The racing genre has existed since the dawn of gaming, and we’re spoiled for choice in the quest to cross the finish line first. I can’t knock many well-known games in the genre, although they arguably play it safe with no attempt to shake up the rules.
With this in mind,this list is dedicated to the driving games that dare to be differentwhile still offering a classic racing experience as the main feature or on the side.
Each game in this list includes regular racing in some form alongside a unique mode or event that makes it stand out. Some of these modes are fun distractions, while others are what makes the game special.
8Destruction Derby 1 & 2
Classic PS1 Racers
Destruction Derby
I debated putting this game on the list as it’s pretty old, butDestruction Derby’siconic ‘Wreckin’ Racing' is too good to pass up.
You can race like usual inDestruction Derbywith the Stock Car Racing mode, but Wreckin Racing offers a point system based on damaging your opponents.
You earn points based on how hard you spin opponents when you slam into them. If you spin them a full 360 degrees, you’re in for some big rewards.
Just beware that you can die, which immediately takes you out of the race! There’s also the iconic destruction mode in a bowl-shaped arena, which isn’t technically racing but is a fun addition, nonetheless.
Destruction Derbyis aclassic PS1 racerand is still enjoyable despite its age.
7Tokyo Xtreme Racer
Street Racing Done Right
Tokyo Xtreme Racer
I’m a massive fan ofstreet racing games, andTokyo Xtreme Raceroffers a unique approach to races that makes them feel organic.
TXRisn’t exactly open-world, although you have a highway loop to roam between races. Unlike most racing games,you can challenge opponents anywhere at any time by flashing your lights at them. The race starts immediately, and instead of racing to a designated spot, you win by pulling ahead so that your opponent has no chance of catching up.
It’s an addictive concept, and some races are over in 30 seconds, while others can take minutes as you battle to stay ahead. The olderTXRgames offer some conventional races with a set endpoint, but the series' allure for me will always be SP battles, which feel much more personal.
If you’re interested, check outour beginners guideto staying one step ahead of the competition.
6Assetto Corsa
Perfect With A Steering Wheel
Assetto Corsa
Assetto Corsais the only real simulation racer on the list, featuring realistic physics and handling. Honestly, I’m not a massive sim racing fan, but one side mode makes the game too fun to pass up.
Assetto Corsahas an excellent drifting mode, awarding players for whizzing around corners as their tires screech. Drifting feels incredibly rewarding because it’s pretty hard to do. This isn’tNeed for SpeedorRidge Racer, where the car practically drifts for you. Here, you must work for it, and it’s an addictive skill to learn.
This recommendation comes with a major caveat. I would only go forAssetto Corsafor the drifting content on PC, as mods and custom content push the title to the next level.
5FlatOut: Ultimate Carnage
Have You Ever Wanted To Be A Stuntman?
Key Information
Bugbear Entertainment
Xbox 360 and PC
Release Date
TheFlatOutgames are a mixed bag, and it’s hard to recommend some of them, butUltimate Carnageis a keeper.
FlatOut: Ultimate Carnageis all about wrecking your opponents as your vehicle slips and slides across unforgiving terrain. Cars in FlatOut feel satisfyingly ‘hefty,’ and the game even has ‘Derby’ mode where you battle to be the last driver standing.
10 Best Racing Games With Story Modes
What’s a racer without any good story?
The Derby would be enough to secureFlatOut: Ultimate Carnageon the list, but it offers something even more special. The Stunt mode challenges players with ridiculous vehicular mini-games, like bowling. The twist is that your driver is the ball, and you launch him through the windscreen like a ragdoll!
It’s as ridiculous as it sounds, and there are plenty of events to test your mettle.
Like Dancing With Cars
CarX Drift Racing Online
CarXis a unique driving game with drifting and tuning as its main selling points. It also offers a style of driving I’ve not seen in any other game in the genre.
You can Tandem Race with another racer inCarX, which means you attempt to follow your partner as close as possible without hitting them. You gain points for drifting together, and it’s an art form matching your partner’s speed and angle as you feather the throttle around corners.
Tandem Racing is as tough as it sounds, with a massive learning curve. That said, it feels incredible when you nail it, andCarXhas a decent replay system so you can show off your finest runs to your friends.
3Burnout Paradise Remastered
A City Made For Carnage
Burnout Paradise Remastered
Sadly, wenever got another game in theBurnoutseries, but ifParadiseis the last we ever get, it’s one hell of a title to end on.
Burnout Paradiseis an open-world racing game set in the beautiful Paradise City. The game features modes any racing fan will recognize, like Burning Route, which is basically a time trial on the streets.
Burnoutis also famous for its carnage, which is proudly demonstrated inthe Road Rage mode, where wrecking your opponents is more important than reaching the finish line.
There’s also the ‘Marked Man’ mode, where AI opponents relentlessly hound you as you desperately try to outrun them.Burnout Paradiseis beloved for its varied gameplay, and there’s something for everyone in this beautiful city.
2Need For Speed Hot Pursuit: Remastered
The Finest NFS Game
Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered
Need For Speed Hot Pursuitis arguably thebest game in the franchise, well-deserving of its remaster.
Best of all, the game offers multiple ways to race. There are the usual time trials and regular race modes, but you’re able to also play as a police officer to shut the street races down.
The police mode is quite different fromBurnout Paradise, too, as you’re given weapons, like Spike Strips, to slow your opponents down. There’s something for everyone inNeed For Speed Hot Pursuit, and you’re never stuck with just vanilla races for long.
The game also uses regular menus instead of an open-world, which makes getting into the action and events you want much faster.
1Forza Horizon 5
The AAA Option
Forza Horizon 5
If you own an Xbox, you’re likely no stranger toForza Horizon, a juggernaut in the console racing space alongsideGran Turismoon the PlayStation.
The former boasts jaw-droppingly beautiful graphics and one of the most impressive event selections on the market. you may participate in activities across multiple disciplines, from drag racing to off-road events. There’s a story mode if you want a break from regular races, and you can even make your own modes in EventLab 2.0
The most unique mode in Forza Horizon 5 is undoubtedly ‘Eliminator,’ which is aBattle Royalebut with cars!72 players duke it out in this bizarre mode as the play area shrinks until one brave racer remains.
