What Is the Best Sim Racing Game?

If you want to start a fight amongst sim racers, simply ask them “What is the best sim racing game?” and watch them prepare for battle. In reality, there’s no right answer to this question. Every gamer has their preference based on several factors, such as the gaming platforms they use, the number of games they’ve played, and their playing level/experience.

For instance, if a PS4 user calls Gran Turismo Sport the best sim racing game ever to PC or Xbox users, that argument won’t bear any fruit, only spite. Similarly, no matter how good a game is, no sim racer will call it the best if they suck at it.

Therefore, you can expect a lot of bias and objectivity in the gaming community regarding the best sim racing games in the market. However, the good news is that there’s still some consensus among different gaming blogs and sites. These reviewers merge user ratings with their assessment of factors, such as graphics, sound, difficulty, simulation physics, cost, experience, compatibility, etc.

Are you just getting started with simulation racing? Are you looking to diversify your racing skills and experience? Keep reading as we’ll share our top 7 picks of the best sim racing games in the market today.

The Best Sim Racing Games in 2022

Before diving deeper into the topic, we’d like to list our top picks along with their rating and platform compatibility in the table below:

GamePlatform/s(PC/Xbox/PS4, etc.)User Rating as Per Metacritic(0-100%)
iRacingPC80%
Dirt Rally 2.0Xbox One, Xbox Series X and S, PS4, PS5, PC84%
Assetto CorsaXbox One, Xbox Series X and S, PS4, PS5, PC85%
Project Cars 2Xbox One, Xbox Series X and S, PC82%
Grand Turismo SportPS4, PS575%
rFactor 2Xbox One, Xbox Series X and S, PS4, PS5, PC86% (Whatoplay)
F1 2021Xbox One, Xbox Series X and S, PS4, PS5, PC86%

1. iRacing

iRacing, previously iRacing.com, is a subscription-based racing simulation online game developed for PC users only. iRacing is regarded as one of the best multi-player racing simulators in the market. It offers regular online racing leagues (eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series), stunning graphics, and real-world variables.  

Along with authentic and realistic tracks, racers can choose from a huge selection of cars and participate in head-to-head challenges with different conditions. However, a single month of subscription will cost you $12.99. However, if you play regularly, you can opt for a 2-year plan costing $199 (or $8.29 per month).

Like most sim-racing games, iRacing does come with a few quirks, such as long loading times and a 60Hz feedback, which isn’t terrible but does make a difference to the overall experience.

2. Dirt Rally 2.0

Dirty Rally 2.0 is currently among the highest-rated sim racing games in the market and the go-to option for off-road simulation racers. It has a realistic force feedback system and a huge selection of cars and off-road tracks. Thanks to these features, you can expect outstanding handling and a real-world-like driving experience.

Another great aspect of the game is that players can opt for free play as well as compete for titles. Moreover, they can also join different teams to compete in team-based tournaments.

3. Assetto Corsa

Assetto Corsa is a highly regarded sim racing game not just due to its realistic gameplay experience but also its unique selection of cars, including Ferrari and Porsche F1 cars. The game is available on all mainstream platforms, including PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. It also offers a host of features, such as an impressive career mode you can use to improve your racing skills while earning rewards and titles.

However, what makes this game special is the realistic force feedback and advanced physics engine. Plus, it provides incredible hardware compatibility, meaning you can play it using any peripherals, such as keyboards, joysticks, or controllers.

4. Project Cars 2

Project Cars 2 is the second installment of the popular racing franchise with better graphics, more content, more racetracks, and better feedback. Unlike many games, it includes an offline career mode with a huge selection of cars and tracks (including classic ones). This statement especially applies if you opt for a season pass.

Thanks to massive gameplay improvements, racers can optimize their experience with dynamic track and weather conditions. Plus, if you’re a PC user, you can play the game with VR.

5. Gran Turismo Sport

Gran Turismo is a PlayStation-exclusive sim racing game featuring a huge array of tracks and cars. However, unlike Project Cars 2 and Assetto Corsa, it doesn’t include many real-world tracks, such as Le Mans or the Nurburgring.

What the game lacks in tracks, it makes up for in terms of the online community. Thousands of Gran Turismo Sport users are ready to race at any given time. So, if you’re looking to race competitively and professionally, this is where most of the action is at.

6. rFactor 2

rFactor 2 is a multi-platform sim racing game for professional sim racing teams looking to participate in tournaments and real-world drivers looking to train safely. It offers a huge selection of licensed tracks and cars, a powerful physics engine, and a growing global community. it’s no surprise that it’s becoming the go-to choice for competitive online racing. The only major con against the game is its online server systems which tend to kick out racers mid-race or disable participation.

7. F1 2021

If you’re a Formula 1 fan, you should definitely try F1 2021. The official video game of the FIA Formula One World Championship features all the official drivers, teams, circuits, and every car from 1990 to 2021, including the 1990 Ferrari F1-90 and McLaren MP4/5B.

You can also customize your F1 car with personalized livery, create your tournaments, and compete in different challenges every week. However, many sim racers feel that it’s not too different from the previous edition. They also report that it doesn’t bring anything special to newer platforms, especially PlayStation 5.

Conclusion

Sim racing is rapidly becoming one of the most popular eSport genres in the market, with a huge selection of games for different platforms and types of gamers. However, our top 7 picks take the cake in every major department like graphics, tracks, cars, support, and competition. Of course, each of these games has its pros and cons.

Therefore, feel free to do more research by watching videos and reviews or opting for demo versions. The best sim racing game ultimately comes down to user choice, capabilities, and preferences. So, whether you’re new to simulation racing or looking to diversify your experience, you can’t go wrong with any of these options.