Remember that feeling? Wind in the hair, roar of the engine, nobody in sight on the road. Be it in real life or otherwise, driving gives a good punch of freedom and excitement. Driving games simulate that feeling, giving players opportunities to try different cars and tracks. The range of driving games is overwhelming. The guide below will assist you in finding the best driving games that fit your tastes on the PC.
Simulation vs. Arcade: An Understanding of the Driving Game Spectrum
Driving games can be basically classified into two groups: simulation and arcade. Knowing the differences between the two is essential for your selection process. What do you really want?
Simulation Racing Games: The Pursuit of Realism
Simulation racing games are focused on being as realistic as possible. They try to recreate all aspects of a real-world situation: car physics, handling, and details of the track. Prepare to be slapped with quite a bit of challenge as it’s a punishing endeavor.
- Assetto Corsa Competizione: A winner for accuracy with GT racing.
- iRacing: Famous for online racing and realistic feel.
Arcade Racing Games: Fun While Offering Accessibility
Arcade racing games go for pure fun. They discard realism mostly. Forgiving controls, bonkers physics, and feisty gameplay can be expected here. These games are easy to pick up: just jump into one of these great fun experiences.
- Need for Speed: The series is a classic indeed; lots of action, lots of style.
- Forza Horizon: Open world racing with tons to do.
The Most Important Things to Consider When Choosing:
Your skill level is key. Are you new to these games, or are you a seasoned pro? Think about how real you want the game to feel. Do you want a challenging sim, or some arcade fun? After that, think about which type of gameplay you enjoy more.
Big-Time Simulation Racing Games for PC
If you want realism, well, simulation racing games are your deal. Here are some of the best: get ready to be put to the test.
- Assetto Corsa Competizione: The Ultimate GT Racing Experience
- iRacing: The King of Online Racing
- rFactor 2: A Maintenance Power
Assetto Corsa Competizione puts you in the driver’s seat of GT3 and GT4 race cars. Official licenses help to bring real teams and tracks into your living room. The game is very challenging and will require precision and skill. There is a very strong online community and an even bigger esports scene if this is something you want to experience.
It is subscription-based and has a comprehensive car and track library. Clean racing is heavily emphasized in iRacing and is an integral philosophy of the game. iRacing also works with some of the professional esports organizations.
rFactor 2 has an advanced physics engine and a realistic tire model. Its modding community brings in tons of extra content. Whether arcade or hardcore sim racing is your thing, you would surely enjoy rFactor 2. Give it much time to spend tweaking and testing the wheels.
Top Arcade Racing Games for PC
So you want to have some adrenaline-packed fun? Arcade racing games will deliver thrills without asking for perfection.
- Forza Horizon 5: The top performance open-world racer
- Need for Speed Unbound: Style and Substance
- Burnout Paradise Remake: The Ultimate Crash Racing Machine
This title throws you smack in the middle of a very beautiful open world that is set in Mexico. It offers a taste of the various kinds of cars that the game holds and makes the experience rather casual. Some types of races or events are just too many to count. This game looks beautiful and fun.
Need for Speed Unbound had a very unique art style and engaging story. It’s just fast-paced and energetic in the gameplay. You get lots of ways to customize your cars. The multiplayer modes are great for racing with friends.
Burnout Paradise Remastered is speed and destruction concentrated into one game. Its open world craves crazy crashes. The takedown mechanisms are extremely satisfying. Pure arcade fun: this title delivers it.
Beyond the Mainstream: Concealed Gems and Underrated Titles
Sometimes, the most awesome driving experiences are out of the ordinary. You can discover some of these little gems here.
- Art of Rally: The Rallying Experience In Stylized Form
- Wreckfest: Demolition Derby Madness
- BeamNG.drive: The Ultimate Playground for Physics
Art of Rally is a minimalist art style with very tough stages, focusing on precision driving. Historic rally cars with atmospheric environments make it a different experience altogether. Those who want challenges should try this one.
Realistic crash physics and hard-hitting demolition derbies. A ton of different vehicles waiting. The system for upgrades and the fully customizable cars give the game that extra depth. It’s outrageously fun smashing and crashing your way to victory.
BeamNG.drive employs a soft-body physics engine that leads to realistic and spectacular crashes. The sandbox environment provides unlimited experimentation possibilities.
Gear Up: Essential Peripherals for PC Driving Games
To truly enjoy your experience with driving games, think about adding some peripherals. The tools really enhance the experience.
Conclusion
Whether it be the realism of Assetto Corsa Competizione or the arcade fun of Forza Horizon 5, there’s a driving game for everyone on PC. Keep in mind what you want from the game. See the games we’ve discussed and tell us your favorite car-riding experiences in the comment below!