Racing Through 2025 With the Best Racing Games Yet
2024 was a quiet lap for racing fans. AAA franchises like Forza, Gran Turismo, and Need for Speed largely stayed idle, while indie titles and the annual F1 game kept enthusiasts entertained. But 2025 promises to shift gears, delivering everything from high-octane simulators to arcade smashers, and even a game that isn’t strictly about racing… yet car lovers will still obsess over it.
In this list, we break down the 10 racing games you need to watch in 2025, covering early access releases, official launch dates, and titles that push the boundaries of traditional racing.
1. Assetto Corsa Evo
(PC)
Assetto Corsa Evo is the long-awaited successor to one of the most popular racing sims of the past decade. Developed by Kunos Simulazioni, the game aims to bridge the gap between hardcore simulation and accessible gameplay, leaning toward a Gran Turismo-style experience while retaining its renowned physics model.
PC sim fans who want to explore more titles can also check out our article on the best racing games of all time.
Early Access: 5 tracks, 20 cars
Full Game: Autumn 2025 (console versions TBA)
Key Features: Career mode, free-roam mode, realistic physics
The visuals in the first trailers suggest a stunningly detailed racing experience, making it a must-watch for PC sim fans.
2. Project Motor Racing
(PC, PS5, Xbox Series S/X – 2025)
From the ashes of Slightly Mad Studios comes Project Motor Racing, a return to ’90s and ’00s GT racing. Straight4 Studios combines nostalgia with modern technology, even adapting the Farming Simulator physics engine to create realistic handling.
Handling Consultant: Ex-Stig Ben Collins
Gameplay Focus: Classic GT racing, realistic physics, and immersive career modes
Fans of Project Cars will recognize familiar mechanics, but PMR promises a sharper, more polished experience.
3. iRacing Arcade
(PC & Consoles – 2025)
iRacing, best known for hardcore simulators, is branching into arcade racing. Partnering with Original Fire Games (makers of Circuit Superstars), this title aims to attract casual racers and competitive sim fans alike.
Gameplay: Career mode and diverse racing offerings
Style: Simcade approach (between simulation and arcade)
Audience: Broad, casual-friendly but with depth
Expect top-down-inspired racing mixed with Grid-style mechanics, ideal for players who want fast fun without sacrificing skill.
4. F1 25
(PC, PS5, Xbox – Q2 2025)
Codemasters’ yearly F1 release returns in 2025, now under the EA Sports umbrella. Fans can expect updated teams, cars, and the Braking Point story mode.
New Features: My Team mode for building your own racing empire
Gameplay: Realistic simulation of the 2025 F1 season
Regulations: Minimal changes, focus on driver and car management
While not revolutionary, F1 25 is essential for racing fans who want up-to-date simulation with career depth.
5. NASCAR 25
(Consoles – 2025)
After some rocky years under Motorsport Games, the NASCAR license is back with iRacing. Monster Games handles development with Unreal Engine visuals and laser-scanned tracks, aiming to revive the NASCAR experience.
Platform Note: Currently console-exclusive; PC fans may use iRacing
Gameplay: Authentic NASCAR racing with realistic physics
If you’re a fan of oval racing and high-speed strategy, NASCAR 25 is shaping up to be a solid contender.
6. Wreckfest 2
(PC, PS5, Xbox – 2025)
Bugbear’s Wreckfest returns with a sequel that doubles down on full-contact, demolition derby-style racing. Easy to learn but challenging to master, Wreckfest 2 promises:
Soft-body crash physics for realistic destruction
Chaotic gameplay with fun one-liners and power-ups
Modes: Standard races, derby events, and custom challenges
This title is perfect for fans who enjoy arcade chaos over strict simulation.
7. Tokyo Xtreme Racer
(PC)
Genki revives its cult classic, bringing back high-speed Tokyo expressway races. Inspired by Wangan Midnight, the game offers:
Fully customizable JDM cars
Anime-inspired street battles
Nostalgic yet modern gameplay
Early access on January 23 gave fans a first taste of Japanese street racing culture, combining speed, skill, and customization.
8. Endurance Motorsport Series
(PC, PS5, Xbox – 2025)
The Endurance Motorsport Series blends racing with sports management, allowing players to switch between driver and pit engineer mid-race.
Focus: GT and prototype endurance racing
Publisher: Nacon (following TDU Solar Crown missteps)
Gameplay Innovation: Hybrid management and simulation
For fans of strategy and racing combined, EMS offers a fresh take on endurance events.
9. Maverick Games Project
(TBA – Likely 2026)
Ex-Forza Horizon developers are crafting a triple-A, narrative-led open-world racing experience. With Amazon backing and Skins co-creator Jamie Brittain, this title promises:
Story-driven gameplay in a vast open world
Dynamic racing events and challenges
Next-gen visuals and world design
While likely arriving in 2026, this game could redefine open-world racing experiences.
10. Grand Theft Auto VI
(PS5, Xbox – Autumn 2025)
Not strictly a racing game, but GTA VI is a must-watch for car enthusiasts. Its massive open world, street racing, and vehicle customization make it an accidental driving simulator.
Gameplay: Open-world racing, heists, and vehicle mayhem
Cars: Extensive variety and customization
Experience: Street-level racing thrills and exploration
If you love cars and chaos in equal measure, GTA VI will dominate discussions in 2025.
Bonus Speculation: Forza Horizon 6
Rumors point to a Japan-based Horizon sequel, though Playground Games has stayed quiet. With GTA VI dominating the autumn, Horizon 6 may delay or reveal strategically, potentially landing before 2026.
Fans of open-world arcade racing should keep an eye out, it could steal the spotlight if timed right.
In Conclusion,The Race Is On
2025 has shaped up to be a landmark year for racing games, from sim purists to arcade thrill-seekers. Whether it’s Assetto Corsa Evo’s serious physics, Tokyo Xtreme Racer’s street battles, or GTA VI’s open-world chaos, car enthusiasts have plenty to look forward to.
The blend of new mechanics, classic franchises, and hybrid experiences ensures there’s something for everyone. Strap in, start your engines, and mark your calendars, 2025 is going to be a fast ride.
