Racing games aren’t usually the first thing people imagine when they hear “open world,” but you’d be surprised. Whether it’s trawling the city for a fun diversion or zooming across the open road looking for interesting tracks and challenges, here are some of the best open-world racing games!
#11 The Crew Motorfest
Platform: PC PS4 Xbox One PS5 XSX|S
Release Date: September 14, 2023
Epic | PlayStation | Xbox
It’s true that many racing titles focus solely on the racing aspect of things because many gamers want to go fast and prove they’re faster than others. But it’s the multiplayer where racing games truly come into their own and showcase just how grand they are.
In The Crew Motorfest, you’ll be on the island of Oahu and have numerous options to play with alongside friends and rivals! You can head to the track and race on perfect surfaces, or you can head to the streets and see who can best put the pedal to the metal on the concrete surface.
When you add that to the campaigns, car selections, and more, you’d be foolish not to try this title.
#10 Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – Definitive Edition
Publisher: Rockstar Games
Developer: Rockstar Games
Platform: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Switch
Release Date: November 2021
Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – Definitive Edition brings open-world racing back to its roots. The emphasis isn’t on racing specifically, but fans of the series will be familiar with the races and time trials sprinkled throughout the cities. This might not be a pure racing game, but that doesn’t mean you can’t hit the road and have yourself a grand time. Don’t forget to blast that radio.
#9 Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Developer: Stellar Entertainment Limited
Platform: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Switch
Release Date: November 2020
Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered is a racing game that brings Cops and Robbers to the next level. A remaster of the original Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit which came out over a decade ago, players will have to think quick whether they’re on the run from the law, or chasing down criminals. The entire city is your playground and the possibilities are near limitless when it comes to discovering new routes and shortcuts.
#8 The Crew
Publisher: Ubisoft
Developer: Ivory Tower
Platform: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5
Release Date: December 2014
The Crew is unique on this list as it’s one of the few racing games claiming to be an MMO. Regardless, Ubisoft delivered its promise with this open-world racing game where you can encounter other players and explore a massive landscape. Whether those other players are new friends or rivals on the road, you won’t be racing alone.
#7 SnowRunner
Publisher: Focus Entertainment
Developer: Saber Interactive
Platform: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Switch
Release Date: May 2021
This isn’t a conventional racing game by any standard. Some missions are timed, but ultimately the goal is immersion and skillful driving. Enjoy an open world sandbox with some of the most powerful commercial vehicles at your disposal and travel through forests, frozen roads, mudslides, and other hazards.
#6 Burnout Paradise Remastered
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Developer: Stellar Entertainment, Criterion Games
Platform: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Switch
Release Date: August 2018
Return to Big Surf Island in this remastered release of Burnout Paradise which also includes the original DLC. Players will get to roam around a scenic island and take get the full Burnout experience doing it. Hit the road, enter some races, and explore the coast alongside your friends.
#5 Need for Speed Rivals
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Developer: Criterion Games
Platform: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5
Release Date: November 2013
It feels like EA has the market cornered when it comes to racing games. Need for Speed Rivals is the third title on this list published by the company; it’s also one of the oldest. But don’t let that fool you–this game’s part of the popular Need for Speed franchise, meaning that it needs no introduction or defense. If you love driving, there’s no reason not to grab this title.
#4 Assetto Corsa
Publisher: Kunos Simulazioni
Developer: Kunos Simulazioni
Platform: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5
Release Date: November 2014
Assetto Corsa is an enigma among the other games on this list. While others feature high octane races with dramatic jumps and stunts, Assetto Corsa remains grounded in reality. Take to the streets while actually feeling the weight of the car you’re driving and watch your momentum. Realistic driving physics are the name of the game here, making this a more immersive experience.
#3 Need for Speed Heat
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Developer: Ghost Games
Platform: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5
Release Date: November 2019
This makes four entries for Electronic Arts, but when you release racing games with this regularity it’s hard not to overwhelm the list. Need for Speed Heat asks players to “hustle by day, risk it all by night” in the fast paced lifestyle of a street racer on the wrong side of the law. Make the city yours and disregard every traffic code in pursuit of making it big.
#2 Dakar 18
Publisher: Ravenscourt
Developer: Big Moon Entertainment
Platform: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5
Release Date: September 2018
When it comes to “open-world racing” you can’t get much closer with international cross-country rallies. Dakar 18 is named for the real life Dakar Rally which had racers travel from Paris, France to Dakar, Senegal. When you have thousands of miles to travel, you’re given a little wiggle room in the track you choose. An open-world title is just the way to do it.
#1 The Crew 2
Publisher: Ubisoft
Developer: Ivory Tower
Platform: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5
Release Date: June 2018
The Crew 2 took the lessons of the first game to heart. Players can now explore L.A. however they please while developing their own style with customizable vehicles and new races. There’s plenty of ways for players to carve out a unique niche in this open-world racing game. The graphics aren’t too shabby either.
