Gather around our fellow racing game fanatics; today, we’re in for a wild ride, looking at the top offerings on PS5 racing games from the worst to the best. We will trim the fat, so to speak, and not go for the middle ground. Today’s games will either fall into the garbage pile or be in the top-tier category.
Also, today’s list will ruffle some feathers, as we have colorful opinions about the games. Of course, we’ll justify the positioning of the 5 games we’re considering for the top PS5 racing titles. For better or worse, the matter will be put to rest for us. We’re betting good money that some popular choices will not make it, so don’t come crying if that happens.
How Will We Decide the Ranking of the Top PS5 Racing Games?
So before jumping into our list, we need to establish a few parameters to help us create our rating system. That way, readers can see how we rank the top PS5 racing games on Sony’s Juggernaut console.
So without further ado, let’s look at the requirements for today’s games.
- Each game under consideration must have uniqueness above all else. The racing games genre is way past the oversaturation point, so only originality can help it stand out.
- Obviously, every racing game we’ll talk about must be on the PS5. If it’s exclusive, that’s even better, but that’s not a hard condition.
- Lastly, the gameplay must hold up, and the game’s technical performance must be top-notch. This will be the ultimate test for a racing game’s position on PS5 for today’s list.
Which Racing Games on PS5 Are The Best and Worst?
Let’s cut to the chase and get right on the list. Here are the racing titles that we think are worth your time and some you’re better off skipping. Let’s go!
5. Grant Turismo 7 – The Worst Racing Game Ever In The Franchise, and A Blemish on the PS5
Despite the massive hype behind Grand Turismo 7, it was unable to deliver the experience gamers were expecting. Moreover, given that Grand Turismo 7 is a PlayStation first-party exclusive, this was a heavy blow to PS5 gamers. Suffice to say, the fandom outrage by the racing game fans on PS5 was apparent. Let’s look at why that is the case.
The Downfall of Grant Turismo 7- The Lack of Content At Launch With Full Price Was An Instant Red Flag
The first downside of Grand Turismo 7 was its pricing. The game is instrumental in paving the way for PS5 titles to cost a whooping 70$. While that might not matter to some, it is a factor as not everyone can pony up the dough. The lack of content was another death blow, even if players are willing to spend that much on a game.
That’s right, Grand Turismo 7 was like a beta test instead of a full racing game on the PS5. The servers flatlined immediately after two days of launch, and the game was nothing more than a grind-fest. The emulation of a so-called real-life experience explanation wasn’t met kindly, and it came back to bite them on the hindquarters.
Performance Issues and Microtransactions Galore Earned The Ire of the Racing Game Community
Grand Turismo 7 wouldn’t be such a bad game if corporate greed weren’t as apparent; alas, that wasn’t the case. The last straw was the devs doubling down on the grind aspect while raising the price of in-game high-end cars. The idea was to milk the fan base by nudging gamers toward microtransactions.
Don’t get us wrong, Grand Turismo 7 is aesthetically a gorgeously breathtaking racing game, but there’s lag to contend with. The online-only requirement, even for the single-player mode, was another controversial decision by the devs. Overall, Grand Turismo 7 fails to impress, and its issues compel us to downgrade it to the worst racing game on the PS5.
4. F1 22 – Another Major Franchise Goes Downhill As One of the Worst Racing Games on PS5
Moving on from the worst entry, we move to another bad one, which considering EA was behind it, shouldn’t surprise anyone. F1 22 is a game with a lot of potential; unfortunately, it never fully realizes it, or the devs were not trying. Either way, F1 22 is a stinker in the racing games pile on the PS5.
More of the Same, Lack of Innovation Makes it Hard for F1 22 to Justify Its Existence
The biggest drawback of F1 22 is that it hardly ever does anything to distinguish itself from its predecessor F1 21. For a game that wants to wow and captivate its target audience, it’s not a good sign if it can’t justify its purpose. Sure, the game looks pretty, but that is the case with all racing game releases on new-gen systems like the PS5.
A pointless F1 Life mode only distracts from the part of the racing sim element, and it comes across as annoying. This is the tip of the iceberg, though, as F1 22 has more problems that make the game unplayable for many. The chief one is the server disconnectivity issue. Players in league races get booted out randomly, and connection time is painfully long.
The Abysmal Handling and Control, Plus A.I. Difficulty Sour The Experience for Fans of F1 Series
If you think F1 22 only has server problems, you’re dead wrong. F1 22 has the dishonor of having the most bug-laden racing game experience on the PS5. We’re not kidding; the sound bugs alone make your ears bleed. The worst part is the horrid car handling.
Another major point of concern for players in F1 22 is the A.I. The game intentionally makes it difficult for players to win, where the A.I. zips past players despite players long crossing them. F1 22 is a game that could be better, but the heap of problems it has doesn’t point to that possibility.
3. Wreckfest – The Middling PS5 Racing Game Which Fails to Find Its Footing
Coming out of the horrendous racing games category on PS5, we have one that’s a fun, if a little flawed gem, Wreckfest. We know what you’re thinking; what’s a game with unrealistic elements doing on a racing game list? The answer is that Wreckfest manages to be entertaining and doesn’t have the issues of the last two games.
The Identity Crisis of Wreckfest Makes it Difficult for Racing Game Enthusiasts to Acknowledge It
We get it, Wreckfest relies on its obvious shtick to stand out, which many find one-dimensional, but we respectfully disagree. It is precisely because of the vehicular combat element with excellent racing gameplay that Wreckfest’s so much fun to play. The ability to twonk and side-bash your opponents to the point of obliterating their car is incredible.
Despite Its Shortcomings, Wreckfest’s Fun and Satisfying Gimmick Make it A Stand Out PS5 Racing Game
The movement of vehicles in Wreckfest is a significant step up on the PS5 racing game from the PS4 version. The performance and graphics make Wreckfest feel like a new game, and its absurdity gives it a zany edge similar to Fortnite. Wreckfest’s new leash on life is similar to Fortnite as well; you can find insight about Fortnite’s fate in our friend’s piece is Fortnite dying?
2. GRID Legends – The Runner-Up Racing Game on Our List
The runner-up game on our list is quite a refreshing approach to generic racing games on PS5. GRID Legends is a spectacular racing game that walks a fine line between a racing simulator and an arcade game. We highly encourage everyone to check out GRID Legend’s exhilarating and pulse-pounding gameplay.
GRID Legends Brings Innovation in Multiplayer, New Game Mechanics that Leave A Lasting Impression
While many racing game heavy-hitters on the PS5 fumbled right off the bat, GRID Legends surprised everyone. Players can access a beautiful game with crisp racetracks and a multiplayer system that works. The inclusion of the A.I. nemesis system is a nice touch that encourages players to be mindful of the racers, not just the race track.
Matchmaking is incredibly simple yet brilliantly innovative as well. Players can take on A.I. opponents in matches, and as soon as someone joins the race, one of the A.I. is replayed by an online player.
The Story Mode is a Unique Documentary Style Feature That Distinguishes GRID Legends From Other PS5 Racing Games
The story mode is the most intriguing feature of GRID Legends that immediately grabs our attention. The documentary-style drama and behind-the-scenes thematic look with professional actors are a genius decision. If you like stories in games, check out our piece about the 9 best story-driven games like Life is Strange.
The racing action in GRID Legends is always intense. There is enough variety to motivate players to unlock new cars and customization items. Some of it might not feel as groundbreaking, but when you add together everything with the story, GRID Legends is one of the most fun racing games on the PS5.
1. Hot Wheels Unleashed – The Best Racing Game on PS5 Around
Capping things off, we have a game that exemplifies fun. Hot Wheels: Unleashed does everything right to crown itself the best PS5 racing game ever. No hyperbole; we’re dead serious about our claim. Here’s why!
How is Hot Wheels: Unleashed the Best PS5 Racing Game?
Despite the loot-box focus of Hot Wheels: Unleashed, it’s not something shoved down players’ throats. Plus, the gameplay is a high-octane rush of twists and turns during full-throttle racing. The racing isn’t just a gimmick either; it’s skill-based, meaning players will want to get good to win against others.
In Hot Wheels: Unleashed, players will find a nostalgic vibe when they see the racing tracks pass through themes of bedrooms, kitchens, and backyards. The throwback to many gamers’ childhoods, including ours, was instrumental in us picking Hot Wheels Unleashed as the number one choice of the racing game on the PS5.
The Zany Vibe of Hot Wheels: Unleashed and Over-The-Top Tracks Propels the Fun Factor
The absurd sight of cars speeding across ceilings and race tracks on that signature orange racetrack is a delight. The thrilling and all-around fun players will have when playing Hot Wheels: Unleashed is unparalleled. Pushing other players into spiderwebs is silly and satisfying. Hot Wheels Unleashed is one of the most unique racing games on the PS5.
We realize many gamers will take issue with our number 1 pick, but for us, there’s no better racing game than Hot Wheels Unleashed. The create-a-level feature is another reason we love the game so much; it allows players to challenge each other with custom racetracks.
Final Thoughts
And that’s a wrap, folks. We are genuinely excited to hear your thoughts on our picks. We can almost sense the meltdown from the racing game community regarding the choice of placements of popular racing games. It’s tough to hear, but sometimes gamers must let go of fanboyism and accept that a game isn’t good.
If you’re a video-game car enthusiast, check out our ranking of the 5 best GTA Online drift cars. We hope our list opens gamers to new titles and they enjoy playing them. Until next time, take care, and happy gaming!
