Memorable racing games are built on four pillars: A satisfying sense of speed, graphics that construct an enjoyable game world, tight controls and excellent sound effects and cruising music. It doesn't matter if the genre is arcade, sim, or kart; if a racing game masters those elements, it'll go down in the annals as one of the greats. This list sorts the few winner's-circle titles from the many runners-up. If you're reading this article, you’ve probably got the need for speed. Fortunately, we do, too. The PCMag pit crew has been covering games for more than 20 years, and they love a good drive, so read on for the best racing games:
Forza Horizon 5
Each sequel in Xbox Game Studios' popular racing series uses the previous title as a foundation and Forza Horizon 5 continues the tradition. The fifth title in the racing-and-music festival has the numerous modes, fun atmosphere, hip music and wild stunts you'd expect, but this time the additions and changes are more evolutionary than revolutionary.
Long time series fans will appreciate Forza Horizon 5's varied Mexico setting, ridiculously packed modes and new features (the create-a-track EventLab, in particular). Newcomers will be wowed by the racer's many, creative riches. In short, Forza Horizon remains the best racing game series and Forza Horizon 5 is yet another example of why it's so beloved.
Where to play: Forza can be played on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PCs (including Steam) and coming soon on PlayStation 5.
Need for Speed Heat
Need for Speed: Heat is a thrilling racing game that mostly nails the elements that made previous NFS entries so successful: Solid racing mechanics, excellent car customisation options and over-the-top cop chases.
The game has a cool day-and-night mechanic that lets you embrace brighter, daytime racing scenes, as well as high-stakes, underground racing at night. Palm City looks great in either light and gives the game visual variety.
The character customisation and improved narrative also make the game more enjoyable than the last few entries, despite the lackluster multiplayer mode and some unclear controls. Series fans should not hesitate to pick up this one.
Where to play: You can play Need for Speed Heat on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
WRC 10 FIA World Rally Championship
With WRC 10, developer KT Racing celebrates 50 years of the World Rally Championship. In addition to new tracks and challenges, WRC 10 features classic races and cars from the event’s storied history, tight controls and photorealistic vehicles and environments. This series entry isn’t radically different from WRC 8 and WRC 9, but its minor improvements create a better overall title.
WRC 10 is stuffed with features that simulation racing fans want. Its career mode and various solo and multiplayer options provide hours upon hours of playtime. Overall, this is another impressive effort from KT Racing that honours the World Rally Championship's legacy, despite a few notable bugs.
Where to play: You can play WRC 10 FIA World Rally Championship on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PC (via Steam and the EA app).
Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed Collection
Kart racing is a genre defined by wild, arcade-style driving, wacky power-ups designed to take out rival racers (or shield you from their attacks), twisty tracks and cutesy characters. Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed Collection is no different, except that you battle on land and in the air and water. Oh and it features an incredible cast of Sega characters.
The wacky racer features the Sonic character family (Sonic, Amy Rose, Eggman, Knuckles, Tails), plus many others plucked from Sega's rich arcade and console history. For example, you can rev engines using Alex Kidd (Alex Kidd in Miracle World), Amigo (Samba de Amigo), B.D. Joe (Crazy Taxi) and Beat (Jet Set Radio), among others. The game includes non-Sega characters, too, such as Wreck-It Ralph (the Disney animated star), flesh-and-blood human being Danica Patrick (the retired NASCAR star) and characters exclusive to the Steam version: Pyro, Spy and Heavy from Valve's Team Fortress 2.
If you like kart racers with a charismatic cast, fun weapons and well-designed tracks, give Transformed Collection a spin. Who knows, you just may find that it feels better than the Nintendo Switch's beloved Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
Where to play: Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed Collection can be played on Steam for Windows PCs and is also available on Xbox One.
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