Racing games hold a special distinction among video games: they are some of the most addictive and engaging of all. No spells, no special powers, and no potions are needed to be the winner. All you need is a powerful CGI car and good driving skills. Now, with virtual reality racing games available, you can reach new levels of excitement.
We are not racing pros, but we enjoy a high quality game with highly detailed graphics and realistic rendering of top racing cars. This is why we took our time testing various virtual reality racing games before preparing this list. We believe that virtual reality is the ideal environment for a complete experience of being a professional car racer.
The evaluations we made of these virtual reality racing games took into account the most important features gamers expect: low latency, realistic visuals and sounds, haptics and the overall ease of enjoying the game, even for a beginner.
That being said, our top picks are:
Need For Speed No Limits VR
Even if you are not a great gamer, you must have heard of the Need For Speed franchise (hint, it was even made into a big screen movie). After many computer and console game versions, Electronic Arts decided to join the elite developers of virtual reality racing games. As always, a lot of thought and care went into the fine details–and it does not disappoint.
With Need For Speed No Limits VR, players can test the realistic models of the most famous racing and sports cars now available in real life: Lamborghini Aventador, Subaru WRX STI, Porsche 911, BMW M4 Coupe and many others. What is more, players can mod and customize their cars in any manner they wish, without limitations.
The game offers 12 different tracks situated in 4 different locations. Take a look at the teaser:
Need For Speed No Limits VR costs $21 and can be downloaded from Google Play.
Driveclub VR
This is one of the most popular virtual reality racing games for gamers who are more interested in experiencing driving in scenic locations. With Driveclub VR you can fully enjoy the excitement of racing in Single-Player or Multi-Player modes, and you will certainly enjoy relaxing behind the wheel in the laid-back Tour mode.
Players can choose between 80 cars and 100 tracks, making Driveclub VR one of the most generous virtual reality racing games in terms of options. Take a look at the video presentation:
Driveclub VR was developed for PlayStation VR, costs $39.99 and can be purchased on the PlayStation Store.
Assetto Corsa
Assetto Corsa is one of the most realistic virtual reality racing games because it is a racing simulator. Actual, real-life racing tracks were scanned and rendered in the game. Among the legendary tracks you can experience in virtual reality, these are the best known: Monza, Imola, Silverstone, Mugello, Spa, and Brands Hatch. The Monza track available in the game is the historic one, used until 1961, which includes the Sopraelevata high-speed oval.
In terms of cars, players can choose from top level officially licensed models from Ferrari, Lamborghini, Abarth, Lotus, McLaren, Mercedes, BMW, Porsche, Pagani and more.
Because seeing is believing, check out the trailer:
Assetto Corsa costs around $30 and can be purchased on the Steam Store for HTC VIVE and Oculus Rift.
Project CARS 2
This is one of the premium priced virtual reality racing games (around $60), but it is worth every dollar. First of all, it features over 180 licensed cars from iconic manufacturers, as well as world renowned race simulations from IndyCar to Rally Racing and Oval Racing. Secondly, every car featured in the game was tested and tuned by professional racing drivers, to ensure a perfect simulation of how the real life car drives and feels. Last but not least, the game graphics are rendered in superb 5K quality for the most realistic and immersive experience possible.
If you need more reasons to try Project CARS 2, look at its trailer presentation:
Project CARS 2 can be purchased on the Steam Store and can be played on PCs running on Windows 10.
VR Karts: Sprint
This recommendation is for the nostalgic gamers who still fondly remember the Mario Kart of the old days. VR Karts: Sprint may not be the most advanced of the virtual reality racing games on the market, but it is very cheap (only $5) and very fun to play, especially for beginners.
Here is a teaser video to bring your memories back to life:
VR Karts: Sprint can be downloaded on Google Play or the Oculus store.
