The Handiest Racing Games To Play In 2025

The finest racing titles have consistently served as technical showcases on every generation of gaming hardware, with nearly all console manufacturers flaunting their own esteemed franchises to put in front of their rivals. However, the variety of options has never been broader than it is in 2025, with a sub-genre available for everyone looking to experience a high-speed thrill.

The fascinating aspect of the racing genre is its ability to cater to diverse tastes. Whether you want to relax and enjoy some laps on a track, you can choose from popular titles like the immensely successful Mario Kart 8 Deluxe or the stunning Forza Horizon 5, with numerous options in between. If you desire something more realistic and challenging, there are several excellent options for technical simulation racing, each providing a degree of accessibility that enables you to discover your perfect match. You have access to a range of perspectives, from isometric camera angles to exquisitely detailed and faithfully recreated real-world tracks, allowing you to navigate through races in whichever manner you prefer.

Racing games have also expanded beyond the simplistic concept of just completing laps around a track. Titles like Forza Horizon and The Crew Motorfest have granted players the opportunity to explore vast open worlds, engaging in a variety of races across breathtaking landscapes. Modern hardware has also facilitated a level of technical sophistication that brings you even closer to reality, featuring exceptionally detailed tracks and vehicles showcased in remarkable clarity in games like Gran Turismo 7, Forza Motorsport, and more. Nostalgia is adequately represented too, with references to classic visuals and physics mechanics that might evoke cherished memories of arcade racing.

With so many selections to sift through, it can be somewhat overwhelming to determine which titles rise to the top as the best racing games to enjoy in 2025. We have curated what we believe to be the finest of the finest, presented in no particular order, covering over a decade of releases that demonstrate that an exceptional racing game seldom becomes outdated. For further exploration, check out our lists for the best RPGs, the top PS5 games, the best Xbox games, and the best Nintendo Switch games.

• Developer: Playground Games
• Release Date: November 1, 2021
• Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC

With the Horizon series, developer Playground Games has transformed the simulation racing roots of the Xbox-active racing franchise into one of the most dynamic and exhilarating open-world arcade racers available. Since its debut, Forza Horizon has consistently set new standards for high-octane racing with stunning and diverse landscapes, and the fifth installment has not missed a beat. Set in a fictional blend of various locations in Mexico, Forza Horizon 5 never takes a breather, launching you into an active volcano to kick off a vibrant festival of intense racing excitement. As an added perk, you can play it for free if you’re subscribed to Game Pass. If you only have a PlayStation 5, it will be available shortly as well, since Xbox is porting the game on April 29.

• Developer: Turn 10 Studios
• Release Date: October 10, 2023
• Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC

On the other side of the Forza spectrum, Forza Motorsport (also available on Game Pass) marks a return to the series that started it all, with the latest entry in 2023 serving as a sort of reboot after a lengthy hiatus for the franchise. Unlike Horizon, this is a gritty, realistic simulation racer, though it offers various settings to allow you to adjust the experience according to your preferences and skill level. With a compelling upgrade system that brings you closer to the machines you’re maneuvering on some of the most legendary racing circuits worldwide, there’s no doubt that the break took the opportunity to create something remarkable within this long-running series.

• Developer: Polyphony Digital
• Release Date: March 4, 2022
• Platforms: PS5, PS4

Few games celebrate cars in the way Gran Turismo has throughout its illustrious history on PlayStation. Some of your earliest memories may include struggling through license tests or experiencing the more measured racing style of this franchise on earlier PlayStation consoles, cultivating a love for the incredible automobiles it showcases. Gran Turismo 7 has not deviated far from that well-established concept but remains every bit the modern simulation racing experience you might desire without losing any of its charm.

• Creator: Codemasters
• Launch Date: May 24, 2024
• Platforms: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC

Codemasters has consistently released licensed F1 games annually for a remarkably long time, so it’s not surprising how they continually deliver a professional and thrilling representation of the high-octane racing championship. The latest installment is no exception, featuring an enhanced driving model that encourages more aggressive (yet fair) racing while also rewarding calculated risks. If you are a returning player year after year, some of its newest modes might not feel as appealing or revolutionary. However, if you’re looking to get your first taste of F1 racing action, or simply want the latest tracks and liveries, there’s truly no better place to look.

• Creator: Nintendo
• Launch Date: April 28, 2017
• Platforms: Nintendo Switch

There is not much that can be said about Mario Kart 8 Deluxe that hasn’t already been mentioned. It was brought to the Nintendo Switch from the struggling Wii U, and has been a constant seller for the hybrid console, accumulating an astonishing number of sales since its release. It’s easy to understand why. Its accessible yet deep kart racing is enjoyable for all ages, and its colorful and lively aesthetic brings all of Nintendo’s beloved characters together in a setting where they aren’t just battling one another. It’s a game that has received excellent support with post-launch content, creating a treasure trove of racing excitement that will likely last for years to come.

• Creator: XDev
• Launch Date: June 6, 2017
• Platforms: PS4

It’s unlikely we’ll see another Wipeout game again, especially since its main developer has shut down, but if the Omega Collection is the last we experience from this futuristic racer, then it’s a truly spectacular note to end on. It brings together three remastered titles from the series: the PS3’s Wipeout HD, Fury HD, and the often-overlooked PS Vita’s Wipeout 2048. This collection is filled with thrilling, fast-paced racing content that looks absolutely stunning on the latest PlayStation 5, boasting an impressively quick frame rate and gameplay that feels timeless. Its pulsating techno soundtrack only enhances the nostalgia of a past era of Sony’s history, something that many fans are eagerly hoping the publisher revisits one day.

• Creator: Nadeo
• Launch Date: July 1, 2020
• Platforms: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC

When you think of the purest form of racing, you might picture games that take place on realistic tracks with hyper-realistic cars. Trackmania, however, is neither of those, featuring toy-like racers racing around intricate courses reminiscent of Hot Wheels plastic tracks brought to life. Still, it requires a level of skill and concentration that can be hard to find elsewhere. This free-to-play title from Ubisoft focuses on the core aspects of racing, where tiny but significant choices can help you reduce lap times by fractions of a second. With regular seasons packed with fresh content, Trackmania might just be the ultimate racing game you haven’t experienced yet.

• Creator: Ivory Tower
• Launch Date: September 11, 2023
• Platforms: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC

Ubisoft has long attempted to replicate the success of Forza Horizon, transitioning its series from an RPG-style racing to the same exhilarating arcade action seen in Microsoft’s flagship title. Ubisoft’s vision has never been better realized than in The Crew Motorfest, where they have finally perfected a driving dynamic that feels incredibly enjoyable, whether you are navigating windy turns through its Hawaiian-inspired streets or traversing air and sea in its diverse vehicle roster. Its festival setup may feel slightly derivative in comparison to its inspirations, and the always-online element can still be somewhat annoying, but it’s hard to criticize it when considering the abundance of content Ubisoft keeps adding to this burgeoning racer.

• Creator: Aquiris Game Studio
• Launch Date: August 29, 2022
• Platforms: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, iOS

If you’re in the mood for something more classically inspired, it’s hard to go wrong with the Horizon Chase series. Originally launched on Apple devices via Apple Arcade, Horizon Chase 2 eventually made its way to Nintendo Switch and PC. This transition is a blessing, allowing more players to enjoy its significant enhancements over the acclaimed original. With refined arcade racing, greatly improved visuals, and the return of all the original’s game modes, it captures the essence of beloved ’90s arcade racers in a package that feels in tune with contemporary standards. Here’s hoping it becomes available on more platforms in the near future.

• Creator: Lucky Mountain Games, Sumo Digital
• Release Date: September 10, 2020
• Platforms: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC

Evoking the era of more traditional arcade racers, Hotshot Racing prioritizes vibrant, low-poly vehicles; colorful, eye-catching tracks; and a driving style that could never withstand the scrutiny of realistic physics. Instead, it thrives on its mix of rapid boosts and slingshot drifting, drawing inspiration from titles like Burnout, Split Second, and more. This game is particularly refined for those willing to dive into its high skill ceiling and remains one of the most entertaining options for fans seeking thrilling split-screen racing action.

• Creator: Stellar Entertainment
• Release Date: November 6, 2020
• Platforms: Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch, PC

This is a remaster of a classic that started the Need for Speed franchise, which might seem like a rehash at first glance. However, Hot Pursuit continues to be one of the most acclaimed entries in the series for over two decades. Crafted by the original developer Criterion Games, it returns to the core cops vs. racers gameplay, featuring lightning-fast street racing set against thrilling police chases. The remaster also revives classic multiplayer modes, where players can take on the roles of the hunter or the hunted, utilizing their racing skills to trap or flee from their opponent. With this new version comes enhanced graphics, cross-play support, and all previously released DLCs, allowing players to enjoy these intense racing moments on today’s cutting-edge consoles.

• Creator: Criterion, Stellar Entertainment
• Release Date: March 16, 2018; June 19, 2020 (Nintendo Switch)
• Platforms: Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch, PC

Speaking of the best from Criterion, it would be remiss not to highlight another remaster of what many consider their finest creation to-date. Burnout is cherished for titles like Burnout 3 and Burnout Revenge; however, it is Burnout Paradise that truly rises above the rest. This open-world racer achieved a lot prior to Playground Games refining the approach in the years that followed, featuring a wonderfully diverse and destructible environment to navigate through in some of the series’ fastest fictional vehicles. It encompasses all the hallmark elements of the franchise in a highly replayable package that has stood the test of time, thanks to this remaster, giving fans a chance to relive the glory days of this studio while hoping for a revival of the franchise that put them on the map.

• Creator: Sumo Digital
• Release Date: November 16, 2012
• Platforms: Xbox 360, PS3, PC, Wii U

If you believe the early ’90s console wars never truly ended, then you can view Sonic and All-Stars Racing as the natural rival to Nintendo’s Mario Kart. And it is quite fitting that in 2024, there exists such a striking resemblance in gameplay and presentation. But do not mistake this as a mere copy; Sonic and All-Stars Racing Transformed Collection is an equally thrilling arcade racing experience, featuring a strong lineup of Sega characters, imaginative tracks, dynamic vehicles, and the ultimate tools needed to turn races inside out in a mere instant. If you are not invested in Nintendo’s consoles but seek another experience similar to Mario Kart, you’ll find this title just as enjoyable.