The Ultimate VR Racing Games In 2025

As Virtual Reality continues to revolutionize modern-day gaming, we look at the best VR racing games in 2025 for the ultimate experience.

Introduction

Despite many gamers once dismissing VR as a gimmick, it’s continued to thrive. Even without support from tech giants like Microsoft, the technology keeps advancing at an impressive pace.

In recent years, massive improvements have been made to the VR experience, with more game developers focusing on virtual reality than ever before. Right now, we feel its future is more exciting than ever.

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.

Yet, here we are. With fantastic VR headsets becoming more affordable than ever (hello, Meta Quest 3!), it’s exciting to see more gaming enthusiasts making the jump to virtual reality.

VR And Racing Games – The Perfect Combo

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, but that’s exactly what VR racing feels like. Once you try it, you’ll probably never want to return to normal flat-screen racing 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.

Plus, you’ll love the extra desk space without needing those triple screens!

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

Best VR Racing Games

What one person considers an incredible game, another might disagree. This is often 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 offer and build the most expansive collection of cars and tracks imaginable.

With so many considerations, we’ve kept this list alphabetically rather than ranking it from best to worst since we’ve already eliminated games 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)

Assetto Corsa kicks off our list alphabetically but (arguably) also deserves the top spot anyway! Despite being around for over ten years, many consider it the best VR sim racer.

While early VR users faced some menu and HUD issues, these have long since been fixed. Don’t let old forum complaints put you off!

When it comes to drifting, Assetto Corsa stands head and shoulders above the competition. The game’s so good in VR that we’ve written a dedicated guide for it.

The base game is an absolute bargain, but what really sets it apart is the massive modding community. Almost any car or track you can think of probably has a free mod available.

Fancy sending Daigo Saito‘s JZX100 over the legendary Ebisu Minami jump? No problem – AC’s got you covered!

There’s a reason why so many pro drifters are competing online with Assetto Corsa these days. It’s simply the most realistic drifting experience out there.

While AC might not win any beauty contests against newer games, it runs smoothly on most VR-capable PCs. However, the maxed-out graphics will look awesome if you’ve got a powerful rig.

For the best experience, definitely grab Content Manager – it’s a game-changer for mod management and settings.

Just remember – while AC is amazing on PC, the console versions don’t support VR or mods. If you’re serious about sim racing in VR, PC is the way to go.

If you’re looking for pure GT racing instead of drifting, check out AC’s younger sibling, Assetto Corsa Competizione.

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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.

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Assetto Corsa EVO

Compatible VR Platform(s): PC (exclusively)

Assetto Corsa EVO shows incredible promise, mixing the best of AC and ACC into something new and exciting.

There’s no denying that it looks stunning, with incredible attention to detail in both the cars and tracks. The physics feel spot-on, too.

However, while we’re still in the Early Access period, the VR aspect needs some work. Even powerful PCs struggle to maintain smooth performance, making racing in VR a frustrating experience.

The developers are actively working on optimization, and we expect these early issues to be sorted before the full release in fall 2025. They’re also planning an exciting free-roam mode for the first time, which should be awesome in VR.

When it comes to drifting, AC:EVO is currently very limited. With just a handful of drift-capable cars and no mod support (yet), we recommend that hardcore drift enthusiasts stick with the original AC for now.

We’re keeping a keen eye on EVO’s development. Although the potential is definitely there, whether it will ever replace the OG game for drifting fans is yet to be seen.

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Automobilista 2

Compatible VR Platform(s): PC (exclusively)

Automobilista 2 has become a favorite among serious sim racers.

Using an upgraded version of Project CARS 2’s ‘Madness Engine’, it’s arguably one of the best-looking VR racing games.

Unlike Assetto Corsa Competizione, which can be a pain to set up in VR, AMS2 works out of the box brilliantly. Just plug in and play!

The game nails circuit racing, with incredible physics and some unique cars and tracks you won’t find anywhere else.

Drifting is possible if you’ve got a decent RWD car setup, but don’t expect anything close to Assetto Corsa’s sideways action.

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BeamNG.drive

Compatible VR Platform(s): PC (exclusively)

BeamNG.drive offers something truly unique in the VR racing world – insanely realistic crash physics that you can experience from the driver’s seat.

While not originally focused on drifting, recent updates have transformed BeamNG into a seriously impressive drift simulator.

The super-detailed physics engine makes sliding sideways feel awesomely realistic, and it keeps improving with each update.

Our recommended car is the 200BX (sound familiar?) which is great fun for drifting once you’ve got it set up right. And, the growing mod community keeps adding more drift-ready cars to try.

The VR mode is still “experimental” right now, and yes, the lack of arms in the cockpit feels weird at first. But trust us – once you’re sending it sideways and watching body panels fly past your head, you’ll forget all about the missing limbs!

Just make sure you’ve got a proper wheel setup and a powerful PC – the physics require pretty decent hardware to run smoothly in VR.

If you’re looking for the ultimate crash physics drifting playground in VR, nothing else comes close. The fact it’s constantly transforming into a legit drift simulator is the icing on the cake!

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CarX Drift Racing Online

Compatible VR Platform(s): PC (exclusively)

If you’re looking for a simple introduction to VR drifting, CarX might be exactly what you need.

Unlike the hardcore, unforgiving physics of Assetto Corsa, CarX takes a more arcade-friendly approach that actually works really well in VR.

You’ll likely get the hang of the physics quickly, meaning you can focus on having fun sliding without struggling with ultra-realistic handling.

The in-game tuning/customization is great, and the VR implementation is surprisingly good, too. Tandem runs are particularly fun, and since it’s not the most challenging, you’ll feel like a pro in no time!

While the graphics aren’t as fancy as AC or ACC, the simpler style helps keep everything running smoothly. You won’t need to spend hours tweaking settings either – it just works.

Just remember – VR is only available on the PC version through Steam, not on consoles. But if you’ve got a VR-ready PC and want some laid-back sliding action, CarX offers a really fun package.

We class CarX as the perfect middle ground between arcade racers and serious sims. Once you feel you’ve mastered the game, it’s worth giving Assetto Corsa a try for a whole new challenge.

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Dash Dash World

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

Need a break from serious sim racing? Dash Dash World offers the perfect Mario Kart-style alternative – but in VR!

This fun racer combines drifting with shooting mechanics, creating a unique VR experience compared to other drifting games.

One of the game’s best aspects is that you don’t need a steering wheel and pedals to maximize its potential. It plays well on the Meta Quest controllers.

You can race and battle through an extensive single-player story mode with AI opponents or jump into intense eight-player online matches.

It also packs impressive content, with over 100 hours of story gameplay, countless customization options, and regular challenges to keep things fresh.

If you’re worried about motion sickness, don’t be – they’ve built-in prevention features specifically for VR newcomers.

Thanks to their massive recent updates, there’s never been a better time to try this arcade racing gem. It’s a perfect alternative for switching things up between serious VR racing sessions.

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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.

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Gran Turismo 7

Compatible VR Platform(s): PlayStation VR2 (PS5)

PlayStation’s flagship racing simulator has taken a huge leap forward with its PSVR2 update compared to the previous GT Sport offering.

While racing games are still relatively scarce on PlayStation VR, GT7 is the top pick for those looking for a sim racing experience on the console.

Thankfully, the entire game, including the full campaign mode, is now playable in VR. This is a massive improvement over the previous limited VR experience in GT Sport, where you could only race against a single AI opponent.

While the game itself might not match the hardcore simulation aspects of PC titles like iRacing or Assetto Corsa, it makes for an excellent middle ground between arcade and sim racing.

However, hardcore drift fans will still prefer PC alternatives like Assetto Corsa, which has third-party mod support and offers every car and track imaginable. While drifting is possible in GT7, it’s a basic offering with limited cars and tracks.

GT7’s VR mode delivers stunning graphics and impressive attention to detail. The car interiors look fantastic through the PSVR2 headset, and the improved resolution makes everything look crystal clear.

Sony has fully embraced VR gaming with the PSVR2, while Microsoft still hasn’t shown any interest in bringing virtual reality to Xbox. This gives GT7 a clear advantage over Forza Motorsport in the VR console arena.

Overall, Gran Turismo 7 is definitely worth picking up if you already own a PSVR2 headset. It’s easily one of the most polished VR racing experiences available right now.

However, if you’re primarily a PC VR racing enthusiast, we wouldn’t recommend buying a PS5 and PSVR2 just for GT7. The investment would be better spent on a good wheel setup and PC sim racing titles, especially if you want the ultimate drifting experience.

Given the lack of recent updates, rumors of the upcoming Gran Turismo 8 have been brewing, so we may see another update soon.

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iRacing

Compatible VR Platform(s): PC (exclusively)

Many VR sim racers consider iRacing the ultimate racing simulator, and they have a point.

More professional racing drivers than ever are using iRacing to refine their off-track skills, including Max Verstappen, which shows how realistic this game is.

If you’re after the most unforgiving, true-to-life racing (not drifting) experience, iRacing delivers. But there’s a catch…

The price tag is eye-watering.

While Assetto Corsa costs around $19.99, iRacing will set you back $13 – per MONTH. That’s $156 a year if you pay monthly, though annual memberships bring it down to $110 (or $199 for two years).

And that’s just the basic package. Want extra cars and tracks? They’re $11.95 or $14.95 each.

For serious sim racers, the cost might be worth it. You’ll race against top-tier competition, including some of the world’s best real-world racing drivers.

However, we wouldn’t recommend iRacing for VR newcomers or casual gamers who like switching between different games. You probably won’t get your money’s worth.

If you’re talented behind the wheel, keen to refine your skills with the ultimate racing experience and don’t mind the premium price, iRacing could be exactly what you’re looking for.

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Live For Speed

Compatible VR Platform(s): PC (exclusively)

This old-school racing simulator might look dated, but it actually offers one of the purest VR racing experiences.

Despite being released way back in 2002, Live For Speed was one of the first racing games to embrace virtual reality, and it shows. The VR feels natural and performs flawlessly, even on mediocre gaming PCs.

While the graphics won’t blow you away compared to modern titles like Assetto Corsa or iRacing, the physics and force feedback make up for it.

LFS particularly excels at drifting. Many hardcore drift enthusiasts still swear by the handling model, which offers some of the most realistic tire physics in sim racing.

Development might be slow these days, but the small selection of original cars and tracks is awesome. There’s no licensed content here – everything’s built from the ground up with sim drifting in mind.

The basic version is free to try, which makes it a perfect entry point for VR sim racing. Plus, it runs smoothly on almost any PC that can handle VR.

Overall, Live For Speed is well worth checking out if you’re looking for a free VR racing game that values physics over graphics. It might look a bit dated, but the experience holds up incredibly well in VR.

However, if you’re after modern graphics and licensed cars, you might want to consider newer, more expensive alternatives.

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Project CARS 2

Compatible VR Platform(s): PC (exclusively)

Many consider Project CARS 2 one of the best all-around 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 an impressive 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.

While games like iRacing are more hardcore simulators, 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.

Thanks to recent breakthroughs in editing the game, a thriving new Project CARS 2 mod community has been growing over the years, providing some exciting improvements.

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

Overall, PC2 is a great out-of-the-box package with plenty of content. Many consider it the best choice in the Project CARS franchise.

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Project CARS 3

Compatible VR Platform(s): PC (exclusively)

Project CARS 3 completely changed direction from its predecessors, which caught many fans off guard.

While the previous games focused on sim racing, PC3 went for a much more arcade-style experience. They ditched features like tire wear and pit stops for a faster, more action-packed approach.

However, if you can get past what it isn’t, there’s still fun to be had. The actual VR experience is excellent, the graphics look amazing, and the sense of speed is properly exciting.

It’s potentially a great starting point if you’re new to VR racing. The simplified handling and forgiving nature make it way less intimidating than most other games on our list.

The huge selection of cars and tracks gives you plenty to play with, and everything runs super smooth in VR – even on older PCs.

However, if you’re after something that feels more like real racing (at a cheaper price), you might want to check out Project CARS 2 or Assetto Corsa instead. While PC3 is more about fun than realism, sometimes that’s exactly what you need!

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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.

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rFactor

Compatible VR Platform(s): PC (exclusively)

rFactor 2 is probably the most love/hate game among VR sim racers.

The physics and force feedback are fantastic, with many praising it as the best offering out there.

When it comes to drifting, the complex tire model and physics offer more realism than Assetto Corsa, but big-angle drifts can feel a bit unpredictable.

Assetto Corsa, while simpler, is much more predictable and controllable and benefits from an enormous modding community.

Both games have their die-hard fans, but AC remains the most popular choice for drift enthusiasts.

Recent updates have made the VR performance much better, especially on newer graphics cards. However, you’ll need to spend some time tweaking settings to get the best experience.

While the graphics aren’t as flashy as newer titles, and the interface feels a bit dated, the VR driving experience is hard to beat.

The main drawback is that the online community is much smaller than iRacing or Assetto Corsa, which means fewer multiplayer options.

For those seeking a pure driving feel, rFactor 2 is definitely worth a try. But if you want something more polished with a bigger multiplayer scene, there are better alternatives.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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Photography credits

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

• F Z A on Flickr
• clucksworld on Flickr

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