Racing Games

What Are Racing Games?

Racing games are a type of video game where players compete in a racing competition. It can be any type of race, and the opponents may be either computer-generated or other real, live online players. Racing games come in many different varieties. They are extremely popular across a wide demographic because of the rush of adrenaline that players experience as they dash through the tracks in an effort to be the first to reach the finish line.

What Are the Categories in Racing Games?

One of the reasons why racing games continue to be popular throughout the years is because there are so many different categories. Basically, there is a sub-genre that caters to the unique preferences and racing styles of players. Here are some of the most popular categories that you can encounter.

Simulation Racing Games

Simulation style racing is one of the most successful sub-genres of racing games. This car game online replicates actual racing dynamics like vehicle handling and automobile behavior physics. Some of these games even obtain licenses to use real racing cars or leagues to create the most realistic experience possible. A couple of the more popular sim racing titles today are Gran Turismo and Assetto Corsa.

Arcade Racing Games

The focus of arcade racing games is more on fun and accessibility rather than realism. These racing cars games do not require Physics and are usually exaggerated, just like what you can see in the very popular games, Need for Speed and Burnout.

Kart Racing Games

Some of the trademark features of kart racing games are simplified driving without so much focus on precise physics but rather on a fun and whimsical style. There are typically several imaginative obstacles, power-ups, and quirky track designs. A well-loved example of this is Mario Kart.

Rally Racing Games

In rally racing games, you do not compete against the other participants but rather against the clock. Test your mettle on various racing tracks, including extreme off-road settings, as well as unpredictable weather conditions, as you try to complete each stage with your best time. Some of the more popular rally racing games today are the Dirt Rally and WRC series.

Street Racing Games

Drive your vehicle in urban locations, which could be purely fictional or patterned after real famous cities. Most of these games incorporate car culture elements and give plenty of vehicle customization options. Top examples are Forza Horizon and Midnight Club.

Motorcycle Racing Games

Motorcycle racing games feed your need for speed on two wheels as you compete to reach the finish line first. In addition to the standard racing elements, these games also include motorcycle-specific aspects such as leaning and balance. If you enjoy riding your bike in real life, you will also enjoy these types of games like MotoGP and Ride.

Futuristic Racing Games

If you are wondering what racing would be like in the future, just try out some of these fast-paced futuristic racing games. Get a surge of adrenaline as you ride in out-of-this-world vehicles and hi-tech environments. Popular games in this category are Wipeout and F-Zero.

Drag Racing Games

Just like real drag racing, these games usually involve two competitors at a time. Crossing the finish line first is not as simple as it sounds. You also need to tune and customize your vehicle, and get the timing right. CSR Racing is currently one of the most popular drag racing series today.

Off-Road Racing Games

If you like to get down and dirty, off-road racing is for you. Speed through standard dirt tracks and extremely rugged terrains using customized trucks and buggies of your choosing. MotorStorm series is a popular example of this category.

Open World Racing Games

Want to drive real fast without being restricted to a specific track? Open world racing is the perfect game for you. Fulfill your need for speed and explore the world while also conquering a variety of challenges in games like Forza Horizon.

What Are the Best Racing Games on Different Platforms?

With so many great platforms and so many amazing titles in each of the sub-genres, it's a challenge to pick out a select few that are considered the best. However, after serious deliberation, we have managed to come up with our top racing games for mobile, PC, and console.

Racing Games on Android and iOS

GRID Autosport

Touted by many as the best racing game on mobile, GRID Autosport features console-quality graphics on any Android and iOS device. Choose from several gameplay options – compete with other online players in the multiplayer mode or advance your own racing career in the career mode. The game also offers superior customization options, giving you a racing experience that perfectly matches your style.

App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/grid-autosport/id1179421849

Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.feralinteractive.gridas&hl=en_US

Reckless Racing 3

If you are looking for a racing game that really breaks barriers, Reckless Racing 3 is the perfect choice. Cruise your way through extreme dirt tracks, extraordinary power slides, and stunning graphics, and choose from a wide range of racing vehicles.

App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/reckless-racing-3/id882453590

Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pixelbite.rr3&hl=en_US

Racing Games on PC

Forza Horizon 4

Race through the streets of a fictional version of Great Britain, with familiar sights that are reminiscent of Edinburgh, Broadway and the Cotswolds, Derwentwater and the Lake District, and more! Aside from straightforward racing, you can also advance by participating in events, customizing vehicles and successfully performing stunts!

Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1293830/Forza_Horizon_4/

iRacing

For those racing game fanatics looking for the most realistic experience, iRacing is one of the top rated racing games for PC and comes very highly recommended. The physics here are precise and the tracks are laser-scanned, making it as real as can be! There are also dozens of cars to choose from and the graphics are extremely satisfying.

Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/266410/iRacing/

Racing Games on Console

Forza Motorsport Series

The focus of the Forza Motorsport series is on simulation racing over tracks patterned after real ones, as well as purely fictional tracks. The first of the series came out in 2005 for the original Xbox and gave players a whopping 231 cars to choose from. It is now currently on the 8^th edition, which was released in October 2023.

Xbox: https://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/forza-motorsport

Gran Turismo 7

The 13^th and most recent release of the Gran Turismo series, GT7 features the trademark superior graphics and gameplay of the GT title. It is compatible with both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, and is the first installment to work in multiple consoles. It also features an amazing 491 cars, including 3 special editions.

PlayStation Store: https://www.playstation.com/en-us/games/gran-turismo-7/  

Conclusion

Whether you are looking for online car games that are free, or are willing to shell out some bucks for some racing games that are really worth it, there is no shortage of options for you. Racing games will also be popular. You just need to choose your category and your device, then pick the title that’s best suited to your racing style.