Only a few things can compare with the adrenaline you feel when hugging those turn corners at top speed, leaving your competition lagging in the wind. While racing in the real world is an expensive sport, you always look towards games to fulfill your dreams. Since there are so many games out there and knowing where to start exactly can be intimidating, to help you out, we have prepared a list of the top 6 racing games you can play as a beginner.
6. Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled
- Release Date: June 20, 2019
- No. of players: 1-8
- Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
If you’re looking to add a nostalgic touch to your classic couch multiplayer, then Crash Team Racing is the perfect option for you. This game has it all: power-sliding around corners, braking, and accelerating throughout the course. You can do all of that by learning some simple controls.
If you prefer to play solo, you can always try out Adventure Mode, or if you want to compete with friends and prove your dominance, then this game has Battle Mode and Crash Team Racing that you can play. No doubt, this game is the perfect getaway and makes for an enjoyable entry for those looking for a racing experience without the technical nitty-gritty.
5. Gran Turismo 7
- Release Date: March 4, 2022
- No. of players: Online multiplayer
- Platforms: PS4, PS5
The latest entry in the franchise, Gran Turismo 7, is renowned for its attention to detail when it comes to a realistic sports racing experience. You’ll find yourself immersed in the authenticity generated by the true-to-life car handling, engine audio design, and lifelike animations of the cars and drivers alike.
Despite its realism, Gran Turismo 7 remains accessible to a wide host of players. You can customize options such as traction control and ABS, as well as adjust difficulty systems, which make your experience simpler at the cost of realism. All in all, it is an exciting racing game that beginners looking for a challenge should try.
4. Wreckfest
- Release Date: January 15, 2014
- No. of players: 1-4 local split screen, Online Multiplayer
- Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Microsoft Windows, Android
Probably the most unique game on this list, Wreckfest places a lot of emphasis on destructive chaos. With game modes such as the Figure-Eight Track, players can jump right in and lay waste to their rival drivers through intense, frantic collisions.
Wreckfest is a love letter to players looking for a lighthearted and laid-back experience. The exaggerated animations and comedic physics add to this casual atmosphere. Whether you choose to work your way to the top in career mode or jump into a demolition party through quick-play, you are in for an absolute blast.
3. Forza Horizon 5
- Release Date: November 1, 2021
- No. of players: 1-2 local split screen, Online Multiplayer
- Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Microsoft Windows
You can’t make a list of the best racing games without talking about Forza Horizon 5. It is indeed one of the best realistic racing games I have played, both in terms of gameplay and visuals.
Players can customize various elements of the game to make the mechanics easier to manage. These include traction control, braking assistance, and stability control, amongst others. Similarly, the progressive difficulty system means that you can gradually move up the learning curve as you gain familiarity with the game mechanics. This makes Forza Horizon 5 suitable for players who want to cruise through beautifully rendered tracks through the eyes of a pro racer. While you might have to grind for in-game credits to purchase your favorite cars, you can always purchase a Forza Horizon 5 account to give you a head start.
2. Project Cars 2
- Release Date: September 21, 2017
- No. of players: 1-2 local split screen, Online Multiplayer
- Platforms: Xbox One, PS4, Microsoft Windows
Project Cars 2 is definitely one of the hardest racing out there, unlike games like Forza Horizon 5, due to its focus on providing a realistic racing experience. That said, the game does have a decent collection of cars to choose from, with plenty of accessibility options, customizations and a huge number of tracks to choose from that can help any new players to start.
With a focus on realism, both in gameplay mechanics as well as the cars and tracks themselves, Project Cars 2 may not be the easiest game on this list, but it certainly is one of the closest to reality.
1. Hot Wheels Unleashed
- Release Date: September 21, 2017
- No. of players: 1-2 local split screen, Online Multiplayer
- Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch
Ideal for those family and friend game nights or get-togethers, Hot Wheels Unleashed offers the perfect blend of arcade fun for the younger audience as well as nostalgia for players familiar with the previous edition. Driving in Hot Wheels is simple thanks to its intuitive controls and forgiving gameplay, making it a perfect fit for beginners looking for a casual racing experience.
With a wide selection of memorable cars to choose from, drift through vivid and imaginative race tracks with elements such as gravity-defying sections or collapsing structures as you look to get the better of your fellow racers.
Conclusion
With so many racing games out there to choose from, it can no doubt get overwhelming to decide where to start. Many of these, like Forza Horizon 5, will require you to grind for their in-game currencies like Forza 5 credits to unlock your favorite cars or customization. However, all of the above games that we have highlighted have the right mix of realism, and accessibility, which will be worth the grind.
