Arcade racers
High speed, generous grip and plenty of forgiveness for mistakes. Braking is simplified, and collisions rarely end your race. A good choice for short evenings and split-screen play with friends.
Games
Games catalogue
Racing games vary a lot: in some the car forgives almost anything, in others every touch of the throttle demands care. This catalogue describes types of games rather than specific titles, to make it easier to work out what you're actually looking for.
The right genre matters more than a big name. A game that matches your pace brings more enjoyment than the most realistic one.
How this section works: it's a catalogue of genres, not a list of titles. We describe types of racing games in general terms — how the car behaves, how much practice they take and which controls suit them best — and we don't give ratings.
Types of racing games
The six main categories racing games are usually divided into.
Sim-cades
A compromise between fun and realism: the car conveys weight and tyre feel, but doesn't punish every small slip. A comfortable place to learn the racing line without too much stress.
Simulators
Detailed physics for suspension, tyres and aerodynamics. A mistake on corner entry costs a lot, and results depend heavily on car setup and regular practice.
Rally
Solo stages on mixed surfaces: gravel, tarmac, snow. What matters is listening to your co-driver, reading the road ahead and driving smoothly rather than right on the limit.
Karting
Light machines with no suspension or power steering and a sharp response to steering input. Karting is great for learning to feel grip and to work the pedals gently.
Demolition racing and open world
Free driving around a big map, stunts, crashes and challenges. The rules are looser, and the fun comes from exploration and cheerful chaos rather than tenths of a second.
How to choose for yourself
Four questions to help you narrow the choice down to the right type of game.
What you'll be using
On a gamepad, arcade racers and sim-cades feel more comfortable. Simulators come into their own with a wheel and pedals, although many of them can be learned on sticks with calm settings.
How much time you have
If you have half an hour a day to play, pick a genre that's quick to get into. A simulator takes many evenings of practice before your driving becomes consistent.
Online or single-player
Some games are built around a career and AI opponents, others around online races with a safety rating. Decide who you'd rather compete against.
PC or console requirements
Complex physics and a full grid of cars put a load on your system. Check the minimum requirements on the game's page, and remember that a steady frame rate matters especially in racing games.
Related sections
- Guides
Step-by-step guides: wheel calibration, career mode, qualifying, wet tracks, crash-free online races. Plus our article catalogue.
- Mechanics
Racing line, braking points, weight transfer, understeer and oversteer, tyres and step-by-step car setup.
- Reviews
What to look for in a racing game and how to tell fact from the author's taste in someone else's review.
- Questions
Short answers about getting started in racing games, control settings and online racing rules.
What we rely on
- User manuals and developer help pages for racing games
- Motorsport driving school training materials on driving technique
We describe the general principles of racing games. Menus, modes and online racing rules in a particular game may differ and change with updates — check the developer's help pages.