The Ultimate VR Racing Games In 2025

Q: What Is The Best VR Drifting Game?

While it's possible to drift in most of these VR racing games, there's one that stands head and shoulders above the rest for us - Assetto Corsa. Having stood the test of time, we don't feel anything comes close to what Assetto Corsa offers when it comes to VR drifting. With every drift car and aftermarket upgrade you can imagine available to download as third-party mods, we've been drifting in AC for many years, and the VR experience that the game offers still blows us away.

As Virtual Reality continues to revolutionize modern-day gaming, we take a look at the best VR racing games on the market for the ultimate experience.

vr racing games

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Introduction

Despite many gamers once dismissing VR as being a gimmick that would never take off, it’s continued to thrive, even without support from tech giants such as Microsoft, along the way.

Recent years have provided an ever-increasing improvement in the VR experience, and video game developers from various genres have begun focusing on Virtual Reality more than ever when creating new games for the market.

We feel that the future of VR will be fascinating after witnessing the rapid progression in recent times.

Just a few years ago, the thought of putting a headset on in your home and diving into a fully immersive world where you’ll find yourself in the cockpit of your favorite race or drift cars almost seemed laughable by any stretch of the imagination.

Yet, the rapid technological advancements continue to blow our minds. With some phenomenal VR headsets becoming more affordable to the masses than ever, it’s exciting to witness gaming enthusiasts transitioning to the VR world.

VR And Racing Games – A Match Made In Heaven

Racing (and drifting) games are perfectly suited to the VR experience. Combined with a wheel and pedal setup, it offers the perfect alternative to the costly real-world experience while providing the speed, adrenaline, and excitement of racing.

We don’t often throw the term ‘game-changer’ around very often, but we feel that’s the perfect way to begin to explain the feeling that comes with VR racing. We’re pretty sure you’ll never get tempted to return to ‘pancake screen’ racing ever again.

Where we would once need a triple-monitor setup to get the correct field-of-view to look out of our side windows when playing drifting games, a simple turn of the head is required in VR.

Once you’ve got a VR headset, you’ll be thankful for the additional space you gain without the need for a triple-screen setup!

We’re excited to share our favorite VR racing (and drifting, of course) games to see what will be the perfect choice for you.

Best VR Racing Games

What one person considers an incredible game, another might disagree.

We often find this to be the case in hardcore sim racing. Generally, gamers are keen on the concept, but when it comes to getting behind the wheel, they soon run out of patience or lack the time to practice.

For that reason, various games on the market offer a more arcade-style racing experience, such as Drift Hunters MAX or Madalin Stunt Cars 3, and others designed for world-class professional drivers to refine their skills off the track.

On the other hand, some might be looking for an out-of-the-box offering where they can plug in their VR headset and drive some of their favorite cars at their dream tracks.

Others might want to explore what the third-party mod communities have to offer, building the most expansive collection of cars and tracks imaginable.

With so many considerations to bear in mind, we’ve kept this list in alphabetical order rather than ranking it from best to worst since we’ve already eliminated games that we wouldn’t consider playing.

Let’s take a look at our favorite VR racing and drifting games!

Assetto Corsa

Compatible VR Platform(s): PC (exclusively)

We begin our list with Assetto Corsa, which coincidentally happens not only to be the first game alphabetically, but many will argue that it’s also the best VR sim racer out there.

In the early days, there were several issues regarding menus/HUD systems for those trying to enjoy the VR experience, which led to many complaints online. We’re happy to declare that these issues have since been fixed, so we advise looking past that.

Assetto Corsa is arguably (and many will happily voice their opinion) the ultimate game for those looking to make drifting a priority.

It’s so popular that we’ve even written an entire Assetto Corsa VR guide.

It provides incredible gameplay with a bargain price tag to match, and the drifting mod community for this game is way beyond any other game on our list.

We can almost guarantee that just about any (half-decent) track or car you can think of will have a mod available – completely free of charge.

Want to launch Daigo Saito‘s JZX100 over the infamous jump at Ebisu Minami? Assetto Corsa has got you covered.

There’s a reason why so many pro-level drifters have begun competing online with Assetto Corsa recently, and we feel that backs up our claims of it being the best drifting simulator game out there.

Assetto Corsa VR on PC

It might not be the most extraordinary when it comes to pixel-peeping at the graphics, but the benefit is that it will consume fewer resources on your PC. Assuming your PC can run VR, it’s likely to be more than enough for AC.

If you’ve got a high-spec gaming PC, crank the graphics up to Maximum, and we’re sure you’ll be blown away.

We highly recommend checking out the Content Manager for the ultimate experience for those of you who are planning to go down the Assetto Corsa route.

Although Assetto Corsa provides an exceptional experience for PC gamers, the console games won’t allow you to use VR or install mods, which is one of the games’ main advantages.

For that reason, it may be worth thinking about switching to PC.

If you like the sound of AC but are looking for a GT-dedicated racing game instead, check out Assetto Corsa’s younger brother, Assetto Corsa Competizione, next.

Assetto Corsa Competizione

Compatible VR Platform(s): PC (exclusively)

Assetto Corsa Competizione is the latest game from Assetto Corsa, and although many enthusiasts were hoping it would be AC2, that’s not the case.

There was a specific target market with Competizione, and that was GT3 Endurance racing enthusiasts. Think of it as the GT3 equivalent of the F1 gaming series.

ACC is undoubtedly stunning and thoroughly enjoyable, but given its slim target market, it won’t be as favorable as Assetto Corsa regarding its mass appeal.

ACC is arguably a step in the right direction over its older sibling for sound, visuals, physics engine, and weather out of the box.

While ACC supports VR on PC, it is known to be demanding and less optimized for VR than the original Assetto Corsa. Therefore, you may need to consider a GPU upgrade to ensure you can reach its full potential.

If you’re looking for a GT3 sim racer, look no further.

Alternatively, if you’re anything beyond GT3, we recommend opting for the original game.

Automobilista 2

Compatible VR Platform(s): PC (exclusively)

Automobilista 2 has received substantial praise from sim racers.

Built upon an evolution of the ‘Madness Engine’ that Slightly Mad Studios used for Project CARS 2, this is arguably the best-looking racing game in VR right now.

The AI was somewhat questionable during our game experiences, but these bugs will undoubtedly get ironed out with updates.

AMS 2 makes for a tremendous out-of-the-box VR experience, where we wouldn’t expect to spend too much time tweaking the settings, which is one of the main complaints of ACC players.

It is a great option for those looking for an impressive VR racing game.

Drifting in the game is possible with a decent RWD setup, but it’s certainly not going to be competing with Assetto Corsa for the drifting crown.

DiRT Rally 2.0

Compatible VR Platform(s): PC (exclusively)

If you’re a keen VR sim racer, we highly recommend checking out what DiRT Rally offers.

We found this one of the most enjoyable yet unforgiving and intense VR games that provides a truly unique experience.

It probably won’t come as a surprise that it’s entirely rally cars, so Scandinavian flicks are about the closest you’ll get to drifting.

We found that the bumpy off-road tracks with endless sharp twists and turns made for a stomach-churning rollercoaster experience at first – it’s probably not the perfect game right after a big meal!

Jokes aside, building up your motion sickness abilities may take a little longer, so we recommend getting started with track racing sim before heading straight to DiRT Rally.

Although there are only rally cars, there’s plenty of classes and eras in the game to keep it interesting, we thoroughly enjoy it, and it stays in our constant VR gaming rotation.

Unfortunately, there’s once again disappointing news for those hoping to play DiRT Rally 2.0 on the PSVR, as Codemasters has decided they won’t integrate the PSVR platform.

However, the original DiRT Rally has PSVR support and is still worth considering.

Gran Turismo Sport

Compatible VR Platform(s): PS4 (PSVR1) – Limited Mode

PlayStation’s popular racing simulator has made great use of their very own PSVR system.

Although racing games are few and far between for the PlayStation console, this and the original DiRT Rally game will provide more than enough to keep most entry-level gamers happy.

GT Sport provides incredible graphics with insane attention to detail. Although it’s not a ‘hardcore’ simulator like most games on our list, it makes for an excellent introduction to VR racing.

Although Sony has welcomed the future of VR gaming, Microsoft hasn’t been so keen to do so with the Xbox console, which gives GT Sport the edge over Forza Motorsport 7 in this regard.

Overall, GT Sport is worthwhile for those with a PSVR headset.

However, if you’re a PC gamer, we certainly wouldn’t be rushing to buy a PlayStation console.

iRacing

Compatible VR Platform(s): PC (exclusively)

Many VR sim racers regard iRacing as the indisputable champion, and admittedly, they do have a point.

There are now more professional racing drivers than ever refining their skills on iRacing off the track, which is a testament to just how realistic this game is.

If you’re looking for the ultimate racing experience, which is just as unforgiving as the real thing, then iRacing could well be the answer.

I mean, it all sounds perfect. Right?

Well, almost.

There’s a slight issue with iRacing, and that’s the cost.

To put things in perspective, you could get your hands on Assetto Corsa for $19.99, assuming there are no discounts at the time.

On the other hand, iRacing will set you back $13—a month.

That’s right – if you opt to pay monthly over a year, prepare to spend $156 to enjoy what iRacing has to offer.

Admittedly, that cost comes down to $110 with an annual membership or $199 for two years, but it’s still insanely expensive.

Oh, and that’s for the basic package.

If you want additional cars and tracks, expect to pay $11.95 or $14.95 – EACH.

Now, we understand that this may well be worth the price for incredibly dedicated sim racers. You’ll likely meet serious competition on the online servers, including some of the world’s best drivers.

However, for an inexperienced amateur coming into VR sim racing, we certainly wouldn’t start with iRacing.

We also wouldn’t consider iRacing if you’re an occasional gamer or like to alternate between a range of games, as you probably won’t be getting your money’s worth.

Assuming you’re talented behind the steering wheel, looking for the ultimate racing simulator, and don’t mind paying the price, this is the game for you.

Live For Speed

Compatible VR Platform(s): PC (exclusively)

Live For Speed has been a popular drifting simulator for many years, and many will argue that LFS provides a superior drifting sim experience over Assetto Corsa.

We would say that LFS makes for an excellent starter for experiencing sim drifting, but for us, Assetto Corsa takes it to the next level.

It’s certainly up there with the best drifting games, but for us, the sheer amount of mod content that Assetto Corsa provides makes it the more appealing choice.

Project CARS

Compatible VR Platform(s): PC (exclusively)

We’d forgive you for wondering why we’re talking about the first Project CARS game when we’re now up to PC3.

Sure, it might not be not quite as refined as its successor, Project CARS 2, but many would argue that it’s superior to Project CARS 3.

With a comprehensive career mode alongside a great variety of vehicles and tracks, we’ve got no doubt that Project CARS will keep you entertained while you save for your perfect sim racer.

Project CARS 2

Compatible VR Platform(s): PC (exclusively)

Many consider Project CARS 2 the best all-rounder for VR racing games.

After making a decent impression with the first game in the franchise, they delivered some fantastic improvements for the second game.

Project CARS 2 brings a selection of more than 200 cars, including some of the most well-known drift cars, such as Vaughn Gittin JR’s wheelie-popping Mustang and Mad Mike’s Radbul.

Games like iRacing are more hardcore simulators, whereas PC2 provides a polished package with excellent graphics and physics in a slightly more arcade-style package.

If you’re a Forza Motorsport fan looking to enjoy VR, PC2 is about as close as you will get.

With recent breakthroughs in editing the game, a thriving new Project CARS 2 mod community has been growing over the recent months, providing some exciting new developments.

It’s not as good as Assetto Corsa for drifting, but it provides an enjoyable experience alongside various unique motorsport disciplines.

A great out-the-box package providing plenty of content to keep you entertained, PC2 is regarded by many gamers as the best choice in the Project CARS franchise.

Project CARS 3

Compatible VR Platform(s): PC (exclusively)

If you’d like to see how not to treat your existing fanbase, then check out how the launch for Project CARS 3 has gone.

As Project CARS 2 took a step up from its predecessor, fans of the OG game were excited to see the third game hitting the market.

… Until they played it.

Where Project CARS earned its reputation as a ‘friendly’ simulator that’s more forgiving than the likes of iRacing, they opted to go in completely the opposite direction for the third game.

Many fans believe that the simulator game they know and love has disappeared, replaced with a full-on arcade game with very few similarities to the real-world racing experience.

We’ve opted to keep it in this list to inform you that it’s changed drastically, but also because it has great visuals, an excellent sense of speed, and fantastic VR.

Project Cars 3 will still be enjoyable for those looking for a more forgiving VR game to get them started in the sim racing world.

Hardcore racers, we highly recommend looking elsewhere.

RaceRoom Racing Experience

Compatible VR Platform(s): PC (exclusively)

One of the less common choices in the VR sim racing sector is the RaceRoom Racing Experience.

This realistic free-to-play racing sim is another excellent game to get you started with VR.

We’ve spent a fair bit of time playing RaceRoom initially, and we found the game enjoyable, with excellent collision physics.

Honestly, we felt that the other games on our list had a longer-lasting appeal and ticked more boxes than R3E.

One of the main benefits is that it’ll work great on a basic-spec PC, assuming it’s capable of running your VR rig, making it perfect for beginners.

Since it’s completely free, there’s no harm in giving it a try – many VR gamers out there are huge fans.

rFactor

Compatible VR Platform(s): PC (exclusively)

rFactor 2 seems to be the love/hate champion when it comes to VR sim racers.

While some insist it’s as good as, if not better, than Assetto Corsa when it comes to drifting, others think it’s incredibly overrated.

On the flip side, rFactor fans often argue that the game provides the best physics of all the fun in our list, alongside the best VR experience.

We advise giving the game a try with the free demo before forming your own opinion. Who knows, it might tick the right boxes for your needs!

Dash Dash World

Compatible VR Platform(s): PC (Steam/Meta), Meta Quest (standalone)

We’ve provided our fair share of realistic sim racers in this guide, but what about when you want to add a little more fun to your racing VR gaming experience? This is where Dash Dash World provides the perfect alternative.

Dash Dash World combines an exciting and unique VR experience and the entertainment factor of a modern-day Mario Kart.

Not only do you get the opportunity to drift in the game, but this colorful combat arcade racer brings incredible shooting and driving mechanics, too.

With a massive amount of content available, you have the option of an in-depth offline story mode or intense online multiplayer tournaments.

More than a trillion different customization combinations, over 100 hours of content within the story mode, eight-player online matchmaking, quests, challenges, and achievements will keep you coming back for more.

If you’re new to VR, the game also features motion sickness prevention if you’ve found this to be an issue in your VR gaming journey.

After a drastic overhaul from their 4.0 update in November, the game now features more content than ever, making it the perfect time to begin your Dash Dash Racing journey.

How Much Does Sim Racing Cost?

As you can probably guess, this is similar to the ‘how long is a piece of string?’ question. It depends on how extreme you want to go with your build and what you already have.

For instance, here’s an idea of just how extreme things can get:

However, if you’re like us and haven’t got a million dollars burning a hole in your pockets, let’s look at a couple of rational alternatives.

Our Wheel/Pedal Choice

We’ve had great success with the Thrustmaster TX wheel/pedal setup. We’d highly recommend it for the price, which is usually around $500.

Although there are cheaper options, such as the Logitech G29/G920 (around $280-330), we soon found ourselves upgrading. In hindsight, we wish we would’ve gone for the Thrustmaster TX from the start.

Premium Options

If you’ve got more cash to spend, we recommend looking at brands such as Fanatec, Simagic, and Simucube.

However, while these options will provide an incredible experience, be warned that a decent wheel/pedal/shifter setup will quickly add up to around $2,000-5,000. That’s before you’ve even considered the gaming rig!

Conclusion

Virtual reality has already progressed by leaps and bounds in recent years, and we feel as though there’s still plenty of room to make the experience even more incredible than it already is.

The addition of mixed reality has made things even more exciting, with the ability to merge real-world and virtual reality to provide a trippy combination!

As VR headsets continue to improve and the prices continue to fall, we feel mass adoption is closer than ever. We also believe that more developers will continue to focus on enhancing the true capabilities of what VR offers.

We feel this is still the early stages of what sim racing truly has to offer, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds.

VR Racing Games FAQ

Given the popularity of this guide, we’ve had VR racing game enthusiasts contacting us with our opinions on the subject, so we’ve created this section to cover some of the most frequently asked questions.

What are the best Oculus racing games?

Assetto Corsa is our top pick for drifting, but when it comes to racing, iRacing is often regarded as the ultimate choice, but it certainly comes at a price! If you’re not looking to splash the cash, a great budget-friendly Oculus racing game is Assetto Corsa Competizione.

What’s the best VR racing simulator?

iRacing is the ultimate racing simulator used by some of the best racing drivers worldwide. However, with a $ 110-a-year subscription charge, alongside an additional price tag of up to $14.95 for EACH car and track, it’s not for everyone! For that reason, we highly recommend checking out Assetto Corsa Competizione.

What’s the best VR driving simulator?

Depending on what you’re looking for in a VR driving simulator, we like the flexibility of Assetto Corsa the most, which features an incredibly comprehensive collection of incredible free mod upgrades. Dirt Rally 2.0 offers the chance to head off-road for the ultimate multi-surface challenge. In contrast, iRacing and Assetto Corsa Competizione offer fantastic options for racing fans at both ends of the budget scale.

Which racing games support VR?

We conducted in-depth research to provide the best VR racing games, and they’re all playable with a VR headset.

You’ll need to figure out which game works best for your requirements. Whether you’re looking for an in-depth rally sim, a sandbox racing game, or cruising car games, there’s something for everyone.

Are racing games good in VR?

It’s hard to emphasize how incredible racing games are in virtual reality.

Unless you’re lucky to have bottomless pockets, this is about as close as you’re going to get to be able to head to the racetrack at any time you wish!

Sure, it might not replace the real thing, but let’s not forget that some of the best professional race drivers refine their skills at home on their VR racing simulator.

Is there a VR driving simulator?

There are several games out there for those looking for a simulator experience.

iRacing is regarded as the ultimate sim racer, but its subscription pricing model makes it an expensive investment long-term.

Price tag aside, we feel it’s the best pick for VR sim racing.

Alternatively, VR racing games such as Assetto Corsa and Assetto Corsa Competizione provide incredible value if you’re on a smaller budget.

What is the most realistic VR racing game?

In our opinion, iRacing wins again, with cheaper options such as Assetto Corsa, Assetto Corsa Competizione, and Automobilista 2 falling closely behind.

What is the best VR drifting game?

While it’s possible to drift in most VR racing games (to some extent), one stands head and shoulders above the rest for us – Assetto Corsa (with mods, of course!)

Having stood the test of time, we don’t feel anything comes close to what Assetto Corsa offers for VR drifting.

With every drift car and aftermarket upgrade you can imagine available to download as third-party mods, we’ve been drifting in AC for many years, and the game’s VR experience still blows us away.

Photography credits

We thank the following entities for the use of their photography in this article:

Written by Joe Terrell

Joe is an avid writer and car enthusiast. When he's not cruising the streets alongside his friends in his Nissan Silvia S15, he's drifting on his VR racing simulator.

Joe's passion for cars is always on display. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the automotive industry, he hopes his writing conveys his excitement and knowledge of cars and games.

Joe's work has been featured on many platforms including drivetribe.com, 180sx.club, carthrottle.com, smartdrivinggames.com, smartbikegames.com, databox.com and ceoblognation.com.

When he's not behind the wheel or at his keyboard, he's likely daydreaming of his ultimate ride - the legendary Lexus LFA.

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