Top 5 Open-World Racing Games to Play Right Now

The realm of racing games is extensive, offering players a wide variety of options. From realistic simulations like the Assetto Corsa series and iRacing to sports-centric titles such as F1 and MotoGP, the choices are numerous. A noteworthy segment of the racing genre is open-world racing games, which lets players explore vast environments when they’re not feeding their adrenaline with thrilling races.

Within this sub-genre, several games stand out, each providing a unique experience for players. To highlight this, here is a curated list of the five top open-world racing games currently available on store shelves.

Discover the five outstanding open-world racing games to try

1) Forza Horizon 5

Microsoft’s flagship Forza franchise has evolved to include two main sub-franchises: Forza Motorsport and Forza Horizon. The latter provides players with expansive open worlds to navigate, with each game being set in a real-life location creatively transformed into a game map.

Continuing the series’ legacy, Forza Horizon 5 features a sprawling map inspired by Mexico, which includes everything from drag racing to vintage car cross-country races. The Horizon series has led the way in the open-world racing genre since its inception in 2012, offering a wealth of features and content.

2) Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown

Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown (Image via Nacon)

Nacon has revitalized the Test Drive brand with their latest title, “Solar Crown”. Historically, this series has provided players with maps that mirror real-world locations, and Solar Crown continues that tradition. The game immerses players in a 1:1 representation of Hong Kong, featuring an extensive selection of vehicles.

Gamers can align with one of two clans: the Streets or the Sharps. The game offers exhilarating races throughout Hong Kong in an array of licensed sports cars and supercars. However, note that this title requires an always-online connection; offline gameplay is not available.

3) Burnout Paradise Remastered

Burnout Paradise proves that graphics should not always be the focus point (Image via PlayStation/EA)

Burnout Paradise is a celebrated offline racing game, originally released in 2008 for the PS3 and Xbox 360. Set in the fictional Paradise City, players can engage in high-speed chases, races, and stunt jumps, all while competing against AI rivals. Notably, the classic Guns & Roses song “Paradise City”is featured in the game’s soundtrack!

This game distinguishes itself with its focus on destruction; while it competes fiercely in races and open-world exploration, its unique demolition derby elements give it a distinctive flair. Although its visuals may not be groundbreaking compared to newer titles, it remains a beloved open-world racing classic, fully playable offline and bearing an engaging campaign mode. A remastered version was released on PS4, PC, and Xbox in 2018.

4) The Crew Motorfest

Beginning with 2014’s The Crew, Ubisoft has developed three installments in this franchise, with The Crew Motorfest being the latest. This game allows players to race not only cars but also boats, planes, and F1 vehicles. Set against the scenic backdrop of Hawaii, it features a vast open-world environment.

Players can partake in PvP activities and enjoy a variety of competitive races throughout the expansive map. Similar to Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown, this game also requires a constant online connection. Nevertheless, Ubisoft has announced plans for an offline mode to be introduced in the future.

5) Need for Speed: Unbound

Many gamers fondly recall the peak of the Need for Speed series with titles like Underground and Underground 2 during the early 2000s. The latest entry, NFS Unbound, captures some of that nostalgia while allowing players to dive into the franchise’s hallmark of high-octane street racing, enhanced by a unique graphical style for race effects.

Although the campaign mode’s story is somewhat lackluster, the strength of the game lies in its smooth vehicle handling, responsive controls, and robust gameplay mechanics. NFS Unbound is an excellent choice for anyone interested in the open-world racing genre.

Source