Do you dream of the roar of an engine and the thrill of crossing the finish line first? The PlayStation 5 offers incredible racing experiences, but with so many amazing titles available, how do you pick the perfect one? It feels overwhelming to sort through realistic simulators and arcade-style fun. You want maximum speed and enjoyment for your money, but finding that perfect fit can be tough.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We explore the best car racing games currently available for your PS5. You will learn about graphics, gameplay styles, and features that make each game stand out. Stop wasting time guessing and start racing sooner!
Keep reading to discover which PS5 racing game will satisfy your need for speed and deliver hours of exciting gameplay.
Top Car Racing Games Ps5 Recommendations
- With the return of classic cars, iconic tracks, and fan-favourite modes like GT Simulation and Sport Mode - Gran Turismo 7 is the complete Real Driving Simulator, 25 years in the making.
- Find your line. Whether you're a racer, collector, tuner, designer, photographer or arcade fan - immerse yourself in the facets of automotive culture that matter most to you.
- Connect and compete. Join an international community of drivers to share race strategies, tuning tips, livery designs and photos, before taking to the track to go head-to-head.
- English (Subtitle)
- Explore a vibrant Hawaiian open world. The Crew Motorfest has settled down in one of the most breathtaking places on Earth: the island of O’ahu, Hawaii. Join high-speed street races through the bustling city of Honolulu, test your skills off-road on the ashy slopes of a volcano, or master the perfect curve on the tracks
- Celebrate all the facets of car culture. Enjoy a variety of thrilling driving activities and choose how you want to have fun with your cars! Discover the playlists and dive into thematic campaigns that will immerse you in the most exciting car culture universes, including American muscle, Japanese-style street racing, and legendary machines of the past!
- Collect the most legendary cars. Compete in intense driving races, show off your own style, collect the most iconic cars, and much more! Master every driving challenge and fill your collection with the most legendary vehicles ever created
- Offer available while supplies last. Limited quantities available
- High-Speed, Adrenaline-Fueled Arcade Racing - Race across high-intensity tracks in licensed supercars with cinematic style, drifting, nitro boosts, and precision driving that captures the thrill of the original arcade classic.
- The Top Tier Arcade Racer, Brought to Console - Experience the full-throttle thrills of the arcade game at home, now optimized for consoles and with the same explosive action that made the original a fan favorite in arcades.
- Race Iconic Vehicles - Hit the road in 8 legendary cars including the Dodge Charger, Corvette Z06, Shelby GT500 KR, Ford GT, Bronco DR, Jeep Wrangler, and more.
- Customize Your Look, Your Way - Style your ride with custom vehicle color schemes that let you stand out on the track and represent your personality.
- Race Together in Local Multiplayer - Grab a friend and hit the track with 2 players in split-screen local multiplayer, bringing the arcade rivalry home with side-by-side action and nonstop competition.
- Drive legendary vehicles in a huge game area with rich & diverse environments
- Remastered graphics for an intense experience
- Save the family racing team from bankruptcy in Career Mode
- Alone or with friends: the game offers many multi-player possibilities, with up to 4 players in local split-screen mode
- Find all Gear Club Unlimited 2 DLCs for the most complete racing experience and hours of fast-paced driving
- Catch sight of the driver in your rear-view mirror and watch the sun glint against the curves of your car's body, with support for 4K and HDR at a targeted 60fps framerate. You can also take stunningly realistic photos with the power of ray tracing on PS5
- The PS5 console's ultra-high-speed SSD lets you quickly start race events, gather in lobbies, browse your garage and seamlessly navigate GT7's modes and menus.
- Feel the vibration from the anti-lock brake system and wheel spins, and variation in the braking resistance of each different car, all through the adaptive triggers of your DualSense wireless controller.
- From the subtle bumps of the tarmac to the grooves of the kerb, feel your position on the road through immersive haptic feedback.
- Sense the position of other cars and drivers on the road with unparalleled clarity through the PS5 console's 3D Audio
- AN IMMEDIATE OFF-ROAD ARCADE GAME - Perfect for Monster Jam fans and a must play for arcade racing gamers: Monster Jam Showdown is ready to bring you a vast and easy-to-access offroad racing challenge!
- SHOW OFF YOUR FREESTYLE SKILLS - Performing amazing tricks in the Freestyle competitions is at the essence of every Monster Jam event around the world.
- MASTER THE MOST ICONIC MONSTER JAM TRUCKS - The excitement of real-life Monster Jam events comes to the video game world, thanks to the franchise's most recognizable icons: the trucks! Grave Digger, Toro Loco, Megalodon, Maximum Destruction and many others...
- RACE BIG ACROSS 3 DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENTS - Get ready to let all your favorite trucks roar outside the stadiums, driving through the most spectacular untamed environments!
- FIND YOUR FAVOURITE GAME MODE - Start your career in a non-linear journey through a variety of racing and freestyle game modes in all three biomes, beat the competition and become the champion of the Showdown Tour!
- Career mode, unanimously hailed as one of the best-developed and most complete in a racing game, has also been comprehensively upgraded and now Includes a livery editor, so you can create your own team and add your colors to contemporary cars
- With a hyper-realistic and ultra-precise physics engine, WRC 10 has Made the feeling of driving even better, with better aerodynamic force, turbo and braking management, on all surfaces; the sound design has also been revamped to reinforce the immersion
- A particularly competitive esport, with daily and Weekly challenges, and Clubs so you can create your own competitions, drivers can measure themselves against the community at their own levels
- WE DID IT AGAIN! If you thought the first chapter was awesome, well, buckle up because we are going to blow you away with incredible new features!
- MORE WHEELS FOR YOUR FUN - Make room on your virtual shelf, because you can access more than 130 vehicles and even more varieties! Yes, not only Hot Wheels Originals, but also Hot Wheels Monster Trucks and vehicles from the entertainment world.
- NEW PLACES TO CALL HOME - Whether it's the backyard of a house in the suburbs or a mini-golf course in a village in the Wild West, your tracks will be surrounded by the most stunning environments!
- SHOW OFF YOUR MOVES - Before impressing your opponents with a great victory, leave them speechless with crazy new moves!
- JUST THE WAY YOU LIKE IT - Different game modes for whatever “fun” means to you, off and online.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for PS5 Car Racing Games
Racing games on the PlayStation 5 offer amazing speed and sharp graphics. Choosing the right one can make your gaming time fantastic. This guide helps you pick the best racer for your collection.
Key Features to Look For
When you look at a PS5 racing game, several features really matter. These elements decide how fun and challenging the game will be.
- Graphics and Frame Rate: The PS5 handles beautiful graphics. Look for games running at 60 frames per second (fps) or even 120 fps. Higher frame rates make the action feel smoother and faster.
- Haptic Feedback Integration: This is a big PS5 feature. The DualSense controller vibrates in specific ways. Good games use this to let you “feel” the rumble of the engine or the grip of the tires on the road.
- Track Variety and Car Roster: Do you like street racing or F1 tracks? Check how many different cars and circuits the game includes. More variety keeps the game exciting longer.
- Driving Model (Simulation vs. Arcade): Some games are very realistic (simulation), meaning cars handle just like in real life. Others are easier and faster (arcade). Decide which style you prefer before buying.
- Multiplayer Options: Can you race friends online or on the couch (split-screen)? Strong online modes offer endless competition.
Important Materials (Game Content)
In video games, “materials” refer to the core content and technology used to build the game world.
- Licensed Content: Games that feature real cars (like Ferrari or Porsche) and real race tracks often feel more authentic. These licenses cost money, but they boost the quality.
- Sound Design: Great engine sounds are crucial. Listen to sample videos. Poorly recorded engine noises can ruin the immersion.
- AI Difficulty Levels: The computer opponents (AI) need to be smart but beatable. Adjustable difficulty settings ensure beginners and experts both have fun.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a racing game truly great, and what makes it frustrating?
Quality Boosters:
- Fast Loading Times: The PS5 uses a super-fast SSD. Top-tier games load races almost instantly. Slow loading times reduce playtime.
- Customization Options: Being able to tune your car’s performance or change its paint job adds personality and depth.
- Career Mode Depth: A long, rewarding single-player path gives you goals to chase.
Quality Reducers:
- Bugs and Glitches: If cars suddenly fly off the track or the screen freezes, the game quality drops fast. Always check recent patch updates if a game is older.
- Repetitive Events: If every race feels the same after a few hours, the game lacks imagination.
- Poor Online Stability: If you constantly disconnect during online races, the competitive experience suffers greatly.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how and when you plan to play.
- Casual Fun: If you just want to jump in and drive fast without learning complex physics, choose an Arcade racer (like Need for Speed style games). These are great for quick sessions.
- Serious Competition: If you want to spend hours mastering braking points and racing lines, look for high-end Simulation titles (like Gran Turismo or Forza Motorsport style games). These often work best with a dedicated steering wheel peripheral.
- Social Gaming: If playing with friends is the goal, prioritize games with excellent split-screen or robust online lobbies.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about PS5 Car Racing Games
Q: Do I need a special steering wheel to enjoy PS5 racing games?
A: No, you do not. All modern PS5 racers work perfectly with the standard DualSense controller. Wheels enhance the experience greatly, but they are not required for fun.
Q: Which PS5 racing games offer the best graphics right now?
A: Games that focus heavily on realism, often those using ray tracing technology, usually show off the best visuals. Check reviews for the most recent releases focusing on visual fidelity.
Q: Are all PS5 racing games compatible with 120Hz TVs?
A: Not all games support 120Hz mode. Developers must specifically program for it. Check the game’s technical specs before purchasing if high refresh rate is important to you.
Q: What does “Haptic Feedback” actually feel like in a race?
A: It feels like texture. You might feel a light buzz when tires slip on gravel, or a heavy thud when you bump another car. It adds realism through your hands.
Q: Is there a difference between simulation and arcade racers?
A: Yes, a big one. Simulation games require careful braking and throttle control. Arcade games let you drift wildly and often use power-ups, making them easier to pick up.
Q: Can I play older PS4 racing games on my PS5?
A: Many PS4 racing games run on the PS5 through backward compatibility. Sometimes, they even run better with faster loading times!
Q: Which games have the best career modes?
A: Usually, the large simulation titles offer deep career modes where you start small and work your way up through different racing leagues.
Q: How much storage space do these games usually take up?
A: Racing games can be huge! Many modern titles require 80GB to over 150GB of storage space due to all the high-resolution car models and tracks.
Q: Are there good free-to-play racing games on PS5?
A: Sometimes developers release free introductory versions or arcade-style racers that you can download and try without paying upfront.
Q: How important is the game’s online community?
A: If you plan to race competitively or join leagues, a healthy online community is very important. A dead community means fewer people to race against online.