The PS5 offers a broad selection of racing games, from detailed driving simulators and officially licensed motorsport titles to chaotic demolition events and accessible arcade racers. The best choice depends on the kind of driving you enjoy: precise circuit racing, high-speed street pursuits, off-road competition or spectacular crashes.
Here are the standout PS5 racing games from the available selection, organised by the experience they provide.
Best all-round racing simulator: Gran Turismo 7
Gran Turismo 7 is the natural starting point for players who want a realistic circuit-racing experience. Its focus is on carefully recreated cars, detailed tracks and precise handling. The game includes a substantial single-player campaign as well as competitive multiplayer, giving newcomers room to learn while offering experienced drivers plenty to master.
It is a strong choice if you enjoy tuning your driving technique, comparing vehicle performance and taking on races where braking, cornering and consistency matter as much as outright speed.
Best for Formula 1 fans: F1 2021
F1 2021 brings the structure and intensity of Formula 1 to the PS5. Its official teams, drivers and circuits support an authentic motorsport presentation, while the career mode gives the game a longer-term sense of progression. Multiplayer races add another way to compete once you are comfortable with the cars and tracks.
This is the best fit for players who want Grand Prix racing rather than a broad collection of motorsport disciplines. Expect demanding handling and races in which clean driving and careful strategy are central to success.
Best rally games: WRC 10 and DIRT Rally 2.0
Rally racing offers a very different challenge from circuit racing. Instead of repeatedly learning one track, you must react to changing surfaces, difficult corners and stage conditions.
- WRC 10: A dedicated World Rally Championship experience with rally cars, demanding stages and a career mode built around the sport.
- DIRT Rally 2.0: A more simulation-focused option for players who want a serious test of car control on varied rally terrain.
Choose WRC 10 if you want the structure and presentation of a championship. DIRT Rally 2.0 is worth considering when your priority is challenging rally driving and learning to manage difficult surfaces.
Best off-road arcade racer: DIRT 5
DIRT 5 takes off-road racing in a more immediately accessible direction. It features a wide variety of vehicles and environments, along with changing weather and a career mode. Races can move from muddy trails to snowy routes and stadium events, keeping the presentation energetic and varied.
It is a good choice for players who want the spectacle of off-road racing without committing to the stricter demands of a full rally simulation. Multiplayer also makes it a practical option for casual races with friends.
Best arcade racer: Hot Wheels Unleashed
Hot Wheels Unleashed turns toy-car racing into a fast, stunt-heavy arcade experience. Its tracks are designed around loops, jumps and dramatic set pieces, while vehicle customisation and a track editor add variety beyond standard races.
The straightforward controls and colourful presentation make it approachable, but the track layouts still leave room for players to improve their routes and master difficult sections. It is especially suitable when you want racing that feels playful rather than strictly realistic.
Best for crashes and destruction: Wreckfest
Wreckfest is built around aggressive driving, spectacular collisions and demolition-derby-style events. Vehicle damage and physical impacts are a major part of the experience, so winning is not always about taking the cleanest racing line. Sometimes the key is surviving the first corner and finding a way through the chaos.
With different vehicles, tracks and event types, Wreckfest is ideal for players who find traditional racing games too restrained and want every race to feel unpredictable.
Best for police pursuits: Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered
Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered focuses on the conflict between racers and police. You can take part in high-speed events from either side, turning races into pursuits filled with pressure and sudden changes of momentum.
This is a strong option for players who prefer street-racing excitement and an arcade approach rather than realistic motorsport rules. Its multiplayer mode also supports competitive pursuit-based action.
Other PS5 racing games to consider
- Assetto Corsa Competizione: A simulation-oriented choice for players who want detailed circuit racing.
- Project CARS 3: A broad racing experience combining accessible driving with a range of cars and tracks.
- NASCAR Heat 5: A dedicated option for stock-car racing fans.
- RIDE 4: A motorcycle racer for players who would rather master two wheels than four.
- Destruction AllStars: A vehicle-based competitive experience centred more on arena combat and destruction than conventional lap racing.
Which PS5 racing game should you choose?
For realistic circuit driving, start with Gran Turismo 7 or Assetto Corsa Competizione. Formula 1 followers should choose F1 2021, while rally fans can compare WRC 10 with DIRT Rally 2.0. DIRT 5 offers a more accessible off-road experience, and Hot Wheels Unleashed is the pick for colourful arcade racing. If crashes, pursuits or unusual competitive events appeal more than clean laps, Wreckfest, Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered and Destruction AllStars provide very different alternatives.