Before immersive open worlds became prevalent in so many games, there used to be linear titles, and the same went forracing games. While it is arguable whether adding an open world to every game, whether it needs it or not, is a good thing, it can be agreed that an open world in a racing game lets players cruise around in a realistic, simulated sandbox world where they can do anything they want, and this makes the game much more fun.
7 Racing Games With the Best Drift Mechanics
Drifting in real life is no piece of cake, but these seven racing games make it accessible, fun and satisfying.
Some sim racing games focus more on closed-tracks, and such titles don’t need open worlds. But these particular titles are some of the best racing games out there that have a wonderful open world to get lost in.
7Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown
The Rebirth of a Legendary Franchise
Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown
After a hiatus of 13 years,Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crownmarks the reintroduction of the iconic series to the world of open-world racing. Set against the vibrant and diverse backdrop of Hong Kong Island, the game attempts to capture the spirit of the original series while modernizing its mechanics. Players can enjoy an expansive map that blends urban streets and natural landscapes, alongside a variety of races and a respectable car roster.
Review: Test Drive Unlimited: Solar Crown
Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown offers up a satisfying blend of racing and real-world exploration that is hampered by its online-only interface.
While it’s true that there were some technical issues at launch, the developers are committed to refining the game’s experience, something that is always appreciated by the community. Test Drive Solar Crown is a great open-world racing game that will only get better with time, especially for the fans of the original 2 games.
6The Crew Motorfest
The Crew Series Heading in Forza Horizon’s Direction
The Crew Motorfest
The Crew Motorfestexpands upon the foundation laid by its predecessors, cuts back on planes and boats, and shifts focus from a massive open world that’s a virtual recreation of the entire USA, and instead bets its money on a more content-dense and stunning recreation of O’ahu island and the recently added Maui island in Hawaii.
The festival-themed gameplay is oddly reminiscent of the Forza Horizon series though, but it still manages to do its own thing. While earlier entries in the Crew franchise received mixed reviews, Motorfest has been seen as a much more refined and polished entry.
5Driver: San Francisco
The Swan Song of a Cult Classic Series
Driver: San Francisco
Probably the most unique racing game on this list, Driver: San Francisco brought a fresh twist to the open-world racing genre with its innovative “shift” mechanic, which lets players jump from one vehicle to another. Set in a sprawling version of San Francisco, which might already be obvious from the title, this game managed to receive praise for something almost no other open-world racing game has ever received: the narrative.
Released in 2011, Driver: San Francisco was thelast mainline entryin the beloved Driver series, which once tried to rival Grand Theft Auto with limited success. The game’s mix of nostalgia and creativity was celebrated by fans, though its departure from traditional racing mechanics divided opinions. Today, it’s often remembered fondly as an underrated gem that pushed the boundaries of what an open-world racing game could be.
4Midnight Club: Los Angeles
Rockstar’s Final Racing Game
Midnight Club: Los Angeles
Midnight Club: Los Angeles encapsulates the spirit of street racing with its authentic recreation of LA’s streets, underground car culture, and high-speed action. Released in 2008, this was the final entry in the Midnight Club franchise, marking the end of Rockstar Games’ venture into the genre.
Released on the PS3, the game is often considered the best entry in the Midnight Club franchise. It stays loyal to what made the previous games good while further polishing and refining the experience. Being the oldest title on the list, it does show its age, but if players can move past the graphics, there are loads of fun to be had. The best way to play Midnight Club LA today is to buy it on the Xbox Store to play on the Series S or X.
3Burnout Paradise Remastered
For the Adrenaline Junkies
Burnout Paradise Remastered
The remastered version of the cult classic and hopefully not the last entry in this iconic franchise, Burnout Paradise reintroduces one of the most chaotic and exhilarating racing games of all time. Set in the sprawling, open-world environment of Paradise City, this is the one game in this entry that encourages players to wreak havoc, pull off massive stunts, and cause spectacular crashes while racing at breakneck speeds.
The remastered edition enhances the original with sharper visuals and bundles all the DLCs, making it the definitive version of the game.
2Need For Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered
Extremely High-Speed Police Chases
Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered
Yet another remaster of an exhilarating entry in the long-runningNeed for Speed franchise, Hot Pursuit Remastered breathes new life into this legendary title from 2010, delivering intense cop-versus-racer action in a breathtaking open-world setting. The game’s Autolog feature, which encouraged friendly competition by sharing records and challenges, was the Criterion Games’ version of the leaderboard, and it still feels relevant today.
Review: Burnout Paradise Remastered
Burnout Paradise Remastered still offers one of the best playgrounds to speed and smash through over a decade later.
While other Need for Speed games experimented with formula changes, Hot Pursuit remains one of the franchise’s most celebrated entries for its simplicity, heart-pounding action, and unforgettable chases, and the remastered version only improves on it and updates it for modern systems.
Probably one of the best modern Need for Speed games, Hot Pursuit is satisfying in a way that’s rare to find these days. The extreme high-speed cop chases on the open and somewhat barren empty roads of Seacrest County is very cathartic.
1Forza Horizon 5
The Pinnacle of Open-World Racing
Forza Horizon 5
Forza Horizon 5 is arguably the best open-world racing game out there, with nearly every developer trying to do what the Horizon franchise has been doing for so long, and the fifth entry acting as the culmination of everything the series has been doing correctly. From lush jungles to arid deserts and vibrant towns, the game offers a diverse and visually stunning playground that feels alive with dynamic weather and seasonal changes.
Praised for its accessibility, massive car roster, and endless customization options, Forza Horizon 5 caters to both casual players and hardcore gearheads. Its online integration, with shared events and challenges, keeps the world bustling with activity. And the graphics are no slouch, with Forza Horizon 5 being one of theprettiest games on PC, which is a testament to Playground Games’ continued dedication to the franchise.
Review: Forza Horizon 5
Forza Horizon 5 is undoubtedly a visual showcase and technical benchmark for PC and Xbox Series X owners.
