A memorable racing title is built on four pillars: a satisfying sense of speed; graphics that construct an enjoyable game world; tight controls; and excellent sound effects and cruising music. It doesn’t matter if the genre is arcade, sim, or kart; if a racing game masters those elements, it’ll go down in the annals as one of the greats. The question is, which PC games qualify? Our list sorts the few winner’s-circle games from the many runners up.

Racing Games on PC

There is a full field of games in the race. At the time of this writing, Steam alone has a ridiculous number of pages devoted to competitive driving (that’s not factoring in racing games from other game stores). Granted, some of the listed titles most certainly are not racing games. For example, Rocket League features wheeled vehicles literally speeding toward a goal, but it is unquestionably a sports game (anyone who says otherwise is lying and is not your friend). Likewise, EmergeNYC, a simulation game in which you jump into the shoes of the EMS, FDNY, or NYPD and attempt to save lives, is not a racing game.

A racing game is a title that puts you in control of a vehicle as you attempt to outrun the competition to place first at the finish line. That’s our definition, and we think it’s pretty reasonable.

What About Playing Racing Games on the Steam Deck?
If you’re playing on a Windows PC, all you need to do is download and install these games. If you’re playing on the Steam Deck, check Valve’s game compatibility list to see if your racing games of choice work in the Proton-enhanced, Linux-based environment. So far, hundreds of Steam games are Steam Deck verified, according to info pulled from SteamDB(Opens in a new window). A green checkmark indicates that game is fully verified to run well on Steam Deck; a yellow checkmark indicates that the game is playable on Steam Deck, “but requires extra steps or manual work from the user.” Keep in mind that racing games that haven’t been reviewed still may work with Steam Deck.

Pedal to the Metal

If you’re reading this article, you’re probably got the need for speed. Fortunately, we do, too. The PCMag pit crew loves a good racing game, so we have several recommended titles that you should try. Admittedly, our tastes lean deep into the arcade and kart side of things. We’re expanding the field with upcoming reviews that explore hardcore racing simulations, such as Assetto Corsa Competizione, Automobilista, and Project Cars. Look for those soon. Right now, you should check out our favorite racing games on PC. Happy driving.

Burnout Paradise Remastered

Burnout Paradise, originally released in 2008 for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360, is one of Criterion’s best games, so it only makes sense that Burnout Paradise Remastered is even better.

On top of some welcome graphics enhancements, PC players get to experience the previously console-only Big Surf Island and all its potential for stunts and havoc. Paradise City’s map is as enjoyable as ever, too, whether you are just driving around or completing the many available events.

Although some of the original game’s pain points remain (an annoying crash cam, some menu quirks), none are severe enough to seriously detract from the title’s satisfying vehicle handling, expansive map, and many unlockables.

Burnout Paradise Remastered (for PC) Review

Dirt 5

The Codemasters-developed Dirt 5 hearkens back to the 1990s, a time when Colin McRae Rally and drift hunters Sega Rally Championship elevated “extreme” racing games. Like those games, Dirt 5 isn’t concerned with realism or deep customization options; instead, the rally racer wants you to barrel your way to victory on winding, mud-covered tracks.

While Dirt 5 isn’t wholly original, it succeeds at delivering a loud, colorful racing experience for folks looking for a PC game packed with high-speed escapism.

Forza Horizon 4

In 2018, Forza Horizon 4 appeared on PC just two years after its excellent predecessor, which made some people question the necessity of the series every-other-year schedule. Yet, Developer Playground Games touted that the open-world racer’s new features would make the purchase worthwhile. The company was 100 percent correct.

With Forza Horizon 4, the thrilling racing-and-music festival formula expands with new vehicles, fresh and addictive solo and multiplayer modes, and seasonal effects. The changing weather patterns are easily the game’s best aspect, as they alter how you approach driving. For example, the scenic lake that you whiz by during the spring, summer, and fall may freeze over in the winter, allowing you to drive over it as an alternate route. Likewise, spring’s rain muddies courses, making cornering a chore. The seasons shift every week, so you aren’t stuck in one for too long.

Factor in the new performance-enhancing Skills, gorgeous UK-based environments, returning Barn Finds, well-curated soundtrack, and Forza Horizon 4 stands as one of the best racing games to appear on PC in recent years.

Forza Horizon 5

Each sequel in Xbox Game Studios’ popular racing series uses the previous title as a foundation, and Forza Horizon 5 continues the tradition. The fifth title in the racing-and-music festival has the numerous modes, fun atmosphere, hip music, and wild stunts you’d expect, but this time the additions and changes are more evolutionary than revolutionary.

Longtime series fans will appreciate Forza Horizon 5’s varied Mexico setting, ridiculously packed modes, and new features (the create-a-track EventLab, in particular). Newcomers will be wowed by the racer’s many, creative riches. In short, Forza Horizon remains the best racing game series, and Forza Horizon 5 is yet another example of why it’s so beloved.

Horizon Chase Turbo

These days, it’s easy to adopt a cynical stance toward anything laced with nostalgia, because there are so many pop culture properties mining the past for a quick buck. Somehow, someway, Horizon Chase Turbo, despite its throwback aesthetic, has charm enough to prevent it from being lumped into that hack class.

Horizon Chase Turbo is a simple game that focuses on boosting, weaving between rivals’ vehicles, and a unique gameplay angle: collecting gas canisters so that you don’t run out of fuel. That said, the Aquiris Game Studio-published racing game’s main hook is its visuals.

Horizon Chase Turbo is a gorgeous game, though, admittedly, one that may not be instantly recognized as such due to a flat, polygon-heavy art style that recalls 1990’s racing games (but without jaggies, clipping, and other era-specific visual flaws). The graphics dance between pastel colors and cool, neon highlights depending on if you’re driving at daytime or nighttime, respectively.

Insanely cool to look at and just as fun to play, Horizon Chase Turbo is a PC racing game that belongs in your library.