11 best racing games to play on PC in 2022

Some may think that productions solely centered on driving the car are boring. After all, you do the same thing over and over again, not to mention that some readers get behind the steering wheel to get from point A to point B in real life. However, if you look into PC racing games a little further, you’ll discover how much more they offer. Whether you enjoy immersing yourself in a single-player campaign, racing with your friends, or beating your records for pure satisfaction, you’ll find something to suit your taste here.

Best racing games on PC to try in 2022

We’ve compiled a list of the best racing games to prove this genre’s versatility. We’re sure that even non-fans will be tempted to try some of our recommendations. Time to fasten your seatbelts, as we’re in for a ride!

Burnout Paradise: Remastered (Included with PC Game Pass)

The saying “old but gold” perfectly describes Burnout Paradise: Remastered. Although the refreshed edition of the title 2008 may not have the most impressive graphics, it still guarantees hours of fun. The vast Paradise City and the Big Surf Island introduced in one of the add-ons are pretty varied, with everything from narrow alleys to winding mountain roads.

Besides speeding through streets without a specific goal, players can participate in races. Those who thrive on adrenaline can explore the map in search of cleverly placed ramps or complete challenges. It’s such a pity that we can’t expect the sequel any time soon. It would undoubtedly be on all the lists of the best racing games on PC.

We have excellent news if you want to give Burnout Paradise: Remastered a go. It’s available on PC Game Pass, a Microsoft subscription service that gives users access to the ever-growing library of games. New members pay only $1 for the first month, so it’s pretty affordable.

Dirt Rally 2.0

Dirt Rally 2.0 is a real treat for fans of a realistic racing experience. The game from the renowned Codemasters studio allows you to drive over 50 different vehicles and participate in circuits from the FIA World Rallycross Championship and ordinary races worldwide.

The title also offers many tuning options to customize your car to all-terrain conditions. Moreover, you can take on challenges and race with other members of the Dirt Rally community, trying to reach the top of the leaderboard. Overall, if you seek excellent driving physics, Dirt Rally 2.0 will be perfect for you.

Trackmania Turbo

Trackmania Turbo is the next pick on our list of the best racing games on PC. The campaign mode provides players with over 200 tracks in 4 different environments, including lush paradise or hilly countryside.

But the fun doesn’t end here. The developers took a step further and created an extensive course editor, giving unlimited possibilities. This game is a perfect choice for those who like the idea of racing on twisted tracks full of obstacles and ramps.

Wreckfest (Included with PC Game Pass)

Those who are tired of traditional racing might be interested in Wreckfest. Although you often have to finish the race in a high position, your main goal in the game is not winning but inflicting as much damage as possible. It’s no good if you don’t like opponents bumping into you, as it’s standard here.

The vehicle selection is quite extraordinary; we have muscle cars, vans, race cars, and lawnmowers. Yes, you’ve read correctly. Moreover, the latter is not only possible but also necessary. All things considered, it’s a perfect pick for anyone who likes more experimental PC racing games.

Assetto Corsa Competizione

Assetto Corsa Competizione is a full-fledged racing simulator, the potential of which can only be fully appreciated by veterans of the genre. The developers strived for accurate driving. Therefore, such factors as weather conditions, the aerodynamics of the machine, or the tire model heavily impact handling the car.

Moreover, even the most minor details, like windshield wipers and control devices, have been meticulously recreated for an even more realistic experience. As far as vehicles are concerned, the game offers dozens of branded cars, including Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Mercedes.

Forza Horizon 4 (Included with PC Game Pass)

Any line-up of the best racing games would be incomplete without at least one title from the Forza series. Forza Horizon 4 gives players much freedom, and participating in the competition is optional. Driving around picturesque Great Britain and discovering its secrets is as exciting as racing.

More than 450 cars are available in the game, along with numerous challenges and races. Additionally, thanks to the Super7 mode, you can create and share your routes with other drivers. That’s plenty of content to play around with!

Forza Horizon 5 (Included with PC Game Pass)

We’ve already mentioned the fourth installment, but it’s high time we looked at the latest one. Forza Horizon 5 has astonishing visuals, beautiful Mexican vistas, and smooth gameplay, guaranteeing the best possible experience. Moreover, it provides a diverse open world with dynamic weather and seasons changing every week with new events, challenges, and collectibles.

It is a must-play racing game in 2022 because you can enjoy it as you see fit: in single-player mode, racing through breathtaking Mexico, partaking in fun challenges with friends, or even creating custom tracks and sharing them with the community. The possibilities are endless, and there’s a little something for everyone.

BeamNG.drive

BeamNG.drive can be defined as a realistic driving game that gives players a free hand to do everything they desire. Whether it’s roaming freely through diverse worlds, completing scenarios, or beating time records in races, it’s hard to find something that wouldn’t be possible here.

Moreover, your imagination can run wild as the game allows you to create custom tracks, vehicle builds, and challenges and share them with others. Community content makes this title special, and given how much the community contributes, it is safe to say the gameplay will hook you up for hours.

It’s worth mentioning that BeamNG.drive is playable on Valve’s handheld. It’s even mentioned in our article on the best PC-exclusive games to play on the Steam Deck, a must-read for anyone who wants to make the most of this device.

GRID Legends (Included with PC Game Pass)

This title might pique your interest if you’re up for thrills. GRID Legends focuses on action and delivers it by implementing unpredictable and aggressive AI. The game has a few modes, including a campaign stylized as a documentary or career in which you earn money to buy vehicles and compete in races. However, you can also play with friends thanks to the multiplayer that supports up to 21 players. There’s also cross-platform play, so you don’t have to worry if your buddies prefer consoles.

Another reason why GRID Legends belongs on the list of the best racing games in 2022 is that it has breathtaking graphics. Ultra-realistic reflections can be especially appreciated on high-end computers. If you’re looking for more stunning productions, check out the top ray-tracing games with the best visuals.

Need for Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered (Included with PC Game Pass)

This title probably needs no introduction. Need for Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered is a renewed edition of the 2010 production. Besides the base game, it features the content from all DLCs. In addition, there are also new achievements, car colors, and an updated photo mode and gallery.

Moreover, the visuals have also been enhanced to fit the standards of modern hardware. As far as the gameplay goes, it doesn’t differ much from the original, and players still have to outsmart the cops by speeding like there’s no tomorrow.

Feeling nostalgic? Our article featuring the top game remasters and remakes to play on PC will be the best bet for more recommendations.

WRC Generations

The latest entry in the beloved WRC series, Generations, keeps up with the times, bringing hybrid cars to the table. It influences the gameplay, providing players with new challenges. However, the most notable feature is undoubtedly vehicle physics, which makes for an even more realistic driving experience than in previous installments.

You can play in career mode, where you strive to win a championship, but there are also some multiplayer options if that’s what you like. For example, league mode allows you to compete with other players on a similar level and move up the ladder. Certainly, there’s a little something for every car fan.

That wraps up our list. Now tell us: What’s your favorite PC racing game? Do you like realistic or arcade-style driving models? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.