5 Best Relaxing Racing Games

Most people associate racing games with being tense yet rewarding experiences where players spec out their car to kingdom come and leave their opponents in the dust after carrying out a wealth of overtakes. These high-speed races can be destructive at times, so players may be surprised to find out that some of the best racing games they can get their hands on are pretty relaxing if played with the right mindset.

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With the technology of the PlayStation 2, some incredible racing games were released during the lifespan of this console.

Trying to achieve the best time and come first in races can be a stressful affair, but not all racing games need to be so competitive. There’s nothing wrong with going out on a leisurely drive from time to time, as players enjoy the scenery and coast through environments without worrying about losing the lead or not scoring enough points. This makes for a relaxing experience that serves as a fresh change of pace from the high-octane races that players usually engage with in these games.

5 Forza Horizon 5

Exploring The World With A Radio Station Blasting The Player’s Favorite Tracks Is Quite Relaxing

Systems

Released: November 9, 2021
OpenCritic Rating: Mighty

Forza Horizon 5 is one of the most popular racing games around, letting players explore the environments of Mexico to check out a wealth of diverse and engaging environments that they can race around in. The sheer number of events in this game is immense, and players may be overwhelmed if they want to attain victory in every contest. The competitive nature of these events can be a bit too much to handle after a point, which is why players love the idea of ignoring these races and exploring the world at their own pace.

Forza Horizon 5 is a massive game, and roaming around the world can take a lot of time. This means that the scenery players are treated to feels unique and visually stimulating almost every time. This downtime is extremely relaxing, and there’s nothing more fun than getting one’s hands on a new car and traveling across Mexico in style, taking part in the Horizon Festival along with races, time trials, and the like from time to time to keep their racing brain satisfied.

4 Art Of Rally

A Pleasant Art Style And Laidback Gameplay Makes For A Zen Time

Art of Rally

Released: September 23, 2020
Developer(s): Funselektor Labs
OpenCritic Rating: Strong

One of the most beautiful and unique games players can get their hands on, Art of Rally can take some time to get used to. This may make it seem like the opposite of a relaxing racing game in the eyes of many, but this learning curve is manageable and lets players enjoy seamless drifting and smooth racing as they complete the many events present in this game. It helps that the world is open-ended and players are encouraged to stop and take in the sights from time to time.

The free roam mode is a great way for players to unwind, casually acquiring collectibles as they roam the simple yet engaging environments of this game. Art of Rally is a game that requires players to clock in many hours before things click, but when they do, players will find it hard not to be charmed by its soft colors and smooth racing. It’s a great way to de-stress after a long day as players explore the world at their own pace and enjoy the golden age of rally racing.

3 BeamNG.drive

Coursing Through Massive Worlds Is Relaxing — As Long As Players Don’t Crash

BeamNG.Drive

Systems

Released: August 3, 2013
Developer: BeamNG

BeamNG.drive is known as a game popular for its soft-body physics model that lets players simulate detailed crashes, to the point where it’s actually used for academic research. This may make it seem like a hardcore racing sim that’s unfit for a relaxing session, but players who just want to download map mods and explore the world at their own pace will love what this game brings to the table.

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The game has a learning curve that requires some time investment, but developing these skills makes for a fun time as players try out unique challenges and slowly realize why this game has such a dedicated fanbase. Even the crashes become cathartic after a point as players figure out the most creative ways to flatten their car, and the expansive maps that they can drive around in are relaxing enough for players to unwind — as long as they don’t get too overzealous and crash.

2 Test Drive Unlimited 2

Driving On The Streets Of Ibiza And Oahu Makes For A Great Time

Test Drive Unlimited 2

Released: February 8, 2011
Developer(s): Eden Games

It’s a shame that racing fans don’t talk about Test Drive Unlimited 2 all that often. It might not be the best street racing game of all time, but Test Drive Unlimited 2 lets players roam across two islands that are detailed and perfect for players to explore with their high-speed cars. Racing events run amok in this open world, but players can ignore the natural course of progression and take in the sights if they wish.

The game may be dated, but there’s no denying that Test Drive Unlimited 2 is still beautiful to look at. It’s a nice world to escape to after a hard day, allowing players to unwind and explore the world at their own pace before they eventually tackle a race or two. It’s a shame that this game launched with so many technical issues, since most players who checked this game out on the day it was released were robbed of a racing title that was equal parts enthralling and relaxing.

1 Assetto Corsa

Some Of The Map Mods Let Players Coast Through Beautiful Landscapes In Style

Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Release Date: December 19, 2014
Developer: Kunos Simulazioni

Given Assetto Corsa‘s roots as a racing sim, fans may have to spend some time learning the ropes if they’re unfamiliar with realistic racing games. It can take a bit of effort, but players will be rewarded with entry into a community that is active to this day, courtesy of numerous mods that enhance the value of this game to new heights. Whether players are looking for intense, speedy racing experiences or simple moments of exploration, Assetto Corsa has every base covered.

Some of the mods for this game are so detailed that players can explore the cityscapes of L.A. and Tokyo, which look cinematic and accurate. This makes for a zen experience as players casually drive their cars in these beautiful environments, taking in the sights and marveling at the hard work fans have put into the sheer amount of detail these custom maps possess.

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