The PS5 has matured into a racing gamer’s paradise. Over five years into its lifecycle, the library of high-octane, tyre-shredding, and meticulously detailed racing games is more impressive than ever.
Whether you own a standard PS5 or have upgraded to the PS5 Pro for enhanced ray-tracing and silky-smooth frame rates, there has never been a better time to be a speed demon.
But with so many options, from hardcore simulations to chaotic arcade brawlers, knowing where to invest your time and money can be tough.
That’s where we come in. We’ve burnt through countless gallons of virtual fuel to bring you the definitive, curated list of the best racing games for PS5 in 2026.
We’re ranking the top 10 titles that you absolutely need in your collection, covering everything from the king of simulation to the triumphant return of cult classics. We’ll dive into what makes each game special, their key features, pricing, and why it deserves a spot on your digital shelf.
Buckle up!
How We Ranked the Best of the Best
Before we hit the starting grid, let’s briefly cover how we determined this list. It’s not just about graphics (though that helps).
We considered:
- Driving Feel (30%): Does the handling reward skill? Does it feel right on a controller or a wheel?
- Content & Tracks (25%): Is there a wealth of cars, bikes, and locations to master?
- Performance & Polish (20%): Does it take full advantage of the PS5’s speed and DualSense features?
- Longevity & Progression (15%): Will you be playing it months later, or just for a weekend?
- The “Fun Factor” (10%): That intangible quality that makes you grin.
Now, here are the 10 best racing games for PS5 in 2026.
#10 EA Sports WRC
Kicking off our list is Codemasters’ official World Rally Championship sim. After a rocky start post-launch, EA Sports WRC has cemented itself as the definitive rally experience on PS5, despite a few remaining rough edges.
The switch to Unreal Engine allowed the developers to create some of the most authentically challenging stages ever seen, with some lasting nearly 35 kilometers.
The car handling is masterful, perfectly capturing the art of balancing a modern Rally1 hybrid monster on the edge of grip.
For enthusiasts, the car list is a dream, featuring icons like the Audi Sport quattro S1 and Colin McRae’s Subaru Impreza, alongside a unique “Build Mode” that lets you construct your own rally machine.
However, it’s not without its faults. The visuals can sometimes look a bit murky compared to native PS5 titles, and you might encounter the occasional frame rate drop. But if you crave the challenge of listening to pace notes and dancing with danger on winding forest roads, this is your game.
Why it’s on the list:
The most comprehensive official WRC package with unparalleled stage variety.
Best For:
Rally Purists (with a pinch of patience)
Price:
Typically $49.99 – $59.99
PS5 Pro Enhanced?
Yes, with improved fidelity.
#9 Redout 2
The futuristic anti-gravity racing genre has been quiet for too long on PS5. Enter Redout 2, a spiritual successor that captures the white-knuckle intensity of classics like WipEout.
Developed by Italian studio 34BigThings, this game is all about mind-melting speed that should be measured in Mach numbers.
Navigating the gravity-defying tracks requires immense skill. You’ll need to master strafing, pitching your nose, and managing your boost bar to prevent your ship from overheating and exploding. It’s relentlessly difficult, which makes every clean lap and hard-fought victory incredibly rewarding.
It’s a shame this title flew under the radar for many, because if you’re pining for a high-skill arcade racer that demands precision, Redout 2 delivers in spades.
Why it’s on the list:
The closest thing to a new WipEout, with blistering speed and a steep but satisfying learning curve.
Best For:
Fans of WipEout are seeking a speed fix.
Price:
$39.99
PS5 Pro Enhanced?
Yes, with sharper visuals and stable frame rates.
#8 Horizon Chase 2
Sometimes you don’t want to tune a car for hours; you just want to race. Horizon Chase 2 is the perfect antidote to hardcore sims. Inspired by 16-bit classics like OutRun and Top Gear, this game is a love letter to the arcade era.
The visuals are vibrant and colorful, taking you from the Amazon rainforest to an active volcano in Japan.
The handling is smoother than its predecessor, making it incredibly accessible, while the legendary Barry Leitch’s soundtrack (he composed the music for the original Top Gear) provides the perfect retro beat.
Hunting for blue coins scattered across tracks adds a layer of replayability, and collecting them all unlocks a secret lunar location. It’s pure, unadulterated, and joyful racing.
Why it’s on the list:
A masterclass in retro-inspired design that’s fun for players of all ages.
Best For:
Pick-up-and-play arcade nostalgia.
Price:
$24.99
PS5 Pro Enhanced?
Yes, with cleaner image quality.
#7 F1 25
After a misstep with F1 24, Codemasters got the band back together for F1 25. This entry feels like a true course correction, with vehicle handling that is noticeably more intuitive and satisfying, whether you’re using a pad or a wheel.
The highlight is the revamped “My Team” mode. You now play as a team manager, juggling two drivers, resources, and car development, leading to fascinating strategic scenarios.
For story-mode lovers, “Braking Point” makes a welcome return, concluding the drama of the Butler family satisfyingly. With improved visuals, especially in dynamic weather, F1 25 is the most complete F1 package in years.
Why it’s on the list:
A fantastic return to form with deep career modes and authentic F1 atmosphere.
Best For:
Formula 1 fanatics and aspiring team principals.
Price:
$69.99 (Champions Edition)
PS5 Pro Enhanced?
Yes, with ray-tracing and higher resolutions.
#6 Assetto Corsa Competizione
If you own a racing wheel and want the most realistic driving experience possible on a PS5, look no further than Assetto Corsa Competizione (ACC). This isn’t a game; it’s a simulator. Focused exclusively on the GT World Challenge, ACC’s commitment to realism is both daunting and deeply impressive.
The physics are true-to-life, laser-scanned tracks are immaculate, and dynamic weather can change race strategy in an instant.
The console version has come a long way since its launch, with stable frame rates and enhanced graphics that make it a worthy showpiece for the PS5. Be warned, though: on a controller, this game is tough.
To truly appreciate its depth, you’ll want a pedal and wheel setup.
Why it’s on the list:
The benchmark for GT3 simulation on consoles.
Best For:
The hardcore simulation enthusiast.
Price:
$39.99 (base game), with various DLC packs available.
PS5 Pro Enhanced?
Yes, with improved performance and visual fidelity.
#5 Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds
For years, PlayStation lacked a true heavyweight in the mascot kart-racing arena. That changed with the release of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds. This game doesn’t just copy the formula; it innovates on it with the brilliant “Travel Ring” mechanic.
Mid-race, portals will open, seamlessly transporting you and the entire race to a completely new location after the first lap.
It keeps the action fresh and unpredictable. The roster is a delightful mix of Sonic favorites and surprising cameos from across Sega’s history and beyond, including characters from Yakuza, Minecraft, and even SpongeBob SquarePants. The handling is tight, drift mechanics are rewarding, and it’s simply a blast to play with friends.
Why it’s on the list:
A creative and polished kart racer that can go wheel-to-wheel with the best in the genre.
Best For:
Mario Kart fans are looking for a new challenger.
Price:
$59.99
PS5 Pro Enhanced?
Yes.
#4 RIDE 6
The RIDE series has long been the gold standard for two-wheeled racing, and RIDE 6 solidifies that position. Developed by Milestone, this entry is a significant leap forward, built on Unreal Engine 5 for stunningly realistic graphics and detailed bikes.
With over 340 licensed motorcycles and 45 tracks (including the terrifying Isle of Man course), the content is staggering. For the first time, the series introduces off-road racing with dirt bikes and “Maxi Enduro” categories.
A new “RIDE Fest” career mode offers branching paths and even “boss battles” against real-life legends like Casey Stoner. Crucially, the developers have added an “Arcade” handling mode, making this deep simulation accessible to newcomers without sacrificing the hardcore experience for veterans.
Why it’s on the list:
The definitive motorcycle racing simulator, now bigger, better, and more accessible than ever.
Best For:
Motorcycle racing fans.
Price:
$69.99
PS5 Pro Enhanced?
Yes.
#3 Tokyo Xtreme Racer
After a nearly 20-year absence, the cult classic returns, and it’s better than ever. Tokyo Xtreme Racer isn’t about circuit racing; it’s about late-night highway battles in a sealed-off future Tokyo.
The core of the game is the “SP Battle” system. Instead of lap times, you duel opponents by draining their “Spirit Points” through proximity, slipstreaming, and applying pressure; it’s psychological warfare on the asphalt.
The atmosphere is thick with neon-drenched nostalgia, and the car customization is deep, focusing on the legendary Japanese sports cars that define the JDM scene. With “Overwhelmingly Positive” reviews on PC, the PS5 version (enhanced with DualSense features) is a must-buy for anyone who grew up on The Fast and the Furious.
Why it’s on the list:
A perfect, long-awaited revival of a beloved franchise with a unique and thrilling battle system.
Best For:
JDM culture enthusiasts and fans of underground street racing.
Price:
$49.99
PS5 Pro Enhanced?
Yes.
#2 Forza Horizon 5
Yes, you read that right. The Xbox flagship has finally made its way to PlayStation, and it is every bit as spectacular as advertised. Forza Horizon 5 landing on PS5 in 2025 was a seismic event for the console’s racing library.
Set in a vibrant, stylized version of Mexico, the game is a visual feast. On the PS5 Pro, the Quality Mode adds ray-tracing that reflects the stunning environment on your car’s paintwork.
But it’s not just a pretty face; the driving is that perfect blend of sim and arcade, making you feel like a hero. With hundreds of cars and a “Playlist” system that constantly serves up new events and challenges, this game is an endless content machine. It’s the ultimate celebration of car culture.
Why it’s on the list:
It’s arguably the best arcade racer ever made, and now it’s finally home on PlayStation.
Best For:
The ultimate open-world arcade festival.
Price:
$59.99
PS5 Pro Enhanced?
Yes, with ray-tracing in Quality Mode.
#1 Gran Turismo 7
Topping our list of the best racing games for PS5 is, unsurprisingly, Polyphony Digital’s magnum opus, Gran Turismo 7. Even years after its release, it remains the benchmark by which all other racers on the platform are judged.
Why? Because it offers the complete package.
It pays homage to the history of the automobile with its legendary Café menu books, teaching you about car culture as you progress.
The driving physics are sublime, offering a rewarding challenge whether you’re using a controller (with incredible haptic feedback) or a full sim rig. The “Sport Mode” provides some of the cleanest and most competitive online racing on consoles.
With over 400 cars, famous tracks like the Nürburgring, and constant free updates (like the recent “Spec III” update adding new cars and tracks), the game just keeps growing. It’s a love letter to cars, and it’s essential.
Why it’s on the list:
The undisputed king. A perfect blend of simulation, history, and competitive racing, all wrapped in a stunning, 4K, HDR package.
Best For:
The complete, all-around champion.
Price:
$69.99
PS5 Pro Enhanced?
Yes, with 8K resolution support and ray-tracing.
Honorable Mentions & Upcoming Contenders
The racing scene on PS5 is so healthy that some great games just missed the cut. Wreckfest 2 is on the horizon, promising even more chaotic demolition derby action with a new, physics-defying damage engine. Carmageddon: Rogue Shift is bringing back vehicular combat with roguelike elements.
For those looking for something different, Screamer (rebooting the 90s classic) drops in March 2026 with a wild anime aesthetic and combat racing. And don’t forget Gear.Club Unlimited 3, which takes the series to Japan with a fascinating “Highway” mode.
If you prefer two wheels but want a road trip vibe, keep an eye out for RIDE 6, which is already earning rave reviews for its expanded career and off-road options.
Final Lap
2026 is an incredible year to be a racing fan on PlayStation 5.
Whether you’re a simulation snob, an arcade addict, or a two-wheeled terror, there’s a game here waiting to steal hundreds of hours of your life.
From the unparalleled depth of Gran Turismo 7 to the long-awaited return of Tokyo Xtreme Racer, the asphalt is hot, and the competition is fierce. Now, pick your poison, fire up your PS5, and we’ll see you on the starting line.
FAQ’s
For car simulation, Assetto Corsa Competizione is the most realistic, especially if you have a racing wheel. For the best all-around blend of realism and accessibility, Gran Turismo 7 is the king. For motorcycles, it’s RIDE 6.
Gran Turismo 7 and Forza Horizon 5 are the graphical frontrunners, especially on the PS5 Pro. RIDE 6, running on Unreal Engine 5, also produces photorealistic moments that are jaw-dropping.
Yes! While many modern racers have dropped split-screen, you can still enjoy couch co-op in Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, Hot Wheels Unleashed 2, Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled, and RIDE 6.
If you haven’t played it, absolutely. If you have the PS5 Pro enhancements, specifically the ray-tracing and DualSense controller features, offer a compelling reason to jump back in. It’s a phenomenal game regardless of platform.
