The best VR racing games

The best VR racing games

Aug 5, 2020 1 Min Read Posted by Nana Krustofski
RACEROOM RACING EXPERIENCE Platform: PC Developer: Sector3 Studios Release: February 2013 RaceRoom Racing Experience is a free-to-play simulation, so for those who already have a fitting headset among their collection, it would be a perfect start to test VR racing. There are also three different physics levels available: Novice, Amateur, and Get Real, so every racer can find the right pace to enter the game. Like several entries on this list, this game was originally not designed with a VR adaption in mind, and it is palpable in some car animations and details. Newly released cars are not affected by those flaws however. Nonetheless, RaceRoom is a great VR experience and features unique content such as touring cars with DTM and WTCR content. ASSETTO CORSA Platform: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One Developer: Kunos Simulazioni Release: December 2014 Assetto Corsa includes the best of both worlds: outstanding visuals and accurate physics. The game is one of the few full-fledged simulations that offer VR, which guarantees a realistic experience. This also means the game takes place at real circuits such as Nürburgring and Spa, featuring licensed cars from the largest motorsports brands like Ferrari or Lamborghini. The animations and graphics of the VR version are extremely immersive, and the steering feels natural and responsive as well. A huge plus of Assetto Corsa are its mods, as players are not limited to the official content but can test out countless user-created tracks and cars. DIRT RALLY Platform: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One Developer: Codemasters Release: December 2015 Going full-speed on smooth asphalt circuits might be fun, but hardcore dirty rallycross action is just as much of a blast for VR. Despite being a simcade, DiRT Rally focuses on realism and aims to portray physics and mechanics close to reality when roaring through the forest terrain or over muddy roads. DiRT Rally is also a perfect game to race on your own, since you usually don't drive against competitors on the same track simultaneously – as the tracks are too narrow and dangerous already anyways. But for those who might be prone to motion sickness, the VR settings are adjustable so for example the camera does not follow the chaotic spinning movement when the car crashes or spins. LIVE FOR SPEED Platform: PC Developer: Scawen Roberts, Eric Bailey and Victor van Vlaardingen Release: July 2003 Live for Speed is a dinosaur among racing games as its first stage was released in 2003. The game received constant updates and eventually it established itself as one of the pioneers in VR racing. As it is a smaller indy title, the game features mostly fictional vehicles, but also includes five licensed cars such as the BMW Sauber F1.06 or the Formula BMW. While the game does not boast a crystal-clear image quality like Project CARS 2 for example, it still gives an incredibly realistic feeling of sitting behind the cockpit and driving through real circuits. Details like the 3D-mirrors add to the experience and physics of braking or taking the apex are all aimed to be as accurate as possible. Live for Speed is only available for PC so a compatible VR headset is required. PROJECT CARS 2 Platform: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One Developer: Slightly Mad Studios Release:September 2017 The simcade racer Project CARS is one of the most popular franchises in the realm of casual and esports racing. What makes Project CARS 2 so special: The insane range of tracks and locations, paired with changing weather, lighting and temperature conditions. The combination guarantees a plethora of experiences which keeps the game interesting and refreshing. Your VR sessions are going to stay fresh as you can explore nearly 30 different motorsport series in nine racing series. As such, the virtual garage also offers a plenitude of racing cars, from G3 to Hypercars with nearly every notable manufacturer being represented. On top of that, the game is known for its superb graphics and is widely considered the visually most advanced racing title on the market. DRIVECLUB VR Platform: PlayStation 4 Developer: Evolution Studios Release: October 2016 DRIVECLUB is a classic racing game where players can explore championships and circuits all around the world. The unique extra of the game are its clubs – which also give the racer its name. Drivers can create or join a club which they are going to represent on the streets. By winning challenges and delivering a smooth performance on the track, the members can gain points and recognition for their club – and unlock new content. Two years after the original game DRIVECLUB hit the console market, Evolution Studios released the standalone expansion DRIVECLUB VR. As it is a PS4 exclusive title as well, it is only compatible with a PlayStation VR headset. DRIVECLUB VR features a variety of 114 tracks and 80 different vehicles. Different stages all around the world in a realistic settings are pure eye candy to enjoy in VR. DISTANCE Platform: PC Developer: Refract Release: September 2018 When thinking about virtual reality, an image of futuristic worlds with neon signs and crazy technologies comes to mind. The vaporwave-inspired Distance completely fulfills these vibes with players having to race full-speed through dark cities which are highlighted with beautiful colors. While the atmosphere is already a unique experience when playing in the regular mode, the VR version takes the cake with its stunning setting and high-speed jumps through the dark night. The game is not only far away from being a serious simulation due to its retro-futuristic design, it is also an arcade title in regards to playstyle. You need to jump over ramps, avoid obstacles and lasers, fly through the air by transforming the vehicle's doors into wings and boost your path to the finishing line without caring about the laws of physics.

Virtual Reality racing games take rallycross and automobile action to the next level.

Photo credit: Ivan Radic Flickr

Simulations aim to convey racing as realistically as possible. With laser-scanned tracks, real logos, licensed cars and an incredible attention to detail, 3D racing series get converted into a life-like 2D experience. But some games allow fans to experience the action on a whole new level: With Virtual Reality, tracks suddenly become three-dimensional again. Let’s take a look at some of the best VR racing games that are currently available on the market.

There are VR racing games available on PC, PlayStation 4 as well as Xbox One. So no matter whether you have a Playstation VR, a HTC Vive, an Oculus Rift or any other VR headset in your equipment, there is a racing game option waiting to get tested.

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