The Best PSVR Racing Games

Billed as the most authentic rally game ever made, DiRT Rally is even more realistic when you're playing it with PSVR. This game should be at the top of your list if you're an off-road fan, but even if you're not, the PSVR experience is arguably the best out of all the current compatible racing games. DiRT Rally features over 40 of the most iconic and relevant cars that you can race across 6 massive rallies with over 70 stages. The game even has official FIA World Rallycross content, including racing at the Lydden Hill, Holjes, and Hell tracks.

Customization plays a huge role in this game as well, allowing you to upgrade, repair, setup, and tune your vehicle from bumper to bumper. Race online against other players or get together with friends to run your very own racing league.

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Maybe you're surprised to see that Gran Turismo Sport isn't at the top of our list. While the game does support PSVR and it does it well, we found DiRT Rally's experience to be more engaging and fun. Still, if you prefer a traditional racing simulator experience rather than off-road rallies, Gran Turismo Sport's PSVR implementation is still pretty impressive, although limited. Instead of being able to play the full game with a VR headset, you're constrained to a VR Drive mode that allows you to drive a wide array of cars on a variety of tracks in one-on-one races against AI.

The latest entry in the popular Gran Turismo franchise, Gran Turismo Sport is the world's first racing experience built from the ground up to bring global, online competitions sanctioned by the FIA. The game features over 150 cars and 18 locations with 54 different layouts. It's one of the most realistic and authentic virtual racing games available and with PSVR, we'd argue it's as close as you're going to get to the real thing without spending over $1,000. And when you're ready to take off the VR headset, you'll get to enjoy a full-fledged racing game with tons of customization, 4K/60fps/HDR support and 4 different game modes.

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Unlike other games that have add-on content that supports PSVR, DRIVECLUB VR was created exclusively for PSVR. Virtually race over 80 cars on more than 100 tracks, playing and creating driving challenges as you race through 5 all-new urban locations. Enjoy the game in an action-packed solo career or with your friends in an online VR driving club. It's worth mentioning however that online servers for DRIVECLUB VR will be shut down on March 31, 2020—so after that date, you'll only get to enjoy the offline components of the game.

Essentially, this version of the game features the best bits from the standard DRIVECLUB game, along with content from selected packs of DLC, topped with new and exclusive VR modes and features.

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WipEout Omega Collection doesn't exactly have cars in it, but it's still a racing game and an awesome one with PSVR. This collection brings together all the content from WipEout HD, WipEout HD Fury, and WipEout 2048, completely remastered for the PS4 and PS4 Pro. Compared to the original games, you can expect textures that are now clear when viewed up close, a host of improved graphical effects, along with HDR that massively improves contrast.

The experience from this futuristic racing game benefits greatly from VR, since you can use head motion and depth perception to gauge upcoming corners. The inclusion of VR also works with the entire collection of games, a huge bonus compared to other racing games that just have a small portion dedicated to VR.

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VR Karts is a fun and family-friendly racing game, designed specifically for virtual reality. It's approachable style drops players in a fully realized cartoon environment, as they battle against other racers using pickups and weapons as they compete to the finish line. The game includes online multiplayer that allows you up to 6 players total. Other features include championship cup competition, single-player time trial mode, kart and character customization, and optional DLC so you can expand your customization options.

It may not have realistic graphics or supercars, but VR Karts is great fun for young adults—just keep in mind, PSVR shouldn't be used with kids under the age of 12.

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Virtual reality gaming started off on the PC, but capable computers and VR setups are expensive. In 2016, Sony released its own virtual reality headset specifically designed for its PlayStation 4 console and called it PlayStation VR, or PSVR. Designed to put you inside your new favorite games, PSVR was engineered to be balanced, comfortable, and adjustable. It offers 360-degree vision, 3D audio, a built-in mic, 5.7" OLED screen, and supports up to 120 frames per second.

Currently, PSVR is supported by over 500 games and experiences, and you can expect even more in the coming months leading up to the PlayStation 5's launch. It's still unclear whether PSVR will be compatible with the upcoming PlayStation 5, or if Sony is working on a next-generation headset to match its new console.

If you want to take your virtual reality racing experience to a whole new level, you'll want to invest into a proper racing simulator setup. It won't come cheap, but you'll want a quality cockpit to go with a nice steering wheel with pedal set. Our recommendation for a cockpit is the Openwheeler GEN2. It comes with a true racing seat that slides and reclines, while the rest of the setup has plenty of adjustability so you can get comfortable while racing in VR. It's compatible with all racing wheels and comes with all mounting hardware and tools for easy installation.

There are plenty of steering wheel and pedal options to go along with your cockpit. But our recommendation is the Logitech G29, which is the same one we recommend in our Top 10 Best PS4 Racing Games article. Also compatible with the PS3 and PC, the G29 includes a dual-motor force feedback steering wheel and a pedal set with your standard throttle, pressure-sensitive brake, and clutch pedals. A shifter is sold separately if you want to complete your experience.

The dual-motor force feedback steering wheel will let you feel your tires on every turn, regardless of the terrain you're racing on. When combined with PSVR, expect one of the most immersive virtual racing experiences you can ever have. The wheel uses solid steering ball bearings in its shaft, while stainless steel paddle shifters, a hand-stitched leather wheel cover, and on-board game controls make it the complete package. You can reposition the pedal faces for easier heel-toe maneuvers, while rubber feet and a retractable carpet grip system at the bottom keep the pedals in place while you're racing.

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