Best Of
10 Best Racing Games on PlayStation 5 (2025)
Not all of us will get the chance to drive F1 cars or enter safari rally championships worldwide. But through gaming, you can at least unlock some of your favorite real-world cars in realistically simulated games. More than that, you can drift and skid around sharp corners simply for the pleasure of it, thanks to a myriad of different types of racing games released every other month. From demolition derbies to competitive arcade racing and kart racers, the racing genre has it all catered to you. Among the options available, these are the best racing games on PlayStation 5 right now.
What is a Racing Game?
But first, a racing game typically has racing tracks or circuits where cars, bikes, or even planes begin the race behind the starting line. The player controls their chosen automobile against AI-controlled or human local or online players, competing to be the first to cross the finish line.
You can employ different tactics mid-racing to get a leg up on the opponent, like drifting to gain speed boosts, employing attack and defense tactics, depending on the game’s features, and so on.
Top Racing Games on PlayStation 5
With a PlayStation 5 console on hand, you should enjoy smooth frame rates and gaming experiences on most games. Among them are the best racing games on PlayStation 5 below.
10. The Crew Motorfest
The Oahu island map of The Crew Motorfest is super vibrant and charming. It’s a paradise where you can breeze around Hawaii, exploring the open world freely. But the races are also a blast, incorporating driving mechanics that feel good. With hundreds of licensed cars to unlock, car enthusiasts should have a blast unlocking favorites, whether classics or off-road. And the roster includes bikes, planes, and boats, too, for the perfect collection.
9. F1 25
But perhaps you’re more inclined to a more realistic handling and driving mechanics. Then, F1 25 would be the ideal option for you, particularly because the franchise has been refining its mechanics up until the best entry yet this year. Wear and tear of your tyres now adds an extra layer of depth, tracking your skilled driving to preserve them. AI now has a mind of its own, ensuring matches are more challenging. And overall, circuits and cars look more realistic than ever before.
8. Dirt 5
Strictly off-road racing is Dirt 5, a racing game on PlayStation 5 that has cemented its prowess in the sub-genre. Races take you around the world, to snowy, muddy, and more tough terrain locations. You discover a variety of cars that can handle the circuits differently. And overall, it’s simply a stunning-looking game, playable by anyone with a knack for speed and adrenaline.
7. Crash Team Racing Nitro Fueled
As a remaster, Crash Team Racing Nitro Fueled has done quite a spectacular job. Its visuals are the best they’ve ever been, with smooth gameplay and a ton of content, from diverse characters to racing tracks. Perhaps you’ll fancy the story mode, challenging bosses, or the solo and multiplayer challenges. Perhaps racing against the clock or battling opponents in thrilling capture the flag and time limit editions. Either way, you’ll enjoy tons of ways to race.
6. Assetto Corsa Competizione
It’s a hard fact and truth that Assetto Corsa Competizione carries the most realistic visuals and handling of all racing simulation games. And thus, an obvious addition to the best racing games on PlayStation 5. The driving physics are immensely accurate to driving the actual cars, as is the engine sound, and you even get dynamic weather and night racing for good measure.
5. Wreckfest
Some racing games on PlayStation 5 don’t take themselves too seriously, focusing on providing a fun fest above all. And among the top experiences you’ll have is Wreckfest. It’s all chaos, bumping into opponents with the goal of wrecking their cars. What’s even more impressive is how real the damage looks on cars. You really feel sweat dribble down your face as you scramble to drag a barebones mess just a few inches past the finish line.
4. Gran Turismo 7
For years now, the Gran Turismo franchise has earned its spot among the best racing games on PlayStation 5. And the latest eighth mainline entry is no different, looking damn stunning and playing like a champ. Realistic handling takes the crown home, across its whopping 400 real and virtual cars. You can tell the developers know and value cars, both rare and legendary automotive manufacturers, historically and visually accurate.
3. Need for Speed Unbound
Many racing gamers were initiated into car culture by Need for Speed (or Grand Theft Auto, perhaps). The culture burns bright onward into Unbound, especially the cop chases. To match the life-of-crime vibe is a fun street art-style world, where you challenge opponents to street races, enjoy fun arcade handling, and dominate Chicago-inspired Lakeshore City.
2. EA Sports WRC
By far and wide, the best FIA World Rally Championship experience you’ll enjoy is EA Sports WRC. That global feel on the world tour, competing in so many stages (a whopping 30km+) and locations. You have access to lots of cars from the past and present, and enjoy varied off-road tracks that respond accurately to degradation. It’s like Dirt Rally, only better and officially licensed, and as a result, you feel like a true rally champion.
1. Riders Republic
Riders Republic is the only game on this list offering a biking, skiing, snowboarding, and wingsuit flying racing option. Thus, a ton of variety to fit every mood and taste. You’re taken to an open-world U.S. national park along with a maximum of 64 players. And then, the mass races begin, choosing from the buffet of game modes and races available.
Perhaps the 6v6 competitive tricks battle arena makes more sense or challenging “ghosts,” from past races. There’s no pressure here, with so much freedom to do what you want, including teaming up with friends and simply exploring the world together.
