Do you dream of the roar of a finely tuned engine and the thrill of crossing the finish line first? The PlayStation 4 library is packed with amazing racing games, each promising high speeds and intense competition. But with so many titles available—from realistic simulators to arcade-style fun—how do you pick the perfect one for your next adrenaline rush? It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices, unsure which game offers the best graphics, the deepest customization, or the most exciting tracks.
Choosing the wrong game means wasted time and money on something that doesn’t quite hit the racing sweet spot. This guide cuts through the noise. We will explore the top contenders, breaking down what makes each one special. By the end of this post, you will know exactly which PS4 racing game matches your driving style.
Get ready to trade indecision for the perfect checkered flag moment. Let’s dive into the best car racing games waiting for you on the PS4!
Top Car Racing Game For Ps4 Recommendations
- Train and advance your abilities of 2 wheel driving, barrel rolls and more in 6 thrilling game modes
- Catch air and perform as many stunts and tricks to get the highest score
- Collect and use a variety of power ups to eliminate as many crash karts as possible to get the highest score
- Hop into the tracks against Lightning McQueen and the gang to rev up for the ultimate challenge
- Put your training to the test and race against your family and friends to become the ultimate champion
- Assetto Corsa Base Game
- Prestige Pack
- 3x Porsche Packs
- Red Pack
- ReadyToRace Pack
- FREE PROJECT CARS 3 IGNITION PACK
- PRE-ORDER OR BUY PROJECT CARS 3 WITHIN 30 DAYS FROM LAUNCH TO BENEFIT FROM THIS LIMITED TIME OFFER
- THE IGNITION PACK CAN BE DOWNLOADED FOR FREE FROM PSN OR XBOX LIVE ONLY, FROM LAUNCH DAY AND WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR 30 DAYS
- PLEASE NOTE: NO DOWNLOADABLE CONTENT CODES WILL BE DISTRIBUTED BY AMAZON
- Italian (Subtitle)
- Online Connection Required
- Push boundaries and take on new experiences in iconic locations.
- Be the champion you want to be. Join four different motorsports families from around the country: street and pro racers, off-road experts, and freestylers.
- The newest iteration in the revolutionary franchise, The Crew 2 captures the thrill of the American motorsports spirit in one of the most exhilarating open worlds ever created
- There are no menus or loading screens, Seamlessly shift from your favorite cars to boats or even planes with just a push of a button using the Fast Fav feature, and experience the full potential and thrill of Motornation
- Career mode progress through the Feeder series (xtreme dirt, gander trucks and xfinity series) to reach the NASCAR Cup series or jump right in and start at the top
- Improved stats track your progress through the career with more detailed and improved statistics offering far more insight
- Gameplay enhancements improved AI, more player camera options and dnfs
- Brand new testing mode perfect your racing lines and experiment to find the best car setup for each track
- Challenge mode brand new online challenge mode gives you unique race scenarios to complete with a variety of gameplay. Official tracks 34 Officially licensed tracks for you to race on across the various series, including Daytona international Speedway, Indianapolis motor Speedway and talladega Super speed way, plus five fictional dirt tracks.Multiplayer Race online with up to 40 players or enjoy local split screen multiplayer with a friend.eSports support Take part in the EN as car Heat Pro League qualifiers for a chance to race for a real life NASCAR team.Paint booth even more enhancements, including new number fonts and schemes
- WRC 8: FIA World Rally Championship (PS4)
- Completely Overhauled Career Mode: Authentic activity management between rallies lets you improve your car and manage your staff for the greatest edge on the track
- Competitive Multiplayer: Weekly challenges and eSports WRC are back and the competition is more intense than ever
- Tons of Content: 50 teams, 14 rallies and more than 100 special stages from the 2019 season. Rise to the challenge
- New Dynamic Weather System: Rain, snow, and hailstorms now affect your drive like never before. Customize your car's tires, stocks, and more for the greatest advantage over your opponents
- 45 trucks with their official livery, including top manufacturers like Volvo, Man, Freightliner and Western Star
- 20 teams and the championship's best drivers
- 14 circuits including official ETRC ones, as well as Laguna Seca, Circuit of The Americas and Fuji Speedway
- 5 single-player modes and 5 multiplayer modes
- Super Street: the game is the official arcade racing game for Super Street, the world's number One in automotive tuning culture.
- Start from the bottom with nothing but Scrap as you build your dream ride part by part and use it to tear up asphalt in a wealth of different game modes and environments.
- Experience intense action-packed classic arcade racing pushing your car to the limit. Customize your ultimate Street racer using tons of Authentic car parts and unleash it on the streets, leaving behind a trail of spectacular and detailed destruction.
- Super Street: the game delivers Street racing as it should be.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing Your Perfect PS4 Racing Game
Picking the right car racing game for your PlayStation 4 can be exciting! This guide helps you find the best fit for your needs, whether you love fast street races or serious track competition. We look at what makes a game great and what you should watch out for.
1. Key Features to Look For
Great racing games have features that keep you coming back for more. Think about what kind of racing you enjoy most.
- Variety of Cars and Tracks: Do you want licensed real-world cars, or cool fantasy vehicles? More tracks mean more replay value.
- Driving Physics (Realism vs. Arcade): Some games feel like real driving (simulation). Others are easier, faster, and more about fun stunts (arcade). Decide which style you prefer.
- Game Modes: Look for single-player career modes, online multiplayer options, and time trials. Good variety keeps things fresh.
- Customization: Can you tune your engine or change your car’s paint job? Personalization adds a layer of fun.
- Weather and Time Effects: Dynamic weather (rain, snow) and day/night cycles make races challenging and look beautiful.
2. Important Game Elements (The “Materials”)
While racing games don’t use physical materials, certain digital elements heavily influence the game’s quality.
Graphics and Sound Design
High-quality graphics make the cars look sharp and the environments realistic. Good sound design is crucial too. You should clearly hear the roar of the engine and the squeal of the tires. Poor graphics or weak sound can pull you right out of the action.
Controller Feedback (Rumble)
The PS4 controller vibrates to simulate the road feel. A game that uses this rumble well lets you “feel” when your tires lose grip or when you hit a curb. This feedback is a huge part of the immersion.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all racing games deliver the same experience. Pay attention to these factors:
What Improves Quality:
- Excellent AI (Opponent Drivers): Smart computer drivers offer a real challenge. If the AI cheats or drives predictably, the game quality drops.
- Smooth Frame Rate: The game must run smoothly (ideally 60 frames per second). Stuttering or lagging ruins fast-paced racing.
- Fair Progression System: Winning races should unlock new content in a way that feels earned, not forced.
What Reduces Quality:
- Excessive Load Times: Long waits between races frustrate players quickly.
- Repetitive Content: If every race feels the same, you might stop playing soon after purchase.
- Bad Handling Model: If the cars feel like they are sliding on ice no matter what you do, the game is poorly designed for its style (arcade or sim).
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to play. This helps narrow down your choices.
The Casual Racer (Arcade Fun)
If you want quick bursts of fun after school or work, look for arcade racers like Need for Speed titles. These games feature easy controls, spectacular crashes, and less focus on perfect braking points.
The Competitive Player (Online Play)
If you love beating friends or strangers, prioritize games with robust, stable online multiplayer and strong community support. Check recent reviews to ensure the servers are still active.
The Solo Enthusiast (Career Mode)
For those who prefer to race alone, focus on games with deep career modes, lots of unlockables, and satisfying single-player progression systems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About PS4 Racing Games
Q: Do I need a special steering wheel controller for these games?
A: No, you do not need one. All PS4 racing games work perfectly well with the standard DualShock 4 controller. However, serious simulation fans might enjoy a wheel for a more realistic feel.
Q: What is the difference between a “Sim” and an “Arcade” racer?
A: Simulation (Sim) games try to copy real physics; they are hard to master. Arcade racers prioritize speed and excitement over strict realism; they are easier to pick up and play immediately.
Q: Are all PS4 racing games playable online?
A: Most major titles offer online multiplayer. However, older games might have smaller online communities now, making it harder to find a match quickly.
Q: Which games offer the best car customization?
A: Games focusing on street racing culture, like the Forza Horizon series (though technically Xbox/PC, check similar PS4 exclusives), usually offer the deepest visual and performance tuning options.
Q: Can my kids play these games?
A: Most racing games are rated E (Everyone) or T (Teen). Games with realistic crashes or illegal street racing themes might be rated T. Always check the ESRB rating on the box.
Q: How much storage space do these games usually take up?
A: Racing games can be quite large. Most modern titles require between 30GB and 80GB of hard drive space. Make sure you have room before downloading!
Q: Do I have to pay extra to play online?
A: Yes, playing online multiplayer on any PS4 game requires an active PlayStation Plus subscription.
Q: Which type of game is best for beginners?
A: Beginners should start with games that have strong “Assists” features turned on. These features help with braking and steering, allowing you to learn the tracks before turning them off for a harder challenge.
Q: Are there good off-road/rally racing options on PS4?
A: Yes, the PS4 library includes excellent rally games focusing on dirt, snow, and gravel racing, which provide a very different challenge than smooth tarmac circuits.
Q: Do I need a fast internet connection for single-player games?
A: You only need a basic internet connection to download and install the game and download any necessary day-one patches. Once installed, single-player modes do not require constant internet access.