Is it not the case that car games can only get better with time? Given the graphical updates and the uptick of the hardware’s capabilities, we’re getting that much closer to being in the driver’s seat. If you’ve got a PS5 and are a car fanatic, these 10 games you’ve gotta check out.
10. The Crew 2 (Xbox One, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, PC, PS5)
The Crew 2 - The Game Launch Trailer | PS4
If you’ve been waiting for an open-world game that lets you drive through an entire country, look no further than The Crew 2. In this sequel to 2014’s The Crew, you are plopped in a persistent open world for free-roaming across a scaled-down re-creation of the United States.
Sure, no hardware can fit the totality of the US on a single disc without a few hitches, but give the game points for ambition alone. Racing from city to city has always been the bread and butter of this franchise, and now you get to switch seamlessly from car to plane to boat as you traverse this vast land. Grab your friends, rack up your fame and joyride through one of gaming’s largest playgrounds.
9. Hot Wheels Unleashed (Xbox One, PS4, Switch, Xbox Series X|S, PC, PS5)
Hot Wheels Unleashed - Gameplay Trailer | PS5, PS4
Yes, toy cars count too. Hot Wheels Unleashed is a racing game that features, well, you know, as you race around familiar environments like you did as a kid.
The cars are small and tracks are customizable just like they were in real life and you can build tracks along your living room, kitchen, office and other interiors just like it. The classic arcade gameplay runs like a dream, drifting is satisfying and races are intense just as they should be. Grab your mom, dad, brother or sister and take a hell of a ride, you won’t regret it.
8. Grid Legends (Xbox One, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, PC, PS5)
Grid Legends - Launch Trailer | PS5, PS4
In this ultimate sequel to Grid Legends’ past, this installment brings instant thrills and iconic racing moments in the world’s most legendary vehicles with the highest speeds, pumping action and even drama at every turn.
Take part not only in the races but in the docu-style narrative that’s actually filmed in live action. If you remember Nathan McCain whose been terrorizing the tracks since 2008, you’ll finally get to see what he looks like. Controls are tight and the roads are chaotic, with that and the cheeky narrative, you’re bound to have loads of fun.
7. Crash Drive 3 (Xbox One, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, PC, PS5)
Crash Drive 3 - Announcement Trailer I PS5, PS4
If you like cars, cartoons, and a whole lot of acardy fun, Crash Drive 3 should be on your radar. You can destroy gigantic beach balls, catch robbers as a cop or even steal a king’s crown. Not like any racing/car game you’ve ever heard of right?
This is great if you’re in the mood for mindless entertainment. There’s always something to do, there is so much variety and a neat sense of progression as you traverse this wacky world. Participate in random, competitive events, beat your opponents to earn the most cash and buy some incredible new cars or really inventive customizations.
6. Assetto Corsa Competizione (Xbox One, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, PC, PS5)
Assetto Corsa Competizione - Launch Trailer | PS5
Our first racing simulator on this list, in Assetto Corsa players can compete with online opponents or AI not only in racing but in everything else racing entails.
These are real cars, on real tracks and you’re building a real career. Okay, scratch that last one, but the career mode is robust and really gives you a taste of what it's like to be a professional racer. You are responsible for every aspect of your car’s performance, before, during and after each race. There’s a lot of attention to detail, and if you’re thinking of being a racer, this game will also teach you the art of commitment. Good luck.
5. WRC 10 (Xbox One, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, PC, PS5)
WRC 10 FIA World Rally Championship - Launch Trailer | PS5, PS4
With 50 years worth of Rally Racing history and a deep career mode at your fingertips, what’s not to love about the World Rally Championship if you’re a car fanatic?
This is by far the most finely tuned WRC installment thus far, and rivals even the best of licenced car games on the market. You’ll have to think hard on how to tune your car for the different climates you’re sure to traverse, and you’ll have to brave the weather and calculate risks. You’ve got a rich showroom, diverse maps and endless content for your mechanical delight.
4. Dirt 5 (Xbox One, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, PC, PS5)
Dirt 5 - Free Content Update Trailer | PS5, PS4
Now it’s time to go offroad. Dirt 5 features disciplines from rallycross, ice racing, Stadium Super Trucks and off-road buggies. Players can compete in wide range events that take place in almost every major country in the world.
Probably one of the most eye-pleasing racing games there is, and that’s saying something. This game certainly has style in terms of its aesthetics and its game mechanics. Weather definitely plays its role here, and if you like a challenge then you’ll love having to master each one that will require a lot of gear shifting, both literally and metaphorically. This is a game that every racing fan needs to play.
3. F1 2021 (Xbox One, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, PC, PS5)
F1 2021 - Launch Trailer | PS5, PS4
Wait, wait, this one’s got a plot: After winning the 2019 Formula 2 Championship with Carlin, Aiden Jackson secures a drive with a Formula One team for the 2020 season. However, Jackson has a rocky start to his career as he makes contact with teammate Casper Akkerman in the season opener in Australia.
This is a first for the series, and makes for an interesting season of Formula One to say the least. The characters may be fictional, but you will get to ride alongside the real F1 stars from the 2020-21 seasons. If you like this old, cart racing classic on the TV, then this game is a great way to revisit the season, even if through fictional characters.
2. Wreckfest (Xbox One, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, PC, PS5)
Wreckfest - Launch Trailer | PS5
What’s a car list without a demolition derby, right? Wreckfest hits you with a lot of crash, but with soft-body damage modeling, sophisticated driving dynamics and an in-depth vehicle upgrading system featuring both demolition derbies and more traditional track races.
But make no mistake, this game puts the blatant emphasis on fun, breakneck racing and over-the-top crashes. Whereas your simulators are great for putting you in the shoes of a professional racer, if there’s one thing a video game is good for, it’s letting you just wreck stuff for the hell of it. There is some intricate customization offered here, but if you and some friends want to get into some mindless, car action, pop this one in.
1. Gran Turismo 7 (PS4, PS5)
Gran Turismo 7 - PlayStation Showcase 2021 Trailer | PS5
The world’s best racing simulator is back! Gran Turismo 7 is a racing game and the 8th mainline installment of the Gran Turismo franchise, where you can partake in different game modes such as GT Campaign, Arcade and Driving School.
Gran Turismo has always been on the cutting edge of racing games for car lovers everywhere, and 7 is no exception. All of your favourite brands are back and there’s a lot to partake and discover here if you are said car lover. You even get old photographs and history lessons on each model, and… there’s not much else to say, it’s Gran Turismo! It’s everything you love now in glorious 4K.
