The difficulty in writing this article was defining “realistic.” This concept can have a variety of meanings, from accurate simulation of suspension to the best sensations of driving experience.
That’s why the Blix team has conducted deep research on racing games on the market, studied player reviews, and created this list of the best racing games for you. Including the best driving simulators and the best arcade racing game variants, we have selected games focusing on the platforms to play, reviews, and our own feelings about the games.
Contents
Highlights
- Selection of 12 best racing games with realistic physics
- Description of each game, release date, pros and cons
We’ve got a cool selection of games just for Nintendo. Check out: Top 15 Nintendo Switch Games to Play in 2025.
Top-12 Best Racing Games for Every Taste
We have categorized games from arcade to professional, the most realistic driving simulators. If you are only interested in the latter, flip to the bottom of the list—you will find a gem there. Keep reading if you want to see the best arcade racing game with good simulation.
| Wreckfest | Project Cars 2 |
| KartKraft | Automobilista 2 |
| Forza Motorsport | rFactor 2 |
| Gran Turismo 7 | Assetto Corsa Competizione |
| F1 Game Series | iRacing |
| RaceRoom Racing Experience | BeamNG.drive |
All the games presented have been selected with good physics and realistic play in mind. The players who are members of the community of the listed games can also confirm our words. We’ll back these up with discussions from Reddit, where you can read player reviews.
Wreckfest
Wreckfest
Game Trailer
- Developer: Bugbear Entertainment
- Release Date: June 14, 2018
- Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Stadia, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS
Wreckfest reproduces in all its glory the cruel American entertainment Demolition Derby. Cruel, of course, about cars. Racers come to the tracks on their old wrecks and organize competitions without rules. And to tell you the truth, finding the best arcade racing game with a good racing simulator was not easy. But we have done it.
Most arcade games miss the most essential thing—physics. Wreckfest stands out against its background. The damage system is just great: it is made to be as spectacular as possible while not interfering with the gameplay.
So, after a head-on collision, the front part of your car will turn into a piece of tamped metal, and the screen will show a dozen indicators about which car components are out of order.
However, naked physics is not enough for success; you still need to create ways to use it. There is a career for this purpose. Races in it are seasoned with simple but diverse tracks, smart AI, and a cool soundtrack. And if you were looking for a cool arcade game with good physics, you’ve found it.
| Pros | Cons |
| Advanced damage model | Severely reduced graphics |
| Advanced upgrade and tuning system | – |
For those who don’t know, early access has already been released to Wreckfest 2
KartKraft
KartKraft
Game Trailer
- Developer: Black Delta
- Release Date: January 26, 2022
- Platform(s): PC
We have separately saved a game for those who love karting—KartKraft, a unique racing simulator focused exclusively on kart racing. The game offers incredibly detailed and realistic karting with laser-scanning tracks and high-precision physics.
The game features various karts and tracks, and the controls here are top-notch. In addition, the game has an active multiplayer community, ensuring that there is always someone to compete with.
| Pros | Cons |
| Optimized graphics and performance | Lack of content |
| The feeling of speed | Limited online racing options |
Forza Motorsport
Forza Motorsport
Game Trailer
- Developer: Turn 10 Studios
- Release Date: October 10, 2023
- Platform(s): PC, Xbox Series X/S
In the field of semi-realistic racers, there is such a mastodon as Gran Turismo 7, which is difficult to shoulder even slightly. But Turn 10 Studios has decided to try and squeeze the Titans.
Motorsport feels more self-contained than other car sims. Transportation in Motorsport 2023 feels completely different from other installments. The physics are more realistic, and the grip on the track is soft. The steering is tighter. It’s impossible to get into a corner without slowing down.
Abusing the handbrake leads to a significant drop in speed and loss of control. These improvements in gameplay design positively impact the gameplay experience as a whole. To summarize, it’s no longer an arcade and not yet a full-fledged driving simulator.
| Pros | Cons |
| Large fleet of several hundred cars | Monotonous structure of the career mode with a lot of similar ring races |
| Flexible customization of cars and gameplay features, including driving assistance | The game interface is very overloaded |
| Nice close-to-reality physics and excellent handling of each car | Slow car upgrading |
Gran Turismo 7
Gran Turismo 7
Game Trailer
- Developer: Polyphony Digital
- Release Date: March 4, 2022
- Platform(s): PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
Who are we not to include Gran Turismo on our list? It is one of the few games on the Playstation that are bombarded with such content.
The games in the Gran Turismo series have always been not just car simulators but car simulators with a heavy emphasis on automotive aesthetics. The entire single-player match involves learning about popular brands and collecting cars. Experience points and pumping now depend not on the distance traveled and triumphant victories in races but on the purchased vehicles in your collection – the more cars you have, the more experience you will get.
Besides, as many people say, this game is the most beginner-friendly game in the series. Players will be helped with everything, and all the nuances will be explained. Gran Turismo 7 is still the top modern racing simulator you want without losing its charm.
| Pros | Cons |
| Interesting campaign structure, attention to automotive history | Inconvenient interface |
| Pleasant physics, imitating the basic sensations of a real car | Not the best artificial intelligence |
| A vast number of modes and activities, such as training center, mode “Familiarity with the track” |
F1 Game Series
F1 Game Series
F1 2024 Game Trailer
- Developer: EA Sports
- Release Date: February 29, 2000
- Platform(s): PC, Xbox, PlayStation
Of course, this game has little realism—not just us but also the players who notice this. However, it certainly does an excellent job of capturing the sights and sounds of a Grand Prix weekend.
Codemasters F1 games allow gamers to compete in Formula One in a game that isn’t overly burdened with simulation. However, between arcade and simulation, games are still closer to simulation.
What F1 games do very well is their single-player modes. This single-player mode allows F1 fans to compete alongside their favorite drivers virtually.
If you are a Formula 1 fan or just a fan of great single-player career modes in racing games, you should pick up the latest F1 game.
| Pros | Cons |
| Championship atmosphere | Weak sound component |
| Variety of modes | Limited number of free racing equipment items |
| Uncomplicated controls | – |
In our arsenal recently appeared a selection of games for the Xbox platform you may be interested in: Top 20 Xbox Multiplayer Games to Play in 2025.
RaceRoom Racing Experience
RaceRoom Racing Experience
Game Trailer
- Developer: RaceRoom Entertainment AG
- Release Date: February 12, 2013
- Platform(s): PC
RaceRoom Racing Experience is a free racing simulator developed by Sector3 Studios. The game offers a very realistic racing experience, focusing on real racing series such as DTM, WTCR, and GT.
One of RaceRoom’s best features is its business model. This car racing game is free to play, and additional cars and tracks can be purchased. R3E includes single races, championships, and multiplayer. Online racing is available with organized events and a rating system to ensure fair play. The sound model deserves top marks. Recordings of real cars provide deep immersion.
| Pros | Cons |
| High level of realism in physics and sound | Outdated graphics |
| The fair rating system in multiplayer | Buying content can be expensive |
| Availability of basic content for free | – |
Project Cars 2
Project Cars 2
Game Trailer
- Developer: Slightly Mad Studios
- Release Date: September 22, 2017
- Platform(s): PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4
Project Cars 2 is a high-fidelity driving game that leans more towards simulation, but it will be much lighter than the games you’ll see below. With dynamic track conditions that change the temperature for you and your tires and strategic pit stops to keep the racing exciting, Project Cars 2 leaves a very nice impression of itself as the best racing game.
The game is harsh to those who used to compete only in arcade races. Regular departures to the side of the road are annoying, but in a good way. You begin to envy the owners of professional steering wheels with pedals. The simulator is prone to gamepads, but it will take much time to set up.
| Pros | Cons |
| A variety of cars and a large number of tracks | Insufficiently informative feedback. Curbs, potholes, joints – everything is present, but somehow unconvincing |
| Beautiful musical accompaniment | Questionable implementation of the physics of car behavior |
| Ability to fine-tune machines | No support for PlayStation VR helmet |
Automobilista 2
Automobilista 2
Game Trailer
- Developer: Reiza Studios
- Release Date: June 30, 2020
- Platform(s): PC
Automobilista 2 is a powerful motorsport simulator that continues the tradition of the first installment by providing players with an improved engine and even more features.
This racing simulator incorporates all of Brazil’s major race tracks and racing series. It also features some of the most famous cars and tracks from around the world.
When comparing Automobilista 2 and Assetto Corsa Competizione, Automobilista 2 is easier to use thanks to the Project Cars 2 Heritage engine. However, the game’s physics are certainly inferior to ACC’s.
But driving in Automobilista 2 is easier and more gentle, so many people like the lighter gameplay and pleasant driving. Automobilista 2 is better for beginners because of its simplicity and built-in gamepad.
| Pros | Cons |
| Dynamic weather and time system | Limited online content |
| Excellent support for VR and peripherals | Some interface elements seem outdated |
| High level of realism of physics and graphics | – |
rFactor 2
rFactor 2
Game Trailer
- Developer: Image Space Incorporated
- Release Date: March 28, 2013
- Platform(s): PC
rFactor 2 is a classic racing simulator that has stood the test of time. It is a highly realistic racing experience emphasizing customization and modding. The game features various cars and tracks, and the physics engine is top-notch.
One of the best things about rFactor 2 is the modding community. For the entire season, cool cars and race tracks have been added to the game, keeping it fresh and interesting even years after its release.
| Pros | Cons |
| Detailed physics | General incompleteness |
| Realistic tracks and a huge fleet of vehicles | Difficulty in creating servers |
Assetto Corsa Competizione
Assetto Corsa Competizione
Game Trailer
- Developer: Kunos Simulazioni
- Release Date: May 29, 2019
- Platform(s): PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox XS
Assetto Corsa Competizione is another heavyweight in the world of racing simulators. The game focuses on GT3 and GT4 racing and offers various cars and tracks from the real Blancpain GT Series.
The fact that we are not a second-rate arcade but a serious driving simulator brings a few nuances to the gameplay, which cannot be ignored. First of all – all cars differ in control. The difference in “characters” is felt very clearly – you often have to get used to the vehicle’s braking system and entry into the corners at the first race.
Fans can explore the car’s indicators, statistics on the road, and other tables with graphs. The tracks are accurately laser scanned, and the weather effects are some of the best.
Assetto Corsa Competizione requires patience and, therefore, time. You can spend a colossal amount of time on one track. For example, a training session can last up to 2 hours!
| Pros | Cons |
| For beginners, there are plenty of assists in the game, including ABS, stability control and others | The game on PS4 and Xbox differs from the PC version with worse graphics and limited FPS |
| Atmosphere, sound, physics | It won’t be too comfortable without a steering wheel |
iRacing
iRacing
Game Trailer
- Developer: iRacing.com Motorsport Simulations
- Release Date: August 28, 2008
- Platform(s): PC
iRacing is one of the most famous and reputable sim racing platforms. It has existed since 2008 and has established itself as a professional racing simulation used by amateur and professional racers. Its key feature is its emphasis on realism and competitive multiplayer.
iRacing is explicitly designed as a platform for competition between human drivers, so you won’t find artificial intelligence drivers to practice with. Your only options for honing race tracks and mastering braking points are test sessions with you, the track, and a stopwatch. As a result, most of iRacing is a single-player experience.
iRacing is a subscription service. The basic package includes limited tracks and cars, and additional content can be purchased separately.
Although iRacing’s graphics engine is inferior to modern games regarding visual effects, the focus is on functionality and track detail. But the sound will pleasantly surprise you—all cars have a unique soundtrack, which complements the immersion effect.
| Pros | Cons |
| Maximum realism of physics and tracks | Paid subscription and purchase of content (tracks, cars) |
| VR support for full immersion | Outdated graphics |
| Professional community of player | Can be difficult for beginners |
BeamNG.drive
BeamNG.drive
Game Trailer
- Developer: BeamNG
- Release Date: August 3, 2013
- Platform(s): Windows, Linux
Players recognize BeamNG.drive as the best realistic racing game. The game features realistic and accurate physics to control vehicle dynamics and realistic modeling of collisions and crashes.
If you crash into a curb, you will feel all the consequences – a bent or fallen off wheel, crumpled fender, and so on. And, of course, the graphics in the game is just amazing.
The game features a wide variety of vehicles and environments. Developers have created an open world where players can explore the tracks, pass tests, and test different car models, experiencing their capabilities and the consequences of collisions.
According to BeamNG.drive players, it’s more like you’re driving a real car, not quite a racing game in the truest sense. But that’s what we’re here for, after all.
The game also has an active modding community, with countless user-created vehicles and environments available for download.
Please pay attention to the high system requirements. The game does not work well on weak PCs. Also, if you wish to play games with a full-fledged story, look for something else on our list.
| Pros | Cons |
| Realistic physics and highly detailed graphics | High system requirements |
| Ability to create your own scenarios | Some aspects of the controls can be difficult for beginners |
| Regular developer updates | The need to download mods to improve features |
Conclusion
With so many great racing simulators out there, it can be hard to choose the right one for you. First and foremost, focus on how you feel. Then, determine exactly what you want to do and what your budget is—some are free, while others can cost over $60.
Racing simulators can be demanding on your hardware, especially if you’re playing in virtual reality. Ensure your computer is up to the task before investing in a new simulator. Also, pay attention to your playing style, consider what kind of experience you want from the game, and re-read our guide carefully.
