In recent years, video games have transcended to the point that the graphics almost certainly become too realistic. Racing games are no stranger to that as they completely capture the simulation and immersion better than any other genre. So, with that in mind, here are 10 racing games with the best graphics!
10 . NFS Heat (PC/PS4/PS5/Xbox One/Xbox Series X|S)
With NFS Heat, it looks like the series had gone back to its roots. The cars and customization options have massively improved, which also includes the return of Ferrari to the franchise. The gameplay is just fantastic and the open-world feels much more balanced. Graphically this game will have a massive advantage while playing on the PS5 and it will harness all the potential of the Frostbite Engine. It definitely holds up better than other current-gen racing games as it looks like EA spared no expense in the graphics department.
9 . WRC 10 (PC/PS4/PS5/Xbox One/Xbox Series X|S)
Sure, Codemasters’ Dirt series is a much more polished offroad game, but the official WRC 10 is no slouch either and it has become a strong rival. WRC 10 is much more focused and linear in terms of gameplay which is attractive. The game is not as hardcore as the Dirt game but it’s just fun to play and more forgiving than the Dirt series. The cars handle much nicer when you are in a tight spot and the graphics are just overwhelmingly good. The effect of rain comes over and you’ll see the glass filled with droplets that add another part to the immersion. The new historic rallies are a fun addition where you can travel back through time and take part in these legendary events.
8 . Dirt 5 (PC/PS4/PS5/Xbox One/Xbox Series X|S)
Dirt 5 is completely different from its mainline predecessors as it is much more arcade-focused. But, that is where it excels. You can make it as easy or as brutal as you want. The fun factor never stops here with amazing modes like rallycross, truck racing, and even ice racing! The tension and atmosphere are electric in this game. The career mode is definitely a banger with the customization and veteran voice actors, Nolan North and Troy Baker giving great voice performances. Graphically it still stands to the Dirt Rally series albeit a bit more colorful but that doesn’t take away from how the cars handle and feel or how the tracks are designed to perfection. The interior views give it a similar feeling to Dirt 4 which is greatly appreciated. But it isn’t shy in wanting to stand out graphically.
7 . Wreckfest (PC/PS4/PS5/Xbox One/Xbox Series X|S)
There haven’t been that many demolition derby games, but with the arrival of Wreckfest, that void has been filled. It is an intense arcade racer with no rules or regulations to slow things down. You will race your way through different tracks while wrecking other cars on your path to victory lane. The more wreckages you cause in the process of driving, the better! It is the perfect racing game for anyone who likes to leave destruction in their wake. The textures are crisp for a demolition derby game honestly which is great to see.
6 . Project CARS 2 (PC/PS4/Xbox One)
Project Cars 2 is said to be the best Project Cars game ever. Mainly because it was so ahead of its time in every department, particularly in the graphics and realism aspect. It's one of the first modern sim racing games to implement dynamic 24-hour weather and it blends in well. The graphics aren’t quite as good as Forza or Gran Turismo but are enough to make players want to play it. The car details are very good and it even has licensed real-life liveries to have that small bit of immersion of driving in a real-life series.
5 . Dirt Rally 2.0 (PC/PS4/PS5/Xbox One/Xbox Series X|S)
Dirt 2.0 is the best in the offroad business and will have you rage quit every time you fail to set a good time on a stage. The handling and throttling are precise in this game and when you fail, you fail. But after you try again and again and that perfect lap shows up, that is when the good feels hit. The rain graphics and physics are superb in this one. The way the dirt physics works is also visually stunning. The game is best played with a wheel as it gives much better feedback so grab one before buying the game.
4 . Assetto Corsa Competizione (PC/PS4/PS5/Xbox One/Xbox Series X|S)
AC Competizione is not for the faint-hearted as it takes trial and error to a whole new level. Everything is tight and I mean, tighter than ever in any racing game. This solely focuses on GT3 and GT4 cars which are the most challenging racing cars to control and master. The AI will demolish you if given the chance so take it easy with this game if you pick it up. There’s a steep learning curve and when you master it then nothing’s stopping you. It offers a pure racing experience that only a handful of games deliver. With the latest next-gen graphics updates, bask yourself in the world of true sim racing.
3 . F1 2021 (PC/PS4/PS5/Xbox One/Xbox Series X|S)
F1 cars are the fastest racing cars to ever exist on the planet. If you’ve seen them on TV or been to a track, you’ve definitely had the feeling of driving one. Well, you definitely can with the new F1 game from Codemasters. The attention to detail is stunning in this game. The race suits, the steering wheels, and the tracks are precisely detailed. The graphics and physics are close to real life and you’ll feel like you’re watching an actual onboard of driving where, in fact, you’re the driver!
2 . Forza Horizon 5 (PC/Xbox One/Xbox Series X|S)
Ever wanted to explore a vast world with your favorite tuner or muscle car? Forza Horizon 5 has got you covered. This latest game in the series takes you to Mexico where you can explore all kinds of places, from ancient temples to populated cities. Not to mention, the racing is intense and fun for the players. The atmosphere is chill enough to explore the countryside with some lo-fi beats. Visually the game is a sight to behold, it's more refined and better than its predecessor. The details are extraordinary and by disabling all the HUD, you’ll be immersed in the world. Most of all, if you want to have fun this will satisfy that craving. Why not give it a shot?
1 . Gran Turismo 7 (/PS4/PS5)
There’s no argument which game should top this list other than a Gran Turismo title and the recently released GT7 fits that narrative perfectly. It captures the essence of what it means to drive a beautiful car and nail the perfect lap. The gameplay, the cars, the tracks, and finally, the graphics all just take it up a 1000 levels. It has everything. This game has so much to offer that it can’t be said in a few words. The weather effects at all tracks are literally detailed based on their real-life counterparts. The handling, the racing, the cruising everything is so smooth and perfect that you’ll fall in love with this game at first sight. The game especially excels in the graphics department quite a bit with the Scapes photo mode that captures ultra photo-realistic images.
These games are the best in terms of graphics and also in terms of overall gameplay. You should definitely try them out. Have fun!
