Having a pleasing sensation of speed, visuals that racing establish an entertaining gaming environment, responsive controls, and outstanding sound effects and cruise music are the four pillars around which a memorable racing videogame is based. If a racing game is able to perfect these aspects, regardless of whether it is an arcade, sim, or kart game, it will be remembered as a classic. Which PC games are eligible is the question. Among the numerous games that didn’t make the cut, our list singles out the ones that did.
PC Racing Games
There is a stacked lineup of contenders this time around. At the time of writing, there are an absurd amount of racing games available on Steam alone, and that doesn’t even take into account titles from other shops. It’s true that some of these games aren’t really about racing. Rocket League, which shows cars on wheels racing toward a goal, is definitely a sports game despite its outward appearance (anyone who says otherwise is lying and is not your friend). Similarly, EmergeNYC, a simulation game in which you assume the role of an emergency medical technician, firefighter, or police officer in New York City, is not a racing game.
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A racing game is one in which the player controls a vehicle and races against other players in an effort to cross the finish line first. Our group agrees that this is a fair definition.
Is it a Good Idea to Race Video Games on the Steam Deck?
Just downloading and installing the games onto a Windows Computer will suffice. Check Valve’s game compatibility list to determine whether your favorite racing games are compatible with the Steam Deck’s Proton-enhanced, Linux-based environment before you fire up the simulator. According to data mined from SteamDB, hundreds of titles on Steam have been certified for use with the Steam Deck (Opens in a new window). If a game has a green checkmark, it has been completely tested and is guaranteed to operate smoothly on Steam Deck; if it has a yellow checkmark, it may be played on Steam Deck “but needs additional steps or manual labor from the user.” Keep in mind that even untested racing games may be compatible with Steam Deck.
Put the Hammer Down
You probably want to go somewhere quickly if you’re interested in this content. Thankfully, we share that view. The PCMag infielders are suckers for a good racing game, and we’ve got a few games we think you’ll like. We’ll be honest and say that our preferences are heavily weighted toward the kart and arcade genres. Future evaluations will go into serious racing simulators like Assetto Corsa Competizione, Automobilista, and Project Cars, broadening the scope of our coverage. Keep an eye out for them. The best PC racing games right now are the ones we recommend. Have a safe trip.
Enhanced Version of Burnout Paradise
Burnout Paradise Remastered is a worthy successor to the critically acclaimed 2008 PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360 game Burnout Paradise.
In addition to some much-appreciated visual upgrades, Big Surf Island, with all its potential antics and destruction, is now playable on PC. The layout of Paradise City is as much fun as ever, whether you’re merely touring the city or taking part in all of the offered activities.
Vehicle control, the large area, and the various unlockables are all strong elements of the game, but some of the annoyances from the first game persist (a frustrating crash cam, certain menu peculiarities).
Dirt 5
Dirt 5, created by Codemasters, harkens back to the 1990s, when “extreme” racing games like Colin McRae Rally and Sega Rally Championship were at their peak. Like earlier titles, Dirt 5 isn’t about realism or extensive customization choices; rather, it’s a rally racer that encourages you to smash your way to the finish line over snaking, muddy courses.
Dirt 5 isn’t very groundbreaking, but it drift hunters does provide fans of the series with a fun, fast-paced racing experience on PC.
To Race on Horizon 4
Others have questioned the series’ every-other-year release schedule since Forza Horizon 4 launched on PC in 2018, barely two years after its great predecessor. Nevertheless, developer Playground Games said that the open-world racing game’s updated features will justify the price. There is no doubt that the firm was right.
Forza Horizon 4 adds new cars, new and addicting single-player and multiplayer modes, and seasonal effects to the series’ signature blend of exhilarating racing and a lively music festival. Adapting your driving style to the ever-changing weather is the game’s biggest feature. The picturesque lake you speed by in the spring, summer, and autumn may ice over in the winter, providing you with a convenient alternative path. As a result, cornering becomes more difficult when it rains in the spring. Every week brings a new season, so you’re never in the same place for too long.
Forza Horizon 4 is one of the greatest PC racing games in recent memory because to its magnificent UK-based settings, returning Barn Finds, and well-curated music, as well as its new performance-enhancing Skills.
The Fifth Edition of Forza Horizon
Forza Horizon 5 follows in the footsteps of its predecessors in the popular racing series developed by Microsoft Game Studios. The varied modes, enjoyable environment, trendy music, and crazy stunts are all back for the fifth year of the racing-and-music event, although the additions and tweaks this time around are more evolutionary than revolutionary.
Forza Horizon 5’s diverse Mexican location, crazily packed modes, and new features will please longtime series fans (the create-a-track EventLab, in particular). The racer’s numerous artistic treasures will astound first-timers. Simply said, Forza Horizon is still the finest racing game series, and the latest installment, Forza Horizon 5, is a perfect illustration of why.
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Horizontal Turbo Pursuit
It’s easy to be sceptical about anything nostalgic these days, what with so many pop cultural entities cashing in on the past. Despite its retro design, Horizon Chase Turbo manages to avoid the hack classification because to its endearing personality.
Horizon Chase Turbo is a straightforward racing game in which you gather gas canisters and boost your car to keep it from running out of steam while racing against other players. Yet, the racing game’s aesthetics are what really sell the game, which was released by Aquiris Game Studio.
While its flat, polygon-heavy graphic design harkens back to racing games of the 1990s, Horizon Chase Turbo is a stunning game that may go unnoticed at first (but without jaggies, clipping, and other era-specific visual flaws). The visuals shift from soft tones to icy neons depending on whether you’re traveling during the day or the night. Horizon Chase Turbo is a PC racing game that looks insanely fantastic and is a lot of fun to play.
