The Best PS4 Racing Games to Buy

Since it launched in 2013, the PlayStation 4 has become one of the best-selling game consoles of all time. Due to its popularity, it has also spanned thousands of titles, such as action-adventure games, sandbox games, racing games, and many more. Today, we’re focusing on best racing games for PS4.

Since its inception in the 1970s, racing video games have been a well-loved genre for serious and casual gamers alike. From simple arcade racing to realistic simulations, there’s a racing game out there for everybody.

However, with the PS4’s wide selection to choose from, finding the right game can be an overwhelming task. There are many factors to consider, from age demographic to graphics. With that in mind, we reviewed 7 of the best racing games for the PS4, in no particular order.

Codemasters DiRT 4 (2017)

The fourth installment in the DiRT franchise comes with a unique feature: the ability to customize your own stage, from its length to its complexity. In addition, the impressive, detailed graphics of water droplets and smoky fog add a layer of realism to the game. Players also have to build their ‘careers’ by finding sponsors and hiring (or firing) PR managers and staff.

The game also lets you choose between Gamer and Simulation mode. Gamer mode has smoother controls and is suited for casual players, while Simulation mode requires more precision in its handling and includes terrains that are affected by the weather.

Overall, DiRT 4 is not for the faint of heart, but it’s one well worth the hours you will be putting into it.

Perfect for: Rallying junkies who want a challenge

Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled

After 20 years, the beloved 1999 Crash Team Racing has finally been remade, thanks to Canadian developer Beenox. If you’re looking to play an updated, modernized version of Crash Team Racing, you’re in luck because this remake has stayed faithful to the original, while also refining the graphics and adding some new features.

Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled now includes an online multiplayer option, kart customization, and the ability to choose a different player other than Crash Bandicoot. Additional content can be purchased with Wumpa Coins via the Pit Stop.

Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled is an outstanding addition to an already-beloved franchise that is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.

Perfect for: Kart racing and Crash Bandicoot fans

F1 2019 (2019)

The yearly update to the official video game series of the FIA Formula One World Championship boasts of lifelike graphics and the inclusion of the Formula 2 championship, the first ever in the long-running series.

Other new features that have been added are the ability for official drivers to switch teams and a fictional team with customizable liveries. There’s also a small storyline present in the game with the addition of two fictional drivers who add a bit of rivalry into the sport.

Overall, F1 2019 is an immersive and impressive feat in the world of simulation racing games. It’s the closest chance you’ll get of experiencing Formula One racing, but a near-authentic one for sure.

Perfect for: Formula One superfans

Driveclub (2014)​

Driveclub may be the oldest game in this lineup, but it is not one to be underestimated. Aside from being one of the best-selling PS4 games with 2 million copies sold, it is your quintessential racing game, with the same thrills but none of the frills of other racing games in the market.

The gameplay is quite straightforward: players compete in global racing games and secure their club’s reputation as the best. Players are able to unlock more content as their clubs move up the ranks.

There are three modes in Driveclub: Single Event, Multiplayer, and Tour. Tour is a campaign mode, with a predetermined selection of cars and location, while Single Event and Multiplayer give the player more freedom.

Driveclub is considered a classic for a reason: it’s car racing in its purest form.

Perfect for: Classic racing game enthusiasts

TrackMania Turbo (2016)​​

If I had to compare TrackMania Turbo to a movie franchise, it would be akin to the Fast and the Furious movies: wild and unbelievable, yet totally fun. After being dropped from the sky by choppers (which also happened in a Fast movie), you race against other players on loopy tracks, sometimes jumping off one ramp to land on another.

What makes TrackMania Turbo so great is that it brings a lot of frenzied fun to the table without being cartoonish. They know their gameplay defies the laws of physics, so they have packaged it in a way that still appeals to the masses. Like DiRT 4, TrackMania Turbo also offers players the ability to customize their own tracks. You can make it as normal (or as crazy) as you like. You are sure to have a blast either way.

Perfect for: Racing fans with a wild imagination

Project CARS 2 (2017)

With 140 tracks, 60 different locations, and 189 cars to choose from, Project CARS 2 is a huge improvement to its predecessor. The game was partly funded by fans of the original Project CARS and the donors were given a platform to provide feedback.

Slightly Mad Studios also worked closely with the auto industry and race car drivers to enhance the simulation even further. This care is evident throughout the gameplay, which is rich and dynamic. The cars perform similarly to their real-life counterparts and the tracks change subtly throughout the race due to a unique system the developers call LiveTrack 3.0. Project CARS 2 also provides off-road driving and virtual reality support.

All in all, Project CARS 2 is the complete package when it comes to racing car games.

Perfect for: Beginners and aspiring eSports players

Gran Turismo Sport (2017)​

If you want to check PS4 drag racing games then this next title is pefect for you.

Gran Turismo Sport is the first installment in the Gran Turismo franchise to come to the PS4, but it was completely worth the wait. It is an impeccably crafted game in every sense of the word, from the cinematic graphics to the fine-tuned handling. GT Sport has also streamlined its gameplay, with an emphasis on online racing.

Of course, GT Sport is not perfect. The lack of customization and narrow vehicle selection leave much to be desired, but its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses.

GT Sport is perfect for anyone who wants to experience a Gran Turismo game again.

Perfect for: Beginners and aspiring eSports players

Beach Buggy Racing (2016)​

Feel the rush as you play Beach Buggy Racing. This off-road kart racing game will keep you on your toes as you drive on an island filled with thrills and chills. With the collection of powerups that you can get as you race against other opponents just makes the game even more exciting. You can test your skills in driving in 6 different game modes on 15 unique race tracks such as beautiful beaches, lava-spewing volcanoes and many others. You can also upgrade your car from dune buggy to monster truck. How cool is that!  

This game, just like any other game, has its ups and downs. Though when we talk about price, this game is cheaper compared to other racing games. It is also enjoyable to play with its cute characters that have special unique abilities, amazing rewards like stars and coins that you can use for upgrades and other nice racing details. Some would say that racing experience in this game is somewhat standard like the selection of character, car and track. Also a little problem with the gameplay like its graphics and effects such as the screen tilting. Though this may be a big deal for some but to me it’s not much of a big deal. I still enjoy playing it. If you’re looking for ps4 split screen racing games, Beach Buggy Racing is one that I can recommend.

Perfect for: Beach Buggy Racing fans

MotoGP 17 (2017)​

MotoGP 17 is all about bikes! With its new Managerial Career mode, you can play both as a rider and a team manager as well. You do not just play for your glory but also for the benefit of your team as you manage them and make decisions both on and off the track. Providing your team with the best vehicles and hiring the best engineers are the major tasks that you must do.  However, you can still also play the classic Rider Career mode and build your career as a great rider and achieve your goal of winning the championship! Isn’t it exciting?! You may also test your skills against other online competitive teams and compete for the win in the Team Sprint Season! Moreover, you can also compete in the series of time attack challenges for the fastest on certain tracks and win amazing prizes! This game indeed has a lot to offer to bike enthusiasts and gamers like me. It’s one of the best split screen racing games ps4 available today!

Those who have been playing this kind of game for quite a long time now might say MotoGp 17 needs to be reinvented. That it has stayed familiar already to someone that has played the last MotoG games. Well, it still depends on the one playing but for beginners and those who are still learning the art of biking, MotoGP 17 is a good game to start with. It’s all about the flow, braking and turning through corners on a bike. You need a lot of control and ease to handle more powerful engines. I must say it’s worth a try.

Perfect for: MotoGP 17 fans

Nickelodeon Kart Racers (2018)​

Are you a fan of the Nickelodeon series? Well here’s a fun-filled game where you can play as your favorite character of the Nickelodeon series such as SpongeBob, Patrick, or one of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and many more. Hit the slime-filled race tracks and start racing using 2 player racing games ps4 and check out a variety of challenges. Once you’re in the track, it’s not an option to slow down, just shift to the next gear and win the cup. Race on 24 different Slime-filled tracks and customize your karts with multiple power-ups and special attacks. This is a family game so everything here is decent.

Don’t expect too much if you want to enjoy this game. Remember, the reviews of the game would still depend on the one playing it. As for me, the gameplay of Nickelodeon Kart Racers is absolutely child-friendly and enjoyable to play with if you just want to relax and have fun with your friends or family. It has a simple setup though Grand Prix is the main event of the game where each one is named after elements from the Nick shows. Drifting is easy and the controls are simple to navigate. No expectations. No need to over-analyze. Just pure entertainment with your most favorite Nicktoons is enough.

Perfect for: Nickelodeon Kart Racers fans

Phar Lap: Horse Racing Challenge (2019)​

If you’re looking for horse racing games ps4, check out Phar Lap: Horse Racing Challenge. Experience horse racing and building your own stable of champions. It’s thrilling and fun at the same time. Graphics are great and horses look real. You can capture the action of the real-time race with other online players. On top of it, you can also breed champion horses and place bets and watch the race play out in real-time.

I have read a few reviews about this game and some would say it’s quite boring to play because it only has three buttons that you can press so your horse can jump, sprint and slow down and just use the joystick to steer. Well not for me. I still find it interesting to play especially when the rivals are intense and the bet is good. You try it and make your own review.

Perfect for: Phar Lap: Horse Racing Challenge fans

Garfield Kart Furious Racing (2019)​

Who doesn’t love this classic adorable cat named Garfield? This time you’ll love him more in the game Garfield Kart Furious Racing. Together with his friends Jon, Odie and company, Garfield races and takes an adventure. This is also a two player racing games ps4. You start by choosing a character that you like and take a pick of your kart according to your style and off you go! You can use awesome bonus objects like a magic wand or pillow to gain an advantage over your opponent and spice up the game. You may also take shortcuts to overtake your rivals in the race.

There might be some glaring flaws in this game and the lack of variety and length according to some reviews but this does not make the game already awful to play. The characters are adorable, kart racing is fun, drifting is cool, exciting boosters are there, I mean just enjoy what the game offers. You don’t have to look for something different all the time. What’s in this game is fine if you just want to hang out and chill.

Perfect for: Garfield Kart Furious Racing fans

This list features only a small fraction of the racing games out there, but as you can see there truly is a racing game for everybody. Whether you prefer karting or drifting, there’s an existing PS4 racing games just waiting for you to discover it.

So what are you waiting for?