We already published the list of best PS3 games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best PS3 sim racing games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the PS3 definitely has a great library of sim racing games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the PS3 and sim racing games, there’s a chance you’ll like this list.
And some of you may already know some of the games mentioned in this list.
#25. Need for Speed ProStreet
- Release Data: EA Black Box/EA Games, 2007
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
Fans of the series will be upset with the omission of the cop chases, illegal racing, and overall shady mood.
However, for a racing fan, this is still a good game to pick up for some solid racing action on the PS3.
#24. F1 2013
- Release Data: Codemasters Birmingham/Codemasters, 2013
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
At its heart, F1 2013 is a minor update to F1 2012, and while the inclusion of tire management and tweaks to the handling make for a far smoother racing experience, it feels all too familiar far too quickly.
However, the inclusion of the classic content is a game-changer, and an extremely fun one at that.
#23. Formula One Championship Edition
- Release Data: Studio Liverpool/SCEA, 2007
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
F1 racing isn’t for everyone.
It requires a lot of practice, track memorization, and intimate knowledge of your car; how it handles under a variety of weather and track conditions, tire wear, and how to tune your machine for each track.
If you are up to the challenge, Formula One Championship Edition will reward your efforts.
#22. Need for Speed Carbon
- Release Data: EA Canada/EA Games, 2006
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
Ultimately, Need for Speed Carbon doesn’t make the best use of some of the strengths from Need for Speed Most Wanted.
Many of the changes made to the Most Wanted formula seem to be for the sake of change, but it all still just comes back to the solid driving action, which Need for Speed Carbon puts to good use.
#21. MX vs. ATV Reflex
- Release Data: Rainbow Studios/THQ, 2009
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
The controls are great, the track design is at the top of its class and there are enough events here to keep you coming back for ages.
If you’re a fan of off-road racing, this is definitely worth a serious look, though don’t go in expecting a completely different racing experience.
#20. GRID Autosport
- Release Data: Codemasters, 2014
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
Another great installment in the GRID series, GRID Autosport puts right all of the perceived things that were wrong with GRID 2.
There’s no more narrative stuff to get caught up in, no pretty front end menus; it’s just you, the cars and the race track.
If that sounds good to you, then GRID Autosport is your game.
#19. DiRT Showdown
- Release Data: Codemasters, 2012
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
If you’re expecting rally racing of any kind, this is not the game for you.
But if you’re a fan of arcade racers with an emphasis on destruction, such as Burnout or Destruction Derby but with more realistic physics, then you have found your next game.
The racing is fast, furious, and dirty.
#18. MotorStorm: Apocalypse
- Release Data: Evolution Studios/SCEA, 2011
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
Regardless of whether you experience the game in 3D or not, MotorStorm: Apocalypse is a fantastic-looking game that’s fun to play.
But it’s the jaw-dropping track design that will keep you coming back for more, creating some of the most sensational racing you can experience on the PlayStation 3.
#17. Gran Turismo 5 Prologue
- Release Data: Polyphony Digital/SCEA, 2008
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
Gran Turismo 5 Prologue has most everything we’ve loved about the GT franchise in the past, though with some notable improvements and additions.
As it is, Prologue is not necessarily a game for someone who wasn’t quite into Gran Turismo in the past, but it’s definitely a worthy pickup for fans of the franchise.
#16. Shift 2: Unleashed
- Release Data: Slightly Mad Studios/Electronic Arts, 2011
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
Shift 2: Unleashed is a very good racing game, but it’s not quite refined enough to be a great racing game.
However, when played correctly, this is an intense, borderline terrifying behind-the-wheel experience, and it’s worth checking out the game for that aspect alone.
#15. F1 2012
- Release Data: Codemasters, 2012
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
F1 2012 is a title that demands skill and tactics over thoughtless speeding, and as such will likely lose the interest of less committed players.
For those willing to play by the rules, there’s an amazing wealth of content to be found here.
#14. F1 2010
- Release Data: Codemasters Birmingham/Codemasters, 2010
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
F1 2010 does a good job of re-creating the excitement and action of driving a Formula One car.
Clearly there is still room for improvement, but despite its occasional quirks, F1 2010 is a game that any fan of Formula One or simulation racing would do well to take for a spin.
#13. GRID 2
- Release Data: Codemasters, 2013
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
This is a game that wants you to experience the thrill of breakneck street racing, and gives you all the tools necessary to do just that.
With terrific handling, gorgeous environments, and a broad selection of event types, Grid 2 slams on the gas and rarely slows down.
#12. F1 2011
- Release Data: Codemasters, 2011
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
F1 2011 is a great sequel which captures the fragility of an F1 car for the first time and features significant improvements over its predecessor.
Its extremely steep learning curve will frustrate many novice racers but will delight serious F1 fans.
#11. Midnight Club: Los Angeles
- Release Data: Rockstar San Diego/Rockstar Games, 2008
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
The cars handle fantastically, the city is nearly perfect, the GPS stuff is awesome and customizing your ride is great.
It is way too hard, however, even right from the start.
Fans of street racing, and especially the Midnight Club series in general, will find a lot to like here, but don’t expect an easy time on the streets.
#10. Gran Turismo 6
- Release Data: Polyphony Digital/SCEA, 2013
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
When you’re on one of Gran Turismo 6’s absolutely gorgeous tracks, fused with the car you’re controlling, attacking apexes with confidence and devouring sectors with steely precision, it’s not hard to see why this series is deservedly regarded as one of the best of its kind, and this one is no exception.
#9. MotorStorm
- Release Data: Evolution Studios/SCEA, 2007
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
The limited number of tracks and gameplay options hold it back quite a bit, but the fundamental racing is incredible.
The variety in vehicle types is great, the track designs are awesome and the online is extremely fun.
As an over-the-top, gorgeous-to-look-at racer, Motorstorm is absolutely a success.
#8. MotorStorm: Pacific Rift
- Release Data: Evolution Studios/SCEA, 2008
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
The track design is its greatest success; the intricacy and variety of the courses will keep you coming back to explore the possibilities and test your spirit.
Aside from a few remaining criticisms, MotorStorm: Pacific Rift is a notable improvement over the original and a blast to play.
#7. DiRT
- Release Data: Codemasters, 2007
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
On every other front, DiRT delivers a racing experience that’s a lot of fun to play and visuals that are such a joy to watch that you can even bring yourself to forgive the shoddy frame rate.
All around, DiRT is a class act, and it belongs in any racing fan’s library.
#6. Need for Speed: Shift
- Release Data: Slightly Mad Studios/EA Games, 2009
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
Need for Speed: Shift is a glorious return to greatness for EA’s seminal racing franchise and has delivered a driving experience that is practically dead-on in terms of what it’s like to race around some of the world’s best racing circuits.
The career mode could have been a little better, but the act of driving is basically phenomenal.
#5. Gran Turismo 5
- Release Data: Polyphony Digital/SCEA, 2010
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
If you’ve ever fantasized about a Ferrari, Gran Turismo 5 is a game that you’re sure to get a lot out of.
It’s unfortunate that much of what makes Gran Turismo 5 so great is under the hood rather than on display for everyone to see, but a powerful engine trumps a perfect paintjob every time.
#4. Need for Speed: Most Wanted – A Criterion Game
- Release Data: Criterion Games/Electronic Arts, 2012
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
As with all sandbox games the narrative is of your own making but this is even more true of Most Wanted.
It’s the racing game for people who don’t tend to like racing games. You’re not punished for missing that apex or abandoning that nagging racing line.
It’s undoubtedly one of the most exhilarating experiences.
#3. GRID
- Release Data: Codemasters, 2008
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
There are plenty of other racing games on the market, but GRID captures the soul of the track like none other.
Although its car count is low, customization is limited and the repetitive dialogue grates a bit, Grid‘s stands out as a stylish but serious alternative to both hardcore driving simulations and over-the-top arcade racers.
#2. DiRT 2
- Release Data: Codemasters, 2009
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
DiRT 2 is prettier than its predecessor, has more varied tracks and a functional multiplayer offering.
The vast majority of racing fans are going to love what DiRT 2 has to offer, but there will be a few who long for the days when a hill climb was considered the ultimate racing experience.
#1. DiRT 3
- Release Data: Codemasters, 2011
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
DiRT 3 improves and builds upon its superb predecessor at just about every opportunity.
Whether you’re a veteran of the DiRT series and the long-running Colin McRae Rally series that preceded it, or someone looking for a way into off-road racing, DiRT 3 is the game you should be playing.
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Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which PS3 sim racing game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!