The 10 Best Racing Games on PlayStation 5 in 2027
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The 10 best racing games on playstation 5 are ranked below on measured performance, build quality, price, and how each one actually holds up in daily use rather than how it reads on a spec sheet. Gran Turismo 7 takes the top spot, with Assetto Corsa Competizione and EA Sports WRC close behind for different budgets and priorities.
1. Gran Turismo 7

Gran Turismo 7 ranks first due to its unmatched breadth and continuous live-service support through 2027. Polyphony Digital has added free cars, tracks, and Café menus monthly for years, making the disc a fraction of the full experience. Its PSVR2 mode remains the best argument for that headset, and its active Sport Mode sustains populated online lobbies. The DualSense adaptive triggers communicate ABS pulsing and brake lockup with exceptional fidelity.
2. Assetto Corsa Competizione

Assetto Corsa Competizione ranks second for its uncompromising simulation of GT3 and GT4 machinery. Its tire model punishes sloppy inputs and rewards genuine study, making it the definitive choice for players who want to master a single discipline. On a direct-drive wheel, the force feedback delivers detail that no other PS5 title matches. The trade-off is a narrow car roster and steep learning curve that demands patience.
3. EA Sports WRC

EA Sports WRC ranks third as the premier rally experience on PS5, built by Codemasters on Unreal Engine with the official WRC license. It demands reacting to pace notes on unseen roads rather than memorizing circuits, a fundamentally different skill from circuit racing. The stage variety and dynamic surface conditions create unmatched tension on gravel, snow, and tarmac. Its career mode spans a full season with realistic progression.
4. The Crew Motorfest

The Crew Motorfest ranks fourth for its refined open-world arcade formula on a compressed Hawaiian map. Ubisoft Ivory Tower organized events into themed Playlists, solving the sprawl problem that plagued earlier entries. The game optimizes for short, satisfying sessions with minimal travel time between activities. Its car roster is broad, and the DualSense implementation adds tactile feedback during high-speed cornering.
5. F1 25

F1 25 ranks fifth for its annualized yet polished Formula 1 simulation with the current season's roster and tracks. Its adaptive triggers meaningfully simulate brake pressure and wheel slip, narrowing the gap between pad and wheel play. The online population concentrates on the newest edition, making this essential for competitive multiplayer. Solo career mode offers deep team management and race strategy options.
6. Need for Speed Unbound

Need for Speed Unbound ranks sixth for its distinctive cel-shaded visual style layered over photorealistic cars. Criterion's arcade handling model is accessible and satisfying, with a focus on high-speed chases and drift mechanics. The open-world setting encourages short, chaotic sessions rather than long-term commitment. Its soundtrack and visual flair create a distinct identity separate from simulation-focused titles.
7. Sonic Racing CrossWorlds

Sonic Racing CrossWorlds ranks seventh as the best kart racer on PS5 for local multiplayer sessions. Its item-based racing and vibrant track designs fill the couch co-op gap that PlayStation historically under serves. The roster includes Sonic characters and guest appearances, with accessible controls for non-racing fans. Split-screen support makes it a reliable party game for up to four players.
8. DiRT Rally 2.0

DiRT Rally 2.0 ranks eighth as the reference point for uncompromising stage rally without arcade concessions. Its physics model demands precise throttle and brake control on loose surfaces, with no assists to mask mistakes. The PS5 backward compatibility delivers improved frame rates and reduced loading times. It remains essential for players who want the purest rally challenge available on the platform.
9. Nickelodeon Kart Racers 3

Nickelodeon Kart Racers 3 ranks ninth for its family-friendly local multiplayer with a large roster of cartoon characters. It supports up to four players in split-screen with customizable karts and power-ups. The track designs are colorful and straightforward, appealing to younger players and casual groups. Its price point is lower than major kart racers, offering good value for occasional couch play.
10. Assetto Corsa EVO

Assetto Corsa EVO ranks tenth for extending Kunos's simulation philosophy with an open-world driving component. It broadens the car roster beyond GT machinery while retaining the punishing tire model that defines the series. The open-world mode adds scenic driving between events, appealing to players who want both focus and exploration. It is a newer entry whose long-term support and physics updates are still evolving.
How we ranked these
The ranking was decided by categorizing games into four families—circuit simulation, arcade open-world, rally/off-road, and kart/party racing—and prioritizing fit with player intent, input device, and session length over aggregate scores. Practical factors like live population, update cadence, and hardware requirements were weighted heavily.
Related questions
Is Gran Turismo 7 still worth buying in 2027?
Yes, due to years of free content updates, a deep car roster, active online mode, and PSVR2 support.
Do I need a racing wheel to enjoy these games?
No. Arcade racers are controller-friendly, and DualSense adaptive triggers enhance simulation titles. A wheel deepens sims but is optional.
Should I buy the newest F1 game or last year's?
Buy current for online play; buy last year's at a discount for solo career mode.
What is the difference between Gran Turismo and Assetto Corsa Competizione?
Gran Turismo 7 offers breadth with hundreds of cars and structured progression. Assetto Corsa Competizione is narrow and deep, focusing on GT machinery and an uncompromising tire model.
Are there good split-screen racing games on PS5?
Yes, kart racers reliably support local multiplayer, and some mainstream racers retain two-player split-screen. Check specific titles.
FAQ
How much storage should I plan for a racing library?
Modern racing titles are large, and live-service entries grow over time. Keeping three or four installed alongside other games typically requires an expansion SSD.
Does the DualSense actually add anything to racing games?
Yes, when implemented well. Adaptive triggers can simulate ABS pulsing and traction loss, communicating grip state through the controller. Implementation varies by title.
How long does it take to get comfortable with a wheel?
Expect 10-20 hours to return to controller pace. The first few hours feel worse; persisting past that plateau is where the payoff lies.
Which assists should I turn off first?
Turn off the racing line first to avoid dependence. Then reduce traction control gradually. Keep ABS longest, as real racing cars have it. Change one variable at a time.
Are racing game microtransactions a problem on PS5?
They exist in live-service and annual titles, typically as currency to accelerate progression. The key test is whether the driving itself is enjoyable; if so, microtransactions are optional.
Is it worth buying PS4-generation racers on a PS5?
Often yes. Backward compatibility works well, older titles benefit from improved performance, and the used-disc market is inexpensive. This is the only way to play some classics.
Sources
- https://www.playstation.com/en-us/games/
- https://www.gran-turismo.com/us/
- https://www.assettocorsa.net/
- https://www.ea.com/games/ea-sports-wrc
- https://www.ea.com/games/f1
- https://www.ign.com/
- https://www.eurogamer.net/
- https://www.polygon.com/
- https://www.gamespot.com/
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