Before Forza Horizon 6: Best car racing games to play this weekend

Be it in arcades, console, PC, or handhelds, a good car racing game can give you an instant adrenaline rush. The moment that engine roars to life, the countdown ticks down, and the tires screech, you’re no longer sitting in your room but are part of a world where every second and every turn matters. 

For decades, car racing games have been the genre that balance two extremes: high-octane arcade thrills that make you feel unstoppable, and precise simulators that test your skills as well as let you explore the world on wheels. 

With Forza Horizon 6 waiting on the horizon (pun intended), the hype around car racing games is full throttle yet again. But why wait for the next big release when there’s already a garage full of classics ready to be played right now? From lush open worlds that beg you to explore to brutal rally tracks that punish every mistake, these games are built for players who want speed, style, and a little bit of chaos.

So, if the weekend calls for adrenaline, here are the best car racing games you can dive into before Forza Horizon 6 arrives.

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1. Forza Horizon 5

It’s always a good idea to play (or replay) the predecessor of an upcoming game. Set in the sprawling and vibrant city of Mexico, Forza Horizon 5  makes you feel like the star of  a blockbuster racing film. Wide open deserts, twisting jungle roads, and neon-lit city streets, and an assistant that keeps interacting and addressing you in whatever name you want. 

And since this is an open-world game, you can just explore the gorgeous map if you don’t feel like racing. The game is available on 

Xbox consoles, PCs, and PlayStation. You can also access it via Xbox Game Pass.

2. Assetto Corsa

If you are looking for a proper racing simulator, this is the game to play. But remember, it has a learning curve to it so don’t expect to win through every race at first. It would be apt to say that if Forza is a party, Assetto Corsa is a masterclass. 

Every detail, from tyre pressure to weather conditions, plays into how your car performs. The game is not forgiving, and that’s exactly the point. Assetto Corsa is available on Xbox consoles, PCs, and PlayStation.

3. Gran Turismo 7

Gran Turismo 7, or GT7, is much more than just a racing game. It is a tribute to the gorgeous cars that are a part of the game. Featuring over 400 cars from 60-plus automotive manufacturers, the game is perfect if you want to feel like you’re driving a high-end car on a weekend afternoon. 

Be it the way light bounces off a freshly polished hood, the sound of an engine tuned to perfection, or the history lessons tucked into its menus — the game is designed for people who don’t just play racing games, but live and breathe cars. 

Whether you’re grinding through licenses, competing online, or just cruising through tracks in photo mode, Gran Turismo 7 feels like stepping into an interactive museum of speed. This is a PlayStation exclusive and is available on PlayStation 4 (PS4) and PlayStation 5 (PS5) consoles. And if you have a PS VR 2, congratulations, your weekend just got busier. 

4. Need for Speed Unbound

If you love causing trouble on the roads, the Need for Speed Unbound is right up your alley. Street racing here is loud, chaotic, and unapologetically stylish. The mix of realistic cars with cel-shaded, graffiti-inspired effects makes every chase feel like you’re in a graphic novel. 

Cops are relentless, your rivals trash-talk constantly, and every race feels like it could spin out of control at any moment. If you grew up loving Most Wanted or Underground, this game is a spiritual return to that rebellious, neon-soaked vibe. The game is available for playing on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

5. Dirt Rally 2.0: Survival at Speed

Racing on tarmac is one thing. But racing through mud, snow, and gravel with zero room for error is another beast entirely. And with DiRT Rally 2.0, your reflexes and patience will be put to test. But in a fun way.

Every stage here feels like a battle between man, machine, and nature. The roads are narrow, your co-driver’s calls come fast, and a single mistake can flip your car into a ditch. However, this is exactly what delivers the thrills. 

From casually exploring the world to indulging in sweat-including experiences, these games offer something for every kind of player. And with Forza Horizon 6 widely expected to be revealed at the Tokyo Game Show 2025 next month, they’ll keep your adrenaline rushing until the next big flag drops. What’s your favourite pick out of these? Do let us know in comments!

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