Whether you’re a gearhead looking for realism or just in it for the thrill of high-speed chaos, the PS4 has something for every racing fan. From arcade-style madness to hardcore simulation, this console generation has seen some incredible racing titles. In this article, we’re ranking the best PS4 racing games out there – with each game getting the spotlight it deserves. Every title below gets a full breakdown with at least 10 sentences explaining why it’s worth your time behind the wheel.
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1. Burnout Paradise Remastered
Few racing games capture the spirit of reckless speed quite like Burnout Paradise Remastered. This open-world racer encourages you to drive fast, crash hard, and do it all over again. The game’s seamless open environment is packed with events, jumps, billboards, and hidden routes that reward exploration.
The remaster adds enhanced visuals, smoother frame rates, and all the DLC content, making this the definitive version. Whether you’re racing through city streets or launching off a mountain ramp, it’s nonstop adrenaline. And let’s not forget the iconic “crash mode” where wrecking your car is half the fun.
Multiplayer is still a blast, with co-op challenges and free roam making it a great social game. It’s less about precision driving and more about having a wild time. If you love high-speed chaos and stylish destruction, this one’s for you.
2. Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled
Don’t let the cartoon visuals fool you—CTR Nitro-Fueled is a serious kart racer with tight mechanics and tons of personality. This remake of the PlayStation classic brings back everything fans loved and improves it with modern graphics, online play, and deep customization.
Drifting and boosting are core to winning races, and the learning curve is steep but satisfying. Each character handles differently, adding an extra layer of strategy. The tracks are wildly creative, filled with shortcuts, traps, and alternate paths.
Multiplayer modes range from traditional races to wild battle arenas, all playable locally or online. The visuals pop with vibrant colors, and the remixed soundtrack is full of nostalgic energy.
It’s easily one of the best kart racers on the platform and a must-play for fans of competitive, fun racing.
3. Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered
Classic cops-and-racers action gets a fresh coat of paint in Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered. You can play as either a racer or a cop, each with their own powerful vehicles and tools to outmaneuver the other side.
Chases are intense, fast, and full of cinematic moments. Spike strips, roadblocks, and EMPs turn every race into a high-stakes battle. The remaster includes all DLC, improved visuals, and cross-platform multiplayer.
What really stands out is the Autolog system—it keeps track of your friends’ times and constantly pushes you to beat them. The car list is filled with exotic beasts from Lamborghini, Porsche, and more.
Whether you’re taking down lawbreakers or outrunning the law, this is arcade racing at its finest.
4. F1 2021
F1 2021 is as close as most of us will get to driving a real Formula 1 car. This game nails the simulation side of racing, from tire strategy and weather conditions to DRS zones and pit stops.
It also introduces a brilliant story mode called “Braking Point,” which brings a fresh narrative angle to the sport. The career mode lets you climb the ranks, join teams, and manage your development.
Handling is incredibly responsive, and each track feels true to its real-world counterpart. You’ll need focus, finesse, and nerves of steel to win.
Online racing is competitive and brutal in the best way. And with full season updates and realistic presentation, it feels like watching (and participating in) a live F1 broadcast.
This one’s for the purists—and it absolutely delivers.
5. Gran Turismo 7
While technically a PS5 title, Gran Turismo 7 is fully playable on PS4 – and it’s spectacular. This is the pinnacle of sim racing on consoles, with photorealistic visuals, precise handling, and deep car customization.
Every vehicle handles like it should, and the game rewards players who appreciate the nuance of different cars, tires, and driving techniques. The single-player campaign offers a mix of challenges, licenses, and history lessons about real-world cars.
Multiplayer is clean and competitive, with well-moderated lobbies and penalty systems. GT Cafe adds a unique touch, letting players learn about automotive history while unlocking new rides.
If you’re a car nerd or just love technical racing, GT7 is the gold standard.
6. Project Cars 2
Project Cars 2 leans more toward hardcore simulation, but it has enough flexibility to welcome newcomers. It features a massive list of tracks and cars, with real-time weather and dynamic track surfaces that make every race unpredictable.
You’ll race on snow, rain, or sun-soaked circuits, each demanding a different driving style. The physics engine is incredibly detailed, and cars behave realistically across every terrain.
The variety of race types – from GT to rallycross – keeps things fresh. It’s not the easiest game to master, but the challenge is part of the reward.
Online races can be incredibly intense when everyone plays clean. For the sim enthusiasts out there, this one’s essential.
7. Redout
Looking for pure speed? Redout is a futuristic racer that takes inspiration from F-Zero and Wipeout, with blistering-fast gameplay and anti-gravity ships.
Tracks twist, loop, and spiral through neon sci-fi landscapes. Controlling your ship requires twitch reflexes and constant focus. The game’s sense of speed is unmatched—especially in VR, where it’s almost overwhelming.
It’s not just about going fast, though. Mastering the physics, boosting mechanics, and cornering system is key to winning.
It may not be for everyone, but for thrill-seekers, Redout is an absolute rush.
8. Trackmania Turbo
Trackmania Turbo is all about time trials, precision, and absolute mayhem. You’re racing alone against the clock—but the tracks are so outrageous, it feels like you’re on a rollercoaster.
There are loop-de-loops, gravity-defying jumps, and impossible corners. The game is easy to pick up but brutally hard to master. It’s perfect for short bursts or chasing leaderboard glory for hours.
Multiplayer is surprisingly fun, especially in hot-seat and online modes. There’s even a split-screen option for chaotic couch sessions.
It’s a different kind of racing game, but one that’s endlessly fun and challenging.
9. Wipeout Omega Collection
The Wipeout Omega Collection bundles Wipeout HD, Fury, and 2048 into one sleek, fast, and futuristic package. This is anti-gravity racing at its most stylish, with pulse-pounding speed and thumping electronic music.
You’ll race through dazzling tracks, picking up weapons and trying to stay alive at 600+ km/h. Every ship has its own feel, and learning the courses is essential to survival.
Multiplayer includes split-screen and online races, and both run at a buttery-smooth 60fps. It’s fast, furious, and completely hypnotic.
And if you have PS VR, it becomes one of the most intense experiences in gaming.
10. Lego 2K Drive
Lego 2K Drive brings fun and creativity to the racing genre. It blends the whimsical world of Lego with surprisingly robust driving mechanics.
You can build your own cars brick by brick, then take them onto the track or into open-world challenges. Transforming vehicles switch between land, water, and off-road modes seamlessly.
It’s packed with humor, missions, and silly side activities. The controls are tight enough to be competitive, but forgiving enough for younger players.
Multiplayer lets you race your custom builds against others, and the level of chaos is glorious.
For families or anyone who wants a lighthearted racing experience, this one is a hidden gem.
Final Thoughts
From breakneck speeds to tactical corners, and from futuristic loops to Lego chaos, the PS4 is home to an incredible variety of racing experiences. Whether you’re a hardcore sim racer or a casual kart-crasher, there’s something on this list for you. So pick your ride, buckle up, and hit the gas – victory (or hilarious defeat) awaits!
