The Best Racing Games on Steam

The racing genre on Steam has evolved into a diverse landscape that caters to both casual enthusiasts and hardcore simulation fans. Players can choose from high-octane street races, professional circuit simulations, and physics-based destruction derbies. This platform hosts some of the most technologically advanced titles in the industry, featuring realistic weather systems and intricate vehicle mechanics. From open-world exploration to precision-based time trials, the current selection offers unparalleled variety for virtual drivers.

‘MotoGP 23’ (2023)

Milestone S.r.l. developed and published this official simulation of the premier motorcycle racing championship. The title introduces a revamped career mode that emphasizes player decisions through a social media simulation. It features dynamic weather and flag-to-flag rules that require strategic pit stops during changing conditions. Players can access all official riders and tracks from the 2023 season across multiple classes.

‘GRID Legends’ (2022)

This installment was developed by Codemasters and published by Electronic Arts to provide a blend of arcade and simulation racing. It features a live-action story mode titled ‘Driven to Glory,’ which utilizes virtual production techniques. The game includes over 130 tracks and a diverse vehicle roster ranging from semi-trucks to open-wheel racers. A key feature is the “Nemesis” system, where AI drivers react aggressively to the player’s on-track behavior.

‘Need for Speed Unbound’ (2022)

Criterion Games developed this title with Electronic Arts serving as the publisher for the long-running street racing franchise. The game introduces a distinct visual style combining realistic cars with cel-shaded character designs and graffiti-inspired effects. Set in the fictional city of Lakeshore, players participate in high-stakes illicit races while evading an aggressive police force. It features a deep customization system and a soundtrack curated by prominent hip-hop artists.

‘Redout 2’ (2022)

Developed by 34BigThings and published by Saber Interactive, this game serves as a tribute to classic futuristic anti-gravity racers. Players compete in high-speed events across semi-abandoned landscapes on a dystopian Earth. The title offers extensive customization for racing crafts, allowing for adjustments to engines, stabilizers, and wings. It supports a comprehensive career mode alongside competitive online multiplayer for up to 12 players.

‘Burnout Paradise Remastered’ (2018)

Developed by Stellar Entertainment and Criterion Games, this remastered edition was published by Electronic Arts to bring the 2008 classic to modern hardware. Players explore the vast open world of Paradise City, where they can initiate races or stunt challenges at any intersection. The game is celebrated for its spectacular crash physics and high-speed “Takedown” mechanics. This version includes eight primary DLC packs and features enhanced graphics running at 60 frames per second.

‘Hot Wheels Unleashed’ (2021)

Milestone S.r.l. developed and published this arcade racer based on the iconic toy brand. The game features miniature cars racing through oversized environments like kitchens, garages, and skyscrapers. Players can build their own complex tracks using a flexible editor and share them with the online community. It includes a wide variety of collectible vehicles, each with different rarity levels and performance attributes.

‘Ride 5’ (2023)

Developed and published by Milestone S.r.l., this title offers an authentic motorcycle racing experience focused on road bikes. It features an improved weather system that calculates track temperature and atmospheric conditions in real-time. Players can explore a comprehensive career mode that includes over 35 tracks and more than 200 motorcycles from world-renowned manufacturers. The game also introduces an “Endurance” mode that tests player stamina with long-distance racing and strategic pit stops.

‘Art of Rally’ (2020)

Funselektor Labs Inc. developed and published this stylized title that focuses on the vintage era of off-road competition. It features a unique top-down perspective and minimalist visuals inspired by mid-century travel posters. Players can drive iconic vehicles from the 1960s through the Group B era across stages in Finland, Sardinia, and Japan. The driving model balances accessibility with a deep physics system that rewards mastering drifts and weight transfers.

‘Automobilista 2’ (2020)

Reiza Studios developed and published this comprehensive simulator that utilizes the Madness Engine to deliver high-fidelity visuals. It focuses heavily on the Brazilian racing scene while also including international tracks and historical vehicles from various eras. The game features a dynamic weather system and a vast array of classes ranging from go-karts to classic Grand Prix cars. It is frequently updated with new content and technical improvements to its physics model.

‘Wreckfest’ (2018)

Developed by Bugbear Entertainment and published by THQ Nordic, this title focuses on demolition derbies and high-impact racing. The game utilizes a sophisticated soft-body damage engine that allows for realistic vehicle deformation during collisions. Players can compete in traditional races or arena-based brawls using everything from muscle cars to motorized lawnmowers. A deep upgrade system allows for both performance tuning and heavy armor reinforcement to survive the chaos.

‘F1 23’ (2023)

Codemasters developed and Electronic Arts published this official game of the 2023 FIA Formula One World Championship. It marks the return of the ‘Braking Point’ story mode, which features fictional characters in a cinematic narrative. The game introduces updated physics for better handling on controllers and includes the Las Vegas and Qatar circuits. Players can manage their own team in ‘My Team’ mode or compete in extensive online leagues.

‘iRacing’ (2015)

Developed and published by iRacing.com Motorsport Simulations, this title serves as a premier subscription-based competitive platform on Steam. It utilizes a sophisticated matchmaking system that pairs drivers based on their skill and safety records. Every track in the game is laser-scanned to ensure that every bump and curve matches its real-world counterpart. The software is officially sanctioned by major racing bodies like NASCAR and IMSA for professional virtual events.

‘DiRT Rally 2.0’ (2019)

Developed and published by Codemasters, this simulation focuses on the demanding world of off-road rallying and rallycross. It features iconic locations from across the globe, including New Zealand, Argentina, and Spain. The game is known for its punishing difficulty and realistic surface degradation system that changes the track as more cars pass through. It includes the official license for the FIA World Rallycross Championship and a wide array of historic rally cars.

‘Assetto Corsa’ (2014)

Developed by Kunos Simulazioni and published by 505 Games, this title remains a benchmark for realistic driving physics and car handling. It offers a wide selection of licensed vehicles, ranging from classic sports cars to modern GT3 racers. The game is particularly famous for its open architecture, which has fostered one of the largest modding communities in the racing genre. Players can access thousands of user-created cars and tracks that keep the experience fresh.

‘Forza Horizon 5’ (2021)

Playground Games developed this open-world racer, which was published by Xbox Game Studios. Set in a fictionalized version of Mexico, the game features a massive map with diverse biomes, including active volcanoes and historic cities. It offers a collection of over 700 cars and a constant stream of seasonal content and challenges. The title is widely praised for its accessibility, stunning visuals, and the “EventLab” toolset for custom game modes.

Please share your thoughts on which racing titles have earned a permanent spot in your Steam library in the comments.