The PlayStation 5 is a technically impressive video game console, from its graphical capabilities to the DualSense controller which provides amazing feedback, especially for racing games.
And being of the PlayStation brand, everyone expects the best racing games, as historically Gran Turismo, Ridge Racer, and, the sorely missed, Wipeout franchise ride out on this console.
If you are looking to add some speed an excitement to your gaming menu, read on for out list of the best PS5 Racing games available.
1. Gran Turismo 7
When you think of the PlayStation mascot, you think of God of War’s Kratos or Horizon’s Aloy immediately, but such a title must go to Gran Turismo. No game has appeared across five PlayStation home consoles other than Gran Turismo. To be fair, God of War started on the PlayStation 2 and since appeared on every console.
This is the best Gran Turismo game in the franchise. This is so not just because of the linear improvement of game tech. Polyphony Digital just nailed what a racing game should be, and finally hitting their stride with this title on the PS5.
Playing with frame rate priority results in a silky smooth 4K 60fps with ray tracing support. However, ray tracing is only enabled during replays. Indeed, the overall detail, clarity, and graphics are the best ever seen for a Gran Turismo title and might be for a PS5 game.
Dynamic weather, as well as the day/night cycle, are all aspects that influence how cars handle and drive. The cars behave differently at night due to the cooler temperatures of the asphalt and so forth. The sense of speed seemed to have enhanced as well.
The use of adaptive triggers and haptic feedback is excellently integrated – if you press the brake all the way down too quickly, the trigger will lock up, resulting in an ABS effect. Spinouts, losing control and driving on rumble strips all result in some extremely fascinating haptic effects.
A lengthy single-player campaign takes place at GT Cafe, with activities that allow progression and further vehicle unlocking. The License Centre is back with new track challenges to help you grind and earn CR faster. Drag racing becomes available later on as well.
2. Hot Wheels Unleashed
Prepare for a slew of arcade racing games instead of a pure unadulterated simulation experience. Hot Wheels Unleashed is an addictive exciting arcade-style race game coupled with pure nostalgia the way they executed the blind boxes and the timed purchases was brilliant it gives that youthful sense of these are the newest cars they’ve launched do I want any of those? Do I like any of them? You can also try your luck with the blind boxes, which are the equivalent of your mother surprising you with a Hot Wheels car.
The graphics, sound effects, and music are all excellent. The racing experience is enjoyable, and it quickly gets you up to speed. It feels like you’re on a roller coaster, especially if you haven’t played in a few days.
You may also create your own tracks. Although the interface is poor due to the natural cumbersomeness of non-mouse controls. Also, AI players cannot drive on custom tracks. The DLCs expand the game by adding new tracks and cars.
3. Dirt 5
Here is another arcade racing game that should keep you entertained for a long while. Dirt 5 is a significantly distinct entry into the Dirt franchise, as it is more GRID than the usual Dirt game.
Events are divided into four major categories/tournaments, some of which require DLC. There are several types of events; some are similar to rallies, while others are significantly more arcade in nature.
Cars are quite basic this time around, with only a few possibilities in each event type and no performance or personalization options. This is an enjoyable dirt track arcade game. The courses are wild, and the gameplay is quick and fun. You’ll either love or despise the graphics. Big, big, colorful, and direct.
4. Need for Speed Unbound
Need for Speed Unbound totally changes its art direction as compared to the most recent NFS titles. There is also a reworked heating system that will have you earn lots of money all day and into the night. This provides for faster access to high-heat events at night, where vehicles can be won.
After completing the career mode, your online garage will feature all of the cars you’ve won through unlocking. This implies that you can have a complete fleet of cars to tune, sell, or customize without paying a single dollar of online cash.
5. F1 2022
Any of the F1 games should be fine if you are frugal, F1 2022 may be the latest and greatest but it has its own weaknesses. F1 2022 does not have a story mode like “Braking Point” from F1 2021, which served as a starting point for the game itself and even offered an interesting involvement. The obvious downside, especially in the eyes of casual audiences, whose goal is to find something to connect with the game before exploring more complex modes.
However, a sort of narrative-based single-player mode is not just a thing that race aficionados actively seek. It is a great mode though to introduce absolute beginners of the genre. Hence, if you haven’t played a racing game or played them without much interest and you are now deciding to delve into racers, F1 2021 is for you. Everyone else, just purchase F1 2022.
F1 2022 shines in career mode, which will undoubtedly please any and all Formula 1 fans. Without reinventing yourself too much, choosing to create just the driver or even your entire team, the career here is, in fact, something complex for those who want it, but light for those who seek it.
As in previous versions, all career modes can be customized in different ways, giving the player freedom to choose what kind of training sessions he will do, which tires he will use, which strategy to execute, if the races will be simple with a few laps or if the experience will be closer to the real thing with dozens of them.
6. Wreckfest
Don’t be fooled by the derby theme. If you want a more arcadey racer than Hot Wheels Unleashed, and you want to use your steering wheel? This game has your back. It’s not about simulation; it’s about having fun. Even with that, the FFB and control on a wheel aren’t half awful. Unless you’re a dedicated fan of uber-realistic sims. If you spend money on a wheel and want to get more use out of it other than being trapped in a sim racer, this will satisfy you.
There are numerous cars and courses to pick from in Wreckfest. Remember, Destruction Derby on the PlayStation One (PS1)? This is the modern rendition of it and is a million times better across the board, for obvious reasons. You will not regret this purchase at all and it is completely worth the sale price. Wreckfest is always cheap in stores.
7. WRC 9 FIA World Rally Championship
WRC 9, a wonderful rally simulator for both newbies and experienced, has only improved in its port to the PlayStation 5. The next-generation system provides significant graphic and performance improvements, pushing gameplay anywhere between 60 and 120 frames per second, but the real star here is haptic feedback.
The DualSense controller’s utilization in WRC 9 is fantastic, utilizing feelings and vibrations to provide another degree of immersion in racing. Players will be able to feel the road beneath them, the weight of their brakes, and even the smallest changes in topography. WRC 9 exceeds expectations with its addicting arcade gameplay and wonderfully immersive feedback.
8. Asseto Corsa Competizione
This hardcore simulation racer stands out with its 11 classic tracks, methodically created by the developers, and 25 cars of the GT3 category. Do note that additional content released in the years following the game’s original launch on the PS4 will need to be purchased separately.
A real pity that they have not been added in a sort of “Deluxe” version, taking advantage of the transition to the new generation consoles. However, the developers have still introduced some new features and content, such as a new car, in particular the much-loved BMW M4 GT3.
Asseto Corsa Competizione offers various game modes, suitable both for those who want a lighter experience and up to the most competitive and severe challenges for sim racing purists. Also, in terms of customization options, such as the level of difficulty, driving aids, or other options, the title guarantees good accessibility to anyone.
9. Inertial Drift Twilight Rivals Edition
Inertial Drift Twilight Rivals Edition is as good as it was on PS4 when it is just Inertial Drift with Twilight Rivals being a DLC, but now, as a new standalone game for the PlayStation 5, there is support for 4K/60fps support or, if you prefer more performant in exchange for visual fidelity, 1080p/120fps. A lovely game with a one-of-a-kind control mechanism that requires only four inputs: acceleration, brake, steering, and steering.
The main draw of this game is its stylized visuals reminiscent of the direction Auto Modellista back in 2002 when it was released on the PS2. Aside from the graphics, the soundtrack is also great. Compared to the rest of the games on this list though, Inertial Drift is anemic in terms of features and content.
10. MotoGP 22
MotoGP 22 is not for the faint of heart. It is considered the Dark Souls of racers due to its fermenting difficulty. Nevertheless, it is still a great racer especially considering it is the only motorcycle racer on this list, and probably on other publications’ lists too.
MotoGP 22 has the following features: more than 120 skins for riders and motorcycles, a bike recovery feature is optional, allows you to rewind if an accident occurs, several cutscenes depicting race preparation, a plethora of camera views, extensive photo mode for motion blur setting, shared Split-screen mode is available, and most importantly, players can customize the camera.
11. Agent Intercept
Agent Intercept is not strictly a racing game, it is a vehicular combat game with racing elements. It is more Vigilante 8 from the PS1 or, more specifically the modern-day Spy Hunter which was originally got released for the arcades but also got a port for the Nintendo Entertainment System.
The visuals are stylish, and the camera angles are cinematic. There is excellent voice acting as well as the music is fantastic. Just some old-fashioned, straightforward fun.
12. GRID Legends
GRID Legends plays like Dirt 5 and that is not a bad thing. Although, the such comparison will anger both GRID and Dirt 5 long-time fans. Nevertheless, games that play differently from what they used to do not necessarily mean that it is washed or a sellout.
The PlayStation 5 DualSense features are subtle at times, yet pack a punch when they matter. GRID Legends, you feel the resistance of the break as you lock up around a corner, the trigger mimicking the feedback. Accelerating while losing traction will be felt through the trigger. As you puncture your tire, you will feel it slowly get worse through the haptics, until it eventually blows out.
13. WRC 10 The Official Game
WRC 10 makes use of the power of the PlayStation 5. WRC 9 is an obvious “up-port” of a clearly last-gen game. Trackside detail has been greatly increased in various areas, making your time spent racing around the game’s stages even more picturesque.
There are also many performance levels, allowing you to play at 30, 60, or 120 frames per second.
14. Nickelodeon Kart Racers Slime Speedway
If you are tired of these gritty, virile racing games, maybe you like a more light-hearted approach. This isn’t Mario Kart or Crash Team Racing in terms of quality but it’s still a very solid racer for a licensed game based on cartoon characters.
15. art of rally
art of rally is as stylized graphically as its naming scheme being “small-caps” and is a visually appealing game as well. Although some individuals may prefer realism over the low-poly look that I appreciate in this game, the environment and lighting are superb.
