Open-world games usually offer tons of exciting things for players to explore. Thanks to their expansive environments, gamers get the freedom to do whatever they want and fully immerse themselves in the vast landscapes unfolding before them. These games often fall into action, adventure, or RPG genres, and it’s rare to see them paired with racing.
However, there are some standout open-world racing games that let you hit the gas and speed through endless roads. Here’s a list of the top 10 racing games where you can freely roam huge worlds.
Burnout Paradise Remastered
In Burnout Paradise by Criterion, you’ll often have to restart races because you took a wrong turn. But if you’re cool with that, this game is one of the most fun racing experiences out there. When it launched in 2008, Burnout Paradise was groundbreaking, way ahead of its time. Then in 2018, it got remastered with better graphics, pulling in players all over again.
This game blends an open world with Burnout’s signature high-octane racing gameplay, delivering spectacular crash scenes that look like Hollywood blockbusters. It’s no surprise it won many awards and earned tons of praise from critics and fans alike.
Forza Horizon 3
While other Forza Horizon titles also make the list, each deserves a shoutout for different reasons. The first game was famous for its unique style, but Forza Horizon 3 stands out with its Australian Outback setting and off-road racing focus.
You get to race across rocky Outback terrain in off-road trucks while racking up “drift points”, something the earlier games didn’t highlight as much. The game also adds fresh content, exciting events, and a streamlined campaign mode that lets you explore at your own pace.
Midnight Club: Los Angeles
Fans of GTA and Red Dead Redemption know Rockstar nails the feeling of cruising through open-world roads, and Midnight Club: Los Angeles is no exception.
For a game that’s over a decade old, its graphics still impress. Midnight Club focuses heavily on physics effects, giving you realistic experiences when cornering and shifting gears. You’ll even have to repair your car if you crash too much during races. Like many Rockstar titles, this is a detailed, immersive open-world game packed with cool stuff to discover. Once you get hooked, you’ll be playing day and night.
Need For Speed Underground 2
Much like Most Wanted from 2012, Need For Speed Underground 2 is considered one of the best in the series by many fans. Despite being the oldest game on this list, it still delivers an exciting experience.
The open world is deep and expansive, with a huge map and nonstop thrilling races. The mix of traditional lap races and free-roam cross-region challenges keeps things fresh. Plus, there are many other race types waiting for you to discover. The game is also lightweight enough to run on almost any PC.
Forza Horizon 4
Surpassing the first three Forza Horizon games was no easy feat, but Playground Games nailed it with Forza Horizon 4. When it launched on Xbox One, it was praised as the best racing game around, setting a new standard for the genre.
The game features a massive, highly detailed open world based on the UK, with dynamic seasons, tons of racing events, story missions, and even custom races. It also offers a wide variety of cars, each with unique upgrades and rewards.
Source: The Gamer
