If you’re looking for the best racing experiences on PS5, you’re in the right place. From games like Gran Turismo 7 that offer fast-paced arcade fun to futuristic high-speed games like Redout 2, these games offer something for every type of racer. Doesn’t matter if you enjoy drifting, rallying, or simply exploring an open world; this list has you covered.
The Best Racing Games on PS5
Here’s an easy breakdown of ten of the best racing games you can try on the PS5. Whether you enjoy realistic driving sims, fast-paced arcade racers, or simply love the thrill of high-speed action, you’ll definitely find something to enjoy here.
Gran Turismo 7
Gran Turismo 7 remains one of the most iconic representations of PlayStation identity, grabbing attention from the very first second. From images and videos of memorable moments with characters such as The Beatles and The Wright Brothers to Henry Ford’s production line, it builds a moment that calls for reflection on how this series often embodies its own sense of grandeur.
In fact, once these black-and-white visuals have faded and the gameplay begins, it is pretty easy to get your hands on some quite realistic gameplay: cars make contact with the curb with a clear and realistic thump, the dust goes up flying as you turn, and the snowy tracks have a smooth, bright, and detailed look.
Even the Castrol liveried Toyota Celica, which some will no doubt remember from old school Sega Rally titles, is rendered with a polish that finds itself above and beyond anything seen in more modern racing titles. It’s these moments that make Gran Turismo 7 a benchmark for racing-game titles.
The Crew Motorfest
Crew Motorfest has impressed several gaming enthusiasts with its immersive gameplay experience and detail. The smooth gameplay experience, authentic engine sound effects, and responsive haptic feedback on the PS5 controller have impressed gamers significantly.
The customization feature offered in Motorfest, specifically related to interiors, stands apart from other open-world racing games. Many users appreciate getting new cars and environments with Hawaiian settings, which provide a different spin on familiar gameplay.
There are some aspects though that might be slightly awkward at times. Functions involving ghost car convoys can sometimes confuse people in racing and the loot-based upgrade system can make progression feel slightly unpredictable. The functions involving online modes like Grand Race can sometimes get a bit chaotic but the unpredictability adds excitement for those seeking more lively competition.
Almost everyone playing the game can agree on the fact that The Crew Motorfest offers a great racing experience and has a lot of promise for updates.
Driveclub
DriveClub is an impressive racing game that, even 10 years after release, remains memorable for its detailed graphics, especially rain effects, and engaging driving mechanics. It manages to be on a middle ground between an arcade and a simulation and has a similarity with Project Gotham Racing.
Although it initially received flak for gameplay problems and a lack of railroad options, changes have made it much better. The game contains single-player as well as online modes, but the online functionality no longer works digitally.
Players often appreciate the speed, handling, and photo mode gameplay, with some completing full trophies and DLC. Although the developer shut down, DriveClub still holds an extremely respectable position as a racing game.
Inertial Drift
Inertial Drift has received widespread acclaim as being among the most fun arcade racing experiences that players enjoy. Its control system allows you to control the drift angle with your right stick and your speed and steering with your triggers and left stick. Although it might be somewhat unusual at times, learning it will make drifting with your cars simpler. All cars in the game have different personalities and driving styles which keep the game fresh and rewarding.
Races include avoidance from car collisions and typically have just one opponent or a time challenge. The game has an ample amount of content with various tracks, cars, storyline quests, and time attack challenges. Some wish the online community were larger, but still, it gets praise for its originality and fun.
Burnout Paradise
Burnout Paradise is a game that is very chaotic and fast, yet it retains that simple and fun gameplay from older Burnout titles. It lets you race around Paradise City, knock opponents out of the road, find shortcuts, and unlock new cars by locating them within traffic and knocking them out. The open world seems very lively because every stretch of road contains something useful for the players.
Nevertheless, it still exhibits some old characteristics, with soft textures, a very toned-down visual style, and sometimes inconsistent control over cars. The level of difficulty increases dramatically towards the end, and it is frustrating when you lose a long race because you then have no choice but to get back to the beginning and start unless you are aware about the option to restart. Nevertheless, it’s an exciting arcade racer with a lot of fans.
Wreckfest
Wreckfest on PS5 now features upgraded graphics as well as support for 4K TVs. In the game, players have access and control over various vehicles including Rammer, Rocket and Gremlin. These become available through career mode, Season Pass and points. Career mode includes many races and the game has active online servers.
Players can utilize tuning and armour upgrades and earn EX and CR points by wrecking AI opponents. Although some grinding may be required for achieving additional Fame Points, Wreckfest is still incredibly fun and remains highly popular among gamers. Overall, Wreckfest offers a unique, one-of-a-kind racing experience and is highly recommended.
DiRt Rally 2.0
DiRT Rally 2.0 presents an extremely immersive rallying experience, particularly while flying down dirt tracks at high speed, whilst trailing tight corners and fighting to maintain the wheels on the road. Everything about it, be it the handling, visuals, sound design, or damage model, work together to create a thrilling sense of speed and control for the player.
Another feature that stands out in the game is the Rallycross mode, which offers you a very competitive experience where multiplayer works perfectly.
The game does rely on RaceNet servers which can sometimes result in slowdowns when saving or continuing, and there’s AI, which at times causes problems, particularly with Rallycross. But these complaints, when compared to the smooth and fun gameplay offered with vehicular control, feel minor. When the game clicks, it’s some of the most exhilarating rally action you’ll find.
DiRt 5
Players have termed DiRT 5 as an entertaining and intuitive arcade racing game that can be easily accessed and enjoyed. It is appreciated for its colorful tracks, easy gameplay, and laid-back driving experience that enables gamers to participate without learning intricate gameplay.
It is often described as a good option if a gamer is looking for something light, fast, and fun. Though many players think that it doesn’t offer as much style and personality as DiRT 2 and 3, it’s still a go to game for many because of its easy mechanics.
Some believe that the colorful graphics and arcade gameplay might not appeal to all people. Nevertheless, it seems that DiRT 5 allows players to have an easy and fun racing experience whenever they need it.
Redout 2
Redout 2 is known as a tough but rewarding futuristic racing game. Some players have the opinion that it’s quite difficult, especially for mid-level players, as it involves racing through tighter corners and high-speed tracks.
Redout 2 presents itself solely as a racing game without combat components. It features varying levels of AI and assist options, which should make it more accessible and still offer challenges as it rewards the player’s skill.
Fans appreciate the progression system that gradually introduces new ships, tracks, and equipment, and note the soundtrack to be a strong point. Although the control system is a bit different, players find the game to be very intense and enjoyable once they get familiar with it.
EA Sports WRC
Most players agree on the fact that EA Sports WRC offers an excellent rally experience, particularly with recent updates that worked on some problems that were present with the launch issue. The makers have done a good job with providing realistic experience via better tarmac and awesome gravel sections.
The game works well on both wheel and controller with being one of the most realistic rally options available on consoles. The large stages with a wide lineup of cars are major positives of the game that stand out.
Though there can be some technical problems at times with the graphics, the game is worth it nonetheless. Overall, players feel EA WRC is worth trying if you want an authentic rally-focused experience.
