Best Racing Games on Steam

If you’re a gamer and you love cars, there’s a good chance that you love racing games too (that’s why you’re here, right!?). There’s also a chance that you might be a fan of motorsports. You may have dreamt of tearing up the NASCAR circuit like Terry Labonte or Danica Patrick.

Or maybe you’re a Formula One fan, and emulating greats like Michael Schumacher is one of your highest aspirations. On the other hand, perhaps you’re not a fan of organized sports at all. Maybe illegal street racing is your thing, and your dream is to outdrive your rivals (and the cops) while nitrous oxide burns through your engine.

However, an apparent lack of skill and an unwillingness to risk your life may have deterred you from achieving your dreams. Thanks to the magic of gaming, we can live out our race king (or queen) fantasies from the comfort and safety of our premium gaming chairs.

So, in this guide, we will explore and talk about some of the best racing games on Steam. If you are a petrol-head and the sound of tires screeching sounds like music to you, you have come to the right place.

Top 10 Steam Racing Games

As a virtual rubber-lover, you understand that there are many different types of racing games out there. Therefore, a bit of nuance had to go into compiling the following list.

The best overall racing game has to hold a convergence of tastes. It also has to have a wide variety of cars to choose from, great graphics, detailed circuits, rich environments and of course, awesome sound (which is sometimes taken for granted). This was the criteria we used to select our picks. Now, without further ado…

#1 Best Overall: Project Cars 2

Project Cars 2 Specifications:

• Developer: Slightly Mad Studios
• Release Date: 22 September 2017
• Price: $59.99 ($89.99 for deluxe edition)
• Type: Racing Simulator (Simcade)
• VR Support: Yes

Project Cars 2 Minimum System Requirements:

• Operating System: Windows 7/8/8.1/10
• CPU: 3.5 GHz Intel Core i5 /  4.0 GHz AMD FX-8350
• RAM: 8 GB
• GPU: GTX680 (Or equivalent)
• Storage: 50 GB

Project Cars 2 Recommended System Requirements:

• Operating System: Windows 10
• CPU: Intel i7
• RAM: 16 GB
• GPU: NVidia GTX 1080 (Or equivalent)
• Storage: 50 GB

For a long time, one thing PC gamers were deprived of was a Gran Turismo-like racing game; a racing simulator with a bit of class and prestige but was also fun to play. Project Cars (both the original game and the sequel) can be considered as the multiplatform answer to games like Forza and Gran Turismo.

Related: Gran Turismo 7 News and Release Details

Project Cars 2 Gameplay

Project Cars 2 is more of a sim-cade racer than it is a hardcore racing simulator. It is not aiming for 100% accuracy or immersion. Instead, what you get here is a more accessible racing game that casual petrol heads can get into too.

While the vehicles in Project cars endeavor to match their real-world counterparts, they do not always handle like them. You have far more control than you should have. For gamers who are seeking a more realistic experience, this might be a bit of a letdown.

Luckily, Project Cars 2 gives you a host of settings to fine-tune and help you increase the scale of realism and difficulty. Project Cars 2 works very well with a steering wheel but even better with a gamepad (surprisingly). And this is without you changing or calibrating any of the settings.

Project Cars 2 Graphics

If you are going to pry the crown away from Gran Turismo’s stiff clutches, you have to ensure that your game has graphics that can match and surpass it. The game offers over 189 different cars to choose from, and even more, if you purchase the DLCs or the deluxe version. While the vehicles don’t always feel and react like their real-world counterparts, they’re modeled to match them, at least on a superficial level.

Cars can accrue minor outer physical damage as well as some interior damage. As you would expect with a game that has licensed vehicles, the damage is not always realistic, which is unfortunate but understandable. Where Project 2 does try to offer some realism is in its weather system. The LiveTrack 3.0 physics engine ensures that gamers get realistic and dynamic weather conditions.

Detractors may complain about PC2’s AI, inconsistent physics or unrealistic controls, but it’s nearly impossible to complain about the game’s graphics.

Project Cars 2 Modes

For fans of offline multiplayer, Project Cars 2 is one of the few racers on PC that offers a split-screen offline mode. It also has online multiplayer. However, the real crown jewel of Project Cars 2 is its career mode.

What sets it apart from other games is how it allows you to choose your own path. You can choose which team or manufacturer you want to drive for and which type of motorsport you want to compete in. There’s a lot of skippable content, but I have a feeling that completionists will challenge themselves to win every race and accolade possible.

The online mode has championships, scoreboards, custom events, and a dedicated broadcaster. There’s plenty of content here for you to sink your teeth into.

Project Cars 2 Overall Review

If this your first foray into the world of PC racing games, Project Cars 2 is perfect for you. It tries to be as inclusive and player-friendly as possible. It does slightly overextend itself a bit, but despite its flaws, it can be said that it is still one of the best cross-platform racing games that you can get on Steam. It has enough awards and nominations to back this fact up.

#2 Best Racing Simulator: Automobilista

Automobilista Specifications:

• Developer: Reiza Studios
• Release Date: 29 February 2016
• Price: $24.99 ($29.99 for Ultimate Edition)
• Type: Hardcore Racing Simulator
• VR Support: Yes

Automobilista Minimum System Requirements:

• Operating System: Windows XP/7/8/8.1/10
• CPU: Any 1,8 GHz Processor
• RAM: 4 GB
• GPU: DirectX 9 compatible GPU with 1GB Memory
• Storage: 25 GB

Automobilista Recommended System Requirements:

• Operating System: Windows XP/7/8/8.1/10
• CPU: Any 3,4 GHz processor
• RAM: 8 GB
• GPU: DirectX 9 compatible GPU with 1GB Memory
• Storage: 50 GB

Although Automobilista is an older racer, it still holds the title as one of the best racing simulators on PC. Moreover, because of Automobilista 2’s impending release, it is the perfect time to get it on sale.

Automobilista Gameplay

Automobilista has a strong lineage. It comes from the creators of rFactor two and Stock Car Extreme. As you would expect, it delivers a simulated driving experience as realistic and immersive as those games. Each car and type demands something different from the player. Older models with gearbox setups require you to hone your clutch control while newer models will require you to work with advanced modern electronic systems.

The game may not be compatible with newer steering wheels, but it works perfectly with the latest PC game controllers, including the impressive Steam Controller. You don’t have to be a hard-core sim enthusiast to enjoy this game. You can adjust its real feel settings if you want a more arcade-esque experience.

Automobilista Graphics

I would like to reiterate that it is an older game; however, the graphics do not feel outdated. Visually, it feels like each car is animated specifically. Larger cars do not feel stiff. They wobble and flex on their suspensions.

However, sometimes the physics may come off a little inert and dull, especially when you are racing on clear roads. This changes when you are racing on a track with more dust or rainy weather. The 24-hour cycle and dynamic weather really add to the immersion.

Automobilista Modes

Automobilista is a Brazilian racing game and primarily involves Brazilian motorsport and racing circuits. Therefore, you can partake in series and organizations such as the Copa Petrobras de Marcas, F3 Brasil, Mitsubishi Lancer Cup, and Stock Car V8.

You can get more tracks and championship modes when you purchase the Ultimate Edition. The lack of deeper game modes is what lets Automobilista down. Yes, you can create your own championships and cups, but that won’t keep you entertained for very long. There is no Career mode or offline multiplayer to speak of. There is online multiplayer through Steam but the pool of players to compete against is still very small.

Automobilista Overall Review

Automobilista is a great game if you are looking for a pure sandbox sim racer. While it lacks VR and deeper gameplay elements, you can create your own fun here while you wait for the release of the next entry into the series.

#3 Best Arcade Racing Game: Burnout Paradise

Burnout Paradise Specifications:

• Developer: Criterion Games (Published by EA Games)
• Release Date: 3 February 2009
• Price: $19.99 ($58.99 for EA Racing pack)
• Type: Arcade Racer/ Action Racing Game
• VR Support: No

Burnout Paradise Minimum System Requirements:

• Operating System: Windows XP/7/8/8.1/10
• CPU: Any 2,8 GHz Processor
• RAM: 1 GB
• GPU: DirectX 9 compatible GPU with 128MB Memory
• Storage: 4 GB

Burnout Paradise Recommended System Requirements:

• Operating System: Windows XP/7/8/8.1/10
• CPU: Any 3,2 GHz processor
• RAM: 2 GB
• GPU: NVidia 6600/ Radeon X1300  (or greater)
• Storage: 10 GB

This entry is very close to my heart. It has been eleven years since the original Burnout Paradise was released. Last year, EA took it upon themselves to re-master it. It is unfortunate that it was an Origin exclusive. Gamers who despise EA and Origin do not have to suffer FOMO. You can still buy Burnout Paradise from Steam and download the latest graphics and physics mods for it.

Burnout Paradise Gameplay

Don’t expect licensed cars or realistic handling and mechanics. This game is about speed. Most cars in the game handle like ice cubes gliding down a slippery slide. While Burnout Paradise does come with steering wheel support, I would advise you to play it on your keyboard or gamepad unless you have mutant-like reflexes.

Burnout Paradise Graphics

For a game that was released over ten years ago, the graphics and gameplay have aged surprisingly well. Citroen’s use of the RenderWare engine was ahead of the curve. Even before Burnout Paradise, the Burnout series was always known for its incredible crash physics. Yes, sometimes they feel exaggerated, but that’s part of the fun.

It can be said that the graphics – especially those of the surrounding environment – are a bit wasted. Everything becomes a blur as you zoom and boost through the city at break-neck speeds.

Even the aesthetics of the cars do not matter as much as their abilities do. If players want to progress, they will have to choose their cars based on the events they plan to compete in as opposed to their tastes. This does not mean the cars in Burnout are homely or badly designed, quite the contrary.

You have a large selection of muscle cars, dirt-rally cars, vans, sports cars, and even bikes. Do not expect any real-world licensed vehicles though.

Burnout Paradise Game Modes

In Burnout Paradise, players drive around an open world sandbox environment looking for races, challenges, and events to compete in. Each race you win progresses you in the game and unlocks cars, areas, licenses and new challenges.

Unfortunately, Burnout Paradise doesn’t come with an offline split-screen mode like its predecessors. However, it does have a great online lobby system where you can compete against eight of your friends in various events.

Burnout Paradise Remastered Overall Review

Burnout Paradise is still one of the best driving games for distressing after a long day of work. It’s a beautiful symphony of emo rock music and crashing metal. It’s a game that never leaves you feeling lonely, even if you’re playing it on the single-player mode.

It is by no means flawless, but oftentimes, games do not have to be perfect in order to be noteworthy. All they have to be is fun and Burnout Paradise supplies players with oodles of enjoyability.

#4 Best Rally Game: Dirt 4

Dirt 4 Specifications:

• Developer: Codemasters
• Release Date: 9 June 2017
• Price: $59.99
• Type: Racing Simulator
• VR Support: No

Dirt 4 Minimum System Requirements:

• Operating System: Windows 7/8/8.1/10
• CPU: Intel Core i3/AMD FX Series
• RAM: 4 GB
• GPU: DirectX 11 compatible GPU with 1GB Memory (NVIDIA GT440/AMD HD5570)
• Storage: 50 GB

Dirt 4 Recommended System Requirements:

• Operating System: Windows 7/8/8.1/10
• CPU: Intel Core i5 4690/AMD FX 8320
• RAM: 8 GB
• GPU: NVIDIA GTX 780/ AMD R9 390 (or greater)
• Storage: 50 GB

The original Dirt is considered one of the finest rally-based racing games by aficionados. It seems CodeMaster has been trying to achieve the same excellence with Dirt’s sequels. Which is funny, because the truth is no rally game can compete with Dirt. What this means is the only real competition CodeMaster has is themselves.

Dirt 4 Gameplay

Dirt 4 comes in two modes: Simulation and Gamer mode. Gamer mode is the arcade mode. It makes the cars handle a bit easier. They respond less to bumps and feel a little less animated.

The simulation mode makes Dirt 4 one of the most challenging racing games to master. Players will need to learn how to use weight shifting on turns if they ever hope to win anything. The aerodynamical grip feels different for every car. However, the most important thing about the aero grip is that it’s there and it feels realistic. You can feel it pull your car down as you speed across the track at high speeds.

Dirt 4 Graphics

Dirt 4 looks outstanding. It also sounds lively. Both the graphics and sound combine to deliver a truly immersive rally racing experience. You will feel dirty and exhausted – but satisfied – after playing it.

The lighting is also great. It gives the vehicles a real sheen and shine. I would muse that only racecar drivers and people with eccentric tastes like the way dirt rally cars look. Nevertheless, even under the dirt, muck, grime, and damage, the way Dirt 4 presents its vehicles will make you consider buying a real-life rally car just to have it in your garage.

Dirt 4 Modes

Because this a multi-platform racer, it has a cross-platform leader board separated into two main classes – those who play Simulation mode and those who play Game mode.

The game also features procedurally generated tracks to keep players on their toes. You also get various multiplayer modes such as Landrush and Joyride. Unfortunately, there is no offline multiplayer. However, Steam gamers have access to Steam’s Workshop where you can create and trade custom tracks as well as decal and logo designs.

Dirt 4 Overall

Dirt 4 is the best off-road racing game on PC. It has plenty of content to keep you hooked and busy. It’s fun, it’s challenging, and it’s on Steam.

#5 Best Kart-Style Racing Game: Sonic & All-Stars RTC

Sonic & All-Stars RTC Specifications:

• Developer: Sumo Digital
• Release Date: 16 November 2012
• Price: $59.99
• Type: Arcade Racing Game
• VR Support: No

Sonic & All-Stars RTC Minimum System Requirements:

• Operating System: Windows XP/Vista/7/8/8.1/10
• CPU: 2 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
• RAM: 1 GB RAM
• GPU: Any graphics card with 256 MB memory and Shader Model 3.0 Support
• Storage: 6.7 GB

Sonic & All-Stars RTC Recommended System Requirements:

• Operating System: Windows XP/Vista/7/8/8.1/10
• CPU: 2.4GHz Intel i5
• RAM: 2 GB
• GPU: Any graphics card with 256 MB memory and Shader Model 3.0 Support
• Storage: 6.7 GB

Something else that PC gamers have been deprived of is a Mario Kart style racing game. That is where Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed Collection comes in to fill the void. Not only does it carry one of the longest names on this list but also, it’s one of the most enjoyable multiplayer online games you can find on Steam.

Sonic & All-Stars RTC Gameplay

It may seem like another Mario Kart rip-off, but it is more than that. Sonic & All-Stars contains multi-environment levels, where your vehicle transforms to suit the terrain you are racing on. Your vehicle may turn into a car, boat or plane.

The boat mode offers realistic boating physics, where players are affected by waves and turbulence. Plane mode’s most distinctive feature is the freedom of movement it gives you. Players can fly horizontally and vertically and even perform barrel rolls.

Like most kart-style games, you get a slew of weapons to trip up the competition. From exploding engines to angry wasps and snowballs, you will need more than just standard driving skills to win the race.

Sonic & All-Stars RTC Graphics

Levels are expansive and well designed. Just like the characters you get in the game, each level and location is an ode to a classic Sega game. You will find themes pulled from Golden Axe, Jet Set Radio, Space Channel Five and of course Sonic.

The graphics are smooth and fluid. I found the water physics to be the most impressive. Some of the background environment may seem a little rough and jagged. It is understandable though. This is an older game that was originally released on last-gen consoles. And thus, it demands very little from your computer.

Sonic & All-Stars RTC Game Modes

It would be quite the travesty if a kart-style game came out without any split-screen multiplayer. Luckily Sonic & All-Stars has an offline multiplayer mode that can accommodate up to four players at a time. Some of the career modes can also be played in split-screen.

You also get Grand Prix, Single race mode, Time Attack, and World Tour Mode. Completing challenges on World Tour allows you to unlock new characters and mods. In addition to this, you can also challenge other Steam players in online multiplayer.

Sonic & All-Star RTC Overall Review

Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed Collection is a great child-friendly racer with plenty of nostalgia and content packed into it to make you shed a tear while tearing through it. The multi-terrain levels and fast-paced racing will test your reflexes. It’s one of the best arcade racers you’ll find on Steam.

#6 Best Open World Racing Game: The Crew 2

The Crew 2 Specifications:

• Developer: Ivory Tower (Published by Ubisoft)
• Release Date: 29 June 2018
• Price: $59.99 (Standard Edition) $69.99 (Deluxe Edition) $99.99 (Gold Edition)
• Type: Arcade Racing Game
• VR Support: No

The Crew 2 Minimum System Requirements:

• Operating System: Windows 7/8/8.1/10
• CPU: Intel Core i5-2400s / AMD FX-6100
• RAM: 8 GB RAM
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 / AMD HD (4GB VRAM)
• Storage: 25 GB
• Requires Broadband Internet Connection

The Crew 2 Recommended System Requirements:

• Operating System: Windows 10
• CPU: Intel Core i5-4690k / AMD Ryzen 5 1600
• RAM: 16 GB
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 6GB VRAM / AMD RX 470 8GB VRAM
• Storage: 50 GB

The Crew isn’t just a racing game. It’s a love letter written to North America and its various Vistas. It’s about both racing and exploration. Which are some of the reasons it was awarded best sports game at the 2018 Ping Awards?

The Crew 2 Gameplay

As with most open-world sandbox games, the Crew 2 follows a nonlinear story. In fact, there isn’t a real story to speak of. You play as an unnamed player, who works his way through the continental USA to become successful in multiple racing disciplines.

Players can control cars, carts, bikes, airplanes, and even powerboats. The most innovative aspect of the Crew is that players can use the fast fav system to swap between vehicles at a whim. Which makes exploration even more enjoyable. Players have four different main hub worlds to choose from to race in. You get pro-style, street, off-road and freestyle racing.

The Crew 2 Graphics

The graphics in the Crew 2 are stunning, particularly how all the scaled-down American vistas are rendered and presented. You can really tell that Ivory Tower spent a painstaking amount of hours trying to perfect the way all the vehicles work and look with the environment.

The system is also fluid. If your computer meets the recommended requirements, experiencing any lag or buffering is rare. However, I have to point out that some of the physics are inconsistent, especially the smash physics.

The Crew 2 Modes

Multiplayer is restricted to online play, so there is no split-screen or local multiplayer. The game features a co-operative multiplayer, where you and a partner can join different rally raids together. Naturally, these events can also be played in single-player mode with an AI as your partner.

The Crew 2 Overall Review

The Crew 2 is a complete overhaul of the original. What lets it down is the fact that it requires constant online network connectivity. It is at its best looking when you are out racing in the wilderness. The Crew’s concept has always been an ambitious one, and Ivory Tower pulls it off admirably.

#7 Best Old School Racer: Slipstream

Slipstream Specifications:

• Developer: Ansdor
• Release Date: 21 May 2018
• Price: $9.99
• Type: Casual Arcade Racing Game
• VR Support: No

Slipstream Minimum System Requirements:

• Operating System: Windows 7+
• CPU: Any 64-bit processor
• RAM: 1 GB RAM
• GPU: Intel HD Graphics 5000
• Storage: 500 MB

Slipstream Recommended System Requirements:

• Operating System: Windows 10
• CPU: Intel Core i5-19100f
• RAM: 2 GB
• GPU: Nvidia GT210 1GB
• Storage: 500 MB

A great racing game doesn’t need high definition graphics or even licensed cars to be enjoyable. Indie developers like Ansdor create games for players who don’t necessarily have the best graphics card or gaming processor. You can play Slipstream on almost any old laptop.

Slipstream Gameplay

Slipstream is a classic arcade racer. It’s very similar to games like OutRun on the Sega Genesis. The game is easy to pick up, but it does come with a tutorial. You will need to learn how to drift around corners if you plan to win any races.

The point of this is to make the game a lot more challenging. Switching from one drift angle into another while dodging your competitors is a real test of your reflexes. The game mechanics are simple and straightforward enough to understand, but this does not necessarily mean that they’re easy to master.

Slipstream Graphics

As I have previously mentioned, Slipstream is a retro arcade racer. Cars don’t feel like they’re moving through an environment. Instead, they feel like toy cars placed on a conveyor belt. If you play the game long enough, it’s likely to put you in a trance-like state.

Do not expect real-world physics or logic here. If you slam into a competitor’s car, yours spins out while his/hers gets a boost. If you slam into traffic or a tree, your car will dramatically flip over but land on its feet like a cat.

Slipstream Modes

You get six game modes: Grand Tour, Cannonball, Grand Prix, Single Race, Time Trial, and Battle Royale. It also features local split-screen multiplayer where you can compete against a maximum of three of your closest friends.

Slipstream Overall Review

Slipstream takes you back to your favorite 90’s arcade. It’s worth playing just for the nostalgia alone. But twenty race tracks to choose from, low system requirements and an awesome soundtrack are compelling reasons too.

 #8 Best Free-To-Play Racing Game: RaceRoom Racing Experience

RaceRoom Racing Experience Specifications:

• Developer: Sector3 Studios
• Release Date: 12 February 2013
• Price: Free-To-Play (Offers in-app purchases)
• Type: Racing Simulator
• VR Support: Yes

RaceRoom Racing Experience Minimum System Requirements:

• Operating System: Windows 7+
• CPU: Any dual-core processor (at 2.4 GHz)
• RAM: 4 GB RAM
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460
• Storage: 37 GB
• Requires Broadband Internet Connection

RaceRoom Racing Experience Recommended System Requirements:

• Operating System: Windows 10
• CPU: Any dual-core processor (at 2.4 GHz)
• RAM: 4 GB
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 760 (2 GB VRAM)
• Storage: 50 GB

When you are gaming on a student’s budget, even Steam sales can seem unreachable. That’s why we need to thank the gaming gods for F2P games like Race Room. It proves that you do not have to turn to piracy or be part of the 1% in order to get your hands on a good simulator.

RaceRoom Racing Experience Gameplay

When RaceRoom was first released, it did not have keyboard and mouse support, a problem that has long since been rectified. Since its original release in 2013, it has gone through many improvements, changes, and features.

It’s important to note that this is a racing simulator and it takes time to master. It plays better on a wheel or gamepad. Users often complain about its inaccessibility, but I’d muse that most of these “gamers” are used to arcade-style racing games. If you are interested in a more casual racing experience, steer clear of this title.

RaceRoom Racing Experience Graphics

Race Room delivers smooth textured graphics. They are good enough to go up against primo current-gen titles like Gran Turismo Sport. The game has licensing from organizations such as DTM, WTCR, WTCC, and ADA GT Masters.

The cars in this game are designed to match their real-world counterparts. Something that both gamers and manufacturers demand. As such, there are no real damage models in this game. Manufacturers hate it when their cars look bad in racing games, so they often prevent developers from adding physical damage mechanics to their cars.

However, you can lose a fender or suffer gearbox and engine trouble. The problems that plague most licensed sim games plague this one too. It only simulates the driving experience, not the physics.

RaceRoom Racing Experience Modes

A modern PC game with local multiplayer is a rare find. Finding a F2P game with offline multiplier is nearly impossible. Which means you cannot really expect a split-screen mode from RaceRoom. However, you do get plenty of online multiplayer and single-player events as well as competitions to partake in. It also delivers one of the best VR racing experiences on Steam. If you have a new VR System, it is the best way to test-run it.

RaceRoom Racing Experience Overall Review

While you can’t say that RaceRoom is the perfect racing game, it still has the potential to be. Compared to the original 2013, the 2020 version of the game is nearly unrecognizable. They run on different engines. However, at its core, RaceRoom is a game that requires long-term commitment and patience from its players.

#9 Best Grand Prix Racing Game: F1 2020

F1 2020 Specifications:

• Developer: Codemasters
• Release Date: 27 June 2020
• Price: $59.99 ($69.99 for Legends Edition)
• Type: Racing Simulator
• VR Support: No

F1 2020 Minimum System Requirements:

• Operating System: Windows 7+
• CPU: Intel i3 2130 / AMD FX4300
• RAM: 8 GB RAM
• GPU: Nvidia GTX640 / HD7750
• Storage: 80 GB

F1 2020 Recommended System Requirements:

• Operating System: Windows 10
• CPU: Intel i5 9600k / AMD Ryzen 5 2600x
• RAM: 16 GB
• GPU: Nvidia GTX 1660ti / RX590
• Storage: 80 GB

F1 2020 Gameplay

F1 2020 gives players access to both the F1 and F2 Grand Prix. The cars handle realistically. Sounds and sights make you feel like you’re in the middle of a Grand Prix race. The game is compatible with a keyboard and mouse, a steering wheel setup as well as a gamepad. It’s easy enough to acclimate yourself to the driving that even casual Grand Prix fans can get into it.

F1 2020 Graphics

The graphics are gorgeous. Each stadium and track feels like it has its own identity. However, don’t expect any realistic damage models or physics. You won’t find your wheels flying off as you crash into the stadium’s barrier. It’s standard simulator stuff here. If you’re unhappy with the damage mechanics, you can always download a mod for it.

F1 2020 Modes

F1’s crown jewel is its career mode. It puts you right in the shoes of the driver. Not only are you required to be good on the track but off it as well. Interviews will influence how the rest of your crew sees you. There’s also the Senna vs. Prost mode which allows players to relive one of the sport’s most storied rivalries. Online multiplayer is also impressive. You get to fully customize your cars and compete in custom online championships.

F1 2020 Overall Review

Despite its flaws, F1 2020 remains one of the best driving games on Steam. Players get to relive the drama of past seasons while creating their own. It’s perfect for hard-core fans as well as casual spectators.

#10 Best VR Racing Game: iRacing

iRacing Specifications:

• Developer: iRacing.com Motorsport Simulations
• Release Date: 12 January 2015
• Price: $12.99 (1 month plan) $10.83 (6 month plan) $9.16 (12 month plan)
• Type: Racing Simulator
• VR Support: Yes

iRacing Minimum System Requirements:

• Operating System: 64 bit Windows 7/8/8.1/10
• CPU: Intel i3 2130 / AMD FX4300
• RAM: 8 GB RAM
• GPU: Nvidia GTX660 / ATI Radeon HD 7850
• Storage: 10 GB
• Requires a broadband internet connection

iRacing Recommended System Requirements:

• Operating System: 64-bit Windows 10
• CPU: Intel i5 9600k / AMD Ryzen 5 2600x
• RAM: 16 GB
• GPU: Nvidia GTX 1050 (2GB VRAM) / AMD RX 550
• Storage: 40 GB

iRacing is considered to be one of the best racing games of all time. It could have quite easily taken the spot for best simulation or overall racing game. However, the game’s pay-to-play subscription service model is what discourages players from getting into it.

iRacing Gameplay

iRacing offers one of the most complete racing experiences ever. Publishers such as EA are often chastised for releasing the same game over and over again. So why not just create a subscription-based model if you know that gamers will buy a new version of your game annually?

That is what the developers behind iRacing did. How much you pay for iRacing will ultimately dictate your experience. In addition to the subscription fee, there are many in-game items for sale. From cars to racetracks and events.

The vehicles feel fully realized. Each one delivers a unique but consistent driving experience. If you connect a force feedback steering wheel or a great VR system, it adds another layer of immersion. While gamepads are supported, they’re discouraged because they may put other gamers in a competitive disadvantage.

iRacing Graphics

iRacing is an evolving beast. It was originally released on PC ten years ago. In 2018, the developers announced that they would be updating their damage model. This was a bit surprising. The game already had some of the best damage mechanics and physics for any simulator. At the time of writing this article, the new damage model was still a work in progress.

The truth is the entire game is a work in progress. The developers are always fine-tuning the graphics and the gameplay. The version I reviewed probably won’t be the version you. This is something to be optimistic about. iRacing already delivers some of the best graphics of any simulator on PC. And judging by the developers’ hard work, it can only get better.

iRacing Modes

The game comes with a career mode where players start off with a rookie license. Players have to complete a set of time-trials to advance their license. Players can then compete in iRacing’s 12 week season.

iRacing members can also create and host their own online events. To keep the community in check, iRacing has a sanctioning body called FIRST. Aggressive and unruly drivers can accrue a set of infractions on their license and be marked as pariahs. It should be obvious by now that there is no offline multiplayer. You need a constant internet connection in order to play this game.

iRacing Overall Review

Since iRacing is one of the most expensive (and expansive) racing games on PC, it should at least be the best, right? Well, I believe that it is working its way there. It’s already the most realistic simulator on any platform. While it’s pricey, it does have a surprisingly large following.

So if you decide to commit, you won’t be lonely. With its authentic laser scanned tracks, a host of events to partake in, above-average VR and a large variety of licensed vehicles; iRacing may well be worth the price of admission.

Conclusion

“What part of a car is the laziest? The wheels, cause they’re always tired.” That is probably the worst car joke I have ever heard in my entire life, and now it’s sitting in your head too. But you know what isn’t a joke? Choosing a racing game to buy from Steam.

In this guide, we discussed ten of the best Steam racing games for nearly every sub-genre and category imaginable. I suggest that you bookmark it and save it for the next Steam sale. Either way, I hope you’ve found this guide to be helpful. If you did, do not hesitate to share it with your gaming friends and family. Thank you for reading.