Best racing games for PS5 & Xbox Series X in 2024

Taking the reigns of a powerful supercar and hitting insane speeds is a thrill that is capably captured by modern-day racing games. The best titles in the genre manage to add something special to the experience and are worth the investment. With this in mind, here are the best racing games for PS5 and Xbox Series XIS.

The racing games genre remains as popular as ever with new releases dropping every year and catering to different niches. Whether you’re looking for realistic track racers or arcade-infused mayhem, there’s a racing game out there that suits your preference. 2023 saw the release of multiple new racing games, including The Crew Motorfest, EA Sports WRC, LEGO 2K Drive, and more.

Due to the availability of many different options, picking the right game can be time-consuming. In an attempt to make matters easier, we’ve put together our picks for the best racing games for PS5 and Xbox Series XIS.

Best racing games for PS5 and Xbox Series XIS

Our picks for the best racing games on PS5 and Xbox Series XIS feature selections from well-known franchises and have plenty of variety across the board.

Gran Turismo 7

Gran Turismo 7 faced criticism at launch due to overpriced cars and a stress-inducing grind. But Polyphony Digital have managed to win back favor by fixing the biggest issues plaguing the game. GT7 in its current state is a great sim racer that pushes the realism envelope at every turn. The game’s massive catalog of cars feels and looks fantastic, while the tracks are recreated with incredible precision.

That distinct Gran Turismo vibe is present throughout the experience and the game doesn’t shy away from celebrating car culture either. So if you’re a PS5 owner looking for an accessible sim racer, look no further than Gran Turismo 7.

Forza Horizon 5

The Forza Horizon games are popular arcade racing titles that capture the essence of a carnival. In every new edition, the Horizon Festival jets off to a new destination, with Forza Horizon 5 landing in the sweeping coasts and deep canyons of Mexico.

You, as the player, are the heart of the fiesta. Explore the breathtaking sights the setting has to offer, expand your collection of cars, participate in high-octane racing events, and then you can venture into online multiplayer. For fans of arcade racing games, Forza Horizon 5 is a must-try.

F1 23

F1 23 makes great use of its Formula One license and delivers a strong package featuring an exciting career mode titled Breaking Point. All the constructors and manufacturers you’d expect are present in the game, alongside superstar drivers including Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, Sergio Perez, and more.

The game is visually stunning and the on-track experience is fast, snappy, and thrilling. So if you’re an F1 enthusiast, F1 23 is well worth picking up.

Need for Speed Unbound

Need for Speed Unbound is the 25th installment in the NFS franchise, and it provides a solid iteration of the series’ formula. The driving doesn’t attempt to be realistic and provides a fun arcade experience instead. The game’s story mode sets the stage for a personal vendetta that plays out over multiple in-game weeks of racing.

Unbound builds upon NFS Heat’s car customization and delivers a highly accessible vinyl creator, dozens of body kits and parts, and even an option to tweak the engine sound. All this coupled with the game’s vibrant aesthetic, makes Need for Speed Unbound an enjoyable ride.

Forza Motorsport

Forza Motorsport is technically the eight-installment in Turn 10’s sim racing franchise and also a reboot for the series. The 2023 release brings a string of new features, including a brand-new Career Mode, Segment Scores, an RPG-like car upgrade system, and more.

Starting with a stock road car and building up a powerful track toy remains a satisfying grind, and the devs are consistently adding new vehicles and tracks every month. Forza Motorsport’s incredible visuals provide another great reason to jump in, and you can always give it a try through Xbox Game Pass.

Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged

Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged is the sequel to the popular 2021 title and it remains every bit as fun as its predecessor. Milestone’s bite-sized racer features stunning recreations of Hot Wheels cars alongside tracks crafted with painstaking detail. The core racing experience boils down to a ton of drifting, boosting, and ramming into objects while driving at insane speeds.

Hot Wheels Unleased 2: Turbocharged is a childhood dream come true for many, and is easy to recommend if you’re looking for a purely arcade racing game.

Dirt Rally 2.0

Off-road racing games don’t get much better than 2019’s Dirt Rally 2.0. The driving is remarkable, thanks to excellent handling, impressive environmental effects, and outstanding engine sounds. Powering through sticky patches of mud and gravel with heavy rain obfuscating visibility is an experience that can leave you on the edge of your seat.

Plugging in a steering wheel makes things even more engaging, and the overall package is excellent, to say the least.

Those were our picks for the best racing games for PS5 and Xbox Series XIS. For more on the biggest racing games, be sure to check out our guides:

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