Racing on PS: which games to choose for realistic racing or arcade drive?

Racing games on PlayStation is not just entertainment, but a whole world of speed, adrenaline and technical skill. whether you prefer realistic simulators with detailed car physics or arcade racing with bright graphics and dynamic gameplay, PS4 and PS5 They offer projects for every taste. In this article, we will analyze the best racing games of 2026, compare their features, tell you how to choose a game for your driving style, and give practical tips on setting up the controls.

From Gran Turismo 7 with its legendary physics up to Need for Speed Unbound with street racing and tuning culture - the market for racing games on PlayStation more diverse than ever. But how not to get lost in this diversity? We analyzed current releases, player reviews and technical nuances to help you make an informed choice. And if you are just starting your journey in virtual racing, at the end of the article you will find FAQ with answers to the most frequently asked questions.

Top 5 Racing Games on PS4/PS5 in 2026: Comparison of Genres and Features

The choice of game depends on what you expect from the gameplay. Simulators require patience and skill, arcades require reaction and entertainment, and hybrids try to combine both approaches. Below is the current rating taking into account updates and DLC for 2026.

• 🏆 Best simulator: Gran Turismo 7 - a standard of realism with licensed cars and tracks. Supports PS VR2 for complete immersion.
• 🎮 Best Arcade: Need for Speed Unbound - stylish street racing with an open world and hip-hop culture.
• 🚗 Best hybrid: Forza Horizon 5 (via cloud gaming) - a combination of simulation elements and arcade accessibility.
• 🏁 Best online: F1 24 - official Formula 1 license with multiplayer championships.
• 💰 Best price/quality ratio: WRC Generations — a rally simulator with realistic mud and snow physics.

Each of these games has unique features. For example, Gran Turismo 7 famous for its system licenses, where you will have to take a driving test, and Need for Speed Unbound offers street art styling and dynamic chases with the police. If you care steering wheel support Thrustmaster or Logitech, pay attention to F1 24 and Gran Turismo 7 — they are optimized for the periphery.

Simulators vs arcades: what to choose for a beginner and a professional?

The main difference between simulators and arcades is physical model of the car. The simulators take into account the weight of the car, the distribution of braking forces, tire wear and even air temperature. Arcades simplify these parameters, emphasizing speed and entertainment.

Criterion	Simulators (GT7, F1 24, Assetto Corsa)	Arcade (NFS, Burnout, Trackmania)
Physics realism	High (requires suspension adjustment, tire pressure)	Simplified (cars “stick” to the road)
Difficulty of control	High (needs a gamepad with triggers or a steering wheel)	Low (can be played on keyboard/touchpad)
Tuning and modifications	Technical (affects characteristics)	Visual (stickers, neon, tires)
Online competitions	Ranked Championships (requires clean driving)	Fast races with boosts and short tracks

For beginners, we recommend starting with arcade games - they will help develop reactions and understand the basic principles of racing. For example, Need for Speed Heat or Trackmania They teach you to brake before turns and choose a trajectory. Professionals should pay attention to Assetto Corsa Competizione with her laser scanning of routes and support for multi-monitor systems.

⚠️ Attention: If you are playing on PS5 with DualSense, in simulators, enable the option "Adaptive Triggers" - this will significantly improve the feeling of wheel grip on the road. In arcade games, this feature can be disabled for comfort.

How to set up a gamepad for maximum control over the car?

Even with standard DualShock 4 or DualSense Precise control can be achieved if the sensitivity and dead center zones are adjusted correctly. Here are the key parameters to pay attention to:

• 🎚️ Steering sensitivity: In simulators set 50-70% — this will allow you to smoothly enter turns. In arcades you can increase to 80-90% for sharp maneuvers.
• 🚦 Brake/gas: Disable "Brake Assist" in the settings if you want realistic drifting. For arcade games, leave it on.
• 🔄 Vibration: B Gran Turismo 7 Vibration transmits traction to the wheels - turn it to maximum. B NFS it can be reduced for comfort.
• 🎯 Dead zone: Install 5-10% for analog sticks to avoid accidental jerking of the machine.

For fine tuning Gran Turismo 7 go to Settings → Management → Advanced and adjust sensitivity curve. B F1 24 there is a separate section "Telemetry", where you can view real-time braking and acceleration data.

Set steering sensitivity to 60%|Disable brake assist|Turn vibration to maximum|Adjust stick dead zone (5-10%)|Check trigger zone-->

If you are using a steering wheel (eg. Logitech G29 or Thrustmaster T300), be sure to calibrate it in the game menu. B Assetto Corsa there is a separate setup wizard for this, which takes into account rotation angle and feedback strength.

Tuning and modifications: how to improve your car in racing games?

Tuning systems in games differ radically. In simulators (Gran Turismo 7, Forza Motorsport) modifications affect physics: the weight of the car, suspension stiffness, aerodynamics change. In arcades (Need for Speed, The Crew 2) tuning is often visual in nature - stickers, neon lights, wide wheels.

Let's look at the key aspects of tuning using an example Gran Turismo 7:

• 🔧 Engine: Increasing power (horsepower) improves acceleration, but may worsen handling. Optimal balance - +20-30% of stock power.
• 🛞 Suspension: Stiffer springs and shock absorbers are suitable for smooth trails (e.g. Nürburgring), soft - for uneven ones (for example, Rally de España).
• ⚖️ Weight balance: Redistributing weight to the front axle improves cornering grip but can cause understeer.
• 💨 Aerodynamics: The wings increase downforce but reduce top speed on the straights. In open world games (eg. Forza Horizon 5) they can be removed completely.

⚠️ Attention: B F1 24 incorrect setting "Aero Balance" (aerodynamic balance) can make the car uncontrollable at high speeds. For beginners, we recommend using command presets (for example, Red Bull or Mercedes).

In arcades, tuning often comes down to purchasing visual improvements with in-game currency. For example, in Need for Speed Unbound you can buy unique body kits from street artists, but they will not affect the speed. Exception - The Crew 2, where modifications are divided into "Performance" (affect characteristics) and "Visual" (appearance only).

Secret tuning in Gran Turismo 7

On the menu Tuning → Special settings there is a hidden parameter "Ballast" (ballast). Adding weight to certain points of the car can dramatically change its behavior on the track. For example, placing ballast closer to the front axle improves traction during braking, but worsens acceleration. This technique is often used by professional players in online championships.

Online racing: how to win in multiplayer modes?

Online competition is a separate world with its own rules and strategies. In simulators (Gran Turismo Sport, F1 24) clean driving and tactics are more important than aggressive style. In arcades (Need for Speed Heat, Trackmania) the one who uses boosts and shortcuts better wins.

Here are some proven tips for online:

• 📊 Explore the route: Before the race, complete 2-3 laps in the "Practice" (available in F1 24 and GT7). Please note braking points and optimal trajectories.
• 🚥 Start: B Gran Turismo 7 use manual start (press X at the moment when the green light turns on). B F1 24 turn on "Anti-Stall" (protection against engine stalling).
• 🤝 Team play: B Forza Horizon 5 can be created convoys with friends - this gives bonuses to experience. B GT7 there are modes "Team Race", where coordination with a partner is important.
• 🛡️ Avoid collisions: Online F1 24 a system of fines for contacts is included. Three collisions and you will be disqualified for 10 seconds.

If you are playing Need for Speed Unbound, pay attention to reputation system. The higher your level, the more difficult your opponents. To level up quickly, take part in "Underground Meetups" (underground racing) and complete tasks from NPCs.

Racing accessories: steering wheels, pedals and seats

For complete immersion in racing simulators, one gamepad is not enough. Professional players use:

• 🎯 Ruli: Logitech G29 (budget option), Thrustmaster T300 (middle segment), Fanatec DD Pro (premium with direct transmission).
• 🚗 Pedals: Basic pedals are included with the steering wheel, but for realism you can buy additional ones Fanatec ClubSport V3 with adjustable resistance.
• 🪑 Armchairs: Playseat Challenge (folding), Next Level Racing GT Ultimate (full simulator cockpit).
• 🖥️ Monitors: For PS5 optimal LG C2 OLED (120 Hz, low input lag) or Samsung Odyssey G7 (curved dive screen).

When choosing a steering wheel, pay attention to:

1. Feedback type: Belt (cheaper, but less accurate) or direct drive (more expensive, but more realistic).
2. Steering angle: Needed for drifting 900°, enough for Formula 1 270°.
3. Compatibility: Not all steering wheels work with PS5 — check the list of supported devices on the game website.

⚠️ Attention: When using the steering wheel with Fanatec on PS5 firmware via PC may be required. Instructions are available on the manufacturer's official website in the section "Support → Firmware".

If your budget is limited, start with Logitech G29 and a table for mounting the steering wheel (for example, Wheel Stand Pro). This will save on cockpit costs without sacrificing stability.

The future of racing games on PlayStation: announcements and expectations

2026-2026 promises to be busy with releases for PS5. Among the most anticipated projects:

• 🚀 Gran Turismo 8: Announced for 2026. Expected dynamic weather change and tracks with destructible objects.
• 🏎️ Need for Speed: Shift (reboot): Return of the series Shift with an emphasis on realistic drifting and tuning. The release is scheduled for the end of 2026.
• 🌍 Forza Horizon 6: Possible appearance on PS5 via cloud gaming (like FH5). Location: Japan or Brazil.
• 🏁 WRC 25: A new part of the rally simulator with improved mud and snow physics. Will be released in autumn 2026.

It's also worth keeping an eye on independent projects such as Assetto Corsa 2 (delayed until 2026) or Project CARS 3 (possible announcement of a sequel). Many of them support modding, which allows you to add new cars and tracks.

For those who want to try new products in advance, there is a program PlayStation Plus Game Trials. It allows you to play demo versions of upcoming releases (for example, F1 24 was available a month before release).

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If you are planning to buy racing games on PS5, pay attention to versions marked "Cross-Gen" or "PS5 Enhanced". They offer improved graphics (4K/120 FPS), more detailed car models and reduced loading times.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about racing games on PS

🔹 Which game is suitable for a 10-12 year old child?

For children, it is better to choose arcade games with simple controls and bright graphics:

• Hot Wheels Unleashed - racing on toy cars with tracks in the house.
• Team Sonic Racing — cartoon characters and team gameplay.
• Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled - a remake of the classic arcade game with a ton of content.

All these games have help mode (automatic braking, invulnerability), which can be enabled in the settings.

🔹 Is it possible to play Forza Horizon 5 on PS5?

Officially Forza Horizon 5 only available on Xbox and PC. However, it can be run on PS5 in two ways:

1. Cloud gaming: Through the service Xbox Cloud Gaming (subscription required Game Pass Ultimate and browser). The quality depends on the Internet speed.
2. Remote access: If you have a PC with the game, you can connect to it via PS Remote Play or Moonlight.

Both methods have input delay (input lag), which is critical for racing. For full gameplay it is better to use Xbox Series X|S.

🔹 Which steering wheel is better for beginners: Logitech G29 or Thrustmaster T150?

Both wheels are suitable for beginners, but there are key differences:

Criterion	Logitech G29	Thrustmaster T150
Feedback type	Gear (louder, but more reliable)	Hybrid belt (quieter, but less accurate)
Rotation angle	900°	1080° (but software limited to 900° in games)
Pedals	Metal, progressive resistance	Plastic, linear
Price (2026)	~25,000 rub.	~20,000 rub.

Conclusion: If your budget allows, take it Logitech G29 - it will last longer. Thrustmaster T150 Cheaper, but the pedals and feedback are worse.

🔹 Why in Gran Turismo 7 Does the car skid on the straights?

This problem is due to several factors:

• Incorrect aerodynamic setting: A wing that is too large creates excessive downforce, which leads to overheating of the tires.
• High tire pressure: On the menu Tuning → Tires reduce the pressure on 0.1-0.2 bar for the front wheels.
• Hard suspension: Reduce the stiffness of the springs and shock absorbers in the section Suspension.
• Tire wear: In the race settings, enable "Tire Wear: Realistic" and monitor the temperature (optimally 80-100°C).

If the problem persists, try reset tuning to factory settings and make changes gradually.

🔹Where can I download mods for racing games on PS4/PS5?

On PlayStation installing mods officially prohibited - this violates the terms of use of the console. However, there are legal ways to diversify the gameplay:

• Official DLC: For example, for Gran Turismo 7 packages with new cars are coming out (for example, Toyota GR010 Hybrid).
• Custom coloring pages: B GT7 and F1 24 you can download other players' liveries through the menu "Design".
• Updates from developers: Assetto Corsa Competizione regularly adds new tracks (for example, Suzuka) free.

For modding you will have to switch to PC versions of games (for example, Assetto Corsa with Content Manager).