The BEST Racing Games Right Now

What are the best racing games right now? That's a pretty big question that a lot of gamers are asking. If that's not hard enough, 2023 has added some new games to the pot too. Luckily, we're here to answer the burning question!

What are the best racing games right now?

We admit this is a very tough question to answer with just one game. With so many titles, split into so many categories, there is no single answer. Plus with different players having different tastes, one answer for one player might not suit another.

Therefore we've split this article into every category of racing game, and we'll give you our pick of the best for each. So let's get started!

Simulator

Racing simulators lean heavily into realism over entertainment. A lot of racing sims sacrifice quantity for quality, but what they do offer is an incredible experience. To put it simply, they aim to represent the driving or racing series they are based on, and they do it very well.

For us right now, no racing sim is better than iRacing. Even though the game is over 15 years old, there are still regular updates adding new content. The latest update added Super Formula cars to the game, meaning there are even more racing series represented.

iRacing is a subscription-based game, but unlike your Netflix subscription you don't get all available content with a single subscription fee. Instead, additional content may be locked behind additional payments. This can price most racers out of experiencing the full game, but for those who can pay that little bit extra, iRacing is definitely worth it.

With LIDAR-scanned cars and tracks, a dynamic weather and day/night cycle, a driver and safety rating system, and even VR support, iRacing still brings new players into the sim racing experience.

Arcade

Out of all the arcade games available right now, there aren't many better than Redout 2. Redout 2 is widely regarded as the spiritual successor to WipEout, and is full of vibrant, fast-paced racing.

Whilst WipEout pioneered sci-fi racing games, Redout 2 dials it up to 11 with its high-intensity racing and even higher speeds. Rival racers flash past in a blur as you hit top speed, with the upbeat soundtrack keeping the adrenaline pumping.

If that's not enough, Redout 2 also contains a unique control scheme. Players control their ships like an aircraft, pitching forwards and backwards to avoid grounding out or reaching a redout.

If you're looking for a high-octane but fun racing experience, you need to give Redout 2 a try.

Motorcycle game

Not all racing games take place on four wheels or in zero gravity. There are also some fantastic motorcycle games out now. Milestone is by far the king of motorbike games, you just need to look at MotoGP 23 to see why.

As the official game of the 2023 MotoGP season, MotoGP 23 has all of the circuits, bikes, teams and riders of this year's campaign. Not only does this cover MotoGP, but also the Moto2 and Moto3 support series.

There might not be an innovative mode like MotoGP 22's Nine series, but the main career mode of MotoGP 23 has seen a lot of redesigning to improve the overall experience.

There is a steep learning curve when switching to two wheels, but if you can master the bikes, you'll love your time in MotoGP 23.

PlayStation exclusive

When it comes to PlayStation exclusives, there's only one game that springs to mind. Gran Turismo 7 launched last year on both PS4 and PS5, and it remains the best racing game exclusive to both platforms.

This year saw PSVR 2 support added to the game, bringing players closer to the action than ever before. Now you can hop into any car on any track and feel like you're in the heart of the race. This might not be for those with weak stomachs, but it's perfect for hardcore racers.

With a massive car collection, innovative GT cafe story mode, unrivalled console multiplayer mode, and weekly 'Daily Races' to complete, there's always something to do in Gran Turismo 7. If that's not enough, the game is still supported with regular updates landing roughly every month to add new cars or tracks or update existing content.

With the recent release of the Gran Turismo movie, players are flocking back to the 'Real Driving Simulator' for another spin around the Nordschleife.

Xbox exclusive

Just like the PlayStation exclusive, the choice for Xbox gamers is also a no-brainer. Forza Horizon 5 has been out for almost two years now, yet still feels new with its regular updates.

New content is constantly being added to the game, with the car list growing almost weekly. Each month sees a new themed playlist, split into the game's four seasons. The previous playlist, Italian Automotive, saw the return of some well-known Italian brands to the series, whilst the latest playlist sees an overhaul to the game's EventLab

Forza Horizon 5 is full of races to compete in, but if you are bored of racing for any reason there's still plenty to do. Each new season brings a Photo Challenge to complete, with every playlist also containing multiple Treasure Hunts to take part in.

Forza Horizon 5 may lose the Xbox exclusive crown once Forza Motorsport releases later this year but for now head to Mexico for the best Microsoft racing game.