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Among the legends of racing games is undoubtedly the Need for Speed series
The racing game genre has a long history, bringing us realistic racing simulators, more arcade-style competitions with tuned cars, or races with jet fighters and space gliders. In today’s article, we will focus on racing games with four-wheeled vehicles, as they are currently the most elaborate and popular motorsport video game titles. Each of the games listed below also offers multiplayer options, so you can enjoy races online with more people. If you’re looking for a truly realistic experience, we recommend getting a steering wheel, pedals, and a gear stick. With a bit of skill and creativity around your gaming corner, you can really feel like you’re in the cockpit of a Formula car or behind the wheel of a souped-up Ferrari.
The charm of tuning sports cars and illegal street races await you in Need For Speed Unbound, adding another great piece to the long NFS video game series. As a complete novice, the player starts from scratch and must gradually work their way to the top of the racer leaderboard. To do this, a tuned car is needed, but beware! The police are lurking around every corner. Unbound brings interesting graphic processing: it is complemented by animations in a comic style.
Hot Wheels Unleashed 2
Who doesn’t know the small Hot Wheels cars? Their franchise is popular not only among children but also among adult collectors. With Hot Wheels Unleashed 2, you can race with these toy cars in a video game world that offers countless interesting and fun maps. There are plenty of cars to choose from, and it’s an ideal arcade racing game that focuses mainly on playfulness.
TrackMania 2
Nearly a decade after the original version of TrackMania 2 was released, a reboot came in 2020 that brought this fun arcade racer up to modern gaming standards. It features graphical improvements to both the tracks and vehicles, and the checkpoint system has been upgraded as well. The maps, most of which are created by the community, offer a wider variety of obstacles and surfaces. The racing madness of Trackmania, loved by millions around the world, is still a fantastic game.
Forza Motorsport
The car fleet of the Forza Motorsport game includes more than five hundred fully licensed car models from various manufacturers. Unlike the Forza Horizon series, Motorsport doesn’t focus so much on arcade elements but prefers realism, which is evident on the test tracks. It’s an interesting combination of fun and serious racing game, dressed in a pleasant graphic package.
The Crew Motorfest
Scorching Hawaiian sun, exotic streets of Honolulu, and fresh sea breeze. No, we’re not introducing you to an ideal vacation, but an ideal arcade racing game: The Crew Motorfest. Various racing styles and cars are complemented by a pumped-up playlist that only enhances the great atmosphere. There are also older vehicles, which will make the hearts of vintage car lovers happy.
EA F1 23
The best simulator of the popular Formula 1 racing series has already had several installments, and its latest piece only enhances its qualities. For single-player gamers, the game even offers a story mode, which provides countless dramatic moments. However, if you long for racing in Formula cars without any fluff, EA F1 23 is the ideal choice. Excellent gameplay, fully licensed vehicles and drivers, and beautiful graphics.
EA Sports WRC
Circuit racing has its charm, but the adrenaline brought by rally is completely different. Electronic Arts brilliantly demonstrates this in their next racing game: EA Sports WRC, using official licenses from rally competitions. World Rally Championship takes you to various terrains and cracked roads, where maximum speed and concentration are needed to win.
Dirt Rally 2.0
Every racer must be prepared to get their hands dirty. That’s especially true in rally races. Forests, dusty roads, mountains… the best off-road racing simulator Dirt Rally 2.0 offers plenty of tracks, and all of them are tough. Asphalt is replaced by mud or snow, and keeping your car on the track takes a lot of focus. At the same time, you’ll want the fastest time possible, so get ready—sharp left coming up… and a tree!
Frequently asked questions
What are racing games?
Racing games focus on the competitive element of motorsports. They bring races from various tracks, each game focusing on a different type of vehicle (motorcycles, Formula cars, cars, planes…) and the goal is to win in the given competition/race/discipline.
Where can I play the racing games from the list?
All games are available for PC (Windows) on the digital distribution platform Steam. For console gaming (Playstation, Xbox), it is necessary to purchase a physical version of the game.
