If we go back in time, a decade ago, there was a decline in the acceptance of racing simulation games. A number of major development studios have shut down, and even mainstream series like Need for Speed have struggled to maintain their initial popularity.
If you are a motor racing fan, there is good news for you. Things are much better today than in the past. Several racing titles have been released over the years like Forza Horizon, Assetto Corsa, iRacing, etc.
We have seen several open racing games become very popular among gamers. The simulation racing genre is more competitive than ever today. In July 2015, EA acquired Codemasters for the astronomical sum of $1.2 billion, which illustrates the high value of racing games in recent years.
This article will introduce you to our selection of the best racing simulation games you can play right now. Most of these games are modern, as this genre is constantly improving.
But we won’t overlook the classic titles that are still popular with gamers and just as good as modern games. Our main focus will be to cover games that are easy to find and play on the majority of hardware. So, without wasting time, let’s get to our main topic.
1. Dirt Rally 2.0
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
If you are looking for the best offroad racing simulator games then dirt rally 2.0 is at the top of the list. There has probably never been anything better. Despite its imbalance, this car offers exceptional handling and a driving experience as gripping as any other car in this class. The best way to experience it is with a good steering wheel, but this game is unbeatable for experiencing the pure thrill of a car and the challenge of a course.
Features :
- In terms of career mode, rallycross and rally modes are both available.
- You can play in Freeplay mode to compete for titles, create your own custom game, and complete time trials on all tracks.
- In addition to joining the team, players can increase the abilities of team members.
- Overall, the game offers an excellent gaming experience that is worth every effort.
2. iRacing
Platforms: PC
The eSports industry is known for three things: its costs, the time it puts into it, and its robustness. On top of that, it encompasses some of the most exciting aspects of motorsport. As you rise through the ranks, you’ll experience the same camaraderie and excitement as in the real world and also, of course, some big disappointments.
There’s no denying that some aspects of Iracing are a bit dated – and there are certainly more realistic sims out there – but ten years of experience brings a level of skill you won’t find anywhere else.
Features :
- The technology and features it offers are superior to those of its competitors.
- The circuits are very authentic, realistic and precise.
- A huge selection of cars is available. Players can find their dream car in this game.
- The racing simulation experience it offers is unmatchable compared to any other game.
3. Assetto Corsa / Assetto Corsa Competizione
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
The two experiences offered by Kunos Simulazioni are so different, yet both so good, that we’ve included them both.
Assetto Corsa has seen better days, but it can still be an awesome driving sim with a few tweaks, and Competizione is getting better as it hits iRacing as a pure racing sim. As far as GT racing goes, it’s probably the healthiest and most diverse form of motorsport out there today. We also have a guide for Assetto Corsa Competizione.
Assetto Corsa also has a number of useful force feedback options that will allow you to experience driving a car without having to feel it. You’ll probably have the hardest time getting used to a PC in the beginning. In reality, you’ll need to step up a gear when it’s time to get down to business.
Features :
- Career mode offers a very real experience where you progress as a pilot and earn titles and rewards.
- Thanks to its advanced physics engine, it is a next generation simulation game.
- Although the choice of cars is not very wide, if you are not afraid to play with mods, you will not be bored with this game.
- The best thing about this game is that you can play it using any type of device like keyboard, gamepad, joystick, etc.
- It offers the best hardware compatibility.
4. Project Cars 2
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
Project Cars 2 is also available on modern consoles, so you can expect a polished presentation, including a light but solid offline career mode. Cars and tracks are plentiful here, especially if you buy the season pass with the many car packs.
Physicists made these improvements to accommodate the physics engine, like in Assetto Corsa. Driving a car is fun because it’s responsive and fun, but I still have trouble connecting with it.
The wide range of vehicles here, from two-stroke go-karts to four-wheel-drive rally vehicles, makes it all look the same, which is a problem.
Features :
- The physical characteristics are much better than those of competitors.
- Both classic and new cars are available.
- Race tracks of even better quality.
- Dynamic track and weather conditions.
- The difficulty level can be adjusted very easily.
- The PC version of this game comes with amazing VR.
5. rFactor 2
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
We go a long way back with rFactor. Its core physics engine was used for older, iconic games, like F1 Challenge 2002. Online ad-hoc leagues and modified mods were my only choice at the time.
The list of licensed cars and tracks in rFactor 2 is now very long (and still growing), and it even includes some of the most competitive online racing series.
RFactor 2 is the only game that seriously stands out from everything I’ve listed so far. The game doesn’t come with half a dozen offline career modes or a complex licensing system to unlock cars.
There’s a menu where you choose where to race, which car to drive, and then you go. Offline racing is certainly possible, and the artificially intelligent competition will provide a good challenge, but the scariest competition is usually found online – including Max Verstappen’s.
Features :
- The physics features of this game are the most complex compared to other racing simulation games.
- Car handling is much better.
- The different weather, day and night conditions of the game make it much more attractive.
- You can choose from very high quality mods with great mod support.
Conclusion
Racing simulation is one of the favorite sub-genres of racing fans. So, we have brought you a list of some of the best racing simulation games available in the market right now. All of these games operate on almost the same physical basis. But the gaming experience depends on the gaming equipment you are playing with. A gaming steering wheel like Logitech G920 Driving Force can take your driving experience to another level.
The only difference is in the graphics, cars, maps, tracks, mods and other technical details. All games have their own pros and cons. Some offer the fastest cars while others offer better handling. It all depends on the choice and preferences of the user. If you are new to racing simulation, you can try all of these games and then decide which one is best for you.
