Let’s be honest — there’s just something special about racing games. The speed, the precision, the rush you feel when you hit the perfect drift or overtake someone at the last second — it never gets old. And if you’ve got a PS5, 2025 is going to be a seriously good year for that adrenaline fix.
We’re seeing a wave of new titles and updates that go way beyond just great graphics. Developers are bringing real innovation this year — smarter AI, deeper career modes, better physics, and crazy attention to detail. Plus, the PS5’s DualSense controller adds that next-level feel with every gear shift, bump, and brake.
Whether you’re into serious sim racing or just want to mess around in an open-world car fest, there’s something on the horizon for you. In this post, we’ll break down 10 must-play PS5 racing games that you’ll definitely want to try in 2025.
Why PS5 Is the Ultimate Console for Racing in 2025?
When it comes to racing games in 2025, no console delivers the full experience quite like the PlayStation 5. From raw power to immersive features, the PS5 has everything a racing fan could ask for — whether you’re a casual weekend driver or a full-on sim racing addict.
Let’s start with performance. The PS5’s hardware allows racing games to run in crisp 4K resolution with ray tracing, giving you lifelike reflections on car surfaces and realistic lighting on every track. Combined with lightning-fast load times and smoother frame rates, the action stays fast, fluid, and visually stunning.
But what really makes PS5 racing games shine is the DualSense controller. Unlike traditional gamepads, the adaptive triggers and haptic feedback on the DualSense let you feel every tire screech, gear shift, and bump in the road. Games like Gran Turismo 7 and Dirt 5 take full advantage of this, making driving more immersive than ever.
And for those who want that authentic racing setup, the PS5 is fully compatible with top-tier racing wheels like Logitech G923 and Thrustmaster T300RS. Add a racing seat and you’ve got a home setup that rivals real-life track days.
Online multiplayer is also next-level. From competitive ranked races to casual car meets, the PS5 connects you with a global racing community. With growing support for esports and live events, it’s not just about playing anymore — it’s about being part of something bigger.
What Makes a Racing Game “Must-Play” in 2025?
1. Gameplay Realism or Fun Factor
First and foremost, a must-play racing game for mobile needs to feel good. Some players crave the realism of tight handling, tire wear, and authentic car physics. Others want to hit the gas and drift around corners without worrying about braking zones. Whether it’s a true sim or a fun, arcade-style ride — if the game nails the feel, it makes the list.
2. Graphics and Immersion
With the power of PS5, visual quality is more important than ever. Games that use ray tracing, dynamic weather, and 4K visuals don’t just look better — they feel more immersive. From cockpit views to night racing in the rain, the top racing titles in 2025 pull you into the driver’s seat like never before.
3. Content Updates and Developer Support
A great game gets even better with time. We prioritized racing games that are regularly updated with new cars, tracks, events, and community features. Ongoing support keeps gameplay fresh and gives players a reason to keep coming back month after month.
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4. Online Multiplayer and Esports Integration
Racing has always been competitive, and the online scene is booming in 2025. Games with solid matchmaking, smooth netcode, and robust multiplayer options are essential. Esports-ready titles that offer leagues, leaderboards, and spectating tools add extra value for hardcore fans.
5. Community Buzz and Player Reviews
Finally, we listened to what gamers are saying. Player reviews, social media hype, and Reddit threads often tell a more honest story than marketing trailers. If a game is getting love from the racing community, it’s probably doing something right.
The Right Balance: Sim Meets Arcade
What truly makes a list-worthy title in 2025 is balance. Not every game has to be ultra-realistic — and not every arcade racer needs to be silly. The best ones offer depth, accessibility, and style in just the right mix. Whether you’re a sim purist or just here for the fun, there’s a must-play racer out there for you.
10 Must-Play PS5 Racing Car Games in 2025 That’ll Blow Your Mind
If you’re a racing game fan, 2025 is delivering the goods — big time. Whether you’re into realistic simulations that mimic every detail of driving or you just want to hit the throttle and drift through neon-lit streets, this year’s PS5 lineup has something for everyone. From industry giants like Gran Turismo to creative arcade titles like Hot Wheels Unleashed 2, the range of experiences is massive — and honestly, exciting.
Here’s a breakdown of the 10 racing games you absolutely need to check out on PS5 in 2025.
1. Gran Turismo 7
Still unmatched when it comes to true-to-life simulation, Gran Turismo 7 continues to dominate the genre. With its 2025 updates, it’s more refined than ever. Players get access to seasonal events, fresh car packs, and online tournaments that keep things competitive. The graphics are jaw-dropping in 4K, and the DualSense controller gives you that tactile sense of tires gripping asphalt. Whether you’re using a controller or a racing wheel, GT7 is built for purists.
2. F1 24 (Codemasters)
Codemasters has outdone itself with F1 24. For fans of Formula 1, this title delivers a career mode that’s deeper, more dramatic, and more immersive than previous years. The physics feel sharper, car control more responsive, and the entire experience mirrors the real-world F1 scene. The updated team lineups, improved broadcast graphics, and refined AI make this a must-play for any open-wheel racing fan.
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3. Need for Speed: Unbound
If you crave fast cars, cool customization, and a little chaos, Need for Speed: Unbound brings that underground energy back. The bold, stylized visuals give it a unique edge, blending realism with graffiti-inspired animation. The gameplay focuses heavily on street racing, police chases, and building your rep in an open-world city. It’s a fun, edgy break from the sim-heavy crowd — and endlessly replayable.
4. The Crew Motorfest
Imagine a car-themed version of Forza Horizon set in the scenic landscapes of Hawaii — that’s The Crew Motorfest. This open-world racer lets you explore massive roads, beaches, and mountains while taking part in themed car festivals. Whether you’re riding solo or teaming up in online convoys, Motorfest delivers a fun mix of variety, freedom, and speed. Oh, and you can also switch between cars, bikes, and boats seamlessly.
5. Wreckfest 2 (Expected Q3 2025)
If you like your racing with a side of chaos, Wreckfest 2 should be on your radar. While the sequel hasn’t dropped yet, it’s expected in late 2025 — and early previews suggest it’s taking destruction racing to new heights. The first Wreckfest was already a cult hit, and this version is bringing more vehicles, bigger maps, and even more absurd crashes. Expect crumpled metal, flying debris, and endless fun.
6. Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged
This game is pure joy in digital form. Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 turns your childhood die-cast cars into high-speed, over-the-top racers. Loop-de-loops, wild boosters, custom tracks — it’s all here. But don’t let the toy-like design fool you. The driving mechanics are surprisingly tight, and the track editor allows for endless creativity. Great for kids, nostalgic adults, or just anyone looking to have a blast.
7. Redout 2
If you’re into breakneck speed and futuristic visuals, Redout 2 is your fix. Inspired by classics like F-Zero and Wipeout, this anti-gravity racer throws you into mind-bending circuits at insane speeds. It’s tough, sure — but also incredibly rewarding once you get the hang of it. The synth-heavy soundtrack and slick visuals make it a total vibe for fans of sci-fi racing.
8. Assetto Corsa Competizione (2025 Update)
This one’s for the hardcore sim racers. Assetto Corsa Competizione is all about precision, realism, and competitive GT racing. The 2025 update enhances its visuals, improves tire modeling, and introduces more licensed tracks and cars from the GT3 and GT4 series. It’s not casual — you’ll need patience and maybe even a wheel setup — but it’s one of the most accurate driving experiences out there.
9. Ride 5
Car games get a lot of love, but motorcycle fans shouldn’t feel left out. Ride 5 offers a fast, smooth, and incredibly detailed motorcycle racing experience. From track realism to bike handling, this game delivers thrills on two wheels. If you’re used to racing cars, this is a fun and challenging switch that forces you to think differently about racing lines, braking, and balance.
10. Art of Rally
Beautiful, minimalistic, and oddly relaxing — Art of Rally is the sleeper hit on this list. It doesn’t try to be the most realistic, but it nails the feel of old-school rally racing with tight controls and stylized visuals. Set in open, scenic environments with a vintage car lineup, it offers a peaceful yet surprisingly challenging driving experience. Great for unwinding without sacrificing gameplay quality.
Each of these games brings something unique to the table. Whether you prefer competitive realism or laid-back fun, this list covers all the bases. So pick your favorite style, grab that controller (or racing wheel), and get ready to hit the road in 2025.
Upcoming PS5 Racing Games to Watch in Late 2025
As exciting as the current lineup is, there’s even more heat coming to PS5 later this year. A handful of racing titles are either rumored or quietly in development — and if the buzz is true, the end of 2025 could be a game-changer.
First up is the rumored reboot of Need for Speed: Underground — and let’s be honest, that name alone sparks nostalgia. If EA brings back the neon-lit streets, heavy customization, and iconic street racing vibes from the early 2000s, it could easily be the year’s biggest surprise hit.
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Also on the radar is a potential revival of Project CARS. After the franchise was shelved in 2021, hints of a new sim-focused title from Slightly Mad Studios have started making the rounds again. If it drops, expect detailed circuits, realistic tuning, and pro-level driving physics.
Meanwhile, the indie scene is quietly cooking up some stylish and original racers — including a few retro-inspired and top-down drift games set for late 2025.
So if you’re a racing game fan, don’t hit the brakes just yet. The next wave of PS5 racers might be just around the corner — and it’s looking fast, fresh, and full of surprises.
Final Thoughts
PS5 racing games in 2025 have truly raised the bar. From hardcore driving simulators to fast-paced, over-the-top arcade fun, there’s no shortage of variety this year. Whether you’re someone who loves perfecting lap times or just wants to cruise through stunning open worlds, the current lineup delivers something for every type of racer.
What really makes this era exciting is how deeply immersive these games have become. With better visuals, responsive controls, and constantly evolving online features, each title offers a unique way to experience the thrill of driving.
So whether you’re racing for the podium or just for fun, now is the perfect time to dive in and find your next favorite. The PS5 makes every race feel alive — and that’s something worth getting behind the wheel for.
If you enjoyed this roundup, share it with your fellow racing fans — and get ready to hit the gas.
