Best sim racing games 2026 – which racing game is right for you?

Short answer: iRacing is one of the strongest choices for organised online racing on PC, Le Mans Ultimate is ideal for WEC and endurance, Assetto Corsa excels at mods, and Assetto Corsa Competizione specialises in GT3 and GT4. Gran Turismo 7 is the broadest option on PlayStation, while Forza Motorsport offers accessible circuit racing on Xbox. Rally fans can choose between the demanding physics of Assetto Corsa Rally and the more complete package offered by EA Sports WRC.

The best sim racing game is not necessarily the most realistic or the most popular. The right choice depends on your platform, the cars you want to drive and whether you prioritise online competition, AI racing, rally, mods or an accessible introduction to sim racing.

You do not have to choose just one title. Many drivers use iRacing for competition, Assetto Corsa for mods, Automobilista 2 for varied racing and a separate rally game when they want to change discipline.

Quick guide: choose the right sim racing game

• Best for organised online racing: iRacing
• Best for WEC and endurance: Le Mans Ultimate
• Best for mods and community content: Assetto Corsa
• Most interesting next-generation simulator: Assetto Corsa EVO
• Best combination of variety, AI, weather and VR: Automobilista 2
• Best free entry point on PC: RaceRoom
• Best for GT3 and GT4: Assetto Corsa Competizione
• Best all-round choice on PlayStation: Gran Turismo 7
• Best accessible circuit racing on Xbox: Forza Motorsport
• Best for Formula 1: F1 25 with the 2026 Season Pack
• Best for demanding modern rally simulation: Assetto Corsa Rally
• Best for a complete and more accessible rally experience: EA Sports WRC
• Best for classic rally simulation and community content: Richard Burns Rally
• Best for open-world and relaxed driving: Forza Horizon 6

What should you consider before choosing?

Which platform do you use?

PC has the widest selection of dedicated simulators, the best support for mods and the greatest freedom to combine wheelbases, pedals, shifters and handbrakes from different manufacturers.

PlayStation and Xbox have fewer titles, but several strong options. Gran Turismo 7 is exclusive to PlayStation, while Forza Motorsport is the natural circuit-racing choice on Xbox. Assetto Corsa Competizione and F1 25 are available on both console platforms.

Always check that your exact wheelbase and pedals are supported by both the game and the console. A USB connection does not automatically mean console compatibility.

How much realism do you want?

Racing games can be divided into three broad categories:

• Simulator: detailed modelling of tyres, suspension, aerodynamics, brakes and weight transfer. Examples include iRacing, Assetto Corsa Competizione and Le Mans Ultimate.
• Simcade: a balance between realistic vehicle behaviour and accessibility. Gran Turismo 7, Forza Motorsport and F1 25 broadly fit this category.
• Arcade: immediate entertainment and spectacular driving take priority. Forza Horizon 6 is the clearest example in this guide.

These boundaries are not absolute. Assists, difficulty settings and the type of car can greatly change how demanding a title feels.

What do you want to do behind the wheel?

Choose according to what matters most to you: organised online racing, AI races, endurance, GT3, Formula 1, rally, mods, VR or relaxed driving in an open world.

Comparison of the best sim racing games in 2026

Best simulators for online racing on PC

iRacing – best for organised online racing

iRacing is one of the clearest choices for drivers who want to race regularly against other people. The service runs official series with scheduled races, licence classes, Safety Rating and performance-based matchmaking.

Its range includes GT cars, prototypes, single-seaters, NASCAR, oval racing, dirt oval and rallycross. Drivers can also enter special events, endurance races with driver swaps and private leagues.

The main drawback is the pricing model. iRacing requires an active subscription and many cars and tracks are sold separately. Decide which series you want to race before buying the content it requires.

Le Mans Ultimate – best for WEC and endurance

Le Mans Ultimate is the official game of the FIA World Endurance Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It focuses on Hypercars, prototypes, GT cars, traffic management and long races.

Online racing is powered by RaceControl and includes ranked events, Driver Rating and Safety Rating. The game also offers AI racing, configurable race weekends and the ability to save an endurance race during a pit stop.

Le Mans Ultimate is best suited to drivers who specifically want to race in WEC. Its scope is narrower than iRacing or Automobilista 2, but that clear specialisation is also its strength. It is currently available on PC.

Best PC simulators for varied driving

Assetto Corsa – best for mods

The original Assetto Corsa remains one of the most useful sim racing titles on PC. The base game is older, but its community has created a vast selection of cars, circuits, public roads, graphical upgrades and supporting tools.

This makes Assetto Corsa useful for far more than conventional circuit racing. You can drive historic race cars, drift cars, modern prototypes, single-seaters, road cars and long open-road routes.

The real strength lies in the PC version. The console versions do not support the open modding ecosystem that has given the game such a long life.

Assetto Corsa EVO – a modern simulator in development

Assetto Corsa EVO builds on the series' focus on the mechanical behaviour of each car. It includes road cars, historic models and competition cars, as well as laser-scanned circuits and dynamic weather.

It is particularly interesting for drivers who want to feel the differences between drivetrains, tyres, suspension systems and individual car models. The developer has also released an official editor, which could make the title increasingly attractive for community-created content.

Automobilista 2 – the best balance of variety and experience

Automobilista 2 offers one of the most varied base-game line-ups among modern simulators. It covers cars and circuits from several eras, ranging from karting and Brazilian racing categories to single-seaters, GT cars, prototypes and endurance racing.

Dynamic weather and evolving track conditions make longer races feel alive. The title also has strong VR support and works well for drivers who mainly want to race against AI, create custom race weekends or switch frequently between different types of car.

Its online structure is not as developed as iRacing's, but Automobilista 2 remains a strong all-round choice for varied driving.

RaceRoom – an affordable entry into sim racing

RaceRoom is free to download on PC and includes a limited selection of cars and tracks. Additional content can then be purchased separately or in packs.

The game has a clear connection to European motorsport, including touring cars, DTM, GT racing and several formula categories. It offers practice, AI racing, championships, time trials and multiplayer.

RaceRoom is closer to a simulator than an arcade game. Its free starting content lets you test serious vehicle physics and force feedback before investing in a larger content library.

Assetto Corsa Competizione – best for GT3 and GT4

Assetto Corsa Competizione is the most specialised title in this guide. It focuses on GT racing from SRO championships, especially GT3 and GT4.

Tyres, aerodynamics, brakes, ABS, traction control and mechanical setup all play a clear role. Dynamic weather and a day/night cycle make the game particularly well suited to endurance racing.

That specialisation means ACC does not offer the same variety as Assetto Corsa or Automobilista 2. If GT cars are your main interest, however, this is an advantage. ACC is available on PC, PlayStation and Xbox.

Best racing games on PlayStation and Xbox

Gran Turismo 7 – the best all-round choice on PlayStation

Gran Turismo 7 combines a large car roster with licence tests, events, tuning, car collecting and organised online racing in Sport Mode.

Its driving model is more accessible than the most technical PC simulators, yet it still provides a useful introduction to racing lines, braking points, weight transfer and tyre grip. It also works well with a controller, keeping the entry barrier low for beginners.

GT7 is available on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. The PS5 version offers improved performance and support for PS VR2.

Forza Motorsport – the natural circuit-racing choice on Xbox

Forza Motorsport combines a large selection of road and racing cars with a career mode, free play and organised multiplayer events. Featured Multiplayer uses scheduled races, qualifying, driver ratings and safety ratings.

The developer has stated that the game will not receive new cars, tracks, features or regular bug fixes during 2026. Its servers will remain online and previously released content will continue to be available. Forza Motorsport therefore remains relevant, but it should be viewed as an established platform rather than a game in active content development.

F1 25 with the 2026 Season Pack – best for Formula 1

F1 25 is the choice for drivers who want to race official Formula 1 cars, teams and circuits. It includes career modes, My Team, setup options and cross-platform multiplayer.

The handling sits closer to simcade than a pure simulator. Turning off assists, raising the AI level and working on the car setup can nevertheless make the experience considerably more demanding.

The 2026 cars, drivers, teams and regulations are offered through a separate Season Pack for F1 25. It is available on the same platforms as the base game: PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.

Best rally games in 2026

Assetto Corsa Rally – for drivers who want a real challenge

Assetto Corsa Rally is a modern rally simulator developed by Supernova Games Studios in technical partnership with KUNOS Simulazioni. It uses laser-scanned stages, detailed vehicle models and dynamic conditions.

The driving is demanding and mistakes are punished quickly. It is therefore best experienced with a wheel, pedals and preferably a stable cockpit. A round wheel, handbrake and sequential shifter can make the experience feel more natural and practical.

The title is still in Early Access on PC. Its content is less extensive than EA Sports WRC, but its physics and level of detail make it interesting to enthusiasts.

EA Sports WRC – the more complete rally option

EA Sports WRC is the official game of the FIA World Rally Championship and was developed by the team behind the DiRT Rally series.

It offers modern and historic rally cars, a career mode, several surface types and a larger finished content package than Assetto Corsa Rally. Its handling can be adjusted to suit the player's level, making the game more accessible without removing the challenge entirely.

The game is available on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The PC version also supports VR.

Richard Burns Rally – the classic that is still alive

Richard Burns Rally was released in 2004 but is still used by rally enthusiasts thanks to extensive community development.

With modern physics packages, new cars, stages and online championships, it can deliver an exceptionally demanding rally experience. The downside is that installation and configuration require more work than in modern titles. It is an enthusiast's choice for PC, not the easiest option for someone who simply wants to install a game and start driving.

Forza Horizon 6 – a great car game, but not a simulator

Forza Horizon 6 takes place in an open-world version of Japan and includes more than 550 cars, country roads, city environments, events and social activities.

It is designed around entertainment and accessibility. The handling is forgiving and the structure places greater emphasis on exploration and collecting cars than on realistic competition.

It can be a good complement to serious sim racing, but it should not be compared directly with iRacing, ACC or Le Mans Ultimate. Forza Horizon 6 is available on Xbox Series X|S and PC. A PlayStation 5 version has also been announced.

Which sim racing game should you choose?

• Choose iRacing if you want to compete regularly online on PC.
• Choose Le Mans Ultimate if you primarily want WEC, Hypercars and endurance racing.
• Choose Assetto Corsa if you want to install mods and try almost any car or circuit.
• Choose Assetto Corsa EVO if you want to follow the development of a modern simulator and accept Early Access.
• Choose Automobilista 2 if you want variety, capable AI, dynamic weather and VR.
• Choose RaceRoom if you want to try serious sim racing at a low initial cost.
• Choose Assetto Corsa Competizione if GT3 and GT4 are your main disciplines.
• Choose Gran Turismo 7 if you play on PlayStation and want a complete, accessible experience.
• Choose Forza Motorsport if you want circuit racing on Xbox.
• Choose F1 25 if you want official Formula 1 racing, career modes and modern seasons.
• Choose Assetto Corsa Rally if you want demanding rally physics on PC.
• Choose EA Sports WRC if you want more content and a more accessible rally experience.
• Choose Forza Horizon 6 if you want to explore an open world and enjoy cars without demanding pure simulation.

Do you need a wheel and pedals?

No. Gran Turismo 7, Forza Motorsport, F1 25 and Forza Horizon 6 all work well with a controller. Several dedicated simulators can also technically be played without a wheel.

A wheel and pedals nevertheless make steering, braking and corrections more precise. Force feedback helps you feel how the front tyres are loaded, when the car begins to understeer and when the rear starts to lose grip.

More demanding equipment needs a stable mounting solution. A powerful direct drive wheelbase or a firm load-cell brake loses much of its value if the desk, chair or pedal plate moves.

Read SimEdge's guide to direct drive wheelbases, our sim racing pedal guide and our guide to choosing the right sim racing wheel.

Frequently asked questions about sim racing games

What is the best sim racing game in 2026?

No single title is best in every area. iRacing is one of the strongest options for organised online competition, Le Mans Ultimate for WEC, Assetto Corsa for mods, Automobilista 2 for variety and ACC for GT3 and GT4.

Which sim racing game is best for beginners?

Gran Turismo 7 and Forza Motorsport provide an accessible start on console. On PC, RaceRoom is a good way to try serious vehicle physics without a large initial cost. You can also begin directly with Assetto Corsa or ACC and use assists while learning.

Which game has the best online racing?

iRacing offers the most established structure, with licences, safety ratings, matchmaking and scheduled series. Le Mans Ultimate is a strong alternative for endurance racing, while Gran Turismo 7 offers organised competition on PlayStation.

Which simulator is best for GT3?

Assetto Corsa Competizione is the clearest specialist choice. iRacing and Le Mans Ultimate also offer strong GT racing, but within broader competition systems or different championships.

Which sim racing game is best for VR?

Automobilista 2 is a strong all-round VR choice on PC. iRacing, Assetto Corsa and several other PC simulators also support VR. Gran Turismo 7 can be played with PS VR2 on PlayStation 5.

Is Forza Horizon 6 a sim racing game?

It is a car and racing game, but not a pure simulator. Its focus is open-world driving, accessibility and entertainment rather than detailed competition physics.

Do you have to begin with an arcade game?

No. You can start directly with a simulator and use driving assists, a slower car and an easy-to-learn circuit. The important thing is to drive consistently and reduce the assists gradually.

Is it worth owning several simulators?

Yes. Different games excel in different disciplines. It is common to use one title for organised online racing, another for mods or AI races and a third for rally or Formula 1.

Conclusion

The best sim racing game is the one that suits your platform, your equipment and the type of driving you actually want to spend time doing.

For organised competition, iRacing is difficult to overlook. Assetto Corsa Competizione is the clear specialist choice for GT racing, while Automobilista 2 offers greater variety. Gran Turismo 7 and Forza Motorsport are more accessible on console, and rally drivers can choose between the demanding physics of Assetto Corsa Rally and the broader content of EA Sports WRC.

Start with the discipline that interests you most. Once you know what you enjoy, choosing the right wheel, pedals and cockpit becomes much easier.

Official sources and further reading

• iRacing – overview and competition system
• Le Mans Ultimate – the game and its features
• Assetto Corsa – official game overview
• Assetto Corsa EVO – current Early Access status
• Assetto Corsa Competizione – official overview
• Automobilista 2 – official store page
• RaceRoom – content and features
• Gran Turismo 7 – official product information
• Forza Motorsport – status for 2026
• F1 25 – information about the 2026 Season Pack
• Assetto Corsa Rally – official store page
• EA Sports WRC – official game information
• Forza Horizon 6 – launch information

Platforms, game versions, features and business models may change. The information in this guide was checked against official publisher information in August 2026.