Best PS5 Racing Games: Which One Is Right for You?
Gran Turismo 7 stands out as the most complete option for PS5. For players looking for simulation on console, Assetto Corsa Competizione is the right title. F1 26, NASCAR 26 and EA SPORTS WRC immerse you in specific motorsport disciplines, while games such as Forza Horizon 5 offer freedom to drive in an open world. The right game depends on your preferences, the realism you want and whether you use a wheel or controller.
Quick summary
Quick summary
Best racing games for PS5
- Gran Turismo 7: a balanced choice for getting started, learning and racing online.
- Assetto Corsa Competizione: more simulation-focused GT3 and GT4 driving.
- F1 26, NASCAR 26 and WRC: alternatives for fans of specific motorsport disciplines.
- Forza Horizon 5: enjoy accessible arcade driving in an open world.
- Racing wheels for PS5: you can start with a wheel mounted to a desk and upgrade your setup gradually.
- Upcoming titles to watch: Le Mans Ultimate, Euro Truck Simulator
What is the best racing game for PS5?
Choosing the right game depends on factors such as your tastes and preferences, the realism or difficulty you want, and whether you use a wheel or controller. Gran Turismo 7 is our overall recommendation: plenty of content, progression through championships and racing against both AI and other players in weekly online modes. It lets you get comfortable with driving without restricting you to one category, while still offering challenges as you gain experience. Assetto Corsa Competizione focuses on GT racing. F1 26 is dedicated to Formula 1 and NASCAR 26 to American racing series. If you would rather explore the roads without watching the clock, Forza Horizon 5 is a better fit.
Best racing simulators for PS5
When choosing a simulator, graphics and vehicle variety take a back seat, while car handling, driving technique, setups and tyre degradation management become more important. Not all simulators are equally demanding, however. Some sit somewhere between simulation and arcade; these are known as simcades. Here are some of them:
Gran Turismo 7
Type: SimcadeGran Turismo 7 combines a wide variety of road and race cars with real and fictional circuits. It offers plenty of championships to take part in. Progression involves buying new cars for your collection with credits while developing your driving skills. Its online mode lets you test yourself against other players.
Who is it for? Players new to sim racing or anyone wanting a varied game with room to progress.
Assetto Corsa Competizione
Type: SimulatorAssetto Corsa Competizione prioritises simulation focused on GT racing, covering GT3, GT4 and some related categories. Despite the lack of updates, it remains one of the best pure racing simulators on PS5.
Who is it for? Simulation and GT fans who want to put their driving skills to the test.
Project Motor Racing
Type: SimcadeProject Motor Racing lets you try different forms of motorsport, from unusual classic cars and categories to modern ones. Its main focus is progression through career mode, which introduces an economy that can affect how you progress through each race weekend.
Who is it for? Players who value a variety of disciplines and want an alternative to Gran Turismo 7.
F1 25 with the 2026 Season
Type: SimcadeF1 25 is the official Formula 1 game, combining championships, career mode and online play. It lets you experience the world of Formula 1 first-hand. The 2026 DLC adds new teams, drivers, regulations and the MADRING circuit. It is an expansion to the base game, not a separate release.
Who is it for? F1 fans who want to race with the 2026 grid and learn the characteristics of single-seaters.
EA SPORTS WRC
Type: SimcadeEA SPORTS WRC is an option for players who prefer rallying. The differences between tarmac, gravel and snow force you to adapt your technique, while its different game modes let you explore various eras of the discipline.
Who is it for? Fans who want to discover rally driving.
NASCAR 26
Type: SimcadeNASCAR 26 is the official game of the American championship. It includes NASCAR’s main national series and their content, alongside championship, career and online modes for exploring this form of motorsport.
Who is it for? NASCAR fans and drivers who want to discover the specific technique required for oval racing.
More accessible driving games for PS5
Not every game prioritises racing on circuits. Some alternatives offer more freedom, different surfaces and another way to enjoy driving.
Forza Horizon 5
Type: ArcadeForza Horizon 5 offers an open world inspired by Mexico, with races, challenges and countless vehicles to collect and customise. Its approachable handling makes it easy to switch between racing and free exploration.
Who is it for? Players looking for fun, variety and freedom, whether using a controller or a compatible racing wheel.
Upcoming racing games for PS5
Alongside the games already available, other titles have been announced or are in development for consoles. Not all have a confirmed release date.
Forza Horizon 6
Forza Horizon 6 takes the series to Japan, retaining its open world and wide range of activities and vehicles. The game is available on Xbox and PC and will arrive on PS5 on 26 January 2027. Check out our guide to preparing a setup for Forza Horizon 6.
Le Mans Ultimate
Le Mans Ultimate is a simulator focused on the WEC (World Endurance Championship), featuring Hypercars, prototypes and GT cars. It is currently played on PC and is one of the racing simulators that has seen the most growth. Its anticipated PS5 release is expected in mid-2027.
Assetto Corsa EVO
Assetto Corsa EVO combines road and race cars with simulation-focused physics. It is available in early access on PC, and its developers are considering a console version, although there is still no official PS5 release date.
Euro Truck Simulator 2
The aim is to drive trucks, transport goods and travel along roads as you expand your fleet. It offers a more relaxed experience focused on driving and route management. There are rumours it could be released during 2027.
Which racing wheel do you need for PS5?
You can enjoy these games with a controller, but a Force Feedback racing wheel conveys forces and provides extra information about the vehicle’s behaviour, significantly improving the experience.
Why you need a PlayStation-licensed racing wheel
Not every PC racing wheel works directly on PS5.
Official PlayStation compatibility depends on the wheel or bundle you choose.
Some compatible options include:
The Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro 5 Nm, the Gran Turismo DD Pro 8 Nm bundle and the Thrustmaster T598 for PlayStation all feature Force Feedback.
Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro de 5 Nm
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Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro 8 Nm — Bundle
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Thrustmaster T598 para PlayStation
View productMOZA is also preparing to launch several officially licensed, PS5-compatible racing wheels in late 2026 or early 2027.
If you want to compare models, see our guide to the best racing wheels for PlayStation and our article on racing wheels for PlayStation and Xbox.
Complete racing simulator setups for PS5
Starting with a racing wheel attached to a desk is completely normal; in fact, that is how most people begin. Secure the wheel to the desk and make sure the pedals do not move and your chair does not roll backwards.
Once you are confident that sim racing is for you, you can upgrade your setup to suit your needs. A wheel stand or folding cockpit helps maintain your driving position and lets you put the equipment away. If you later use a more powerful wheelbase or pedals with greater resistance, you can consider a rigid cockpit.
Next Level Racing Wheel Stand Lite 2.0
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GT Lite PlayStation Edition folding cockpit
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SimXPro GT – Aluminium cockpit
View productYou can also buy a complete racing simulator compatible with PS5 and PS4. To build one from individual components, browse our racing wheels and cockpits collections.
Frequently asked questions about PS5 racing games
What is the best PS5 racing game for beginners?
Gran Turismo 7 is one of the most complete options for beginners thanks to its variety of vehicles, championships and progression, as well as online mode.
Which PS5 racing game offers the most realistic driving?
Assetto Corsa Competizione stands out for its simulation, while the upcoming Le Mans Ultimate for PS5 could also become a strong contender for the most realistic console simulator.
Can I play PS5 racing games with a controller?
Yes. All the games we recommend can be enjoyed with a controller. A wheel is not essential, although playing with one dramatically improves the driving sensations.
Do I need a cockpit to use a racing wheel on PS5?
No. You can start with a wheel attached to a stable desk and gradually upgrade your setup.
Which racing wheel should I buy for PS5?
Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro bundles currently tend to offer the best value for money, although the range should grow with the upcoming arrival of MOZA compatibility on consoles.
Written by Salva Talens
Professional esports driver and coach, co-founder of Simufy Academy
Engineer and professional esports driver, co-founder of Simufy Academy. He races in the iRacing top split with over 9,000 iRating and has qualified for the Porsche TAG Heuer Esports Supercup. He knows hardware from the only place that matters: lap pace.
