What is a good racing game for mobile?

The Apple and Google Play stores are saturated with racing games to download.

Unlike console and PC racing games, most modern mobile racing games are free to play with optional in-game purchases.

With so many choices, what is a good racing game for mobile?

What is a good racing game for mobile?

What is a good racing game for mobile? The answer depends on what type of racing game you enjoy playing. Just like on console and PC, mobile racing games are usually split into two main categories: arcade and simulation.

Arcade racers are more common on mobile with accessible handling and quick races ideal for playing on the go in short bursts on the bus. Simulation games, on the other hand, feature licensed cars and realistic handling - you can't get away with jamming the throttle and failing to slow down for corners in these games.

Simulation – Real Racing 3

Real Racing 3 is essentially the Gran Turismo and Forza Motorsport of mobile racing games.

It offers more than 250 vehicles from manufacturers including Ford, Aston Martin, McLaren, Koenigsegg and Pagani along with 40 officially licensed tracks at 19 real-world locations. Although it celebrates its tenth anniversary in 2023, Real Racing 3’s graphics have aged well, with detailed car models and realistic circuits.

Real Racing 3’s driving experience is unmatched on mobiles. Every car handles differently, and the physics have more depth than your average mobile racer, meaning you must follow the racing line and slow down for corners like in sim racing games.

There are also a host of multiplayer options. Crossplay lets you race with up to seven players online whether they’re playing on Android or iOS, while Time-Shifted Multiplayer allows you to race with your friends even if they’re offline.

Real Racing 3 is still regularly updated with new cars, tracks, and events keeping the experience fresh. Best of all, Real Racing 3 is free to play, with the option to buy cars and speed up upgrades with in-game purchases.

Arcade – Asphalt 9: Legends

On the opposite side of the spectrum, we have Asphalt 9: Legends.

Like Real Racing 3, Asphalt 9 Legends has licensed cars from a range of manufacturers including Ferrari, Bugatti, and Porsche. But the similarities end there.

The key difference is that Asphalt 9 is a pure arcade racer, with an emphasis on physics-defying stunts, timing nitro boosts, and taking out opponents. It’s fast, adrenaline-fuelled racing at its finest on mobile.

Thanks to its variety of control schemes, Asphalt 9: Legends is accessible to everyone. You can steer with traditional tilt or touch controls while beginners can activate TouchDrive, an autopilot mode that automatically accelerates and steers when tapping the screen.