Gran Turismo Sport and Need for Speed Heat are still leading the ratings of racing games for PS4, but the choice depends on your preferences: an arcade drive with drifting and police chases or a realistic simulator with licensed tracks and fine-tuning of cars. In 2026, as relevant as classic hits (F1 2020, Dirt Rally 2.0), and lesser-known but worthy projects like Wreckfest with destructible cars or Trackmania Turbo for fans of high-speed races against the clock. This selection takes into account not only graphics and physics, but also Compatible with PS5 via backwards compatibility, which is important for those who are planning to upgrade their console.
We've analyzed over 30 racing games available on PS4 in 2026, weeding out projects with outdated physics, weak online or low user ratings (below 7/10 on Metacritic). The top includes games with support PS4 Pro (improved graphics/60 FPS), an active multiplayer community and unique features - from mud rallies to futuristic anti-gravity cars. Particular attention was paid to games that no DLC purchase required for full gameplay (exception - Gran Turismo Sport, where the base content is sufficient for hundreds of hours of play).
1. Realistic simulators: for those who value physics and details
If you care accurate model of car behavior, licensed tracks and the ability to fine-tune the suspension, gearbox or tire pressure, then the choice is narrowed down to three games. All of them support steering wheels (Logitech G29, Thrustmaster T150) and offer modes for beginners (simplified assistants) and professionals (disabling all tips).
- 🏁 Gran Turismo Sport - the standard of realism from Polyphony Digital with support
VR(only for certain modes). There are over 300 licensed cars in the game, but the main focus is on online competitions (FIA Championships). Minus: there is no career in the classical sense. - 🚗 F1 2020 — the best part of the Formula 1 series with a full-fledged mode My Team (creating your own team). Physics at the level GT Sport, but there is dynamic weather and car damage. PS4 version available
Deluxe Editionwith additional routes. - 🏎️ Assetto Corsa Competizione - racing simulator GT3 with incredibly detailed tracks (including Nurburgring in full configuration). Ideal for steering wheel owners, but difficult for a gamepad. In 2026, it is still relevant thanks to the modding community (on PC), but on PS4 the content is limited to the basic set.
For those new to simulators, we recommend starting with F1 2020 - there is a training mode Driver Academy, which explains the basics of steering, braking and using DRS. B Gran Turismo Sport You should immediately pass licensing tests (Driving School) to unblock online access. But Assetto Corsa Competizione It’s best to leave it for later: there is no “step-by-step” career here, only races and championships.
If you play on a gamepad, in the settings Gran Turismo Sport enable the option "Steering Sensitivity" = 5 — this will simplify control on sharp turns.
2. Arcade racing: speed, drift and entertainment
Arcades differ from simulators in their simplified physics, colorful graphics, and emphasis on entertainment rather than realism. Here you can ride on the walls (Trackmania Turbo), cause massive accidents (Wreckfest) or chase from the police (Need for Speed). The main advantages of such games are: accessibility for beginners and the ability to play in short sessions (ideal for evening relaxation).
- 🎮 Need for Speed Heat - the best balance between arcade and semi-simulator. Legal racing during the day, street races with police chases at night. Graphics on PS4 Pro are maintained at 1080p/60 FPS. Minus: the plot is weak, but the multiplayer saves it.
- 💥 Wreckfest — “Demolition Derby” with destructible cars and realistic damage. The physics is closer to a simulator, but the gameplay is arcade-like. Ideal for streaming: spectacular accidents are guaranteed. A PS5 version was released in 2026, but the PS4 version is still supported.
- ⏱️ Trackmania Turbo - time trials with incredibly fast tracks (including inverted sections). There is no multiplayer, but there is a track editor and the ability to compete with the ghosts of other players.
In arcades it is important to pay attention to progression system. For example, in Need for Speed Heat you will have to farm your reputation to unlock the best cars, and in Wreckfest You can immediately buy any car for game currency. If you don't like grind, choose Trackmania Turbo — progress there depends only on your skill.
3. Rally and off-road: mud, snow and extreme tracks
Off-road racing requires a special approach to handling: choosing the right tires (snow, gravel, asphalt), ability to use the handbrake for controlled skidding and understanding of trajectories on blind turns. The best games in this genre on PS4 offer both realistic simulations (Dirt Rally 2.0), and more accessible arcades (Dirt 5).
| Game | Type | Pros | Cons | Metacritic score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dirt Rally 2.0 | Simulator | Realistic physics, 50+ cars, dynamic weather | Difficult for beginners, no Russian language | 82/100 |
| Dirt 5 | Arcade | Vibrant graphics, 70+ tracks, cross-platform multiplayer | Simplified physics, many microtransactions | 78/100 |
| WRC 9 | Simulator | Official WRC license, 100+ special sections | Outdated graphics, weak AI of opponents | 75/100 |
Best for beginners Dirt 5 - there is a regime "Playgrounds" with mini-games to practice skills. Experienced players should pay attention to Dirt Rally 2.0where you have to learn to read navigator's notes (for example, "6L 90"means a left turn at 6th speed with an angle of 90 degrees). B WRC 9 there is a mode Career with team management, but graphics and physics are noticeably inferior to competitors.
How to set up a gamepad for rally?
B Dirt Rally 2.0 go to Options → Controls → Advanced and install:
- Steering Deadzone = 5% (removes steering lag)
- Vibration Scale = 80% (tactile feedback will help you feel the grip)
- Force Feedback Gain = 100% (if you use a steering wheel).
For arcades (Dirt 5) just turn it on "Assisted Braking" and "Dynamic Difficulty" for smooth learning.
4. Online racing: multiplayer and competitions
If you care competitive component, pay attention to games with active online, ranking systems and regular updates. Communities are still alive on PS4 in 2026 Gran Turismo Sport (official tournaments FIA), Need for Speed Heat (unofficial arrivals) and F1 2020 (manual leagues). However, there are nuances:
- 🏆 Gran Turismo Sport - the best online for simulators, but requires a stable Internet (ping below 50 ms). There is a mode
"Sport Mode"with daily races and rankings DR/SR (Driver Rating/Sportsmanship Rating). - 🚔 Need for Speed Heat — online is limited to free races and police chases. There is no ranking system, but there are unofficial communities in Discord for organizing tournaments.
- 🏁 F1 2020 — supports leagues of up to 20 players, but full online requires a subscription PS Plus. The game has a mode
"Leagues", where you can create your own championships.
Before purchasing, check online activity: go to Store → Game Hub on PS4 and see the number of online players. For example, in Gran Turismo Sport even in 2026 there are 5000+ people playing simultaneously, and in WRC 9 online is practically dead. Suitable for arcade racing with friends Trackmania Turbo (local split-screen for 4 players).
B Gran Turismo Sport to improve your rating SR (Sportsmanship) avoid collisions and going off the road. One incident can reduce your rating by 0.5–1.0 points, which will block access to top lobbies.
5. Open World Racing: Freedom and Exploration
Open world games not only allow you to race, but also explore the city, tune cars and complete side missions. On PS4 the best representatives of the genre remain Need for Speed Heat (Palm City) and The Crew 2 (all of America). However, such projects have a common disadvantage - repetitive content after 20–30 hours of play.
B The Crew 2 you can switch between cars, motorcycles, planes and boats, but the physics are far from realism. But there are unique races here like "Hypercar Invasion" (chases at 300+ km/h) or "Street Race" with drifting on the real streets of New York. B Need for Speed Heat The open world is smaller, but more atmospheric: night races with police chases and daytime legal races.
⚠️ Attention: B The Crew 2 The base version of the game only includes 50% of the content. To access all tracks and cars you will have to buy DLC (Motorpass or Gold Edition), which increases the cost to 5000–7000 rubles.
6. Racing for children and family viewing
If you are looking for a game for children or family evenings, pay attention to projects with simple controls, bright graphics and lack of violence. On PS4 the best options are:
- 🐢 Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled — a remake of the classic race with characters from the series Crash Bandicoot. There is a mode
"Adventure"with a plot and mini-games. - 🚜 Team Sonic Racing — arcade racing with heroes Sonic. The trick is a team game where you can transfer bonuses to allies.
- 🎪 Hot Wheels Unleashed - racing along tracks made from toy tracks Hot Wheels. The game has more than 60 cars and a track editor.
All three games have local multiplayer (up to 4 players on one screen), which is ideal for family competitions. Management is simplified to a minimum: in Crash Team Racing You can enable automatic acceleration ("Auto-Accelerate"), and in Hot Wheels Unleashed there is a mode "Easy" at reduced speed.
7. How to choose a race on PS4: checklist based on criteria
To avoid disappointment in your purchase, answer these questions before choosing a game:
1. What type of racing do you like? (simulator/arcade/rally/open world)
2. Is it important to have an online and active community?
3. Will you be playing on a gamepad or steering wheel?
4. Do you need support for the Russian language (voice comments, menus)?
5. Are you ready to pay for DLC or do you need a full-fledged game out of the box?-->
If you are a beginner, start with arcade games (Need for Speed Heat or Dirt 5). For experienced players, simulators are suitable (Gran Turismo Sport or Assetto Corsa Competizione). For family evenings - Crash Team Racing or Hot Wheels Unleashed.
⚠️ Attention: On PS4 some games (F1 2020, Dirt Rally 2.0) are sold in the PS5 version, but work on the old console via backwards compatibility. Check the section before purchasing"Platforms"in PlayStation Store - it should be indicated there"PS4 & PS5".
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about racing on PS4
What's the most realistic racing game on PS4?
Assetto Corsa Competizione - the best simulator for PS4 in terms of physics and track detail. Alternative - Gran Turismo Sport, but there are fewer cars and an emphasis on online.
Can I play racing games on PS4 with a steering wheel?
Yes, all simulators (GT Sport, F1 2020, Assetto Corsa) support rudders Logitech and Thrustmaster. For arcade games, a steering wheel is not required, but in Wreckfest it makes it more convenient to control destruction.
What races are free on PS4?
There are no full-fledged free racing games on PS4, but sometimes Gran Turismo Sport and Trackmania Turbo distributed in PS Plus Monthly Games. You can also try demo versions (F1 2020 or Dirt 5).
Which game is suitable for racing with friends on the same screen?
Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled (up to 4 players) or Trackmania Turbo (up to 4 players in mode "Double Driver"). B Need for Speed Heat There is no split screen.
Is it worth buying Gran Turismo 7 for PS4?
No, Gran Turismo 7 only came out on PS5. On PS4 there is only Gran Turismo Sport, but it is still relevant thanks to online.