What are the best car games on PC? [Top 10]

The best PC racing game In September 2026, it's Forza Horizon 5 with a Metacritic score of 91/100.

This top 10 list covers all genres: open-world, pure simulation, arcade, and off-road racing. Each title is selected based on its score Metacritic, not based on a subjective whim, so you can easily find the game that's right for you.

1. Forza Horizon 5

Release date : 05/11/2021. Metacritic score (PC version): 91/100.

Forza Horizon 5 is the best racing game currently available on PC. Its setting is a open world in Mexico, vast and teeming with life, with deserts, volcanoes, and jungles to explore.

You start with more than 500 cars (504 exactly at launch). The graphics are superb, and the sense of speed is excellent, whether you're playing the keyboard or the steering wheel.

The real advantage is total freedom. You go from the road race to the off-road driving in just a few seconds, with no loading time, whether playing solo or multiplayer.

Good news: the game is included in the Game Pass for PC, so you can try it out without paying full price. It's the perfect choice if you like open-world games and the’nerve arch, rather than pure simulation. If this title interests you, check out The fastest cars in Forza Horizon 5.

2. Need for Speed Hot Pursuit

Release date : 16/11/2010. Metacritic score: 86/100.

Need for Speed Hot Pursuit It's all about speed and adrenaline. You go from one nervous runs where the police tailgate you, using a spike strip and a jamming device to slow you down. This constant pressure makes every chase tense from start to finish.

the arcade style It's still addictive: instant handling, easy drifts, immediate feedback, and no hassle. The lineup features luxury cars divided between the drivers' side and the law enforcement side.

Its biggest selling point is the mode online multiplayer which compares your times to those of your friends and constantly keeps the challenge going. It's the perfect choice if you're looking for pure arcade action and intense races on a variety of tracks, without complex settings or a steep learning curve.

If you also play on other platforms, check out the Car games on PS5.

3. Assetto Corsa

Release date : 30/08/2016. Metacritic score : 85/100. 

Assetto Corsa is the standard for the car simulation on PC. The physics are realistic, precise, and challenging: each car reacts differently depending on the road surface and tire wear.

The real asset is the modding. The community Steam has added thousands of circuits and cars, in addition to the officially licensed tracks, which have been faithfully recreated. The game also supports the force-feedback steering wheel and the VR for a total immersion experience.

On the other hand, the interface has dated, and the learning curve is steep. When playing with a controller and without driving assistance, the first few races can be a bit of a struggle. For drivers who want a pure driving On challenging courses, it’s a must-play. It’s not instant fun, but it offers rare depth.

4. Euro Truck Simulator 2: Italy Add-On

Release date : December 1, 2017. Metacritic score: 83/100.

This extension adds all the’Italy at Euro Truck Simulator 2. You'll drive on a wide variety of new roads—from hills to the countryside to detailed cityscapes—in a calm pace which prioritizes immersion over speed.

The game's strength lies in its management of the route, the truck, and time. It's not a traditional racing game, but a real long-distance driving simulation. You'll need the base game to play it, and the entire set is available at Steam.

If you like to travel, take long drives, and enjoy landscapes If you're looking for a stress-free experience, this extension is for you.

5. Euro Truck Simulator 2: Vive La France! Add-On

Release date : 16/12/2016. Metacritic score: 83/100.

This expansion extends the game board toward the southwest France. You'll explore national highways, expressways, and landscapes typical of the France, featuring redesigned cities and a rich setting.

Traffic conditions vary by region, which reinforces the feeling of freedom behind the wheel and makes every trip different. Just like with the Italia expansion, you'll need to own Euro Truck Simulator 2 base game, since it's a DLC available on Steam.

Do you like long trips And do you want to explore a vast, unspoiled region at the pace of a real driver? This extension is well worth the detour.

6. Driver San Francisco

Release date : September 6, 2011. Metacritic score: 80/100.

Driver San Francisco offers a unique experience thanks to its system of Shift. You can switch cars instantly by teleporting from one vehicle to another while driving: from a sedan to a truck in a second, to lose the police.

L'retro atmosphere pays homage to the car chases of 1970s movies, with a fast-paced rhythm and a well-paced career mode.

An important thing to know: the game was withdrawn from sale on Steam and Ubisoft Connect since the end of 2016, probably because the music and auto licenses have expired (even though Ubisoft (has never officially confirmed this). You can still find it in physical version or from certain third-party retailers.

A great choice if you're looking for a unique and dynamic racing game that's a far cry from traditional tracks.

7. Euro Truck Simulator 2

Metacritic score : 79/100. Released in early 2013, this driving simulation quickly became a cult classic on PC.

Euro Truck Simulator 2 puts you behind the wheel of a heavyweight on the roads of Europe. It's all about trip management and long-distance driving : You start your own trucking company, buy trucks, hire drivers, and make one profitable delivery after another.

The driving is smooth and immersive, a far cry from the adrenaline rush of traditional racing games. The game stays engaging thanks to its many updates and a huge, very active community on the modding.

Note that this base game is released after its expansions Italia and Vive La France! in this ranking, because these DLCs significantly enhance the experience by adding entire new regions. Perfect if you like heavy vehicles and long, relaxing drives.

8. Expeditions: A MudRunner Game

Release date : March 5, 2024. Metacritic score: 77/100.

Expeditions: A MudRunner Game is betting everything on the driving in extreme conditions. Mud, steep slopes, rocks, and the weather: each vehicle moves slowly, but you can really feel the weight and the traction on the terrain.

Unlike a traditional racing game, there are no time limits or speed requirements here. You plan your expedition, choose your gear, and tackle impossible terrain. It’s a mix of’exploration, management, and off-road simulation very demanding.

The game's real strength is a realistic driving physics which makes you think carefully about every move. On the other hand, the pace is slow and there’s not much action. Avoid this game if you’re looking for a sense of speed: this title rewards patience and strategy, not reflexes.

9. Spintires: MudRunner

Release date : October 31, 2017. Metacritic score: 77/100.

Spintires : MudRunner sends you off to drive big off-road trucks through muddy terrain. No circuits or races where every second counts: the star of the show is the physical properties of sludge, and each rutted spot can get your vehicle stuck.

This game focuses on a realistic and challenging gameplay. You have to manage the winch, the fuel, and the terrain to avoid getting stuck. It's slow and technical, but honestly very satisfying when you clear a difficult obstacle.

the multiplayer co-op mode It completely changes the atmosphere: when playing with others, each run becomes a true team challenge. For players looking for a down-to-earth challenge in extreme conditions, this is a sure bet.

10. American Truck Simulator

Release date : February 2, 2016. Metacritic score: 76/100.

American Truck Simulator puts you behind the wheel of a heavy truck on the American roads. It shares a solid foundation with Euro Truck Simulator 2, but set against the backdrop of the vast landscapes of the United States.

The map covers several states, each of which has been added over the course of various expansions. The cities and landscapes are beautifully rendered, and the driving experience Stay calm and composed.

You enjoy the road, the peace and quiet, and the journey itself rather than the speed. The Best Racing Games for PC aren't just about the adrenaline rush, and this game proves it perfectly. It's a great choice if you want to drive stress-free in a vast, authentic world.

From the open world of Forza Horizon 5 to the pure simulation of’Assetto Corsa, passing through the archway of Need for Speed Hot Pursuit and off-road driving of Spintires : MudRunner, each style has its own entry in this ranking.

If you also play on consoles, you'll find other great options at Nintendo Switch car games. The bottom line is simple: choose whatever you feel like playing at the moment, and above all, play for fun.

To learn more on your PC, check out The best free PC games