just racing in general that greatly tweaks the gameplay for a more realistic approach. Dirt Rally 2.0 is part of the latter, with players getting an accurate simulation-heavy racing title. This is a game that offers a wide range of rally cars, stages, and modes aimed at those who generally love rally racing. You’re going to find the ability to make tweaks to your car that is aimed at the course you’re dealing with, manage your crew, and simply race to face mostly the time rather than other racers. Codemasters have been around for some time now, and they have proven to be a great development studio for racing titles, and it shows in this game.

#7 Project Cars 2

Developer: Slightly Mad Studios
Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
Platforms: PC, PS4, XBO
Release: September 22, 2017

Project Cars 2 first entered the market back in 2017 thanks to the development team Slightly Mad Studios. The video game quickly became a competitor to other longstanding realistic racing titles as Project Cars 2 came with over seventy cars to race in, thirty unique locations, and over a hundred different courses. Overall the game was hit with some decent reviews where critics found the game to be great in terms of customization options and the wide variety of tracks. The gameplay also offers various game modes to go through, such as online championships and a ranking system for players interested in the E-sports aspect of gaming.

#6 F1 2021

Developer: Codemasters
Publisher: Codemasters
Platforms: PC, PS4, XBO, PS5, X/S
Release: July 16, 2021

F1 2021 was released in July of 2021. If you’ve been following this franchise very long, then you know what to expect. It’s a game series that’s based on the Formula One World Championship season. It’s very simulation-based so tweaking your car to ensure that the performance is at an all-time high is crucial here. This season also brings in My Team mode, which allows players to get more behind the scenes of the team. You’re able to create a driver, deal with sponsorships, suppliers, and hire your crew. For simulation racing, this is one of the games not to pass on.

#5 Assetto Corsa

Developer: Kunos Simulazioni
Publisher: Kunos Simulazioni, 505 Games
Platforms: PC, PS4, XBO
Release: December 19, 2014

Developed by Kunos Simulazioni comes Assetto Corsa. The video game is a simulation racing title with an emphasis on maintaining a realistic experience. Players will be racing through a variety of tracks with a variety of race cars that will have detailed physics and tire simulation. Outside enjoying the game with various peripherals such as gamepads, wheels, mouse, and keyboard, Assetto Corsa does offer the ability to use VR head-mounted displays. Furthermore, the video game was supported post-launch with several free content updates, which helped bring in new vehicles and tracks. If you’re looking to enjoy a more simulation approach to a racing game, then Assetto Corsa is well worth checking out.

#4 Forza Motorsport 7

Developer: Turn 10 Studios
Publisher: Microsoft Studios
Platforms: PC, XBO
Release: October 3, 2017

While Sony has the Gran Turismo series, Microsoft holds their beloved racing series, Forza. Developed by Turn 10 Studios, Forza Motorsport 7 is the latest installment within the main franchise. That’s, of course, not to be confused with the Forza Horizon series. Here players will have over 700 vehicles to choose from with over 32 locations to race within. Likewise, this particular installment has a dynamic weather system and the ability to customize a few components to the race, such as the driver behind the wheel.

#3 Forza Horizon 3

Developer: Playground Games
Publisher: Microsoft Studios
Platforms: PC, XBO
Release: September 27, 2016

Released in 2016, Forza Horizon 3 continues to be a fantastic title within the franchise. This particular installment follows players racing through several locations within Australia with over 300 different cars. Gamers will find plenty of drift zones, jumps, and events to attempt during their races. Likewise, several updates and DLC releases have introduced new cars and tracks to race on. Despite this game being a previous installment to the Forza Horizon franchise with latest installments readily available, players will still find this game to be a fun experience if you give it a shot.

#2 Forza Horizon 4

Developer: Playground Games
Publisher: Microsoft Studios
Platforms: XBO, PC
Release: October 2, 2018

The Forza series, in general, does fantastic in the market though that statement is especially true with their Horizon line. Forza Horizon 4 will still follow the same feel and tone as the past installments though it will be taking place in a fictionalized United Kingdom. With over four hundred licensed cars, players can race among each other through a variety of intense high-speed tracks. Likewise, there are servers that will support up to seventy-two players making races filling and competitive. Of course, this is the previous installment available, so if you want the latest release for the series, you’ll need to pick up our next entry point.

#1 Forza Horizon 5

Developer: Playground Games
Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
Platforms: PC, XBO, X/S
Release: November 9, 2021

Forza is a top-rated racing franchise, but it can be a bit too simulation-based for some players. Fortunately, there’s Forza Horizon series offers a more relaxed but still enjoyable racing game for fans. These games take place around different regions in the world, and with the latest installment, Forza Horizon 5, we’re tossed into a Mexico-inspired map. It’s a massive world to race around in, which features some unique environments. From small cities, ruins to lush jungles, there’s a ton of focus centered around exploration. But, of course, what matters here is the racing, and it’s just as tight and thrilling as the previous release.

If you played the past installment, then you know what to expect here. There’s a ton of different vehicles to pick through and events. So you’re constantly switching up the vehicle you’re driving in at any given moment depending on the race you’re actively going through. Likewise, there’s the fact that you’re also dealing with some new weather conditions to be mindful of, such as dust and tropical storms. This is one game well worth picking up, even if you’re not the biggest racing fan, and you might be surprised by how much enjoyment you can get with this title.