Intro: Choose Your Poison – Accuracy or Pure Speed
Racing games can transform driving into a skill to master—or a playground built for speed, stunts and surprises. Simulation racers care about how cars behave. Braking points, tire grip, track conditions, careful steering matter. Arcade racers are usually more forgiving and easy to jump into, with things like forgiving handling, open world events, boosts or silly power-ups. And in between is the ‘simcade’ style, which has some realism but is still accessible.
This guide compares six games in that range. Assetto Corsa Competizione is the most simulation-focused pick here, with Gran Turismo 7 providing a more accessible path into circuit racing. Both Forza Horizon 6 and The Crew Motorfest have open world driving with events and exploration as well as races. F1 25 is best for official Formula racing, with a separate 2026 Season Pack also available. Mario Kart World is a more fun take on the genre for colorful competition with friends.
Depends what you want out of a racing game. Want to learn a track and shave a few seconds off your lap? Drive through a huge world and make decisions on events as you go? Or race your friends in brief, chaotic rounds? The latest round-up of racing game guides covers them all, from hardcore simulators to open-world and kart racers. techradar.com
Check availability on your platform and any extra content you may need before buying. Gran Turismo 7 is now on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. Mario Kart World will only come on the Nintendo Switch 2. EA’s F1 25 2026 update requires the base game, game updates and internet connection for some content. Those details can impact which game is easiest for your setup and budget. PlayStation
6 Racing Games Compared
| Game | Driving style | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|
| Assetto Corsa Competizione | Simulation | Track and precision practice |
| Gran Turismo 7 | Simcade | Car collection and circuit studies |
| Forza Horizon VI | Arcade / open world | Exploration and various events |
| Crew Motorfest | Arcade / open world | mixed vehicle action & car culture |
| F1 25 + Season Pass 2026 | Formula racing cars | Official F1 teams, drivers and regulations |
| Mario Kart World | Kart arcade | Fast, fun races with friends |
Assetto Corsa Competizione for realistic GT racing. This is the most demanding pick on the list. It is about GT racing, detailed car behavior, weather and nite racing. It’s for players who like learning braking points and racing lines, particularly with a wheel and pedals. store.steampowered.com
Gran Turismo 7 For accessible circuit racing. It features campaign events, a driving school, arcade modes, car collecting, tuning and online competition. The various modes make it a nice bridge between realistic driving and a more accessible racing experience. It is available for the PS4 and PS5. PlayStation
Forza Horizon 6 for open world arcadey driving. It’s set in a stylized Japan and lets players explore and race across city and countryside settings. If you want freedom between events, it’s a good pick, with its more forgiving handling and wide range of activities. Released in May 2026 for Xbox Series X|S and PC, with a PS5 version coming after launch. forza.net
Open World Variety The Crew Motorfest. Set in a Hawaiian archipelago, it includes street racing, off-road driving, drifting, and other themed events. The mode details will specify whether cross-play is available for some multiplayer modes, Ubisoft says, so check if you want to race friends on different systems. ubisoft.com
For Formula One fans F1 25 + 2026 Season Pack. This is the path to the 2026 F1 season in EA’s series. The season pack updates teams, drivers and rules, but you need the base game and an internet connection to get some of the content. ea.com
Mario Kart World for fun group racing. With its simple controls and wild racing it’s a natural fit for casual multiplayer. Exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2, with local, wireless and online play. Nintendo Official Site
Select Your Driving Feel
For the most realistic driving challenge, begin with Assetto Corsa Competizione. It’s a game that rewards patience, practice and precision. If you prefer realism but want a broader selection of modes and a more accessible entry point, Gran Turismo 7 has campaign events, driving school, car collecting and online races. These games are perfect for players who enjoy working on their lap times and learning how different cars perform.
If you want more freedom, Forza Horizon 6 and The Crew Motorfest provide open worlds to explore and plenty of driving events to choose from. Forza Horizon 6 is a better fit for racing around a stylized Japan The Crew Motorfest provides a wider car-culture setting across Hawaiian islands If you’re a fan of Formula One, you might want to go with F1 25 with the 2026 Season Pack. Mario Kart World is for quick silly races with friends.
Another useful factor is the controls. You can get away with a regular controller for arcade games, and plenty of simulation racers, but a wheel and pedals add a new level of precision and immersion. Check to see if a game has the setup you want and if it has any assists for braking, steering or traction. Beginners can keep assists on initially and turn them down as they become more confident.
Finally, compare total cost and platform requirements before you buy. Requires base game to play the F1 season update. Online Racing may require a platform subscription. Cross-play availability may vary depending on game mode. Choose the type of racing you want to repeat: perfecting a corner, exploring a map, competing with friends or following a real motorsport season. That will tell you more than the graphics or the car counts alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between simulation and arcade racing games?
Simulation racers tend to be more into realistic car handling and driving technique. Arcade racers tend to make it easier to jump into fast, forgiving races often with open world activities or playful mechanics.
What’s the best game for realistic driving?
Assetto Corsa Competizione is the most sim-oriented pick on this list, particularly if you’re into GT racing and driving the track correctly. store.steampowered.com
Which is the best racing game for casual players?
Forza Horizon 6 is open world exploration and different events. Mario Kart World is just the more playful races with friends.
Is Forza Horizon 6 for PlayStation 5?
It is due to launch on Xbox Series X|S and PC in May 2026. The official FAQ says a PS5 version is coming sometime later in 2026 — check the PlayStation Store to see if it’s available yet. Forza Support
Do I have to use a racing wheel to play simulation games?
No A controller works fine, especially with driving assists on. A wheel and pedals are optional, but they allow for more precise inputs.
