If you love the thrill of high-speed racing, there’s no better platform than PC. From hyper-realistic simulations to over-the-top arcade racers, the PC gaming world has something for every type of racing fan. Whether you crave precision driving, chaotic crashes, or the thrill of outmaneuvering opponents on stunning open roads, this list has got you covered. Here are the 15 best racing games for PC that will keep you glued to the driver’s seat.
1. Forza Horizon 5
Forza Horizon 5 sets a new standard for open-world racing. Set in a breathtaking recreation of Mexico, this game offers a massive map filled with diverse landscapes, from deserts and jungles to bustling cities and beaches. The attention to detail in the world and car physics makes it feel like you’re actually driving through these environments.
The gameplay is a perfect balance of realism and arcade fun, making it accessible to both casual and hardcore racing fans. The dynamic weather system adds an extra layer of excitement, with sandstorms, heavy rain, and even seasonal changes affecting your driving conditions.
With hundreds of cars from various manufacturers, a deep customization system, and seamless online multiplayer, Forza Horizon 5 is the ultimate open-world racing experience. Whether you’re competing in intense street races, exploring hidden routes, or just cruising with friends, this game delivers nonstop fun.
2. Forza Motorsport 7
If you’re looking for a more serious, track-focused racing game, Forza Motorsport 7 is one of the best choices. This game features realistic driving physics, precise handling, and an incredible selection of over 700 cars.
The dynamic weather and track conditions add an extra challenge, making each race feel unique. From professional circuits to legendary tracks, every race requires skill and strategy.
With a deep career mode, customizable cars, and online multiplayer racing, Forza Motorsport 7 is a must-play for fans of realistic racing.
3. Gran Turismo Sport
Gran Turismo Sport is all about precision driving and competitive racing. Known for its stunning graphics and realistic car physics, this game offers an authentic racing experience that rewards skill and strategy.
The game focuses heavily on online competition, with structured events and ranked races that keep players engaged. Every car handles differently, requiring players to learn the ins and outs of each vehicle.
With a strong emphasis on competitive play, realistic physics, and beautiful tracks, Gran Turismo Sport is a dream for racing enthusiasts.
4. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
If you want to forget about realism and just have fun, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the perfect game. This kart racer is all about chaos, power-ups, and intense multiplayer battles.
With iconic Nintendo characters, creative tracks, and thrilling races, it’s a game that never gets old. The anti-gravity sections add a unique twist, allowing players to race on walls and ceilings.
Whether you’re playing solo, competing online, or challenging friends in split-screen, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a racing game that everyone can enjoy.
5. F1 2020
For Formula One fans, F1 2020 offers the most detailed and realistic F1 experience to date. The game includes official teams, cars, and tracks from the 2020 season, providing an authentic experience for motorsport enthusiasts.
The My Team mode allows you to create your own F1 team, manage sponsorships, and develop your car throughout the season. The driving mechanics are incredibly refined, offering a deep simulation experience that rewards precision and strategy.
Whether you want to play a full season or just jump into quick races, F1 2020 delivers high-speed action at its finest.
6. Burnout Paradise Remastered
If you love high-speed racing and chaotic crashes, Burnout Paradise Remastered is the game for you. This open-world racer rewards aggressive driving, letting players smash through billboards, perform huge jumps, and cause spectacular wrecks.
The game’s seamless multiplayer integration allows for spontaneous challenges with friends. The massive open world is full of shortcuts, hidden routes, and crazy stunts.
For those who love arcade-style racing with explosive action, Burnout Paradise Remastered is a must-play.
7. Sega Ages Virtua Racing
One of the pioneers of 3D racing games, Sega Ages Virtua Racing has been faithfully remastered for modern systems. The simple yet addictive gameplay is a throwback to the golden age of arcade racers.
With enhanced graphics, improved frame rates, and online multiplayer, this game brings a classic experience into the modern era. The controls are tight, and the racing feels fast and fluid.
For those who love retro racing games, Virtua Racing remains an absolute gem.
8. Forza Horizon 4
Before Forza Horizon 5, there was Forza Horizon 4, and it remains one of the best open-world racers ever made. Set in beautifully recreated Britain, this game introduced the dynamic seasons system, where tracks change based on the weather.
With hundreds of cars, online events, and open-world exploration, Forza Horizon 4 is still a fantastic game for those who love freedom in racing.
9. Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered
One of the best Need for Speed games ever made, Hot Pursuit Remastered brings back high-speed police chases and intense street racing.
The ability to play as both racer and cop adds a fresh dynamic, with different strategies required for each role. With stunning visuals and thrilling gameplay, this is one of the most exciting arcade racers available.
10. Dirt Rally 2.0
For rally fans, Dirt Rally 2.0 is the ultimate test of skill. The game features realistic off-road physics, intense stages, and unforgiving terrain that make every race a challenge.
Every surface, from dirt to gravel to tarmac, affects handling differently, forcing players to adapt constantly. If you love precision driving and realistic rally racing, Dirt Rally 2.0 is a must-play.
11. Dirt 5
Dirt 5 is the perfect blend of arcade racing and off-road excitement, offering vibrant visuals, extreme weather effects, and adrenaline-pumping action. Unlike the simulation-focused Dirt Rally 2.0, this game is designed for high-speed, over-the-top racing thrills.
The wide variety of tracks spans across different terrains, including snow-covered mountains, muddy jungles, and city streets. The dynamic weather system ensures that no two races feel the same—heavy rain, blizzards, and even sandstorms can drastically alter driving conditions.
The career mode is packed with engaging challenges and voice-acted characters, including Nolan North and Troy Baker, adding personality to the experience. Multiplayer is a blast, with split-screen support for up to four players, making it a great game to play with friends.
If you love fast-paced, visually stunning off-road racing, Dirt 5 is a must-play.
12. Wreckfest
If you enjoy crashing, smashing, and total vehicle destruction, Wreckfest is the perfect game for you. This game combines realistic physics with chaotic, metal-twisting fun, creating one of the most exciting demolition derby experiences available.
The soft-body damage system means every crash feels satisfying, with cars crumpling, parts flying, and debris littering the track. It’s not just about destruction—races require strategy, as you need to manage damage while staying in the race.
With a huge variety of vehicles, from classic muscle cars to ridiculous lawnmowers and school buses, every race is unpredictable. The online multiplayer adds another layer of madness, pitting players against each other in insane, crash-filled races.
If you love the idea of racing with zero rules and maximum carnage, Wreckfest is the perfect game.
13. GRID Autosport
GRID Autosport strikes a great balance between arcade-style accessibility and realistic driving physics, making it one of the most versatile racing games on PC. Unlike its more recent counterpart, GRID Autosport offers a deeper and more structured career mode, catering to a variety of racing disciplines.
The game features multiple racing categories, including touring cars, endurance races, street circuits, and open-wheel racing, ensuring that there’s something for every type of racing fan. The AI is aggressive and competitive, making every race feel intense.
The handling is refined, offering a satisfying mix of realism and ease of control, making it accessible to both casual and hardcore racers. Whether you’re playing in single-player career mode or competing online, GRID Autosport remains one of the best all-around racing games available.
14. Horizon Chase: Turbo Edition
For those who love classic arcade-style racing, Horizon Chase: Turbo Edition is a modern tribute to the golden age of racers like OutRun and Top Gear. It features bright, colorful visuals, smooth gameplay, and exhilarating high-speed action.
The game’s soundtrack is composed by Barry Leitch, the same composer behind classic racing game soundtracks, adding to the nostalgia factor. Races are short, intense, and packed with tight turns, boosts, and exhilarating straightaways.
The simple but highly polished gameplay makes Horizon Chase a great pick-up-and-play experience for casual gamers and retro racing enthusiasts alike. If you want a break from ultra-realistic sims and just want some pure, high-speed fun, this game delivers.
15. GRID
The 2019 reboot of GRID brings intense wheel-to-wheel racing, combining arcade-style excitement with realistic handling mechanics. The game’s AI drivers make every race feel dynamic, with opponents fighting for position aggressively and reacting to your driving style.
The variety of race types, from city street races to circuit competitions, keeps the experience fresh and exciting. The Nemesis system adds a unique twist—if you drive too aggressively, AI racers will remember and start targeting you in future races.
Visually, GRID looks stunning, with detailed car models, dynamic weather effects, and realistic damage mechanics. It’s an excellent racing game for those who want an engaging single-player experience with a balance between realism and arcade fun.
Final Thoughts
Racing games on PC have never been better, offering something for everyone—whether you love high-speed simulation, off-road adventures, or chaotic arcade thrills. From the open-world exploration of Forza Horizon 5 to the intense destruction derby action of Wreckfest, each game on this list brings a unique experience to the table.
Some games focus on pure racing realism, while others embrace fun and chaos, ensuring there’s a perfect racing game for every kind of player. The diversity of styles and mechanics means you’ll never run out of exciting tracks to conquer.
Whether you’re looking for precision, speed, or absolute mayhem, these 15 best racing games for PC will keep you entertained for countless hours. So, start your engines, pick your favorite, and hit the road!
