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Codemasters’ F1 series of games are most popular way to experience the thrills of Formula 1 in gaming, and F1 24 is no exception. But if you’re looking to branch out from the series and try something new out, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re after a bit of fun, or want to get deep into the mechanics of driving and crave a truly realistic experience, we’ve put together a list of seven racing sims that is sure to have something there for everyone.
Similar games to F1 24 are:
- iRacing
- Assetto Corsa Competizione
- Forza Horizon 5
- Automobilista 2
- Dirt Rally 2.0
- CarX Drift Racing Online
- rFactor 2
iRacing
- Release Date: 26 August 2008
- Platform(s): PC
- Genre(s): Massively Multiplayer Online, Racing, Simulation, Sports
Would you recommend this game?
For some, this might be the definitive racing sim on the market right now. It’s garnered a massively passionate playerbase thanks to its masterfully crafted engine that delivers one of, if not the most realistic driving experiences of any game, and a great online mode meaning you’ll rarely struggle to find other players to race with. The main downside is cost, as it’s only available via a subscription. But you get what you pay for, and if you’re willing to shell out the $10 a month, you certainly won’t be disappointed.
If what you’re looking for in a racing sim is realism, then one of the best options around is Assetto Corsa Competizione. Instead of cruising around in F1 cars, the game focuses on the GT World Challenge Europe. And if you play the game on PC, it has a lively modding scene to enhance what is already one of the most realistic driving games on the market. It might take a little bit of time and effort to set things up how you want them, but there’s a reason why this game is so popular among veteran racing game players.
A little on the opposite side of the spectrum, the Forza series isn’t one that’s exactly renowned for its realism, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a blast. With a huge selection of cars and the biggest map in the series, Forza Horizon 5 is regarded by some as the pinnacle of the series, with most people sticking with it even after the release of the more recent Forza Motorsport. One for people who just want to have some easy fun and don’t care too much about the ins and outs of more complex racing sims.
Automobilista 2
- Release Date: 31 March 2020
- Platform(s): Linux, PC
- Genre(s): Action, Indie, Racing, Simulation, Sports
Would you recommend this game?
If you’re a die-hard F1 fan and would love to relive some of the classic races in the sport’s storied history, this is the game for you. It comes with a huge number of cars stretching back decades, and lets you take to tracks of grand prix that haven’t been around for years. If you want to try your hand at the races that legends like Senna conquered, this is the best experience you can get.
While its focus is on rally car racing instead of F1, Dirt Rally 2.0 might be one of the more similar games to F1 24 on this list as it’s made by the same developer – Codemasters. Released back in 2019, it’s another game that has some realistic elements, but doesn’t delve too deeply into it. But what it does have is some stellar gameplay, and graphics that still pop even five years on. If you’re after the action you can only get with rally driving, this one’s for you.
CarX Drift Racing Online
- Release Date: 7 July 2017
- Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- Genre(s): Massively Multiplayer, Racing, Simulation, Sports
Would you recommend this game?
This one’s a bit of a strange one, as it has some of the most in-depth and realistic mechanics on the market, but it’s not your average racing game. As the name suggests, it’s all about drifting, and you’ll learn to tune your car to maximise and master the art of drifting. It’s also got plenty of mod support for PC players, and despite coming out in 2017, it still has several thousands of dedicated players to play with online.
rFactor 2
- Release Date: November 12, 2015
- Platform(s): PC
- Genre(s): Racing, Simulation, Sport, Sports
Would you recommend this game?
rFactor 2 is a pretty no-nonsense, highly-realistic racing sim. It’s got excellent gameplay, plenty of options to tweak the game to your settings, and a vibrant modding community for players who own it on PC. Unfortunately, it does require a fair bit of effort to set it up and get it running for the first time, especially if you’re playing in VR, but if you’re willing to take the time, there’s a real gem here.
About the Author
F1 24
- Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series S/X, Xbox Series X
- Genre(s): Racing
