The world of motorsport from your sofa
One of the most anticipated racing games of the year is now on sale, with Gran Turismo 7 available for the Sony PlayStation console. It represents a throwback to classic driving games, but with modern graphics and features.
For those of you without a PlayStation, or in search of something different, we have numerous other gaming options to consider.
To avoid disappointment, we have detailed which games console or system you will need to play each particular game.
The Real Driving Simulator returns
Almost 25 years after the original Gran Turismo game was launched, an all-new Gran Turismo 7 is finally here for PlayStation owners. Unlike its predecessor, Gran Turismo Sport, the new GT7 offers the immersive single-player campaign mode the series is known for.
At launch, GT7 will feature more than 420 different cars, along with 94 different courses to race on. Expect both the number of cars and tracks to grow as developer Polyphony Digital adds extra content.
Gran Turismo 7
Progressing through the single-player mode will be key to Gran Turismo 7, with endless options for buying and selling cars. Multiple tuning upgrades will allow players to tweak their cars, with a detailed livery editor also included.
Multi-player racing, an ultra-realistic photo mode, and even the torturous licence tests all feature, too.
The game can be played on both the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 consoles, although only the latter features true 4K resolution graphics.
Available for: PlayStation 4 / PlayStation 5
Forza Horizon 5
The fifth instalment in this franchise is now available to buy, with Mexico the location of choice for Forza Horizon 5. It is the newest game on our list, and sees the return of the over-the-top arcade-style action that Horizon has become known for.
A new location brings the biggest ever map to the series, incorporating lush rainforests and bone-dry desert dunes. Even an active volcano can be found when exploring, with 11 different biomes and changing seasons.
It makes for a host of racing options, ranging from Baja buggies to the latest hypercars.
Forza Horizon 5
The open-world experience of playing Forza Horizon 5 allows for multiple options to success. Players can focus on unearthing abandoned barn-find cars, setting high scores on dramatic jumps, or simply enjoy cruising the detailed Mexican scenery.
Custom liveries, and endless tuning potential, will let players indulge their creative side.
Comprehensive multi-player options are on offer, with the ability to gift cars to other players at random.
Available for: Xbox One/Series X/S, Windows 10 PC
What about Forza Motorsport 7
The latest game in the Forza Motorsport series for the Microsoft Xbox was launched in 2017. However, due to commercial licenses expiring, Microsoft has recently had to delist the game from its online store.
Copies of the game bought using a physical disc can still be installed, but access to downloadable content may be limited.
Microsoft initially suggested a new Forza Motorsport game could appear in 2021, but this has slipped to 2022.
Available for: Xbox One/Series X/S, Windows 10 PC
F1 2021
The most recent update in the long-running F1 series, F1 2021 brings new features to the party. All teams and drivers are included, making this an accurate representation of the 2021 Formula 1 World Championship.
Codemasters is attempting to keep up with the constantly changing F1 calendar, adding new circuits as the season progresses.
New for F1 2021 is an interactive story mode named ‘Braking Point’, along with a greater development of the ‘My Team’ option. This allows you to join the grid with your very own F1 team.
An updated F1 2022 game is expected later in the year.
Available for: Xbox One/Series X/S, Windows PC, PlayStation 4, Google Stadia
Dirt 5
Another Codemasters game with a noble heritage, Dirt is the successor to the Colin McRae Rally series. Compared to previous titles, Dirt 5 has taken a path more focussed on off-road arcade action, rather than being a pure rally simulator.
Rallycross racers, muscle cars, dune buggies and more are all on offer. Four-player split-screen multiplayer challenges sit alongside a lengthy career mode.
Available for: Xbox One/Series X/S, Windows PC, PlayStation 4/PS5, Google Stadia
WRC 10
The official game of the World Rally Championship is now into its 10th generation, and is said to be the most in-depth rally game on the market. Multiple events from the 2021 WRC are replicated, and it features a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the WRC.
Career progression allows players to begin in less powerful machinery, before building up to full-fat WRC cars. Along with modern options, some classic cars from WRC history are included.
Available for: Xbox One/Series X/S, Windows PC, PlayStation 4/PS5
Art of Rally
For those wanting a retro flavour to their rallying action, Art of Rally could offer a slice of polygonal perfection.
Inspired by the golden age of rallying, the game includes more than 50 recognisable miniature machines, from the 1960s through to the 1990s.
Stages in a variety of environments all promote drifting action and big jumps, with an overall sense of fun. A cinematic replay mode offers the chance to relive your best moments. An impressive synthwave soundtrack adds to the nostalgia.
Available for: Windows PC, Apple Mac OS, Linux
NASCAR 21 Ignition
After several years of NASCAR Heat, Motorsport Games has taken over the reins of creating a stock car racing simulator. It promises to include every circuit found in the 2021 NASCAR Cup season, along with all teams and drivers.
A detailed Paint Booth option will allow players to create their own custom liveries. Sadly, NASCAR 21 Ignition does not include the ability to do a post-race burnout.
Available for: Xbox One/Series X/S, Windows PC, PlayStation 4/PS5
GRID Legends
For those old enough to remember the TOCA Touring Car games of the late 1990s, GRID Legends can trace its lineage back there. Made by Codemasters, GRID Legends offers a variety of racing styles, along with a Netflix-inspired ‘Driven to Glory’ story mode.
More than 100 vehicles are on offer, ranging from sports cars to trucks. Players can experience 130 different circuits to race on, including Brands Hatch and Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Available for: Xbox One/Series X/S, Windows PC, PlayStation 4/PS5
rFactor 2
Should you want to take your racing to the next level, rFactor 2 increases the difficulty stakes significantly. Do not mistake this for a light arcade racer – rFactor 2 is the basis for serious simulators used by professional racing teams and drivers.
Tyre wear, and even the buildup of rubber on the racing surface, are accurately modelled. Visual and mechanical damage are also part of the game, whilst the physics engine can model details such as chassis flex.
A decent steering wheel and pedal setup will be needed to make the most of rFactor 2, along with many hours of practice and dedication.
Available for: Windows PC
Assetto Corsa
Created by a team based next to the Vallelunga circuit in Italy, Assetto Corsa also pursues a serious simulation approach to racing. This means a steering wheel and pedal setup are advised again. Some players have reported it being hard to use with just a standard gaming control pad.
A strict racing focus means the cars included are predominantly true competition machines. Downloadable content includes numerous classic Ferrari F1 cars, plus Le Mans racers and more.
Exact replicas of real-life race circuits are matched with a handful of fictional tracks.
Available for: Xbox One, Windows PC, PlayStation 4
Assetto Corsa Competizione
Developed from the original game, Assetto Corsa Competizione is an officially licensed simulation of the 2018 and 2019 Blancpain GT Series. Cars have been accurately modelled, whilst tracks have been scanned by lasers to ensure a pinpoint recreation of them.
Both Sprint and Endurance races from the Blancpain GT Series are included, along with the Spa 24 Hours race for the ultimate challenge.
Initially only available for Windows PC, the game is now available on Xbox and PlayStation consoles, too.
Available for: Xbox One, Windows PC, PlayStation 4
Project CARS 3
Previous Project CARS were renowned for paying attention to realistic simulation, demanding concentration and commitment from players.
The latest Project CARS 3 title has dispensed with that formula, switching to a more accessible arcade-style format. Those who have played earlier versions of Project CARS may be in for a shock.
There are still plenty of replica racing cars included, along with a large variety of circuits to race them on. Seasons, weather conditions, and lighting are all accurately modelled for extra challenges.
Available for: Xbox One, Windows PC, PlayStation 4
RaceRoom Racing Experience
Offered as a free-to-play download, RaceRoom is a true hardcore motorsport simulator, packed with realistic championships and challenges.
Players are given a number of cars and tracks to use for free, with in-game-purchases used to add more as they wish. With more than 150 cars from 42 different manufacturers, plus over 50 different circuits, there should be content to suit every taste.
A proper steering wheel and pedals setup is recommended.
Available for: Windows PC
iRacing
Described as the ‘World’s Premier Motorsport Racing Simulation’, iRacing is the basis for multiple professional eSports competitions. First launched in 2008, years of development have added inch-perfect renditions of real racing circuits and officially licensed championships.
Players can race against AI competitors, but challenging real-world drivers in multiplayer events is at the heart of iRacing. A skill-matching system aims to ensure players get to race against others of a similar ability.
Offered through a subscription service, players will need a Windows PC, steering wheel, and a high-speed internet connection.
Available for: Windows PC
Automobilista 2
Developed by Brazilian company Reiza, Automobilista 2 is the product of more than a decade of refining and tweaking. As another game aimed at the realistic simulation market, Automobilista 2 is currently offered only for Windows PC.
Being made by a Brazilian company means that motorsport from the South American country features heavily. If you’ve ever wanted to experience the Brazilian Stock Car V8 championship, Automobilista 2 could be for you.
The game is heavily focused on multiplayer competition, but Reiza Studios aim to add a single-player career mode in future updates.
Available for: Windows PC
TT Isle of Man: Ride on the Edge 2
Replicating the entirety of the 37-mile long Isle of Man TT Mountain Circuit is an impressive feat, and Ride on the Edge 2 aims to recreate the drama of the annual motorbike event.
Just like the real TT race, the difficulty curve for Ride on the Edge 2 is steep. Players should prepare for plenty of mistakes and crashes as they attempt to learn the seemingly endless number of corners and crests.
Available for: Xbox One, Windows PC, PlayStation 4
Ride 4
Consider the Ride series of games as essentially Gran Turismo for motorbikes. Launched in 2020, Ride 4 includes a roster of over 250 different bikes, all modelled in near-perfect accuracy.
Various competitions, including 24-hour endurance races await players, with dynamic lighting and weather included. A wealth of parts can be used to upgrade both the performance and looks of individual motorbikes.
Available for: Xbox One/Series X/S, Windows PC, PlayStation 4/PS5
MotoGP 21
For the complete and accurate rendition of the 2021 MotoGP season, this is the game to have. The latest instalment includes all the teams, riders, and tracks from the current championship.
At the core of the game is an immersive career mode, seeing players progress from Moto3, to Moto2, and finally the goal of MotoGP. More than 40 historic riders and bikes are included, too.
Handling of the various bikes is skewed towards realism, although plenty of assists are available to help rookie players. New for 2021 is the need to run back to your bike, should you fall off!
Available for: Xbox One/Series X/S, Windows PC, PlayStation 4/PS5, Nintendo Switch
Gear Club Unlimited 2
An exclusive for the Nintendo Switch console, Gear Club Unlimited 2 gives players the chance to race through four diverse environments. More than 50 licensed vehicles are included, with a major focus on modern supercars and hypercars.
Four-player split-screen racing is included, whilst players can also form their own clubs to race in. A story mode is also present, and players can customise their cars with unique liveries.
Available for: Nintendo Switch
The Crew 2
Roaming across a scaled-down recreation of the United States, players in The Crew 2 can race on land, sea, and even in the air. Such diversity means a roster of cars and motorbikes are joined by stunt planes and speedboats.
Ubisoft has released additional content for The Crew 2, including hovercraft racing and a demolition derby mode. Expect arcade fun, rather than simulation realism, here.
Available for: Xbox One, Windows PC, PlayStation 4, Google Stadia
Need for Speed Heat
Released to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Need for Speed franchise, Heat also makes use of an open-world racing environment. Set in a city environment modelled on Miami, Florida, players follow a story mode that includes illegal street racing and outrunning the cops.
Car customisation is also a major part of Need for Speed Heat. Players can use a separate smartphone app to personalise their cars before uploading them into the game.
Available for: Xbox One, Windows PC, PlayStation 4
Grand Theft Auto V
Almost eight years after being released, and with more than 120 million copies sold across the globe, Grand Theft Auto V is still one of the most controversial games ever made. With graphic violence and a dark sense of humour, GTA V is certainly not a game to share with the kids.
Aside from the massive open-world environment, GTA V does include a host of racing options with its extensive online mode. The cars included may not be officially licensed, but many will still be instantly recognisable.
In a crazy world, GTA V perhaps offers the ultimate escapism experience.
Available for: Xbox One/Series X/S, Windows PC, PlayStation 4/PS5
Wreckfest
If the idea of competing in banger races and destruction derby events gets your motor running, say hello to Wreckfest.
Detailed damage modelling will see every bump and bash affect your car in a realistic manner. The results of gigantic crashes will certainly need more than T-Cut to repair.
Originally started through crowdfunding, the developers of Wreckfest later turned to a pre-order system to raise money to complete the game.
Available for: Xbox One, Windows PC, PlayStation 4
Car Mechanic Simulator 2021
Instead of ripping cars apart, Car Mechanic Simulator has an emphasis on putting them back together again. The game has been influenced by the host of TV shows that see garages transform abandoned cars into show-stopping machines.
Players can examine various components of officially licensed cars, then use realistic tools and methods to fix and replace parts.
A career mode opens up a higher class of vehicles, along with options such as a paint shop and test track. New features for 2021 include the option to purchase cars from auction houses to restore.
Available for: Xbox One, Windows PC, PlayStation 4
Snowrunner
A successor to the MudRunner series of games, SnowRunner delivers more of the same open-world off-roading. Players have to traverse 15 different environments, ranging from the United States to Russia.
Swamps must be navigated, broken bridges repaired, and treacherous weather conditions faced. Travelling even the tiniest distance can be tough, with careful planning and plenty of patience needed.
The vehicle roster ranges from conventional SUVs and pickups, through to monstrous military trucks and HGVs.
Available for: Xbox One, Windows PC, PlayStation 4
Keyword: Gran Turismo 7 and more: the best racing games to buy now