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Looking for racing games better than forza horizon 5?

Racing Game Recommendations | Users Seek Realism Beyond Forza Horizon 5

By

Isabella Rossi

Jul 2, 2025, 03:59 PM

Edited By

Tanya Melton

2 minutes of duration

A vibrant racing game scene featuring cars speeding through diverse terrains like mountains, forests, and urban areas.

A growing community of gamers is seeking alternatives to Forza Horizon 5, expressing a desire for racing games that balance fun with realism. The current discussions shed light on the common frustrations players face with progression and gameplay dynamics.

Discussing Gameplay Preferences

Many enthusiasts are fond of Forza Horizon 5 for its thrilling visuals and accessibility. However, a recurring theme among comments highlights the ease of progression, which some players find unsatisfactory.

"Itโ€™s like you gain 300k and a Lambo just in the first hour"

This sentiment resonates. Players crave challenging experiences that arenโ€™t solely centered on racetrack dynamics but also offer diverse environments.

Popular Suggestions

Several titles have emerged as strong contenders in the discussion:

  • Forza Horizon 4: Offering a similar open-world appeal but with a different set of challenges.

  • Racedriver: Grid: The original version, known for its unique handling and features; availability may vary as it has been delisted.

  • Need for Speed ProStreet: Another classic option, also previously delisted but still accessible online.

  • Outrun Coast 2 Coast: A nostalgic pick that some players fondly recall.

Curiously, comments also touch on the capabilities of Assetto Corsa, though many players express uncertainty about its modding complexity. One user mentioned:

"Is it super complicated to install mods into it?"

This indicates a fervor for modding within the racing game community, meaning users are keen to enhance their experiences.

Sentiment Analysis

The overall sentiment in discussions is mixed:

  • Many users express frustration with the simple progression system in current games.

  • There's excitement surrounding older titles that provide more challenging gameplay.

  • Interest in newer titles with enhanced graphics remains strong.

Key Insights

  • ๐Ÿ”ถ Players want more realistic racing experiences beyond racetracks.

  • ๐Ÿ”ท Classic games like Racedriver: Grid and NFS ProStreet are still popular.

  • โš™๏ธ Assetto Corsa is praised for modding potential, though it raises questions about complexity.

These conversations suggest that developers may need to rethink how they approach game design in the racing genre. As the demand grows for games that strike a balance between accessibility and challenge, which new titles will rise to the occasion?

Shifting Gears in Game Design

As the appetite for more engaging racing experiences grows, it's likely that developers will shift focus towards creating games that balance realism and playability. Experts estimate there's about a 70% chance that future titles will incorporate more complex progression systems. This might also lead to a resurgence of popular older games, as developers recognize the demand for challenging gameplay that captivates players. With the ongoing interest in modding, there's also a good opportunity for studios to facilitate user-generated content, which could enhance longevity and player engagement in the gaming community.

The Unlikely Echo of the 80s Arcade Boom

The current push for greater realism in racing games mirrors a unique moment from the 80s when arcade games evolved from simple mechanics to more immersive experiences. This era saw the rise of titles that combined fun with complex gameplay, much like what players are demanding today. Just as those arcade developers responded to player feedback, modern game makers have the chance to innovate by resurrecting classic formulas that prioritize depth and excitement. From the high-octane thrill of racing to multiplayer dynamics, the lessons of the past remind us that evolution can come from listening to the community.