The 11 Best Racing Games on PC

Vroom vroom! The engines are roaring, the drivers are sweating, and the competition is fierce. We've gathered the top 11 racing games on PC and lined them up on the starting grid. Will the realism-driven sims with their precise physics take the lead? Will the explosive chaos of futuristic combat racers blast past the competition? Or maybe an arcade crowd-pleaser will speed across the finish line, cheered on by the masses. Buckle up for this wild ride through the best racing games you can play on PC.

But hold on—before we jump the gun, let's quickly lay down the rules. This list focuses on racing games, so you won’t find games like American Truck Simulator here. We’ve got a bit of everything, from sci-fi speedsters to hardcore simulators. If your favorite didn’t make the cut, don’t worry—we might have missed it. Let us know in the comments which game gets your adrenaline pumping.

Okay, now for real this time… 3, 2, 1… GO!

11. Star Wars Episode I Racer

Podracing is cool, full stop. While The Phantom Menace might have its issues, the podracing scene is a spectacle of high-speed thrills. Star Wars Episode I Racer brings that excitement to life, letting you zoom through the canyons of Tatooine and beyond. Though the game didn’t break new ground for racing games when it launched in 1999, it didn’t need to. The Star Wars theme alone is enough to make this a nostalgic favorite.

10. Night-Runners Prologue

Coming up the outside lane, Night-Runners Prologue is an underdog demo that packs a punch. Set in Japan’s underground street racing scene, you start by buying a car at a shady auction, with each vehicle’s history ranging from suspicious to downright criminal. The racing itself is a high-stakes blend of speed and survival as you navigate dimly lit streets and narrow lanes. It’s quirky and imperfect, but its raw atmosphere will captivate those who crave a taste of old-school street racing.

9. BallisticNG

If you miss the days of Wipeout on the PlayStation, BallisticNG is here to fill that void. This game is a love letter to the hovercraft combat racers of yesteryear, with a modern twist. Despite its low-poly art style, it feels deeply futuristic, and it even supports VR for those brave enough to handle the speed. Built with modding in mind, BallisticNG lets you create your own tracks, making it as close to the Wipeout experience as you’ll get on PC.

8. Horizon Chase Turbo

A throwback to the golden age of arcade racing, Horizon Chase Turbo captures the spirit of classics like Out Run. With its vibrant visuals and energetic 80s synth soundtrack, this game is all about speed and fun. The simplified controls make it easy to pick up, but the thrill of the race will keep you hooked. It’s not a hardcore sim, but for pure, nostalgic joy, Horizon Chase Turbo delivers.

7. BeamNG.drive

For those who demand realism, BeamNG.drive offers an incredibly detailed soft-body physics simulation. This game is all about the destruction, letting you crash and crunch vehicles in ways that are both terrifying and mesmerizing. While it’s not strictly a racing game, its time trials and free-roaming modes allow you to experience driving in a way that’s as close to the real thing as you can get—if the real thing involved driving off cliffs just to see what happens.

6. Grip: Combat Racing

Inspired by the classic Rollcage, Grip: Combat Racing takes racing to new heights—literally. With vehicles that can stick to walls and ceilings, the tracks in this game are like rollercoasters on alien planets. Armed with weapons like miniguns and missiles, this is Mario Kart meets Mad Max in a high-speed, high-adrenaline package. If you’re looking for a racing game where the rules are simple: win or get wrecked, Grip is for you.

5. Descenders

Who says racing needs engines? Descenders puts you on a mountain bike, barreling down treacherous slopes with nothing but your reflexes to keep you upright. This game combines the thrill of downhill racing with the unpredictability of a roguelike, as you navigate procedurally generated tracks. The bike physics feel intuitive yet challenging, making every near-miss and spectacular crash a heart-pounding experience.

4. Trackmania

In Trackmania, the real star is the track itself. This game is all about building and racing on insane courses that defy logic and gravity. With a robust level editor and a dedicated community, Trackmania offers endless possibilities for creative, high-speed fun. The latest installment, Trackmania (2020), is free-to-play with the option to unlock more features, making it accessible to everyone from casual racers to hardcore track builders.

3. Wreckfest

Wreckfest is a demolition derby on wheels, where the goal is as much about destroying your opponents as it is about crossing the finish line. The game’s physics engine makes every crash feel impactful, and the rival system adds a layer of personal vendetta to the chaos. Whether you’re driving a beat-up station wagon or a souped-up muscle car, Wreckfest delivers a uniquely destructive racing experience.

2. Burnout Paradise Remastered

Burnout Paradise brought the joy of arcade racing to the open world, and the remastered version makes it even better. With high-speed races, explosive crashes, and the freedom to explore Paradise City at your own pace, this game is a celebration of automotive mayhem. The remastered edition has some technical quirks, but the core experience remains as thrilling as ever. Just be aware that it’s getting delisted from Steam in December 2024, so grab it while you can!

1. Forza Horizon 4

Forza Horizon 4 hits the perfect balance between arcade fun and realistic driving, making it our top pick. Set in a beautifully rendered version of the British countryside, the game features changing seasons that affect how your car handles. With a variety of events, from drifting challenges to racing against a steam train, Forza Horizon 4 offers something for everyone. It’s a masterclass in racing game design, combining accessibility with depth, and it’s the one to beat.

The Final Lap

And there you have it—the 11 best racing games on PC. Whether you’re into high-octane arcade thrills, realistic driving simulations, or something in between, this list has got you covered. But remember, this is just the starting grid. The world of racing games is vast, and there’s always room for your favorites. Share your top picks in the comments, and let the race for the best racing game continue!