Burning Rubber on Prime Platforms: The Hottest Driving Video Games of 2024

Racing games have always been fine examples of what various consoles are capable of. Every major console brand boasts its own flagship racing series to battle with the rest. The hottest driving games of 2024 offer a racing style for every kind of thrill-seeker! 

The Hottest Driving Video Games of 2024

The appeal of racing games is they offer something for everyone. For a laid-back spin around the track, options like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe or the visually stunning Forza Horizon 5 are perfect picks, with plenty of choices in between. Experienced gamers looking to be further immersed always have the option of diving deeper! 

Where Speed Meets Scenery: Racing Games in Stunning Open Worlds

Racing titles have gone far beyond just doing laps around a track. Titles like Forza Horizon and The Crew Motorfest let players dive into vast open worlds, taking on races of all kinds through stunning landscapes. Thanks to today’s hardware, games like Gran Turismo 7 and Forza Motorsport deliver hyper-realistic tracks and cars with incredibly sharp details. 

With such a huge variety out there, it can feel a bit overwhelming to figure out which racing games take the cake in 2024. Here’s our carefully selected list that covers a decade’s worth of thrilling titles!

Forza Horizon 5:

Playground Games took the racing-simulation foundations of Xbox’s exclusive series and spun them into one of the most thrilling open-world arcade racers with the Horizon series. Forza Horizon has consistently raised the bar for intense, high-speed racing against breathtaking, diverse backdrops, and the fifth installment is no exception. 

Set in a vibrant fictionalized version of balmy Mexico, Forza Horizon 5 kicks off with an adrenaline-filled drive down an active volcano, throwing you straight into a festival teeming with non-stop racing action. Plus, thanks to Game Pass, there’s even a way to get in on the action for free.

Forza Motorsport:

Forza Motorsport (also available on Game Pass) brings the franchise back to its roots with a 2023 reboot that’s been a long time coming. Unlike Horizon’s wild, open-world fun, Motorsport dives into a more realistic, simulation-style racing experience. 

But don’t worry, there’s plenty of customization to adjust the challenge based on how hardcore you’re feeling. With a detailed upgrade system and the chance to race on some of the world’s most iconic tracks, this latest installment proves that the series’ break only made it better.

Gran Turismo 7:

Gran Tursimo has always been a true car lover’s dream, especially for PlayStation fans. You’ve probably got some nostalgic memories of battling through those tough license tests or getting hooked on the slower-paced races back in the day, all while soaking in the stunning cars. 

Gran Turismo 7 keeps that classic vibe alive, but with a fresh spin that brings the series right into the modern racing world. It’s got all the realism you want, but still maintains that old-school charm that makes you appreciate the beauty of the ride.

F1 23:

Formula 1 is the ultimate in racing experience, so it’s no surprise that its game counterpart, F1 23, brings all the thrills and excitement right to your screen. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just getting into the sport, this game delivers a realistic experience that makes you feel like you’re behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car, navigating tricky turns and fine-tuning every move. 

But don’t worry if you’re not a pro; it’s also designed to be approachable, with handy tutorials and different race modes so you can dive into what interests you most without any stress. With F1 gaining more fans yearly, this game is perfect for anyone looking to join in on the action.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe:

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is one of those games that always strikes an immediately familiar chord. Originally released on the Wii U, it found a second home on the Nintendo Switch, where it’s become a go-to title for many. And it’s easy to see why—it’s the perfect blend of easy kart racing that still has plenty of depth for those who want to master it. 

Plus, it’s got that signature Nintendo charm with vibrant visuals and all your favorite characters, but without the fighting—just friendly competition. And let’s not forget, it’s been packed with extra content since launch, keeping it fresh and ready to race for years to come.

Wipeout Omega Collection:

We may never see another Wipeout game, especially with the studio behind it shutting down. If the Omega Collection turns out to be the final chapter, it’s definitely going out with a bang. This collection brings together three remastered gems from the series: Wipeout HD, Fury HD from the PS3, and the underrated Wipeout 2048 from the PS Vita. 

It’s packed with fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping racing action that still looks jaw-dropping on the PS5, thanks to smooth frame rates and timeless art direction. The thumping techno beats take you right back to an iconic era of Sony gaming that fans still hope makes a return someday.

Trackmania:

When you think of racing, you probably picture real-life tracks and high-performance cars, right? Well, Trackmania flips that idea on its head. It’s not about realistic racing; instead, you’re zooming around toy-like cars on mind-bending tracks that feel like something straight out of a Hot Wheels fantasy. But don’t be fooled—this game requires some serious skill and focus. 

It’s all about making those tiny, split-second decisions that could shave precious milliseconds off your lap time as you chase the perfect run. Plus, with fresh content arriving regularly through new seasons, Trackmania might just be the racing game you didn’t know you were missing.

The Crew Motorfest:

Ubisoft has been eyeing Forza Horizon for a while, trying to capture that open-world racing magic. With The Crew Motorfest, though, they’ve finally hit the mark. This game nails the fun factor, offering up thrilling arcade-style racing across a Hawaiian-inspired landscape. 

You’re not just limited to the road either—you can take to the air and sea with a variety of vehicles at your command. While the whole “festival” vibe is pretty on-the-nose and the always-online feature might be a little annoying, the sheer amount of content Ubisoft keeps adding makes this racer one you’ll want to keep coming back to.

Horizon Chase 2:

If you’re craving something that channels the nostalgia of classic racing games, the Horizon Chase series is definitely worth checking out. Starting off on Apple Arcade, Horizon Chase 2 eventually made its way to the Nintendo Switch and PC, and it’s a total game-changer. 

The sequel brings polished arcade racing, stunning visuals, and all the beloved modes from the original, but with a fresh, modern twist. It perfectly captures the vibe of those ’90s arcade racers while meeting today’s standards. Fingers crossed it hits even more platforms soon—this one’s too good to miss!

Have you spent countless hours enjoying any of these pixel-rich titles? Driving games sure have improved by leaps and bounds since their early origins. Let us know which one is your favorite in the comments below, or check out another article about some of the best games to play in the car.