The Greatest Racing Games of All Time

If you can’t actually be driving, then the next best thing is a simulation, right? All of these games put you behind the wheel – of something. Some are go-kart racing games, some super car racers, and some are, well, we’ll leave it up to you to find out.

We’ve picked games that are available for a variety of different platforms, so even if you don’t have the latest console, you’ll still be able to get in on the racing action!

Forza Horizon 5

Let’s kick things off with a modern classic, Forza Horizon 5 is widely accepted as one of the best racing games out there. Developed by Playground Games, this edition takes us to the streets (and jungles) of Mexico. The racetracks here are less actual tracks, more do-it-yourself streets and dirt roads, giving you a glimpse into the incredibly diverse landscape of Mexico. You can kit your car up for off road adventuring – at great speed. Alternatively, you can get it ready for its racetrack debut. Whatever you do, you’ll need to be prepared for sudden changes in weather and the actions of your competitors. This game is intricate and meticulous in its details, perfect for those who love tinkering in real life.

Kart Wheelin’

When it comes to online slots, there is a good selection of racing games clamouring for the number one spot, but we think Kart Wheelin’ is hard to beat. This game puts you in charge of a pretty nifty go-kart. You’ll need to look out for wilds and multipliers to boost your winnings, but with a potential 25,000x your stake max win, maybe that won’t be too tricky. If you’re after a quick play game, with an awesome theme and the potential for big wins, you could do a whole lot worse than Kart Wheelin’.

Gran Turismo 7

Are we really on the seventh edition of Gran Turismo? Yes, it seems we are! Polyphony Digital released this game back in 2022 to rave reviews. The advanced physics engine is part of the reason for such fanfare, providing perhaps the most authentic driving experience yet. Combining this with the ability to choose from faithfully recreated actual racecars and a brilliant online multiplayer mode and you’re in for a great time. Being able to play with other drivers from all over the world lends an element of intense competition to this game. Plus, the customization system means you can really pick apart the mechanics of Gran Turismo 7 and tweak things to suit your own racing style. Be warned, this is by no means a quick play game! We’d wager that you could still be sat in the same spot hours after loading this up for the first time.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Next up is the most recent in the beloved series of classic racing games, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. This was released exclusively for the Nintendo Switch, really encouraging players to get together (in real life) with their friends. The party feeling of this game is prominent throughout, encouraging you all to pick your character and their unique car. There are circuits that range from the inspired to the hilarious, with special features all of their own. Considering this game is ‘fun’ compared to the likes of Forza and Gran Turismo, it still stands up as a game that requires some pretty clever handling. Sure, you’re not considering torque, horsepower, or even gear changes, but you will need to be quick to accelerate, decelerate and collect power-ups if you want to get ahead.

F1 2023

The fifth and final pick is F1 2023, which was developed by Codemasters. This game, as the name suggests, is based on the famous F1 racing cars. You’ll find all of the official F1 teams alongside their drivers, cars, and even the tracks from the 2023 F1 circuit. If you’re a fan of F1 racing then you’ll undoubtedly love this game, but even if you aren’t, there’s a lot of enjoyment to be found in it. Career Mode is particularly strong, allowing you to experience what life might actually be like as a burgeoning F1 driver.