Steam is a treasury for any gamer, and The Blix Team can’t ignore it. Look at our pick of games with good stories. Best Story Games on Steam: Top Picks for Narrative Lovers. Or, for a broader scope, read Steam Deck Hidden Gems: Top 10 Games.
Now, we have an exhaustive guide to the best racing games available on Steam. This guide aims to assist both casual players and hardcore racing enthusiasts discover their next favorite game.
We all face a market flooded with options, where selecting a suitable racing game can be daunting. Therefore, we have meticulously compiled a collection of top-rated titles. All the games here have a Metacritic score above 80, guaranteeing excellence and contentment.
At the same time, selection encompasses various games, from lifelike simulators to heart-pounding arcade racers, ensuring appeal to diverse preferences.
By providing this guide, we want to empower players to make a well-informed choice and find a game that delivers a thrilling and immersive racing experience. This will ultimately save them time and enhance their overall enjoyment.
Contents
- 1 Highlights
- 2 Trends and Tendencies in Racing Games
- 3 Top 15 Steam Racing Games
- 4 Forza Horizon 4
- 5 Project CARS 2
- 6 F1 2023
- 7 Dirt Rally 2.0
- 8 Assetto Corsa
- 9 Need for Speed Heat
- 10 Wreckfest
- 11 Grid Autosport
- 12 RIDE 3
- 13 MotoGP 20
- 14 The Crew 2
- 15 Burnout Paradise Remastered
- 16 WRC 9
- 17 SnowRunner
- 18 TrackMania Turbo
- 19 Summary
Highlights
- Description of the general state of today’s racing games
- List of 15 most exciting Steam games
- A thorough description of each game’s features
- For every game listed: release date, developer/publisher, VR and Steam Deck support, Metacritic rating, price, and link on Steam
Trends and Tendencies in Racing Games
First, let’s state the obvious – to clarify what we look for when choosing games. Racing games have witnessed fantastic evolution in the last decade. With betterment in graphics, physics engines, and multiplayer capabilities, these games deliver an incredibly immersive experience. Realism is a significant trend, with developers prioritizing authentic car physics, lifelike environments, and dynamic weather conditions. Plus, we see a growing emphasis on community and online play, enabling players to compete in global tournaments and leagues. Detailed car customization and tuning options have now become a standard feature, catering to casual players and hardcore racing enthusiasts. These trends significantly influence the curSteamgaming landscape of racing games on Steam. And although not all games named below are new enough – those trends impact the player’s choice a lot.
Top 15 Steam Racing Games
- Forza Horizon 4
- Project CARS 2
- F1 2020
- Dirt Rally 2.0
- Assetto Corsa
- Need for Speed Heat
- Wreckfest
- Grid Autosport
- RIDE 3
- MotoGP 20
- The Crew 2
- Burnout Paradise Remastered
- WRC 9
- SnowRunner
- TrackMania Turbo
Forza Horizon 4
Forza Horizon 4
Release Date: March 9, 2021
Developer/Publisher: Playground Games / Xbox Game Studios
Platforms: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
VR Support: no
Steam Deck Support: yes
Metacritic Rating: 88
Price: $59.99
Forza Horizon 4 – Official Launch Trailer
Forza Horizon 4 is a direct way to a fiery, vast world of racing in Great Britain. With an enormous collection of more than 450 cars, the game presents diverse shticks, from races and stunts to exploration. The dynamic seasons introduce an intriguing twist. They transform the driving environment and terrain. Whether in solo adventures or multiplayer competitions, the game boasts seamless integration for spontaneous races with friends and strangers.
Project CARS 2
Project CARS 2
Release Date: September 22, 2017
Developer/Publisher: Slightly Mad Studios / Bandai Namco Entertainment
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
VR Support: yes
Steam Deck Support: yes
Metacritic Rating: 84
Price: $59.99
Project CARS 2 Review
Despite its age, Project CARS 2 is the essence and embodiment of realism and variety in a racing simulator. It has many meticulously designed cars and tracks with intricate physics and weather effects. That game delivers an unparalleled immersive experience. Additionally, through its VR support and 12K resolution, players are guaranteed an engaging and lifelike encounter. Moreover, its extensive career mode and diverse online multiplayer features promise enduring enjoyment for racing enthusiasts.
F1 2023
F1 2023
Release Date: July 1, 2023
Developer/Publisher: Codemasters/Electronic Arts
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
VR Support: yes
Steam Deck Support: yes
Metacritic Rating: 88
Price: $59.99
F1® 23 | Official Gameplay Features Deep Dive
F1 2023, like every other F1 series game but on a new level, delivers an authentic Formula 1 dive. It has all the teams, drivers, and circuits from the 2023 season. The game introduces new features like the enhanced My Team mode, allowing players to create and manage their F1 team. It also includes a refined handling model and improved visuals. The game can be run in narrative-driven story mode, Career Mode, and multiplayer.
Dirt Rally 2.0
Dirt Rally 2.0
Release Date: February 26, 2019
Developer/Publisher: Codemasters
VR Support: yes
Steam Deck Support: yes
Metacritic Rating: 84
Price: $39.99
DiRT Rally 2.0 – Official Launch Trailer
Dirt Rally 2.0 is acclaimed for delivering a demanding rally racing experience. Players maneuver through diverse off-road terrains with true-to-life physics and damage modeling. The game encompasses a comprehensive career mode and a thriving online community. Continuous updates and content packs ensure the game remains dynamic and exhilarating.
Assetto Corsa
Assetto Corsa
Release Date: December 19, 2014
Developer/Publisher: Kunos Simulazioni / 505 Games
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
VR Support: yes
Steam Deck Support: yes
Metacritic Rating: 85
Price: $19.99
Assetto Corsa – Launch Trailer | PS4
Assetto Corsa delivers an authentic racing experience with accurately replicated tracks and cars. The game’s physics engine is deservedly said ÐµÑ provide a lifelike driving sensation. Robust mod support enables players to enhance their adventure with user-generated content. AC’s adherence to realism has made it a top choice for sim racing fans.
Need for Speed Heat
Need for Speed Heat
Release Date: November 8, 2019
Developer/Publisher: Ghost Games / Electronic Arts
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
VR Support: no
Steam Deck Support: yes
Metacritic Rating: 80
Price: $69.99
Need for Speed⢠Heat Official Gameplay Trailer
There’s no need to look further; everybody knows that name. NFS Heat revitalizes the series by returning it to its street racing origins. We get to the fictional Palm City, where the game incorporates a day-night cycle that significantly impacts gameplay. By day, players engage in authorized races to earn cash, while by night, they take part in illicit street races to establish their reputation. The game provides many car customization options and an energetic, expansive open world.
Wreckfest
Wreckfest
Release Date: June 14, 2018
Developer/Publisher: Bugbear Entertainment / THQ Nordic
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
VR Support: no
Steam Deck Support: yes
Metacritic Rating: 82
Price: $29.99
Wreckfest – Official PC Launch Trailer
Wreckfest: an exciting combo of traditional racing and a gameplay demolition derby. You get an impressive choice of vehicles, including high-speed cars and heavy-duty trucks. The game’s realistic physics and damage modeling make for an exhilarating experience. With a captivating career mode, engaging multiplayer features, and frequent updates, Wreckfest provides endless entertainment for fans of high-octane, destructive racing.
Grid Autosport
Grid Autosport
Release Date: June 24, 2014
Developer/Publisher: Codemasters
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android
VR Support: no
Steam Deck Support: yes
Metacritic Rating: 81
Price: $29.99
Grid Autosport – Official Launch Trailer (EN)
Grid Autosport provides a mix of arcade and simulation racing experiences, including racing such as touring cars, endurance, open-wheel, and street racing. The game features a comprehensive career mode and online multiplayer, offering an engaging and diverse gameplay experience. It also supports a wide range of racing peripherals to enhance the immersive aspect of the gameplay.
RIDE 3
RIDE 3
Release Date: November 30, 2018
Developer/Publisher: Milestone S.r.l.
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
VR Support: no
Steam Deck Support: yes
Metacritic Rating: 80
Price: $39.99
RIDE 3 – Launch Trailer
RIDE 3 offers an exciting motorcycle racing experience with a wide range of bikes from different periods. You can customize your bikes and riders in many ways. The game includes a variety of tracks and racing events, making it enjoyable for both casual players and motorcycle enthusiasts. Its realistic physics and visuals make the racing experience even more immersive.
MotoGP 20
MotoGP 20
Release Date: April 23, 2020
Developer/Publisher: Milestone S.r.l.
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
VR Support: no
Steam Deck Support: yes
Metacritic Rating: 81
Price: $49.99
As Good As We Remember??? – Playing MotoGP 20 In 2023
MotoGP 20 is immersive! This game brings you the official MotoGP Championship 2020 with realistic graphics and physics. You’ll race with all the teams, riders, and tracks, and the career mode lets you manage your teams and make strategic decisions. With improved motorcycle racing and realistic bike behavior, MotoGP 20 offers a comprehensive experience.
The Crew 2
The Crew 2
Release Date: June 29, 2018
Developer/Publisher: Ivory Tower / Ubisoft
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Stadia
VR Support: no
Steam Deck Support: yes
Metacritic Rating: 80
Price: $49.99
The Crew 2 – Official Trailer | Ubisoft E3 2018
The Crew 2 revolutionizes the typical racing genre by including cars, motorcycles, boats, and planes. Players can explore and engage in diverse races and challenges in an expansive open-world rendition of the United States. With a strong focus on multiplayer interaction, the game enables smooth transitions between various vehicle types, delivering a rich and ever-changing racing adventure.
Burnout Paradise Remastered
Burnout Paradise Remastered
Release Date: August 21, 2018
Developer/Publisher: Criterion Games / Electronic Arts
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
VR Support: no
Steam Deck Support: no
Metacritic Rating: 82
Price: $19.99
Burnout Paradise Remastered – Reveal Trailer
Burnout Paradise Remastered is an updated version of the popular arcade racing game. It features better graphics and includes all the previously released additional content. The game is set in a big open world where players can participate in races, stunts, and thrilling crashes. Its fast-paced gameplay and various events offer an exciting experience for fans of high-speed racing.
WRC 9
WRC 9
Release Date: September 16, 2021
Developer/Publisher: KT Racing / Nacon
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
VR Support: no
Steam Deck Support: no
Metacritic Rating: 81
Price: $49.99
WRC 9 – Launch Trailer | PS4
WRC 9 is the official World Rally Championship game, featuring all the teams, cars, and stages from the 2020 season. The game has realistic physics and weather effects, which make it challenging as players encounter various terrains and conditions. Its deep career mode and online multiplayer options offer extensive replayability for rally racing fans.
SnowRunner
SnowRunner
Release Date: May 18, 2021
Developer/Publisher: Saber Interactive / Focus Home Interactive
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
VR Support: no
Steam Deck Support: yes
Metacritic Rating: 81
Price: $29.99
SnowRunner – Gameplay Overview Trailer
SnowRunner takes a unique approach to racing by focusing on off-road simulation. In this game, players navigate trucks and vehicles through challenging terrains like mud, snow, and rivers, emphasizing realistic physics and vehicle handling. This provides a satisfying and difficult experience for players who enjoy conquering rugged landscapes.
TrackMania Turbo
TrackMania Turbo
Release Date: March 24, 2016
Developer/Publisher: Nadeo / Ubisoft
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
VR Support: yes
Steam Deck Support: yes
Metacritic Rating: 81
Price: $39.99
Trackmania Turbo – Launch Trailer | PS4
TrackMania Turbo is an exciting arcade racing game with fast, gravity-defying tracks. You can race on various tracks, including ones made by other players, so there’s always something new to try. You can play against others on the same screen or online, and the controls are accessible for all skill levels.
Summary
In addition to the top-tier racing games featured in our compilation, some other outstanding titles deserve recognition for their unique features and gameplay experiences.
It’s no surprise to see Gran Turismo Sport. Its stunningly realistic graphics and extensive roster of meticulously designed cars stand out. The game’s attention to detail and immersive driving mechanics make it a standout choice for racing enthusiasts looking for an elevated simulation experience.
BeamNG.drive grabs players’ attention immediately. Its intricately detailed soft-body physics engine offers a unique experience for those fascinated by realistic vehicle damage and crash simulations. The game’s emphasis on realistic physics and vehicle dynamics adds a new dimension to the racing game genre.
TrackMania Nations Forever has a reputation for community-driven content and gravity-defying tracks. It is interesting: unique and challenging courses and a lively communityâa beloved favorite among racing game fans.
Sweet ending: Rocket League. Racing excitement with the thrill of soccer, offering an enjoyable and highly competitive experience that has garnered a large and dedicated player base. Fusing these two popular sports creates an engaging and dynamic gameplay experience that appeals to a broad audience.
