Simulations are hugely popular within the gaming world. They allow players to step directly into the shoes of their most beloved athletes, characters, and professionals. From pizza parlors to managing world-class football players, simulations are a wildly diverse genre. One of its most developed branches is racing, which covers all types of motor vehicles.
Racing simulations are uniquely popular because they allow hobbyist racers and mechanics who like to work under the hood the opportunity to drive their favorite cars virtually. In real life, they might not ever set eyes on a Formula One vehicle or have the chance to man a big rig. But on a digital track in the confines of a racing simulation, there’s nothing holding them back.
A Range of Racing Titles
Major racing sims aside, there are plenty of mini-projects that pack a mighty punch. For example, casinos like Wildz Canada offer dozens of racing-themed slots. Though the mechanics in a slots game are very straightforward (press ‘spin’), racing themes are popular because they’re naturally thrilling and suit this exciting setup. From Speed Heist to Highway Legends, racing slots cover unique settings and motor vehicles.
Even within the realm of casual mobile gaming, racing titles have made their mark. Let’s take a look at another unique example. Motorsport Manager is a franchise that lets racers step into the shoes of managers like Red Bull’s Christian Horner or CEOs like Porsche’s Oliver Blume. Rather than race on a track, they’re responsible for handling the minutiae of recruiting drivers and managing a winning team.
But for now, let’s turn our attention back to the world of competitive racing simulations. We’ve ranked some of the best titles in the world based on realism, including physicals, settings, and the ability to customize your ride.
The Top Tier: iRacing
There’s no bigger dog in virtual racing than iRacing. It’s been around for years and has incrementally improved its physics, multiplayer modes, tracks, and vehicle offerings. Though iRacing setups can be pricey in terms of hardware and monthly subscriptions, this game is so realistic that it’s regularly used by professional drivers to practice. In fact, there’s even an official NASCAR-sponsored virtual racing series.
A Close Second: Assetto Corsa Competizione
Historically, most projects from the Assetto Corsa franchise have focused on GT3. Though this later release still focuses on GT cars, offering a restrictive selection, it truly nails the racing experience. On top of that, the Competitizione release also offers a huge range of tracks—many of which players may not remember seeing before. On top of that, its multiplayer mode matches player ratings, offering a highly refined playing experience for those that want to opt into career mode.
Best of F1: Studio 397 rFactor 2
When it comes to realism within the world of Formula One racing and simulations, most fans gravitate toward F1 23 from Codemasters. While this is a great title, rFactor 2 goes above and beyond in terms of depth, complexity, and physics. From tire dynamics to chassis, every single detail has been thoroughly replicated. On top of that, player mods are easy to access, providing dozens of unique challenges for racers.
Next Big Release: Le Mans Ultimate
So far, we’ve broken down some of the most important legacy franchises within racing simulations, from Assetto Corso to iRacing. However, there’s always a new project on the horizon. We’re excited about the upcoming Le Mans Ultimate release. This game will focus wholly on the World Endurance Championship, closely replicating all the cars and drives from the previous 2023 series. The game comes from the same developer behind Studio 397 rFactor 2, which means the game should offer a highly satisfying degree of realism.
