13 Best Driving Games to Play in 2026: Sim Racing, Open-World & Arcade Picks

Driving games offer something for every type of player. Whether you enjoy realistic motorsport simulations, drifting through Japanese mountain roads, exploring open-world landscapes, or competing in chaotic demolition races, there is a game that fits your style.

This list brings together established favorites and newer releases worth checking out in 2026. Each game offers a different driving experience, from competitive circuit racing to free-roaming exploration and arcade-style action.

 

1. Star Wars: Galactic Racer

Star Wars: Galactic Racer brings high-speed competition to the Star Wars universe. Set in an underground racing scene, the game features customizable repulsorcraft, intense rivalries, and a story-driven campaign. Players can choose different vehicle classes, each offering distinct handling characteristics and playstyles.

Its combination of arcade-style speed, strategic racing decisions, and a recognizable science-fiction setting makes it an appealing option for players who want something different from traditional motorsport games. Online multiplayer adds another way to compete against other racers.

 

2. NASCAR 26

NASCAR 26 focuses on the intensity and strategy of stock car racing. It features an enhanced driving model, dynamic track conditions, updated racing content, and cross-platform multiplayer.

Players need to manage tire wear, braking, drafting, and race positioning while responding to changing conditions throughout an event. The game also introduces new training and competition modes, making it a strong choice for NASCAR fans who want a more authentic console and PC racing experience.

The Standard Edition launched on September 18, 2026, while the Gold Edition offered three days of early access beginning September 15.

 

3. Assetto Corsa EVO

Assetto Corsa EVO continues the series' emphasis on realistic vehicle handling and detailed driving physics. Its early-access development focuses on recreating the behavior of real cars, with attention to braking, acceleration, tire grip, and vehicle setup.

Players can practice on racing circuits, experiment with different cars, and refine their skills using compatible steering wheels and other sim-racing equipment. The game's longer-term plans include a free-roam environment inspired by Germany's Eifel region, although specific future update dates should be checked against official announcements.

For players who value precision and immersion over casual arcade handling, Assetto Corsa EVO is worth following as development continues.

 

4. JDM: Japanese Drift Master

JDM: Japanese Drift Master celebrates Japanese car culture through drifting, vehicle customization, and open-world driving. Its fictional Japanese setting combines mountain passes, rural roads, and urban streets, giving players plenty of opportunities to practice their technique.

The game includes licensed cars, mechanical upgrades, visual customization, and a story-driven campaign presented through manga-style illustrations. Players can choose between different driving models, making it accessible to newcomers while still offering a more demanding experience for those who prefer greater control.

If you enjoy tuning cars and mastering tight corners on mountain roads, JDM is one of the more distinctive choices on this list.

 

5. F1 25

F1 25 delivers an officially licensed Formula One racing experience built around precision, race strategy, and competition. Players can compete in the 2025 championship, develop their careers, and experience the demands of modern F1 racing.

Its driving model rewards careful braking, controlled acceleration, and effective tire management. Career and team-focused modes add progression beyond individual races, while the game's presentation recreates the atmosphere of Formula One weekends.

For fans who prefer professional circuit racing and the tactical decisions behind each Grand Prix, F1 25 is a strong alternative to open-world driving games.

 

6. Forza Horizon 6

Forza Horizon 6 takes the Horizon Festival to Japan, with neon-lit Tokyo streets, scenic countryside, and winding mountain passes to explore. Its expansive open world celebrates Japanese car culture and offers a lively mix of city driving and open-road adventures.

With more than 550 cars, touge battles, street races, customizable garages, and creative EventLab challenges, there is plenty to do beyond traditional racing. You can compete to become a Horizon Legend, tune your favorite vehicles, or simply explore Japan at your own pace.

Forza Horizon 6 launched on May 19, 2026 for Xbox Series X|S and PC. The PlayStation 5 edition is scheduled for January 26, 2027. Its accessible handling and variety of activities make it a great fit for both casual drivers and dedicated racing fans.

 

7. Gran Turismo 7

Gran Turismo 7 blends realistic circuit racing with a celebration of automotive history. Its extensive vehicle collection, detailed car models, and carefully recreated tracks appeal to players who enjoy learning about cars as much as driving them.

The GT Café guides players through themed car-collection challenges, while tuning, license tests, and competitive events help develop driving skills. Dynamic weather and track conditions add further considerations to race preparation.

On PlayStation 5, compatible players can also experience the game in VR with PlayStation VR2. For console racers seeking a balance between simulation, car collecting, and structured progression, Gran Turismo 7 remains an excellent option.

 

8. BeamNG.drive

BeamNG.drive stands out for its soft-body vehicle physics. Instead of relying solely on scripted crash animations, it simulates vehicle deformation and the effects of impacts on different components.

The result is a flexible driving sandbox where players can experiment with crashes, off-road challenges, vehicle testing, traffic scenarios, and custom content. Its appeal goes beyond traditional racing: some players use it to explore vehicle behavior, while others build elaborate scenarios and share community-created modifications.

Because of its open-ended design, BeamNG.drive is particularly suitable for players who enjoy experimentation and realistic vehicle physics rather than a conventional race-to-the-finish structure.

 

9. EA SPORTS WRC

EA SPORTS WRC focuses on the challenges of professional rally driving. Its stages cover asphalt, gravel, and snow, requiring players to adapt to changing grip and surface conditions while following co-driver pace notes.

The game features official World Rally Championship content and more than 600 kilometers of rally stages across 18 locations. Its Builder mode lets players create a rally car, while additional modes provide different ways to experience the sport.

Unlike circuit racing, rally driving demands quick reactions and precise control on unfamiliar roads. For players who enjoy mastering difficult stages and balancing speed with consistency, EA SPORTS WRC is a compelling choice.

 

10. The Crew Motorfest

The Crew Motorfest brings festival-style driving to a colorful open world inspired by Oʻahu, Hawaii. Its themed Playlists explore different aspects of car culture, including classic American vehicles, Japanese performance cars, and high-performance supercars.

Players can explore the island, complete themed events, collect vehicles, and compete in large multiplayer races. The game also includes boats and aircraft, giving players more ways to explore its environment beyond conventional road driving.

Its accessible arcade handling and broad selection of activities make it a good fit for players who prefer variety and social competition over strict simulation.

 

11. DiRT Rally 2.0

DiRT Rally 2.0 is a demanding rally simulator that rewards patience, precision, and consistency. Players race through stages in locations such as New Zealand, Argentina, and Spain, where surface conditions and weather affect how a car behaves.

Its road-surface degradation system means grip can change throughout an event. Drivers must listen carefully to pace notes, manage their speed, and avoid mistakes that can damage their vehicles or end a stage early.

The game also includes rallycross content, adding close-quarters racing to its point-to-point rally events. For players who want a challenging off-road driving experience, DiRT Rally 2.0 remains a worthwhile option.

 

12. Assetto Corsa Competizione

Assetto Corsa Competizione is a dedicated GT racing simulator built around the official GT World Challenge series. It emphasizes realistic vehicle behavior, detailed track conditions, and the technical demands of competitive circuit racing.

Players need to understand braking points, tire behavior, aerodynamic performance, and race strategy to remain competitive. Its structured single-player events and online racing modes make it suitable for both practice and organized competition.

Compared with broader racing games, Assetto Corsa Competizione concentrates on GT racing rather than offering a general-purpose driving sandbox. It is best suited to players who want to master a focused and technically demanding motorsport discipline.

 

13. Wreckfest

Wreckfest offers a different take on driving games by combining competitive racing with vehicle destruction. Its events include banger racing, oval circuits, and demolition-style arenas where collisions can affect a vehicle's performance.

The damage system gives crashes a tangible impact, making positioning and survival important alongside outright speed. Players can customize a range of vehicles, from conventional road cars to unusual machines designed for chaotic events.

With its mix of accessible controls, unpredictable races, and destructive physics, Wreckfest is a good choice for players who want a break from clean circuit racing and realistic motorsport rules.

 

How to Choose the Best Driving Game for Your Playstyle

The best driving game depends on the type of experience you want. Use this quick comparison to narrow down your options.

Before purchasing, check the game's supported platforms, edition details, and hardware requirements. Some titles are dedicated simulations that benefit from a steering wheel, while others are designed to be approachable with a standard controller.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best driving game to play in 2026?

There is no single best choice for every player. Forza Horizon 6 is an excellent option for open-world exploration, Gran Turismo 7 suits PlayStation players who enjoy collecting cars and circuit racing, and Assetto Corsa EVO is worth considering for PC sim-racing enthusiasts.

Which driving games offer realistic physics?

Assetto Corsa EVO, Assetto Corsa Competizione, Gran Turismo 7, BeamNG.drive, and EA SPORTS WRC all emphasize different aspects of realistic driving. The best option depends on whether you prefer circuit racing, rally stages, or detailed vehicle physics.

What is the best open-world driving game?

Forza Horizon 6 and The Crew Motorfest are two strong choices. Both offer open environments and varied driving activities, but Forza Horizon 6 highlights Japanese car culture, mountain roads, and open-world exploration, while The Crew Motorfest focuses on themed Playlists and a vehicle-culture festival.

Are driving simulators better with a steering wheel?

A compatible steering wheel can improve immersion and control, particularly in simulation-focused games. However, many driving games also support controllers, and arcade-oriented titles can be enjoyable without specialized equipment.

Which driving game is best for beginners?

Forza Horizon 6 is a good starting point because of its accessible handling and flexible progression. The Crew Motorfest is another approachable option for players who want varied activities without committing to a demanding simulation.

 

Conclusion

The best driving games in 2026 offer a wide range of experiences, from realistic circuit racing and technical rally stages to open-world exploration and high-speed arcade competition.

Choose Assetto Corsa EVO or Gran Turismo 7 if you value realistic handling, Forza Horizon 6 or The Crew Motorfest if you prefer open-world freedom, and JDM: Japanese Drift Master if drifting and vehicle customization are your priorities. For a more unconventional experience, BeamNG.drive and Wreckfest deliver physics-driven experimentation and destructive racing.

Whatever your preference, the right driving game can turn every race, corner, and open road into a new challenge.