10 Best Racing Games for PS4 2024 | UK Video Gaming Blogger Reviewed
If you fancy yourself as the next Lewis Hamilton, but would rather not run the risk of a hefty speeding fine, worry not as we've found the best racing games for Sony's PS4 for both car fanatics and racing fans. With some of the leading realistic driving simulations and arcade racers to choose from, you won't even need a license to play these fast-paced titles. It's also worth remembering that all PS4 games can be played on the PS5, some even have updated graphics and features!
Before heading down to our top 10 rankings, read our buying guide to help you select the perfect title for your collection, whether that's a VR compatible racer, open-world and free-roaming fun, or multiplayer kart chaos! If you're unsure where to find them in the UK, we've provided handy links to the best prices on Amazon, the PlayStation Store, and Asda.
Quick List - Top Racing Games for PS4
Benjamin is a writer of fiction and occasional video-game reviewer. He gained his MA in English Literature from Birmingham City University, where he was the editor for The Student Anthology. Though his main enjoyments are reading, writing, music and gaming, he has time for anything that tickles his fancy.
A recommendation service that carefully researches each product and consults with experts across many disciplines. We are constantly creating new content to provide the best shopping experience from choosing ‘cosmetics’ to ‘food and drink’, ‘home appliances’ to ‘kids and baby’ products, reaching users all across the United Kingdom.
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Table of Contents
- With Specialist Consultation From Video Gaming Blogger Benjamin Titmus
- How to Choose a Racing Game for PS4 in the UK
- Consider the Style of Racing Game: Racing Simulators Are Great for Car Enthusiasts, Kart Racers Are More Fun for Kids1
- Look For Games With Multiplayer Modes to Race Against Friends and Other Players Online2
- If You Have a PlayStation VR Headset, Try a PSVR Compatible Racing Game3
- Check the PEGI Rating to Make Sure the Game Is Content and Age Appropriate4
With Specialist Consultation From Video Gaming Blogger Benjamin Titmus
Benjamin is a video-game reviewer. He gained his MA in English Literature from Birmingham City University, where he was the editor for The Student Anthology. Though his main enjoyments are reading, writing, music and gaming, he has time for anything that tickles his fancy. Learn more about him and his blogs from here.
How to Choose a Racing Game for PS4 in the UK
- Consider the Style and Type of Racing Game
- If You Want to Play With Others, Look For Games With Multiplayer Modes
- If You Have a PlayStation VR Headset, Try a PSVR Compatible Racing Game
- Check the PEGI Rating to Make Sure the Game Is Age-Appropriate
Consider the Style of Racing Game: Racing Simulators Are Great for Car Enthusiasts, Kart Racers Are More Fun for Kids
Pick a Realistic Racing Simulator for a Lifelike Driving Experience
Realistic racing simulators replicate real-life driving physics by recreating weather conditions, controls and vehicles to provide a more lifelike experience. These are often the best type of game to play with a steering wheel and pedals set up if you have the space for them.
By prioritising realism, racing sims can sometimes be a little less game-like and too technical for some. However, if you've ever wanted to know what it's like to drive the McLaren MP4/6 at top speed or compete over rocky terrain, these are the games for you!
These are very specific genres of games for gamers who enjoy the realism associated with them. You may be thinking, what could the difference be between games like Dirt 2.0 and The Crew 2?
Yes, they're both driving games, but one was designed to emulate the exact feel of driving, and the other was designed with fun in mind. Before getting into the world of racing simulators, it would be a good choice to play one first. Dirt 2.0 and Gran Turismo Sport are regularly on sale.
Opt For an Open-World Racing Game to Explore a Virtual Map
As the name suggests, open-world racing games give players the freedom to travel across a vast virtual world. These games tend to be more detailed than other racers with beautiful scenery, dynamic weather conditions and the option to choose how you progress through the game.
Although open-world or free roam racing options can be a bit lacking in gameplay, there are some real hidden gems out there. Try to look for titles that use inventive map designs, customisable features and enough challenges to keep things interesting!
Open-world games are for everyone and let you play at your own pace. If you're someone who likes a varied playing experience, try one of these. There are realistic worlds to be explored in games like The Crew 2, which can be done on your own or with other players online. If you want a competitive experience, you can do so.
Kart Racers Are Fun, Entertaining and a Great Choice for Younger Gamers
If you want to try something fun and a bit quirky, kart racers are your go-to driving games. While the driving mechanics tend to be more simplified than realistic sims, you're likely to come across unusual and wacky track designs, obstacles, and even kart-based combat!
Many kart racers are based on popular platformers, borrowing familiar characters, settings and sounds. The generally light-hearted and humorous tone make these games highly entertaining and a good introduction to the racing genre for younger gamers.
If you love playing racing games, but your children or younger siblings struggle to keep pace with you, it might be worth playing a game like Crash Team Racing. They are designed with fun in mind and often require more than just driving, which helps to keep younger players engaged.
Each player has various tools to prevent other players from taking advantage. The tracks are well designed and fun to race around, even if you happen to be losing.
Go For an Arcade-Style Racer With Fantasy Elements and Cartoon Physics to Enhance Gameplay
Arcade-style racers use exaggerated controls and physics to enhance gameplay. While some titles use real-world vehicles and settings, when it comes to gameplay, realism is dialled down in favour of overall fun and entertainment.
Expect to land crazy jumps and frequently use speed boosts, weapons and plenty more that you'd never see on the track in real life for a real escape. These are perfect if you're after a fast and frantic experience without having to worry too much about when to brake or change gear.
Racing cars is fun regardless of the game, but it can be even better when other mechanics are to think about. In Burnout Paradise Remastered - a game that still looks beautiful today at 60fps and properly remastered, there are jumps, obstacles, nitrous and an incredible open-world to explore.
The game even features a day and night system and has been further updated with the remaster. You're in charge of what you decide to do in Burnout Remastered. Arcade games are often picked up and played and don't take themselves too seriously. They're ideal for playing after work or when you're in the mood for something less intense.
Look For Games With Multiplayer Modes to Race Against Friends and Other Players Online
The competitive nature of racing makes these games ideal for going head-to-head with your family and friends, so don't forget to check how many each title can accommodate. Most racing games will offer a split-screen option for at least two players, but some more resource-intensive, simulation experiences may only have online multiplayer.
Choosing games with online multiplayer modes will allow you to show off and hone your skills against gamers from all over the globe in a variety of different game modes. You can even take part in eSports competitions and try to place on worldwide leaderboards if you think you're fast enough!
Make sure you're heard loud and clear online with one of the best gaming headsets for PS4 & PS5!
If you're a competitive gamer, you're best to play racing games that take place on the track. Whether racing simulators like Project Cars 2 or hybrid simulators like Gran Turismo Sport and F1 2019. These provide the best online action for players who want to race properly, where concentration and practice are rewarded.
Alternatively, if you're non-competitive and prefer casual gameplay, an open-world game like The Crew 2 would suit you better. Instead of competition, the emphasis is placed on exploration, teaming up with other players, and selecting from a ridiculous range of vehicles.
If You Have a PlayStation VR Headset, Try a PSVR Compatible Racing Game
For those of you with a PlayStation VR headset, you may want to look for games with VR compatible features. Virtual reality provides a truly immersive experience, giving players the feeling of actually being in the driving seat!
Perfect for adrenaline junkies, PSVR lets you bomb down the track at 170 mph, all within the safety and comfort of your own home. Just make sure to take regular breaks if you're prone to motion sickness.
Why not check out some more PS4 accessories to go along with your VR headset?
Bear in mind that the only VR headset compatible with the PlayStation 4 is their official headset, the PSVR. If you're not used to playing games in VR, the experience can be pretty peculiar to start with, so make sure you switch playing between the headset and the screen.
Motion sickness can be a real issue, but many players have also reported feelings of claustrophobia and heightened levels of fear about horror games. It would be a good bet to try before you buy.
Check the PEGI Rating to Make Sure the Game Is Content and Age Appropriate
Not all games are suitable for all audiences, and certain titles contain mature content that isn't appropriate for younger players. In the UK, we use the PEGI (Pan European Game Information) classification system to help inform consumers prior to buying.
In the same way, we classify movies, age-rated certificates are allocated based on criteria such as violence and sexuality. These ratings don't reflect the complexity or difficulty of gameplay but are a useful tool when buying games for kids, teens and those who may be sensitive to explicit content.
Racing games appeal to all age groups mainly due to their accessibility. They usually have simple controls with minimal learning curves. Whilst most racing games are fun for children, games like Dirt 2.0 may bore and frustrate them.
The same goes for games like Gran Turismo; unless they love motorsports, chances are, they will be too realistic for a child who wants to race and see immediate results.
10 Best Racing Games for PS4 in the UK
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Activision Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled | | Unrelenting Remaster of the Classic Kart Racer From 1998 | |
2 | EA Need for Speed Heat | | A Vibrant Open-World Street Racer | |
3 | Codemasters F1 2021 | | Expanded Driver Stats and More Ways to Race | |
4 | Ubisoft The Crew 2 | | Race Across Land, Sea and Sky in This Open World Game | |
5 | Slightly Mad Studios Project Cars 2 | | One of the Best All-Time Racing Games for Car Fanatics | |
6 | Codemasters Onrush | | A Rowdy and Unique Arcade-Style Racer | |
7 | Polyphony Digital Gran Turismo: Sport | | An Ultra-Realistic Racing Sim With PSVR Compatibility | |
8 | Criterion / EA Burnout Paradise Remastered | | High-Octane Arcade Racer Remastered for the PS4 | |
9 | Codemasters Dirt 5 | | Fast, Frantic and Fun Off-Road Arcade Racing Game | |
10 | THQ Nordic Baja: Edge of Control HD | | Off-Roading Madness With 160 Vehicles to Choose From |
Unrelenting Remaster of the Classic Kart Racer From 1998
A critically acclaimed remaster of the 1998 classic kart racer, Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled is one of our top picks for the PS4. Move over Mario, because the bad boy bandicoot is back in this frantic, crate-smashing, apple-lobbing speed-fest.
This updated version boasts razor-sharp response times with 7 gameplay modes, 34 tracks, and 26 playable characters to choose from. If you've never played CTR don't be fooled by the cartoonish appearance, this game is unrelenting. So if you like a challenge, have fun!
EANeed for Speed Heat
A Vibrant Open-World Street Racer
Need for Speed Heat is the latest in a lengthy list of titles from one of the leading franchises in the racing game genre. Taking place in the world of illicit street racing, players can race, drift and off-road against the vibrant backdrop of Palm City both day and night. Just watch out for the cops!
With more customisable options than ever, Heat provides plenty of opportunities to show off your unique style. You can even win (virtual) cash through racing events to unlock more cars and upgrades!
Expanded Driver Stats and More Ways to Race
F1 is often fronted by its superstars, like Hamilton and Schumacher, but it is, in fact, a team sport. In the latest incarnation of the game franchise, the developers have added two-player career mode that let's you share the experience cooperatively, or competitively!
This blows the previous career modes out of the water, offering a wider range of outcomes, making repeat gameplay highly addictive. F1 2021 also sees the welcome return of 'My Team' Mode, allowing you to compete as the 11th team on the grid.
UbisoftThe Crew 2
Race Across Land, Sea and Sky in This Open World Game
While we've chosen to stick mainly to cars for this one, the term 'racing game' can encompass a wide range of options from Harley-Davidsons to Chocobos. For those seeking a little vehicular variation, The Crew 2 offers up a veritable feast of exotic cars, bikes, boats, and planes for players to choose from.
Forget everything else going on in the world as you race across the United States at breakneck speeds, all in an open world that gives you free-reign over land, sea and sky!
Slightly Mad StudiosProject Cars 2
One of the Best All-Time Racing Games for Car Fanatics
Undoubtedly one of the best games for petrolheads of all ages and our no. 1 pick, Slightly Mad Studios have outdone themselves with this title. Offering over 200 elite-brand race and road cars to unlock, Project Cars 3 is tested and fine-tuned by pro drivers for optimal true-to-life handling.
What's more, the game comes loaded with an enormous track roster of over 120 real-life locations. So, If you've ever wondered how it feels to drive the Jaguar XJR-9 down the Daytona International Speedway, now's your chance!
CodemastersOnrush
A Rowdy and Unique Arcade-Style Racer
Onrush is unlike anything you've ever played before! Best likened to racing Hot Wheels inside a technicolor, Escher-esque nightmare, it's not going to be everyone's cup of tea. For starters, say goodbye to the start and finish line.
Instead, you'll be driving wild and recklessly, taking down other cars and gaining as much airtime as possible to come out on top. If that's piqued your interest, you certainly won't be disappointed by this colourful and rowdy arcade racer!
An Ultra-Realistic Racing Sim With PSVR Compatibility
For those in the market for an ultra-realistic racing sim, look no further than Gran Turismo: Sport. Rendered in 1080p/60fps, or 4k/60fps on the PlayStation 4 Pro, this game uses superb true-to-life visuals to transport players behind the wheel of over 170 of the world’s most coveted cars!
For those with PSVR, GT Sport's VR mode is hugely impressive in terms of graphics and intuitive controls. Disappointingly, players are limited to only two modes.
Criterion / EABurnout Paradise Remastered
High-Octane Arcade Racer Remastered for the PS4
Burnout Paradise is back and gloriously remastered for the PS4. A game that's as much about crashing cars as it is racing them, tear around Paradise City causing mayhem in this high-octane, open-world driving playground.
Instead of ogling real-life luxury cars, players are given a plethora of fantasy vehicles from American muscle cars to Japanese imports and even monster trucks! Although realism certainly isn't the goal in this game, the updated visuals go a long way to enhance the overall gameplay.
CodemastersDirt 5
Fast, Frantic and Fun Off-Road Arcade Racing Game
Dirt 5 speeds into first place when it comes to racing games on the PS5. The developers ditched the realistic stimulator style of its predecessor and instead opted for a fast, frantic and fun arcade take on the racing game. You can see the influence of retro racers with subtle hints to SEGA Rally Revo, RalliSport Challenge and many more.
The modern console has been embraced too, taking advantage of the haptic feedback, the insanely realistic graphics and an optional 120 fps rate. It might not have the depth of some other racing games, but that doesn't make it any less entertaining. Plus, it has a fun story-driven career mode.
THQ NordicBaja: Edge of Control HD
Off-Roading Madness With 160 Vehicles to Choose From
With more than 160 vehicles to choose from, 100 tracks, and nine open worlds, this off-roading, free-roaming battle royale is anything but boring! Test your skills by taking part in a range of events, including hill climb, endurance, circuit and much more.
As for visuals, it looks ok. Despite being an HD remaster of the original 2008 title, if you're a stickler for graphics, you may be disappointed. That said, the responsive physics engine and authentic vehicle repair mode more than makeup for a lack of veneer.
Written and researched by Wren Mann
Top 5 Racing Games for PS4
No. 1: Activision｜Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled
No. 2: EA｜Need for Speed Heat
No. 3: Codemasters｜F1 2021
No. 4: Ubisoft｜The Crew 2
No. 5: Slightly Mad Studios｜Project Cars 2
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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