Top Racing Games on PlayStation 5 (2025) – Gran Turismo 7, F1 24, and the Art of Speed

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A Quick Remark – Forza Horizon 5 on PS5: The Surprise Cross-Platform Pit Stop

Here’s a twist no one saw coming — Forza Horizon 5, once the proud Xbox showpiece of open-world racing, officially arrived on PlayStation 5 on April 29, 2025.

If you need a more details on Forza Horizon 5 – Check out our previous post

Top Racing Games on Xbox (2025) – Forza, Need for Speed & Open-World Driving Thrills

Yes, you read that right. The long-running Microsoft exclusive also lets PS5 players experience the same festival of speed across Mexico — complete with dynamic seasons, sandstorms, and that irresistible “drive-anywhere” freedom.

Meanwhile, Forza Motorsport remains firmly Xbox and PC exclusive, holding the simulation crown while Horizon takes the role of the globe-trotting entertainer.

So while Gran Turismo 7 continues to represent Sony’s purest form of precision racing, Forza Horizon 5 now dances onto the same stage — the festival of freedom finally meets the art of perfection. And honestly, PlayStation drivers couldn’t have asked for a better surprise guest.

So, while Gran Turismo 7 keeps waving the PlayStation banner high, Forza Horizon 5 is now the wild party guest who somehow got invited… and everyone’s secretly glad they showed up.

In the world of gaming, racing games have always held a special place — where speed, precision, and emotion collide into one thrilling experience. Whether it’s the intense competition of Formula 1 circuits, the chaotic crashes of demolition derbies, or the neon-lit drift battles through city streets, this genre delivers a pure adrenaline rush that few others can match.

On the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4, the racing genre has reached its greatest heights yet: ultra-realistic graphics, DualSense controller feedback that lets you feel every curve and tire grip, and fierce online competition that pushes every racer to the limit. In 2025, major hits like Gran Turismo 7, F1 24, and Need for Speed: Unbound have transformed Sony’s console into a full-fledged racetrack — where every press of the accelerator is a test of reflex, courage, and mastery.

In this article, we’ll highlight the Top 5 Best Racing Games on PlayStation (PS5/PS4) — from the chaotic fun of Wreckfest to the refined simulation of Gran Turismo 7, these titles define what it means to live for speed.

So buckle up, tighten your grip, and hit the throttle — the PlayStation racing arena awaits!

Best PS5 Racing Games (Ranked)

Wreckfest

Genre & Style

Wreckfest is a high-octane vehicular combat racing game — part demolition derby, part survival challenge — where the goal isn’t just to cross the finish line, but to outlast the chaos. Every race is a storm of twisted metal, flying debris, and explosive collisions.

Blending the fun of classic arcade racers with realistic physics simulation, every impact in Wreckfest feels calculated — from the angle and speed of collision to how each vehicle crumples under pressure. It’s both destructive and deeply satisfying, giving players a perfect balance between unpredictability and control.

The game’s spirit pays homage to classics like FlatOut and Destruction Derby, but it’s reimagined for the modern era with next-gen graphics, advanced physics, and highly reactive terrain. Each race track — from dirt ovals and tarmac circuits to junkyards and off-road arenas — demands a unique driving strategy and adaptation to surface conditions.

Over-the-Top Customization & Vehicle Variety

Wreckfest isn’t about pristine supercars — it’s about creativity and chaos. Players can customize and upgrade a huge range of vehicles, from school buses and lawnmowers to mud trucks and racing compacts, each capable of dealing and taking damage in its own way.

Your success depends on your driving instincts and survival tactics — knowing when to attack, when to dodge, and when to send your rivals flying into a wall. Victory isn’t always about speed — it’s about strategic aggression and endurance.

Next-Gen Performance on PlayStation 5

The PlayStation version of Wreckfest elevates the mayhem with 4K visuals, smoother frame rates, and enhanced crash effects that make every hit feel cinematic. The DualSense controller adds another layer of immersion, letting you feel the rumble of the engine, the grind of metal, and the jolt of every impact through precise haptic feedback.

Sound design also shines — roaring engines, splintering metal, and the cheers of the crowd combine to make every race feel raw and alive.

Why You Should Play It

If you’ve ever missed the unhinged fun of Road Rash or old-school combat racers, Wreckfest is the perfect modern revival. It captures the joy of destruction while still offering enough mechanical depth to stay engaging over time.

It’s not a pure racing simulator — and that’s exactly why it works. Wreckfest is a celebration of reckless driving, chaos, and laughter.

Best for: Players who love destructive racing, unpredictable chaos, and the sheer fun of smashing through opponents in style.

Note: The single-player campaign is more straightforward than serious simulation titles, but for adrenaline junkies, it’s pure entertainment on wheels.

The Crew: Motorfest – A Journey of Speed in a Tropical Open World

Genre & Style

The Crew: Motorfest is an open-world racing game developed by Ubisoft, serving as both a spiritual successor and a bold reinvention of The Crew 2. Built on the theme of freedom and exploration, it transforms the entire island of O‘ahu, Hawaii into your playground — a stunning tropical paradise filled with beaches, rainforests, mountain roads, and bustling cities.

Unlike traditional racers confined to circuits, Motorfest celebrates variety and mobility. You’re not limited to cars — you can switch between supercars, off-road trucks, motorcycles, boats, and even planes at any time. This multi-vehicle system turns every journey into a seamless adventure across land, sea, and sky.

Festivals, Themes, and Freedom of Play

What sets Motorfest apart is its festival-inspired structure. Instead of a linear career path, the game invites players to join themed “Festivals” such as:

Japanese Tuners – A celebration of drifting, night racing, and car culture.
Off-Road Legends – Extreme dirt racing through rainforests and volcanic trails.
Vintage Garage – Classic cars and nostalgic routes with retro flair.

Each festival has its own music, tone, and event design, making every session feel unique and alive. The atmosphere is vibrant, energetic, and social — like a never-ending party of speed where style matters as much as performance.

Next-Gen Visuals and Driving Feel on PlayStation 5

On PS5, The Crew: Motorfest shines with incredible lighting, tropical color grading, and highly detailed environments powered by the latest Ubisoft Dunia engine enhancements. The Hawaiian landscape looks almost alive — golden sunsets reflecting off wet asphalt, palm leaves swaying in the wind, and city lights flickering along the coastline.

The driving physics strike a perfect balance between arcade accessibility and realistic feedback. Cars feel weighty, acceleration has bite, and the DualSense controller translates the roar of engines, skids, and terrain changes with precision.

While it’s not a hardcore simulator, it delivers a smooth, immersive, and joyful driving experience — ideal for players who value discovery and atmosphere as much as competition.

Why You Should Play It

If you crave freedom over formality, Motorfest is your ticket to paradise. It’s not about strict racing lines or leaderboard dominance — it’s about cruising through Hawaii, chasing sunsets, and choosing your own path.

You can spend hours exploring the map, joining spontaneous races, or just driving for fun with friends. The game also hosts live events and seasonal updates, ensuring there’s always something new to experience.

Highlights

Drive and switch between cars, bikes, boats, and planes anytime.
Join themed events across multiple racing styles.
Experience vibrant, next-gen visuals and lively soundscapes.
Feel every turn and engine vibration through the PS5 DualSense.

Reasons to Play

If you’re looking for a relaxed yet thrilling open-world racing game that blends exploration, freedom, and variety, The Crew: Motorfest is an essential pick for 2025. It captures the spirit of adventure that defines the best modern racing experiences.

Note: Some players find the handling slightly “floaty” at high speeds, and the game requires a constant online connection to access all features and live events.

Need for Speed: Unbound – Street, Style, and the Art of Speed

Genre & Style

Need for Speed: Unbound marks the boldest revival of EA’s legendary street racing franchise in years. Developed by Criterion Games, this entry takes the heart-pounding formula of high-speed chases and underground races and infuses it with a fresh, artistic edge.

Set in Lakeshore City — a fictional metropolis inspired by Chicago — the game drops you into a world of illegal races, neon nights, and cops that never back down. The streets pulse with energy, danger, and attitude, creating an immersive playground for anyone who lives for the thrill of the chase.

The Art of Racing

What makes Unbound truly stand out is its unique visual direction. The game fuses hyper-realistic graphics with cel-shaded animation effects, transforming every race into a moving piece of graffiti art. When you drift, boost, or launch nitro, your car emits vibrant, animated bursts of color — expressive, rebellious, and beautifully chaotic.

Every race feels like a visual performance — a perfect harmony of speed and street culture. It’s not just about driving fast; it’s about driving with flair.

Gameplay and Street Culture

True to its roots, Unbound brings back the franchise’s signature racer vs. cop dynamic. The Heat Level system governs police intensity — win too many races or attract too much attention, and you’ll face relentless pursuit across the city.

Adding to the tension is the cash-betting mechanic, where each race is a gamble: bet on yourself to win big, or lose everything if you fail. This risk-reward system amplifies every decision — making each drift, corner, and chase a matter of pride and strategy.

Beyond the races, Unbound breathes modern urban culture into every corner. The soundtrack curated by A$AP Rocky sets a stylish, energetic tone, while deep vehicle customization lets you express identity through performance and aesthetics — from body kits, decals, and neon trims to your unique graffiti “tag” that flares during nitro bursts.

Performance on PlayStation 5

On PS5, Need for Speed: Unbound runs at a smooth 60 FPS, with lightning-fast loading and DualSense haptics that make every drift and impact feel tangible. The controller feedback, combined with immersive 3D audio, lets you sense the roar of engines, the crackle of sirens, and the pulse of the city.

It’s an audiovisual feast — a mix of realism and surrealism that turns every race into an urban spectacle.

Why You Should Play It

Need for Speed: Unbound doesn’t try to mimic realism — it celebrates the art of speed. It’s the perfect pick for players who love night racing, police pursuits, street culture, and expressive style.

For PlayStation fans, it stands as a stylish counterpart to Xbox’s open-world racer Forza Horizon 5 (featured in Top Racing Games on Xbox 2025 – Forza, Need for Speed & Open-World Driving Thrills). Where Forza emphasizes exploration and freedom, Unbound focuses on adrenaline, personality, and rebellion — the beating heart of street racing.

Highlights

Striking graffiti-inspired art style and animation effects.
Deep vehicle customization and vibrant urban culture.
Excellent drifting mechanics and sense of speed.
60 FPS performance and immersive DualSense feedback.

Reasons to Play

If you crave fast-paced city racing with attitude and flair, Need for Speed: Unbound delivers the complete package — part racing, part art exhibition.

Note: While praised for its visuals and creativity, critics point out mild grinding (earning money can take time), and its Metacritic score (~78) reflects strong gameplay with room for depth.

Best For:
Players who love stylish street racing, high-speed police chases, and vibrant urban worlds that celebrate individuality and rhythm.

F1 24 – Where Speed Is More Than Reflex, It’s Strategy

Genre & Style

F1 24 is the ultimate Formula 1 racing simulation, developed by Codemasters and published by EA Sports. It represents the pinnacle of modern racing realism — a game that doesn’t just simulate speed, but the entire professional ecosystem of the world’s most prestigious motorsport.

Unlike arcade racers that prioritize spectacle and instant thrills, F1 24 demands precision, planning, and technical understanding. Every race becomes a chess match at 300 km/h — where strategy, timing, and consistency matter just as much as raw reflexes.

A True-to-Life F1 Season Experience

F1 24 meticulously recreates every aspect of a full F1 championship season:

Qualifying rounds and pit stop strategies
Dynamic tire wear and fuel management
Aerodynamic behavior and real-time weather changes

Each iconic circuit — from Monaco and Silverstone to Suzuka — has been recreated using advanced 3D scanning, ensuring near-perfect accuracy in track layout, elevation, and surface details. Every corner, curb, and straight feels exactly like its real-life counterpart.

Driver Career Mode – Live the Life of an F1 Champion

The highlight of F1 24 is its completely revamped Driver Career Mode, now deeper and more personal than ever. Players can step into the shoes of real F1 legends like Max Verstappen or Lewis Hamilton, or create their own rising star to carve a new legacy.

But this mode goes beyond racing laps — it simulates the life and politics of an F1 driver.

Post-race interviews and press conferences shape your reputation.

Relationships with engineers and teammates affect your car’s development.
On-track performance influences future contracts and team negotiations.

Every action contributes to your journey — from rookie to world champion.

Dynamic Handling v2 – Feel Every G-Force

F1 24 introduces Dynamic Handling v2, Codemasters’ most advanced physics and feedback system yet. On the PlayStation 5, this technology works in tandem with the DualSense controller to replicate every subtle sensation of real racing:

Tire grip changes during acceleration and braking.
Chassis vibration under high downforce.
G-force feedback as you corner at incredible speed.

This realism makes you feel the track — the tires skidding slightly as you push too hard into a corner, or the grip returning as you exit perfectly. The result is a tactile, nerve-wracking authenticity that no other racer matches.

Graphics, Performance & The F1 World

With 4K resolution at 60 FPS, F1 24 runs flawlessly on PS5. Dynamic lighting, reflections, and weather effects create cinematic realism — from shimmering heatwaves on desert circuits to torrential rain under floodlights.

The expanded F1 World mode offers endless replayability:

Build your own team and upgrade performance parts.
Join official online tournaments synced with the real-world F1 calendar.
Compete in time-limited community challenges that mirror live events.

This continuous integration of real-world racing keeps the game fresh throughout the year.

Why You Should Play It

For those who crave precision, competition, and discipline, F1 24 isn’t just a game — it’s a simulation of excellence. Every decision counts: when to brake, when to pit, when to overtake. It’s where instinct meets intellect, and every millisecond defines your legacy.

If Need for Speed: Unbound is the art of rebellion, then F1 24 is the art of control — its presence on PS5 complements Xbox’s lineup of open-world and arcade racers (as seen in our post “Top Racing Games on Xbox 2025 – Forza, Need for Speed & Open-World Driving Thrills”), showing how PlayStation remains the home for serious motorsport simulation.

Highlights

Revolutionary Driver Career Mode with narrative and team dynamics.

Dynamic Handling v2 for lifelike driving physics.
Fully scanned real-world tracks with breathtaking fidelity.
4K60 performance and immersive DualSense haptic feedback.

Reasons to Play

If you’re an F1 fan or someone who thrives on mastering every technical detail, F1 24 delivers the closest thing to living the dream of a professional Formula 1 driver.

Note: This is not a casual, pick-up-and-play racer. It’s a detailed, methodical experience built for simulation enthusiasts. For newcomers, it may feel slower-paced than arcade racers — but that’s where its beauty lies: in precision, patience, and perfection.

Gran Turismo 7 – The Pinnacle of Racing Art on PlayStation

The Definitive Answer to “What’s the Best Racing Game on PlayStation?”

Ask any racing enthusiast what the best PlayStation racing game is, and the answer hasn’t changed in over two decades — it’s Gran Turismo. And in 2025, Gran Turismo 7 stands tall as not just a game, but a living legacy — a celebration of car culture, engineering, and artistic obsession, exclusively on the PlayStation 5.

Genre & Philosophy – More Than a Racing Game

Developed by Polyphony Digital, Gran Turismo 7 is a simulation racing masterpiece that embodies Sony’s philosophy of precision and passion. Often called a “living car museum,” it’s not just about winning races — it’s about understanding, collecting, and feeling the soul of every vehicle.

Since its debut in 1997, Gran Turismo has served as the technological ambassador of PlayStation, showcasing each generation’s full hardware potential. On PS5, GT7 pushes this legacy further — featuring ray tracing, HDR10, Tempest 3D audio, and the DualSense controller’s haptic feedback to deliver a driving experience that borders on the real.

Unlike Need for Speed or Wreckfest, which emphasize adrenaline and chaos, GT7 follows the philosophy of “racing to feel.” You start humbly with a used compact car, climb through license tests and amateur cups, then ascend to professional circuits — building not just skill, but respect for the craft of driving.

It’s a game that celebrates car passion, where every rev, every light reflection, and every tire squeal is part of a symphony of engineering and artistry.

Unmatched Realism & Visual Excellence

Running at 4K 60 FPS on PS5, Gran Turismo 7 is a visual marvel. Ray tracing breathes life into metallic reflections, headlights, and weather transitions, while laser-scanned tracks and photogrammetry-based cars reach an almost photographic realism.

Every vehicle — from a 1967 Ford GT40 to a modern-day Ferrari SF90 — is crafted with hundreds of thousands of polygons, each texture carefully mapped down to the stitching on the seats and the reflections in the paint.

From the fog of Nürburgring to the sunset over Tokyo Expressway, every frame feels like a piece of automotive photography.

Scale, Licensing & Authenticity

Gran Turismo 7 includes over 400 officially licensed vehicles from world-renowned manufacturers — Ferrari, Porsche, Lamborghini, Toyota, Honda, Bugatti, and more — across 90+ meticulously recreated tracks.

What makes GT7 unique is the level of collaboration. Car manufacturers work directly with Polyphony Digital to tune engine sounds, simulate steering behavior, and ensure interior accuracy. It’s a level of detail that no other racing game — even Forza Motorsport — can replicate in emotional depth or technical authenticity.

Why Gran Turismo 7 Is #1

PlayStation’s Crown Jewel: The Gran Turismo series has been Sony’s most enduring and prestigious exclusive for over 25 years — the face of precision and artistry in racing.
Unmatched Realism: No game captures the feel of real driving — the tire grip, engine resonance, and passion for cars — quite like GT7.
Perfect Balance: Accessible enough for newcomers, yet deep enough for veterans chasing milliseconds on every lap.

Artistic Expression: Every race feels like a cinematic experience — an emotional blend of light, sound, and movement curated with the care of a film director.

Gran Turismo 7 isn’t just a racing simulator; it’s PlayStation’s statement of excellence, a masterpiece that merges engineering and emotion.

The Price of Perfection – Why GT7 Isn’t on PlayStation Plus

Despite being years past its release, Gran Turismo 7 remains absent from PlayStation Plus Extra or Premium, unlike other major Sony exclusives. And that’s intentional.

Sony views Gran Turismo not as a product, but as a cultural asset — a luxury experience meant to represent the highest standard of PlayStation craftsmanship.

Here’s why:

Evergreen Value: GT7 doesn’t age quickly — continuous updates, new cars, and live events keep it relevant. A “free” release would dilute its long-term value.
Controlled Ecosystem: The game’s infrastructure supports the FIA Gran Turismo Cup and global eSports competitions. Selling the full package helps maintain a serious, stable community.

Brand Prestige: Sony positions Gran Turismo as a “VIP experience” — a title meant for true enthusiasts, not casual monthly downloads.

In short, Gran Turismo 7 isn’t just another game on a service — it’s PlayStation’s Ferrari, and Ferrari doesn’t sell in supermarkets.

The Cost of Greatness

While this exclusivity maintains prestige, it also means players must pay full price to join the elite. Gran Turismo 7 still retails between $69–79 USD on PS5, with expansions like the Spec II Update or DLC car packs sold separately. Owning the complete experience can exceed $100, but for those who value quality, it’s an investment in the finest driving simulation ever made.

Why It Deserves the Top Spot

In an era where Forza Horizon dominates Xbox with freedom and spectacle, Gran Turismo 7 defines discipline and artistry.
It’s not about chaos or shortcuts — it’s about patience, precision, and the beauty of mastery.

For those who see cars as more than machines — as expressions of craftsmanship, heritage, and emotion — Gran Turismo 7 is not just a game. It’s a living dream on wheels.

Best For:
Racing purists, collectors, simulation fans, and anyone who believes driving can be an art form.

Not for:

Casual players seeking quick thrills. Gran Turismo 7 demands focus, appreciation, and respect — and rewards it with an experience unlike anything else on PlayStation.

Conclusion – PlayStation’s Legacy of Speed and Soul

From the chaos of Wreckfest to the elegance of Gran Turismo 7, the PlayStation racing lineup in 2025 captures every shade of what makes driving games special — thrill, control, and artistry.

Each title represents a different heartbeat of the genre:

The Crew: Motorfest celebrates freedom and exploration.
Need for Speed: Unbound channels style, rebellion, and urban rhythm.

F1 24 embodies precision, discipline, and strategy.
And Gran Turismo 7 stands above them all — the purest expression of Sony’s vision, where racing becomes emotion, and every lap feels alive.

Together, they showcase why PlayStation remains the spiritual home of racing — a platform where simulation meets soul, where speed isn’t just measured in frames per second, but in how deeply it moves the player behind the wheel.

As Forza Horizon continues to lead the open-world revolution on Xbox (as featured in our Top Racing Games on Xbox 2025 – Forza, Need for Speed & Open-World Driving Thrills), PlayStation carves its own identity — the craft of perfection, the art of motion, and the legacy of Gran Turismo.

So whether you’re chasing chaos, artistry, or mastery — the PlayStation track is ready.
Buckle in, start your engines, and remember: here, speed isn’t just a number — it’s a way of life. 🏁

Play These Racing Games with PlayStation Store Gift Cards

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Looking to experience the best racing games on PlayStation 5 — from Gran Turismo 7 to F1 24 and Need for Speed: Unbound — the easiest and most flexible way to purchase them is through PlayStation Store Gift Cards.

Whether you’re buying for yourself or gifting to another speed enthusiast, PlayStation Store cards let you instantly top up your PSN wallet and download games, DLCs, or in-game credits directly — with no credit card required.

Why Use PlayStation Gift Cards

Instant Access to Games: Redeem directly on your PS5 or PS4 to purchase digital titles like Gran Turismo 7 or The Crew: Motorfest.

Safe and Flexible: No need to link bank or card details — simply add balance to your PlayStation account.
Perfect for Gifts: Ideal for birthdays, holidays, or any gamer who loves PlayStation exclusives.

Recommended Gift Card Options

PSN Card 50 USD | Playstation Network US digital
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Video Games News
November 2, 2025

Top Racing Games on PlayStation 5 (2025) – Gran Turismo 7, F1 24, and the Art of Speed

A Quick Remark – Forza Horizon 5 on PS5: The Surprise Cross-Platform Pit Stop

Related Games

Wreckfest

Gran Turismo 7

Need for Speed: Unbound

The Crew: Motorfest

F1 24

Best PS5 Racing Games (Ranked)

Wreckfest

Genre & Style

Over-the-Top Customization & Vehicle Variety

Next-Gen Performance on PlayStation 5

Why You Should Play It

The Crew: Motorfest – A Journey of Speed in a Tropical Open World

Genre & Style

Festivals, Themes, and Freedom of Play

Next-Gen Visuals and Driving Feel on PlayStation 5

Why You Should Play It

Highlights

Reasons to Play

Need for Speed: Unbound – Street, Style, and the Art of Speed

Genre & Style

The Art of Racing

Gameplay and Street Culture

Performance on PlayStation 5

Why You Should Play It

Highlights

Reasons to Play

F1 24 – Where Speed Is More Than Reflex, It’s Strategy

Genre & Style

A True-to-Life F1 Season Experience

Driver Career Mode – Live the Life of an F1 Champion

Dynamic Handling v2 – Feel Every G-Force

Graphics, Performance & The F1 World

Why You Should Play It

Highlights

Reasons to Play

Gran Turismo 7 – The Pinnacle of Racing Art on PlayStation

The Definitive Answer to “What’s the Best Racing Game on PlayStation?”

Genre & Philosophy – More Than a Racing Game

Unmatched Realism & Visual Excellence

Scale, Licensing & Authenticity

Why Gran Turismo 7 Is #1

The Price of Perfection – Why GT7 Isn’t on PlayStation Plus

The Cost of Greatness

Why It Deserves the Top Spot

Conclusion – PlayStation’s Legacy of Speed and Soul

Play These Racing Games with PlayStation Store Gift Cards

Why Use PlayStation Gift Cards

Recommended Gift Card Options