Racing on PS4 in: how to choose a game, customize controls and get maximum realism

Racing games on PlayStation 4 remain one of the most popular even years after the console's release. In 2026, a range of projects for racing on PS4 amazes with its variety: from realistic simulators with physics close to real cars, to crazy arcade games with bright graphics and incredible tracks. But how not to get lost in this diversity and choose a game that is right for you? This article will help you understand key aspects: from selecting a genre to fine-tuning controls and optimizing performance.

We analyzed current trends, gamer reviews and technical features of the console to create the most useful guide. Here you will find not only reviews of the best games, but also unique tips for setting up steering wheels from Logitech and Thrustmaster, which manufacturers often keep silent in official instructions. And also a comparison of graphics modes that will help you get the most out of PS4 Pro everything possible without loss in FPS.

Top 5 Racing Games for PS4 in 2026: What's Worth Downloading Right Now

Racing games market PlayStation 4 has undergone major changes in recent years: some projects have received large-scale updates, others have been archived due to the cessation of online support. We have selected five of the most relevant games that in 2026 continue to gather online communities and delight single players.

The selection criteria were: multiplayer activity, support for modern gamepads and steering wheels, frequency of DLC outputs and, of course, graphical optimization for PS4 Slim/Pro. Particular attention was paid to projects that offer crossplay with PS5 - this guarantees a long life for the game even after upgrading the console.

• 🏆 Gran Turismo Sport — a standard of realism with licensed cars and tracks. The latest patch added support 120 Hz on PS5 (via backwards compatibility), but also on PS4 Pro the game is stable 60 FPS in "Sport" mode.
• 💥 Need for Speed Heat - the best balance between arcade and simulation in the series. Unique feature: dynamic change of time of day and police chases with destructible environments. In 2026, the game received a free update with new cars.
• 🏁 F1 2023 - the latest part of the official series Formula 1. On PS4 All modes are available, including career with updated rules for 2023. Important note: online requires PlayStation Plus.
• 🚗 Dirt Rally 2.0 is the king of rally simulators with incredible sliding physics. Ideal choice for steering wheel owners thanks to support force feedback and detailed suspension tuning.
• 🎮 Wreckfest - a destructive derby simulator with soft cars and realistic damage. In 2026, new tracks and a “No Rules” mode with 24 online players were added.

Interesting fact: Gran Turismo Sport still used in official eSports tournaments FIA, and F1 2023 synchronized with the real season racing calendar. If relevance of content is important to you, these two games have no competition.

Simulator vs arcade: which race to choose depending on your playing style

The main mistake beginners make is buying the first racing game they come across without taking into account its genre. The difference between a simulator and an arcade is colossal: from control physics to hardware requirements. Let's figure out what's what.

Simulators (Gran Turismo Sport, F1 2023, Assetto Corsa) are focused on realism. The important things here are:

• 📉 Car physics: taking into account weight, distribution of braking forces, tire wear.
• 🎯 Control precision: Even a small movement of the steering wheel or throttle trigger affects the trajectory.
• ⚙️ Machine settings: adjusting suspension, gear ratios, tire pressure.

Arcade (Need for Speed, Burnout Paradise, Hot Wheels Unleashed) put at the forefront:

• 🎢 Entertainment: drift at high speed, jumping, destruction.
• 🕹️ Simple controls: braking assistance, automatic alignment on the highway.
• 🌆 Open world: free movement, side missions, customization.

Hybrid option - games like Forza Horizon 5 (available at PS4 via a cloud service) that combine simulator elements with arcade freedom. They are ideal for those who want realistic physics, but are not willing to spend hours setting up the car before each race.

How to Set Up Your DualShock 4 Controller for Perfect Racing Controls

Many players mistakenly believe that to play racing games comfortably, PS4 You definitely need a steering wheel. In fact, properly configured DualShock 4 can give no less precise control - especially in arcades and semi-simulators. The main thing is to understand the key parameters.

Basic control settings are in the menu of each game, but there are also universal tips:

1. Steering sensitivity: for simulators set 50-70%, for arcades - 80-100%.
2. Deadband (Deadzone): reduce to 5-10%to avoid delays when making small movements of the stick.
3. Brake Assist: disable in simulators, leave in arcades.
4. Vibration: in Gran Turismo and F1 vibration transmits the traction of the wheels to the road - turn it up to maximum.

Pay special attention to setting up triggers L2/R2:

• 🔄 In the menu Settings → Management Many games have an option "Linear acceleration" — turn it on for smooth control of gas and brake.
• 🛑 For Dirt Rally 2.0 It is recommended to disable "Brake Assist"and manually adjust the braking force balance (Brake Bias) in the car menu.

Don't forget about alternative control schemes. For example, in Need for Speed Heat you can reassign the gas/brake to R1/L1, and leave the steering on the right stick - this makes drifting easier.

Steering wheel for PS4: which one to choose and how to connect

If you are seriously interested in racing simulators, sooner or later the question of buying a steering wheel will arise. On PS4 officially supported wheels from Logitech, Thrustmaster and Fanatec, but there are nuances with compatibility and configuration.

Here are the key models relevant in 2026:

Model	Feedback type	Pedal support	Price (market average)	Best game for him
Logitech G29	Twin-engine	3 pedals (clutch, gas, brake)	22 000 — 25 000 ₽	Gran Turismo Sport
Thrustmaster T150	Hybrid (gear + belt)	2 pedals (gas/brake)	18 000 — 20 000 ₽	F1 2023
Fanatec CSL Elite	Direct drive	Modular (up to 3 pedals)	45 000 — 60 000 ₽	Assetto Corsa
Hori Racing Wheel Apex	No feedback	2 pedals (gas/brake)	8 000 — 10 000 ₽	Need for Speed Heat

Important point: to connect the steering wheel to PS4 often required firmware update via PC. For example, Logitech G29 need to be updated via the utility Logitech Gaming Software, otherwise in Gran Turismo Sport won't work force feedback.

⚠️ Attention: Direct drive steering wheels (Fanatec DD1/2) are not officially supported on PS4 without additional adapter. Before purchasing, check compatibility on the manufacturer's website!

After connecting the steering wheel, be sure to calibrate it in the game menu. B Assetto Corsa, for example, this is done via Settings → Management → Calibration. Don't skip this step - an uncalibrated steering wheel will "float" in the center position.

How to check the functionality of the steering wheel before purchasing?

1. Ask the seller to connect the steering wheel to the PS4 and start Gran Turismo Sport (available in demo version).

2. Check the smoothness of rotation - there should be no play or squeaks.

3. Make sure that the brake pedal has progressive resistance (in high-quality models, the pressure increases towards the end of the stroke).

4. In the game calibration menu (Options → Controller Settings) look at how the steering wheel reacts to turns - the graph should be smooth, without jumps.

Graphics and performance: how to get the most out of PS4 in racing

PlayStation 4, especially in the version Pro, is capable of delivering impressive graphics in racing games, but it requires the right settings. The main problem is the balance between picture quality and stability FPS.

Most games have several graphics modes available:

• 🎨 Quality: high detail, but FPS may drop up to 30 frames in tense scenes.
• 🏎️ Performance: FPS priority (usually 60 frames), but with reduced textures and effects.
• 🔄 Adaptive: Dynamic resolution change to maintain stable FPS (optimal for PS4 Pro).

Recommendations for settings for popular games:

Game	Recommended Mode (PS4 Pro)	What to disable for stability	Average FPS
Gran Turismo Sport	Performance + HDR	Depth of field, reflections on cars	60 (stable)
F1 2023	Adaptive (1440p)	Dynamic weather (in race settings)	50-60
Dirt Rally 2.0	Quality (1080p)	Spectators on the track, distant shadows	45-55
Need for Speed Heat	Performance	Rays of light (Ray Tracing), if there are lags	60 (with drawdowns up to 50)

For PS4 Slim We advise you to always select the "Performance", since the console is prone to overheating under high loads. If the game starts to slow down, check the temperature - normal values for PS4 under load: 60-75°C (can be viewed through the console menu in Settings → System → System information).

⚠️ Attention: B Assetto Corsa on PS4 There is a bug with dynamic resolution - if the game starts to blur textures, restart the console. This resets the shader cache and temporarily solves the problem.

Don't forget about TV settings. Optimal for racing games:

• Mode "Game" (minimizes input lag).
• Brightness 50-60% (so as not to be blinding in dark scenes).
• Disable post-processing (Motion Blur, Depth of Field) in the game menu.

Online racing on PS4: how to avoid lags and cheaters

Multiplayer in racing games PS4 can be both exciting and extremely frustrating - it all depends on the quality of the connection and the integrity of the opponents. In 2026, most games use dedicated servers, but problems with lag and cheaters are still relevant.

Here's what you can do for stable online:

1. Check connection type: in the menu PS4 (Settings → Network → View connection status) should be NAT type: 1 or 2. If NAT 3 — configure port forwarding on the router (ports TCP: 80, 443, 3478-3480; UDP: 3478-3479).
2. Use a wired connection: Wi-Fi adds latency (ping), which is critical in racing.
3. Select servers by geolocation: in Gran Turismo Sport and F1 2023 You can manually select the server region (optimally the one closest to you).
4. Disable background downloads: If the console downloads updates or games in the background, it eats up the communication channel.

The problem of cheaters is especially acute in Need for Speed Heat and Wreckfest. Developers are fighting them, but not always successfully. If you suspect a cheater:

• 📹 Record a video evidence (on PS4 this is done by double pressing the button Share).
• 🚨 Complain through the game menu (usually there is an option "Report Player").
• 🔄 Change lobby — in most games there is an option to quickly find a new room.

B Gran Turismo Sport there is a rating system Sportsmanship Rating (SR). If your SR falls below C, you will be matched with aggressive or inexperienced players in lobbies. To increase your rating:

• Avoid collisions (even if the opponent is at fault).
• Do not take shortcuts on the track (the system monitors when you go off track).
• Complete races - quitting a race reduces SR.

Secrets and cheat codes: legal ways to improve your results

Unlike PC, on PS4 Game modifications are prohibited, but there are completely legal ways to gain an advantage. We are talking about hidden settings, little-known mechanics and optimal strategies that professional gamers use.

Here are a few proven techniques:

• 🔧 Tuning a car according to the weather: in Gran Turismo Sport and F1 2023 check the forecast before the race. For example, on a wet track, increase downforce on 2-3 clicks and reduce the tire pressure by 1-2 psi.
• 📊 Use telemetry: in Assetto Corsa and Dirt Rally 2.0 after the race, look at the braking and acceleration graphs (Settings → Telemetry). This will help you find weak spots on the route.
• 🎯 Optimal trajectory: in Gran Turismo turn on the trajectory line (Settings → Driving → Race Line) and practice on it until you remember the ideal path.
• 💰 Farm credits: in Need for Speed Heat the most profitable race - "Flashing lights" (gives ~50 000$ in 5 minutes). Repeat it to earn quick money.

B Wreckfest there is a hidden damage mechanic: if you hit your opponent rear left wheel, his car will drift to the right - this makes overtaking easier. And in Dirt Rally 2.0 Braking is more effective on gravel stages jerkily (short presses on the brake) rather than smoothly.

For F1 2023 there is a non-obvious trick with the settings ERS (energy recovery system). In the qualification, put:

ERS Deployment: Hotlap
ERS Harvesting: Low

This will provide additional power on the straights, but will require more careful fuel consumption.

⚠️ Attention: B Gran Turismo Sport There is a bug with saving machine settings. If you have changed suspension parameters or gear ratios, always save settings as preset (Settings → Save Settings), otherwise they will be reset after leaving the game.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about racing on PS4

Is it possible to play racing games on PS4 with a PC steering wheel?

Yes, but only if the steering wheel officially supports PS4. Most steering wheels for PC (for example, Logitech G27 or Fanatec CSW) are not compatible with the console without additional adapters. Exceptions - Logitech G29/G920 and Thrustmaster T150/T300who work for PS4 "out of the box".

For unofficial handlebars you will need an adapter like DriveHub or GIMX, but this may lead to an online ban (in Gran Turismo Sport and F1 2023 there is protection against unlicensed devices).

How to reduce input lag in racing on PS4?

Input lag (the delay between pressing a button and the game's response) is critical in racing simulators. To minimize it:

1. Use wired connection gamepad/steering wheel.
2. Turn on game mode on TV (disables post-processing).
3. Disable it in the game settings V-Sync (may add delay).
4. Reduce HDR brightness up to 50% — high values sometimes increase the lag.

On PS4 Pro choosing a mode also helps"Performance" instead of "Quality" - even if graphically it is inferior.

Which PS4 races support VR?

On PS4 with PlayStation VR officially working:

• Gran Turismo Sport — full VR support in “Arcade” and “Sports” modes.
• Dirt Rally - only the first Dirt Rally (2015), Dirt Rally 2.0 Doesn't support VR.
• Wipeout Omega Collection - futuristic anti-gravity racing with full VR support.

Important: in Gran Turismo Sport VR only works in mode 1080p (no support 4K even on PS4 Pro). Also note that long sessions in VR may cause motion sickness - take breaks every 30-40 minutes.

Should I buy a PS5 for racing if I already have a PS4?

Go to PS5 justified if:

• You are playing Gran Turismo 7 or F1 2023 - on PS5 these games support 120 FPS and Ray Tracing.
• Your TV supports 4K/120Hz (for example, LG C2 or Sony X90J).
• You are using a direct drive steering wheel (Fanatec DD1/2), which is on PS4 works with restrictions.

If you are satisfied 60 FPS and 1080p, then PS4 Pro will be relevant for racing for a long time. Most multiplayer communities (for example, in Gran Turismo Sport) are still active.

How to transfer saves from racing games from PS4 to PS5?

Transferring saves depends on the game:

• Gran Turismo Sport: automatically transferred via PSN at first start Gran Turismo 7 on PS5.
• F1 2023: crossave via EA Account (you need to bind it to PSN).
• Need for Speed Heat: Saves are not transferred, but you can use cloud saving if you have PlayStation Plus.

General rule: if the game has crossplay between PS4 and PS5, then the saves are most likely synchronized. Check it out in the game menu (Settings → Account).