Best PC racing games 2021: iRacing, rFactor 2, Forza Horizon 5, & more

We're almost there, it's so near to Christmas time already. 2021 has absolutely flown by for us, so it's been easy to miss some of the amazing racing games that have come our way over the past twelve months. Never feat though, we're here to bring you our picks for the best racing games on PC in 2021!

#5 - Farming Simulator 22

Some may not consider Farming Simulator a racing game, but we beg to differ. The whole experience is based around the passing of time and your race to beat the clock. Farming Simulator 22 is a great game and one we've had a lot fun playing since its release last month.

Farming Simualtor 22 field
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FS22 has taken the series to new heights and expanded what was already a very impressive catalogue of features from FS19. Add to that the better graphics and quality of life that the next generation of consoles bring, and you've got a great game on your hands.

What also needs a mention is the modding community, which is at its most prevalent on PC.

#4 - Star Drift Evolution

We've spoke at length at why CarX Drift Racing Online is a great game. Part of the reason is because it's so unique, there hasn't been many other great racing games of this kind released in recent years. That was until Star Drift Evolution came about that is.

Star Drift Evolution
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SIDEWAYS FUN: Star Drift is high-octane action while going the cool way around corners.

This simplistic arcade drifter is always fun to play, and its stylistic graphics are very easy on the eye. With 75 cars and a whopping 50 circuits, there's a lot to go at here and has massive replay-ability as a result. As it's an Indie Steam game too, it's easy on the wallet as well.

#3 - rFactor 2

rFactor 2 may be eight years old now, but it's not a game that's showing its age. Despite multiple takeovers of the developers of the franchise, the quality has remained consistent throughout. Couple that with graphics, audio and a simulation model that's one of the best around and rFactor 2 is a game you shouldn't miss out on.

rFactor2
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POWERING THROUGH: rFactor 2 still looks good in 2021

Everything from go-karts, to saloon car racers to open-wheeled formula cars are included in rFactor 2. All you need is a PC that's powerful enough to run the game and you're off.

#2 - iRacing

While it's nowhere near a new racing game, iRacing is still one of the must-haves for 2021. iRacing has been around for thirteen years now and its longevity alone earned it a spot on our best racing games list of all-time list. To put that into context, iRacing was released at the start of the PS3 era and is still going strong into the PS5 days.

iRacing Turn
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What's unique about iRacing is that you don't buy the game in the traditional sense. Instead, you subscribe to different amounts of cars, series and circuits depending on what you want to experience. If you don't like it, don't renew your membership.

This is pay to play done right and it won't leave you with a game that you don't want lying around at the end of it.

#1 - Forza Horizon 5

The next Forza Motorsport still doesn't have a release date, but PC players haven't missed out on a Forza game in 2021. That's thanks to Forza Horizon 5, the latest in a series that just keeps on delivering. The Horizon series is a completely unique one, as it's both a racing sim and has a huge sandbox to explore.

Those elements give Horizon 5 the perfect blend of simulator and arcade to make a fun and realistic experience. Mexico was chosen as the location for Horizon 5 and it's absolutely beautiful. Mexico has a vast array of environments to explore, from jungle to desert, to even snowy mountains.

Forza Horizon 5 vibes
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THE ONE AND ONLY: It couldn't be anything else that tops the list

There's a massive number of cars and events to take part in, all of which are fun and exciting, just like the previous iterations were. Put simply, this will be one of the best racing games on PC for some time to come. Unbelievably too, if you have Game Pass Gold, you can try Horizon 5 for absolutely free! Get downloading, you won't regret it.