Best PC Racing Games: Simulation, Racing and Arcade

8 min
Mejores juegos de coches para PC: simulación, carreras y arcade

iRacing stands out among PC racing simulators for its online competition. Le Mans Ultimate recreates the WEC with a solid online system, while RaceRoom offers an affordable entry point. Assetto Corsa and Automobilista 2 provide variety, and Forza Horizon 6 focuses on open-world driving. The right game depends on the discipline, the realism you want and your preferences.

Quick summary

Quick summary

Best PC racing games

  • iRacing: a benchmark for online competition and improving as a driver.
  • Le Mans Ultimate: endurance, multiclass racing and affordable online competition.
  • RaceRoom: a budget-friendly entry into simulation with free content.
  • Assetto Corsa and Automobilista 2: a wide range of cars and disciplines.
  • Forza Horizon 6: arcade driving, exploration and customisation.
  • Hardware: start with a wheel clamped to a desk and upgrade your setup gradually.

How to choose a PC racing game: simulation, simcade or arcade

Your choice depends on whether you want to compete, learn a racing discipline or simply drive for fun. Budget and the level of simulation or difficulty you are looking for also matter.

Simulation

Physics, tyres and setups play a bigger role. iRacing is our recommendation for online competition: its licence system and organised races make it easier to find opponents at a similar level. Le Mans Ultimate stands out for multiclass racing and affordable online competition, while RaceRoom lets you get started with a small investment.

Simcade

Halfway between simulation and arcade. F1 25, Forza Motorsport and NASCAR 26 offer competitive racing with accessible handling and driving assists.

Arcade and open world

These games prioritise exploration and fun. In Forza Horizon 6 you do not need to master setups or chase tenths of a second.

Game
Focus
Recommended for
iRacing
Competition
Competing and improving
Le Mans Ultimate
WEC and endurance
WEC and online racing
RaceRoom
Accessible simulation
Online racing on a budget
Assetto Corsa / Automobilista 2
Variety
Cars and mods
F1 25 / NASCAR 26
Simcade
Career mode
Forza Horizon 6
Arcade
Exploration
Assetto Corsa Rally
Rally
Technical driving
Euro Truck Simulator 2
Trucks
Driving and routes

Racing simulators for PC

PC has racing simulators with very different levels of difficulty and approaches.

iRacing

Type: Simulator

iRacing is designed for racing against other drivers. It has a quarterly calendar organised by classes, series and time slots. Its licence system helps you compete against drivers of a similar level. It requires a subscription, with cars and tracks purchased separately.

Who is it for? Players who want online competition and to improve as drivers.

Screenshot from the racing game iRacing

Le Mans Ultimate

Type: Simulator

Le Mans Ultimate focuses on the World Endurance Championship, featuring Hypercars, prototypes and GT cars. Multiclass races require you to manage traffic and strategy. On PC it stands out for its active support, updates and affordable competition system.

Who is it for? Fans of the WEC, endurance racing and online competition.

Screenshot from the racing game Le Mans Ultimate

Assetto Corsa EVO

Type: Early-access simulator

Assetto Corsa EVO combines road cars and race cars. It remains in early access on PC, receiving content and features as the project evolves.

Who is it for? Fans of the series interested in its development.

Screenshot from the racing game Assetto Corsa EVO

Assetto Corsa Competizione

Type: Simulator

Assetto Corsa Competizione specialises in GT3 and GT4 racing. It is still a good choice for GT driving, but is losing ground on PC to Le Mans Ultimate, which continues to expand its content and competitions. Its main development phase has ended, although it still has a community and leagues.

Who is it for? Drivers who want to specialise in GT racing.

Screenshot from the racing game Assetto Corsa Competizione

Automobilista 2

Type: Simulator

Automobilista 2 features classic cars, GT, prototypes, touring cars and karts, among others. It offers variable weather and virtual reality support.

Who is it for? Drivers who enjoy switching between classes and eras.

Screenshot from the racing game Automobilista 2

Project Motor Racing

Type: Simcade

Project Motor Racing lets you drive modern and historic categories, with a career mode where the economy affects your progression. It is an option on PC, but is less appealing given the wide range of established racing simulators available on the platform.

Who is it for? Players who prioritise its car selection and career mode.

Screenshot from the racing game Project Motor Racing

Assetto Corsa

Type: Simulator

The original Assetto Corsa remains highly appealing thanks to community mods. You can add content to its official cars and circuits, from racing vehicles to open roads. The possibilities are almost endless.

Who is it for? Players looking for variety and customisation.

Screenshot from the racing game Assetto Corsa

RaceRoom

Type: Simulator

RaceRoom Racing Experience is one of the most affordable options: you can download it for free and get started with the included content. It stands out for touring cars, GT and historic vehicles. Extra content is paid, but prices are often competitive and discounts are frequent.

Who is it for? Beginners who want to try racing simulation on a budget.

Screenshot from the racing game RaceRoom

Best PC racing games if you want something more accessible

Not every game prioritises pure simulation; some sit between arcade games and simulators. These are known as “simcade” games.

Forza Horizon 6

Type: Arcade

Forza Horizon 6 takes the series to Japan, with an open world, races and vehicles to collect and customise. It has been available on PC since May 2026. Its arcade approach is fun without the demands of simulation. Check out our Forza Horizon 6 setup guide.

Who is it for? Fans of free-roaming driving.

Screenshot from the racing game Forza Horizon 6

F1 25 with the 2026 Season

Type: Simcade

F1 25 brings together Formula 1 championships, career mode and online racing. The 2026 Season Pack adds teams, drivers, regulations and the MADRING circuit. It is an expansion to the base game. The community has also recently been supporting the game with a growing number of mods.

Who is it for? Formula 1 fans.

Screenshot from the racing game F1 25 with the 2026 Season

Forza Motorsport

Type: Simcade

Forza Motorsport offers circuit racing and accessible progression. Its developers announced they would not add more cars, tracks or regular updates, although the servers and online events remain active.

Who is it for? Players who want circuit racing without such specialised simulation.

Screenshot from the racing game Forza Motorsport

NASCAR 26

Type: Simcade

NASCAR 26 includes the main US racing series and career modes. In oval racing, traffic, slipstreaming and line choice are especially important.

Who is it for? NASCAR fans and drivers interested in oval racing.

Screenshot from the racing game NASCAR 26

Euro Truck Simulator 2

Type: Driving simulator

Euro Truck Simulator 2 lets you transport goods across Europe and manage your truck fleet. There is no competition in this game; instead, you focus on enjoying the drive and deliveries, customising trucks and planning routes.

Who is it for? Players who want to drive without competing.

Screenshot from the racing game Euro Truck Simulator 2

Best rally games for PC

If rally is your preferred discipline, you have several options with different levels of difficulty and accessibility.

EA Sports WRC

Type: Simcade

EA SPORTS WRC features rallies with vehicles from different eras and on different surfaces. It is approachable for discovering the discipline without a very high difficulty level.

Who is it for? Players who want official rally events and championships.

Screenshot from the racing game EA Sports WRC

Assetto Corsa Rally

Type: Early-access simulator

Assetto Corsa Rally is available in early access for PC. It emphasises demanding driving on rally stages, where different surfaces and changes in grip require you to adapt your technique.

Who is it for? Fans of realistic rally simulation.

Screenshot from the racing game Assetto Corsa Rally

Richard Burns Rally

Type: Simulator

Richard Burns Rally, released in 2004, is still being updated through mods. It remains a benchmark for demanding driving, although it requires more setup than other titles.

Who is it for? Rally enthusiasts willing to configure their simulator.

Screenshot from the racing game Richard Burns Rally

What you need to race with a wheel on PC

PC supports a wide range of peripherals. You can combine hardware from different brands as long as the connections, mounting points and software are compatible. Also, if you are moving over from console, your wheel will always be compatible with PC.

Getting started with a wheel and pedals

Fanatec CSL DD Ready2Race, MOZA R5 Pro Bundle.

Explore our racing wheels, complete bundles and our guide to the best wheel for beginners in sim racing.

When upgrading to Direct Drive makes sense

Starting with a wheel clamped to a desk is completely normal. The key is to stop the pedals and chair from moving. Over time, moving to a cockpit is the usual next step.

On the other hand, if you are coming from a belt-driven wheel and want more detail and better Force Feedback sensations, consider Direct Drive.

Compare wheelbases and bundles, read our guide on how to choose a sim racing cockpit or discover our complete simulators.

PC requirements

Running a single screen is less demanding than three monitors or virtual reality. Before choosing a gaming PC, check the requirements, resolution and desired FPS. Prioritise smooth performance over maximum graphics settings.

Frequently asked questions about PC racing games

What is the best racing simulator for PC?

For online competition, iRacing is the benchmark. Le Mans Ultimate offers an affordable balance, while RaceRoom lets you start competing with little investment.

What is the cheapest PC racing simulator to start with?

RaceRoom lets you download and try content for free. Extra cars and circuits cost money, but you do not need to buy them to get started.

What is the difference between Le Mans Ultimate and Assetto Corsa Competizione?

Le Mans Ultimate offers multiclass endurance racing and online competition. ACC remains specialised in GT, although its main development phase has ended.

Can I play PC racing games with a controller?

It depends on the game. Many support controllers, although a Force Feedback wheel gives you more information about the car and is the recommended option.

Do I need a cockpit to start sim racing?

No. You can start with a wheel clamped to a sturdy desk and improve your setup gradually.


Salva Talens, piloto de esports y coach de Simufy Academy

Written by

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.

More about Salva Talens