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Best Racing Games For PC

Best Racing Games For PC: Top 10 Racing PC Games of All Time

The best racing games for PC are perfect for anyone looking for a thrilling ride. These games have entertained players for years, giving them the rush of speed and the thrill of competition.

Racing games have been the number one choice for every young boy who just wants to drive as fast as he can in the game, and it has become one of the main reasons why boys are obsessed with cars in real life when they get mature.

It has been challenging for the gaming industry to make gamers feel that they are in a car, but now they are able to do it. In this list, you will find many racing games that make you feel that you are driving a real car, as you feel the slipping of tires, bumps, and more, which makes all these games really fun to play.

List of Top 10 Best Racing Games Of All Time

let’s dive into the list of top 10 racing PC games of all time, listed from number 10 to number 1, based on their IGN ratings and Metascores.

RankGame NameRelease DateGenreIGN RatingMetascoreDownload Link
1Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec2001Simulation9.895Link
2Forza Horizon 42016Open World9.692Link
3Need for Speed: Most Wanted2005Arcade9.083Link
4Burnout Paradise2008Arcade8.888Link
5Project CARS 22017Simulation9.282Link
6Assetto Corsa Competizione2019Simulation6.077Link
7Need for Speed: Underground2003Simulation8.984Link
8Forza Motorsport 72017Simulation9.286Link
9Wreckfest2018Destruction8.281Link
10F1 242024Motorsports Racing7.072Link
List of Top 10 Best Racing Games Of All Time

We added many non-official links, but that is because, originally, the game was being removed from authorized stores like Steam, Epic Games, or their own franchise store.

Ranking Factors

Several factors come into play when determining the best racing games for PC. Here’s a closer look at what sets these games apart. These are the factors that are important in listing down the best racing games PC has till now.

Review/Ratings

The reviews and ratings from both critics and players play a crucial role in ranking the top racing games. High ratings often indicate a game’s quality, including its gameplay mechanics, graphics, and overall experience. For example, titles like “Gran Turismo 3” and “Forza Horizon 3” have received outstanding ratings, making them top contenders in the best racing games PC list.

Graphics

Stunning visuals are essential for an immersive racing experience. The best racing games for PC often boast realistic graphics, detailed car models, and beautifully rendered environments. Games like “Project CARS 2” and “Assetto Corsa Competizione” are known for their impressive graphics, which enhance the overall gameplay experience.

Gameplay

Engaging and enjoyable gameplay is a must for any top racing game. This includes a variety of racing modes, car customization options, realistic physics, and a smooth control system. Games like Need for Speed: Most Wanted and Burnout Paradise are celebrated for their exciting gameplay, which keeps players coming back for more.

When looking for the best racing games in 2025 on PC, these factors will help you find the most thrilling and visually stunning titles to enjoy. Whether you prefer arcade-style racing or realistic simulations, a game out there is perfect for you.

Let’s dive even deeper into the details of each game from our list of the best racing games for PC, ranked from 10th to 1st. This detailed guide will help you understand why these games are considered the top 10 best racing games and what makes them stand out in 2025.

Top 10 Best Racing Games

We selected the top 10 best racing games based on IGN and Metascore, but we also considered the game’s popularity at the time and its impact on developing the racing gaming industry.

10. F1 24

F1 24
F1 24 Cover Pic. Image Credit: EA.COM

F1 2024 is an exhilarating racing simulation that captures the thrills of the Formula 1 racing season. With updates that reflect real-world teams, drivers, and circuits, players can experience the adrenaline of high-speed racing and strategic management at one of the most prestigious motorsport championships in the world.

The game features an enhanced career mode, dynamic weather, and an expanded online multiplayer experience that brings both casual and competitive players together. Due to its real-life world fan base, the game has also become quite famous, and this is why we listed the F1 2024 as one of the best racing games for PC, and it is also in the top 10 best racing games.

System Requirements:

ComponentMinimum RequirementRecommended Requirement
OSWindows 10/11Windows 10/11
CPUIntel Core i3-2100 / AMD Phenom II X4Intel i5-9600 / AMD Ryzen 5 2600
RAM8GB16GB
GPUNVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 / AMD Radeon HD 7850NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 / AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT
Storage50GB available space50GB available space

Gameplay Mechanics:

F1 2024 incorporates several gameplay features to enhance realism and immersion. The game includes:

  • Realistic Racing Physics: Car handling reflects the nuances of each vehicle’s performance based on factors like aerodynamics, tire conditions, and weather changes.
  • Career Mode: Players can progress through multiple seasons, manage team dynamics, upgrade their vehicles, and engage in contract negotiations to become a top driver.
  • Dynamic Weather: Weather changes can affect race conditions, requiring players to choose tire types and pit stops strategically.
  • Online Multiplayer: Engage in thrilling races against players worldwide in various game modes, including competitive-ranked matches.

9. Wreckfest

Wreckfest
Image of Wreckfest cover picture. Image credit: Steam

Wreckfest is renowned for its realistic physics and destruction-based gameplay. Players can engage in traditional racing as well as demolition derbies. The detailed damage system makes every crash and collision a visual and strategic spectacle.

Wreckfest is one of the top 10 best racing games 2025 on PC to play as it came in 2022, but it does make an impact, especially for all those who love racing games that have a lot of crashing.

System Requirements:

ComponentMinimum RequirementRecommended Requirement
OSWindows VistaWindows 7/8/10
CPUIntel Core 2 Duo 2.4GHzIntel Core i5 3.0GHz
RAM4GB8GB
GPU512MB DirectX 11 card2GB DirectX 11 card
Storage15GB available space25GB available space

Gameplay Mechanics:

  • Realistic Physics: Wreckfest features a highly realistic physics engine that accurately simulates car damage and collisions, making every crash and collision impactful.
  • Destruction-Based Gameplay: Players can participate in demolition derbies and destruction races, where the goal is not just to win but to cause as much damage as possible to opponents’ vehicles.
  • Variety of Races: The game includes traditional racing modes as well as unique events like last-man-standing and lawn mower races.
  • Customization: Players can modify their vehicles with various upgrades and custom parts to improve performance and durability in races and derbies. This all makes it one of the best racing games PC has.

8. Forza Motorsport 7

Forza Motorsport 7
Forza Motorsport 7 is one of the best racing games PC has. Image Credit: Turn 10 Studios

Forza Motorsport 7 offers a highly realistic driving experience with a vast selection of cars and tracks. The game features dynamic weather conditions, day and night cycles, and highly detailed car models. Players can customize their cars extensively and compete in a variety of racing disciplines. Even though the game was released in 2017, it still has one of the highest ratings and makes its name in the top 10 best racing games of all time.

System Requirements:

ComponentMinimum RequirementRecommended Requirement
OSWindows 10Windows 10
CPUIntel i5-750 2.67GHzIntel i5-4460 3.2GHz
RAM8GB8GB
GPUNVIDIA GTX 650NVIDIA GTX 970 / GTX 1060
Storage100GB available space120GB available space

Gameplay Mechanics:

  • Realistic Driving Physics: Forza Motorsport 7 offers a highly realistic driving experience with advanced physics that simulates car handling, tire grip, and aerodynamics.
  • Dynamic Weather and Day-Night Cycles: The game features dynamic weather conditions and day-night cycles that affect track conditions and visibility, adding an extra layer of challenge.
  • Extensive Car Selection: With over 700 cars to choose from, players can race in a wide variety of vehicles, each with unique characteristics and handling.
  • Customization and Tuning: Players can extensively customize and tune their cars, adjusting everything from the paint job to the suspension settings to suit their driving style.

7. Need for Speed: Underground

Need for Speed: Underground
Need for Speed: Underground is one of the top 10 best racing games Image Credit: EA

Need for Speed: Underground is a classic arcade racing game that focuses on illegal street racing and extensive car customization. The game offers a variety of race types, including drag, drift, and circuit races. Its engaging career mode and vibrant urban setting have made it a favorite among racing enthusiasts.

NFS Underground really changed the way the racing games are modified, and it really makes it one of the best racing games for PC. Even though the game was released way back in 2003, it still holds one of the highest-rating racing games, which makes it one of the best racing games 2025 on PC.

System Requirements:

ComponentMinimum RequirementRecommended Requirement
OSWindows 98/ME/2000/XPWindows XP
CPUIntel Pentium IIIIntel Pentium IV
RAM256MB512MB
GPU32MB DirectX 9.0c card64MB DirectX 9.0c card
Storage2GB available space4GB available space

Gameplay Mechanics:

  • Street Racing: The game focuses on illegal street racing in a vibrant urban setting, with various race types, including drag, drift, and circuit races.
  • Car Customization: Players can extensively customize their vehicles with performance upgrades and visual enhancements, making each car unique.
  • Career Mode: The engaging career mode lets players build their reputation and rise through the ranks of the underground racing scene by winning races and completing challenges.
  • Nitrous Boost: The game features a nitrous boost mechanic that gives players a temporary speed increase, adding excitement and strategic depth to races.

6. Assetto Corsa Competizione

Assetto Corsa Competizione
Assetto Corsa Competizione is one of the top 10 best racing games. Image Credit

Assetto Corsa Competizione is a highly realistic simulation racing game known for its accurate car physics, detailed tracks, and stunning visuals. It focuses on the Blancpain GT Series, providing an authentic and immersive racing experience.

System Requirements:

ComponentMinimum RequirementRecommended Requirement
OSWindows 7 64-bitWindows 10 64-bit
CPUIntel Core i5-4460Intel Core i5-8600K
RAM4GB16GB
GPUNVIDIA GTX 460 2GBNVIDIA GTX 1070
Storage50GB available space70GB available space

Gameplay Mechanics:

  • Realistic Simulation: Assetto Corsa Competizione is known for its accurate car physics and realistic handling, providing an authentic driving experience.
  • Blancpain GT Series: The game focuses on the Blancpain GT Series, featuring officially licensed cars, teams, and tracks from the championship.
  • Dynamic Weather and Time: The game includes dynamic weather conditions and changes in the time of day, affecting track conditions and visibility.
  • Career and Multiplayer Modes: Players can engage in a single-player career mode or compete in online multiplayer races, with various events and challenges to participate in.

5. Project CARS 2

Project Cars 2
screenshot of project cars 2. Image Credit: Steam

Project CARS 2 offers a comprehensive racing experience with a wide range of cars, tracks, and weather conditions. The game supports various racing disciplines, including rallycross, touring cars, and endurance racing. Its realistic physics and detailed environments make it a favorite among simulation fans.

System Requirements:

ComponentMinimum RequirementRecommended Requirement
OSWindows 10Windows 10
CPUIntel Core i5-3450Intel Core i7-6700K
RAM8GB16GB
GPUNVIDIA GTX 680NVIDIA GTX 1080
Storage50GB available space50GB available space

Gameplay Mechanics:

  • Realistic Simulation: Project CARS 2 offers a highly realistic driving experience with accurate car physics and detailed handling.
  • Wide Range of Disciplines: The game supports various racing disciplines, including rallycross, touring cars, and endurance racing, providing a versatile racing experience.
  • Dynamic Weather and Seasons: The dynamic weather system and seasonal changes affect track conditions, requiring players to adapt their strategies.
  • Extensive Customization: Players can customize their cars and adjust settings such as tire pressure, suspension, and aerodynamics to optimize performance.
  • Multiplayer Modes: The game features robust online multiplayer options, allowing players to compete in ranked matches and join racing leagues.

4. Burnout Paradise

Burnout Paradise
Burnout Paradise Picture. Image Credit Steam

Burnout Paradise is an arcade racing game that emphasizes high-speed racing and spectacular crashes. Its open-world setting, Paradise City, offers players the freedom to explore and participate in various events and challenges. The game’s emphasis on aggressive driving and stunts makes it a thrilling experience.

System Requirements:

ComponentMinimum RequirementRecommended Requirement
OSWindows XP/VistaWindows Vista
CPUIntel Pentium 4 2.8GHzIntel Core 2 Duo 2.66GHz
RAM1GB (XP), 1.5GB (Vista)2GB
GPU128MB DirectX 9.0c card256MB DirectX 9.0c card
Storage4GB available space4GB available space

Gameplay Mechanics:

  • Open-World Exploration: Burnout Paradise features an open-world setting called Paradise City, where players can explore freely and discover various events and challenges.
  • Aggressive Racing: The game emphasizes high-speed racing and spectacular crashes, encouraging aggressive driving and stunts.
  • Variety of Events: Players can participate in different types of events, including races, stunt runs, and crash challenges.
  • Instant Restarts: The game allows for quick restarts of events, keeping the action fast-paced and minimizing downtime.
  • Multiplayer Integration: Burnout Paradise offers seamless online multiplayer, allowing players to join friends and compete in various events without leaving the game world.

3. Need for Speed: Most Wanted

NFS Most Wanted
Need For Speed Most Wanted is one of the top 10 best racing games. Image Credit: Screenshot From Steam

Need for Speed: Most Wanted combines arcade racing with thrilling police chases. The open-world environment allows for endless exploration and high-speed action. The game’s storyline and dynamic gameplay elements keep players engaged and on the edge of their seats.

System Requirements:

ComponentMinimum RequirementRecommended Requirement
OSWindows Vista/7/8Windows 7/8
CPUIntel Core 2 Duo 2.4GHzIntel Core 2 Quad 2.7GHz
RAM2GB4GB
GPUNVIDIA 8800GTNVIDIA GTX 560
Storage20GB available space20GB available space

Gameplay Mechanics:

  • Open-World Racing: Need for Speed: Most Wanted offers an open-world environment where players can explore, race, and evade the police.
  • Police Chases: The game features intense police chases, adding excitement and challenge to the racing experience.
  • Car Customization: Players can customize their cars with performance upgrades and visual enhancements.
  • Speed Points: Players earn Speed Points by winning races, evading the police, and completing challenges, which help them climb the Most Wanted list.
  • Multiplayer Modes: The game includes online multiplayer modes, allowing players to compete against others in various racing events.

2. Forza Horizon 4

Forza Horizon 4
Forza Horizon 4 is one of the top 10 best racing games

Forza Horizon 4 is an open-world racing game set in a fictional representation of the United Kingdom. This game is part of the renowned Forza Horizon series and offers a vast, dynamic world with ever-changing seasons, affecting driving conditions and available events.

System Requirements:

ComponentMinimum RequirementRecommended Requirement
OSWindows 10Windows 10
CPUIntel i3-4170Intel i7-3820
RAM8GB12GB
GPUNVIDIA GTX 650 TiNVIDIA GTX 970
Storage70GB available space70GB available space

Gameplay Mechanics:

  • Dynamic Seasons: The game features a unique season system that changes every week, introducing new challenges, events, and weather conditions that affect the driving experience. Each season brings its own distinct atmosphere and driving challenges.
  • Open-World Exploration: Set in a detailed and expansive open-world environment, the game offers a variety of terrains, including forests, lakes, valleys, and villages. Players can explore stunning landscapes, historical cities, and countryside roads.
  • Extensive Car Collection: With over 450 cars from more than 100 manufacturers, players can collect, customize, and race various vehicles. Each car can be upgraded and tuned to improve performance.
  • Shared World: Forza Horizon 4 features a world where players can encounter others driving around the map. This online multiplayer environment allows for seamless interaction, including cooperative and competitive events.
  • Events and Challenges: The game offers numerous events and challenges, such as street races, off-road adventures, stunt driving, and seasonal championships. Players can also create and share their own custom races and challenges.
  • Horizon Life: The game’s progression system tracks players’ achievements and unlocks new rewards, houses, and businesses. Players can buy properties that provide benefits like fast travel and garage space.
  • Customization: Players can customize their cars with various performance upgrades, paint jobs, and liveries. Additionally, character customization options allow players to personalize their avatar’s appearance and outfits.
  • Showcase Events: Unique showcase events pit players against various vehicles and machines, such as trains, planes, and hovercrafts, providing epic racing experiences.

1. Gran Turismo 3

Gran Turismo 3
Gran Turismo 3 is one of the best racing games for pc.

Gran Turismo 3 is a legendary simulation racing game known for its realistic physics and extensive car selection. It set the benchmark for future racing games and remains a fan favorite, even among the top 10 best racing games. The game’s attention to detail and driving mechanics have made it a timeless classic.

Many of you might be wondering why the game, which was released in 2001, is ranked first among the top 10 best racing games of all time. The real reasons are the combined rating from IGN and Metascore and the impact it had on the gaming industry.

System Requirements:

ComponentMinimum RequirementRecommended Requirement
OSWindows 7/8/10Windows 10
CPUIntel Core i5Intel Core i7
RAM4GB8GB
GPUNVIDIA GTX 660NVIDIA GTX 970
Storage30GB available space30GB available space

Gameplay Mechanics:

  • Realistic Simulation: Gran Turismo 3 is known for its realistic driving physics and detailed car handling, providing an authentic racing experience.
  • Extensive Car Selection: The game features a wide range of cars from different manufacturers, each with unique characteristics and performance.
  • Track Variety: Players can race on various tracks, including real-world circuits and fictional courses.
  • License Tests: The game includes license tests that players must complete to unlock new cars and events, adding a sense of progression.
  • Customization and Tuning: Players can customize and tune their cars to optimize performance for different racing conditions.
  • Endurance Races: Gran Turismo 3 features endurance races, challenging players to manage tire wear, fuel consumption, and pit strategies.

If you’re looking for the best racing game to play in 2025, Gran Turismo 3 remains a top contender. It is recognized for its timeless quality and realistic driving experience. It holds a special place in gaming history, continuously enjoying a loyal following among racing fans. Its outstanding gameplay, graphics, and depth make it a must-play for anyone seeking an exhilarating racing experience.

Each of the best racing games for PC provides unique experiences. Whether you prefer the open-world excitement of Burnout Paradise or the realistic simulation of Gran Turismo 3, you’ll find something enjoyable in the racing genre in 2025.

FAQs

Q. Which is the No 1 racing game for PC?

A. Gran Turismo 3 is one of the best racing games for PC.

Q. What is the best car game in 2024?

A. Forza Horizon 4 will still be one of the best car games in 2024.

Q. Which Forza game is free?

A. Forza Street is the free game of the Forza racing game series.

Q. What is currently the best racing game?

A. Forza Horizon 4 is the best racing game currently.