Players on Reddit declare Gran Turismo feels like its developers openly celebrate cars and their history. Can we say the same about other video games in the genre?

The attention to detail, realistic physics, dynamic weather, and precisely behaving vehicles represent just a few of the Gran Turismo series’ strong points.

By selecting this title, players access extensive customization options and engaging game modes, making them feel like they own these legendary cars. Wondering if any other video games provide a similar experience? Good news – the ones on this list do!

GameReleaseGenreDeveloper
Forza Horizon 4 2018-10-02 Racing Playground Games
Assetto Corsa Ultimate Edition 2018-04-20 Racing Kunos Simulazioni
Burnout Paradise Remastered 2018-08-21 Racing Stellar Entertainment
Burnout Paradise The Ultimate Box 2009-02-03 Race Criterion Games
F1 2021 2021-07-16 Racing Codemasters
EA Sports F1 24 2024-05-31 Racing Codemasters
Nascar Heat 5 Ultimate Edition 2020-07-10 Racing 704Games Company
Grid 2019 2019-10-11 Simulation Codemasters
Grid 2 2013-05-27 Simulation Feral Interactive (Mac)
Forza Motorsport 7 2017-10-03 Racing Turn 10 Studios
Dirt Rally 2.0 2019-02-26 Simulation Codemasters
Forza Horizon 5 2021-11-09 Racing Playground Games
Need For Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered 2020-11-06 Racing Stellar Entertainment Limited
Need For Speed Heat 2019-11-08 Racing Ghost Games
Need For Speed Unbound 2022-12-02 Racing Criterion Games

Forza Motorsport 7

Release date:2017-10-03
Genre:Racing
Developer:Turn 10 Studios

If you seek a decent damage system and shiny graphics, pick that game!

Both recommendations seem like the same series, except for minor details like different game modes and challenges. In FM 7, you will drive over 700 vehicle models on 122 tracks, all noticeably affected by changing weather conditions. There are also highly addictive multiplayer modes, so it is excellent for anyone wanting to scratch that competitive itch!

Key features
  • Drive 700 different vehicles on 122 tracks
  • Experience realistic vehicle behavior after rain
  • See RPG-inspired progression system
  • Play solo or in multiplayer

Forza Horizon 4

Release date:2018-10-02
Genre:Racing
Developer:Playground Games

Regarding visuals, FH4 and GT seem not that different, but all their other features are far away from each other.

While GT and FM7 feel like older sim-like brothers, Forza Horizon 4 wants you to unleash your driving individuality. Play this game to participate in the unique Horizon Festival and compete with players from all over the world in various tournaments ranging from the most realistic to entirely fictional. Drive over 450 vehicles in the open world of Great Britain, prepare for the changing seasons, and have fun like in no other racing game!

Key features
  • Compete in the greatest racing festival, driving 450 car models
  • Explore the open world to compete with other players
  • Prepare yourself for the ever-changing weather
  • Play solo or in multiplayer for up to 72 players

Forza Horizon 5

Release date:2021-11-09
Genre:Racing
Developer:Playground Games

The vivid world of new competitive possibilities in Forza Horizon 5 will be perfect if you love racing games but are tired of Gran Turismo’s simulation nature.

FH5 takes its players to Mexico to toss them into the middle of some of the most surprising competitions in the genre. You can expect diverse biomes, an open world, rapidly changing weather patterns, and 506 vehicles from different historical eras. The game offers the wildest modes, including driving off a volcano, and you can design your own challenges in the extensive EventLab.

Key features
  • Explore the largest map in the series
  • Take part in the wildest tournaments
  • Expect rapidly changing weather
  • Play solo or in multiplayer

Burnout Paradise Remastered

Release date:2018-08-21
Genre:Racing
Developer:Stellar Entertainment

If you’re seeking a game that shares as much love for cars as Gran Turismo but with an arcade twist, look no further!

Welcome to Paradise City! It’s time to conquer this metropolis, driving 150 unlicensed vehicles in many exciting game modes. Prepare for intense competition against other players, epic crashes, mayhem on city streets, and adrenaline-fueled contests. And if you want, destroy whatever you desire in Showtime mode – highly recommended!

Key features
  • Explore the Paradise City’s open world
  • Take part in absolutely thrilling tournaments
  • Chill out driving around
  • Play solo or in multiplayer

Dirt Rally 2.0

Release date:2019-02-26
Genre:Simulation
Developer:Codemasters

Like Gran Turismo, DiRT Rally 2.0 is a simulation, elevating classic car racing to a new level of realistic fun!

Discover an exceptionally challenging driving model on epic tracks in Argentina, Spain, New Zealand, Poland, and more! Like most recommendations on our list, the game introduces an accurate changing weather system, significantly affecting tire grip and vehicle control. And if you want, manage your entire rally squad in the extensive My Team mode!

Key features
  • Drive 50 iconic car models on real tracks from around the world
  • Discover how weather conditions affect your vehicle behavior
  • Manage a professional team in My Team mode
  • Play solo or in multiplayer

Assetto Corsa

Release date:2018-04-20
Genre:Racing
Developer:Kunos Simulazioni

It is an incredibly immersive racing simulator featuring real cars, accurate circuits, extraordinary attention to detail, and realistic physics provided by precise laser scans. This game beats Gran Turismo when it comes to authenticity!

Choose from ten available game modes, discover five unique showrooms, and drive 178 breathtaking cars (with DLCs included). Assetto Corsa oozes love for racing, and that shows, so it will be perfect if you want to experiment with your driving skills in the most realistic conditions.

Key features
  • Play a game providing an authentic racing experience
  • Drive 178 car models on fictional and real circuits
  • Enjoy 10 game modes
  • Test your skills solo or in multiplayer

Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered

Release date:2020-11-06
Genre:Racing
Developer:Stellar Entertainment Limited

There is no list of the best racing video games without legendary Need for Speed ​​included. And since it doesn’t share many similarities with Gran Turismo, the game may be a perfect alternative if you’re not into simulators.

Play as a fleeing racer or a chasing cop to participate in the most spectacular scenes involving 77 iconic vehicles. Compete with other players, unlock epic achievements, use guns, and earn increasingly better equipment. Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered provides over 16 hours of epic racing fun and over 32 if you aim for 100% completion.

Key features
  • Race as a cop or a racer
  • Drive 77 iconic vehicles in exciting gameplay modes
  • Have fun using vehicle weaponry
  • Play solo or in multiplayer for up to eight players

Conclusion

Although all racing games are, well, about racing, they focus on unique themes. Need for Speed ​​lets you play as a racer or a cop, Forza Horizon combines fun with authenticity, and Assetto Corsa aims to deliver the most realistic experience. All these games are similar but also different from Gran Turismo, and this wide selection of alternative options can encourage you to decide which racing features are your favorite.