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Games Like 'Gran Turismo 7' to Play Next

Whether you're seeking an arcade racer, demolition derby simulator, or something in between, there are plenty of games to keep you busy after 'Gran Turismo 7.'
by Jon Bitner — 
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Gran Turismo 7

Courtesy of Nintendo / YouTube

Gran Turismo 7 is the latest entry in the storied franchise, bringing iconic cars, incredible visuals, and real-world tracks to the PlayStation 5. It's been nearly nine years since Gran Turismo 6, and the 2017 spin-off (Gran Turismo Sport) left some long-time fans wishing for more, so expectations were through the roof for this new installment.

Thankfully, Gran Turismo 7 is a return to form, pulling in generally favorable reviews and offering enough content to keep you busy for the rest of the 2022. Not only is the game filled with supercars and fun ways to customize them, but developer Polyphony Digital went to painstaking lengths to provide historical facts about each vehicle in your garage. You can spend hours simply exploring its catalog and learning about your favorite sports car — not once jumping behind the wheel and heading out to the track.

Once you're on the track, however, the game truly shines. Critics have called the game "photo-realistic," and watching the game in action makes it hard to argue. Gran Turismo has always been known for its premium graphics, and the added power from PS5 only serves to elevate the experience. Those graphics get to shine in both single-player and multiplayer game modes, giving you several ways to enjoy the intense racing sim and keep the action fresh.

Gran Turismo 7 is a dense experience, however, and there's a good chance you'll eventually put the game down and move on to something else — periodically visiting the game over the next few years until Gran Turismo 8 is inevitably released. Or maybe you just put it aside after a lengthy outage. Whether you're seeking an arcade racer, demolition derby simulator, or something in between, there are plenty of games to keep you busy.

Here are 10 games like Gran Turismo 7 to play next, listed by Metascore.


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Grand Theft Auto V

Steampowered

Grand Theft Auto V (PS4)

Metascore: 97
Best for: Fans of epic getaway scenes
Where to buy:


Also available on: PC, PS3, PS5, XB360, XBX

Although it's not strictly a racing game, there's no denying Grand Theft Auto V boasts some of the most enjoyable driving mechanics in the genre. Not only does each vehicle feel unique, but you can get behind the wheel of more than 300 unique models. You can also upgrade your overall driving prowess, giving you the unique ability to slow down time, pull of incredible drifts, or launch of ramps and fly over skyscrapers. GTA V recently ported its massive world to PS5 and Xbox Series X, although fans can still experience all the action on PS4 and Xbox One.

"This is the definitive version of one of the finest games of the last few years, and one that better lives up to Rockstar's lofty ambitions." — Digital Spy


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Forza Horizon 5

Steampowered

Forza Horizon 5 (XBX)

Metascore: 92
Best for: Fans of open-world racers
Where to buy:


Also available on: PC, XB1

Forza Horizon 5 isn't looking to be a realistic driving simulator. Its supercars are all a blast to get behind and offer an engaging driving experience, but instead of flying around iconic racetracks, you'll be cruising around volcanoes, beaches, and other picturesque landscapes across Mexico. You'll slowly unlock a staggering roster of vehicles (each with a variety of customization options), but the main draw is exploring its handcrafted open world and pulling off as many wild stunts as you can. Racing veterans will love its catalog of real-life vehicles, while casual players will enjoy the constant sense of progression — thanks to the generous allotment of XP for nearly every activity in the game.

"Forza Horizon 5 proves that even the best games can get better. An unparalleled driving experience that also happens to be a graphical showcase like no other." — Player 2


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Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Nintendo

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Switch)

Metascore: 92
Best for: Fans of perfected kart racers
Where to buy:


Also available on: Wii U

First launched on the Wii U, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is an upgraded version of the highly reviewed kart racer. On Switch, players are treated to shorter load times, enhanced graphics, and a variety of quality-of-life improvements. Mario fans always find something to love about the Mario Kart series, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe stands as one of the best-reviewed games in the series. With new anti-gravity gameplay, a gigantic roster that expands to other Nintendo franchises, and a robust multiplayer mode, Nintendo once again upped the ante for the kart racing genre.

"This is the best Mario Kart game ever made, expanding an already great Wii U title into a near-perfect racing game." — Forbes


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Rocket League

Nintendo

Rocket League (PS4)

Metascore: 85
Best for: Fans of competitive sports
Where to buy:


Also available on: PC, Switch, XB1

Half racing game, half sports game, Rocket League sees you taking control of a rocket-powered vehicle and attempting to push a gigantic soccer ball into the other team's goal. The premise sounds absolutely ridiculous (and it is), but the game has continued to garner thousands of players nearly seven years after its release. Before heading out onto the pitch, you can customize your vehicle with unique decals, wheels, and chassis, or check out a list of challenges that reward you with unique in-game gear upon completion. If you loved the competitive spirit of Gran Turismo 7, you'll find that in spades with Rocket League — especially if you take part in its online ranked leagues.

"Rocket League may only feel like a glorified minigame, but its wild, tense, and fast-paced gameplay makes it one of PS4's best multiplayer experiences to date." — GamingTrend


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F1 2021

Steampowered

F1 2021 (PS5)

Metascore: 84
Best for: Fans of realistic racers
Where to buy:


Also available on: PC, PS4, XB1, XBX

F1 2021 is more than just a simulator of the popular racing league. Beyond tight racing controls and painstakingly recreated vehicles, you can check out a lengthy single-player campaign that puts you in charge of your own team. If you're looking for some fun cooperative action, you can play through the campaign with a friend, with your buddy serving as another driver on your team. F1 fans, in particular, will find the game to be an excellent replacement for Gran Turismo 7, but almost everyone will enjoy a few minutes behind the wheel of its superpowered vehicles.

"F1 2021 is the complete package. Braking Point is an excellent single-player experience, driving is perfection, and there's so much to do." — God is a Geek


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Lonely Mountains: Downhill

Steampowered

Lonely Mountains: Downhill (Switch)

Metascore: 84
Best for: Fans of mountain bikes and chasing high scores
Where to buy: Nintendo eShop
Also available on: PC, PS4, XB1

They might lack four wheels and a motor, but mountain bikes are just as capable of producing the adrenaline rush as their large, noisy cousins. Lonely Mountains: Downhill sees you racing down a mountainside as fast as you can, all while attempting to complete a variety of objects (such as crossing the finish line in a set amount of time or without falling off your bike). It looks radically different from most racers — thanks to colorful, minimalistic graphics — but hiding behind its cutesy appearance is a nerve-wracking arcade game. It doesn't offer a multiplayer mode, but you can compete to land on the high-score board against players around the world.

"Lonely Mountains: Downhill is one of those prime examples of a game so simple in its concept but executed so well. There's a constant force pulling you back in for one more death-defying ride." — Nintendo Insider


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Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled

Nintendo

Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled (PS4)

Metascore: 83
Best for: Fans of kart racers
Where to buy:


Also available on: Switch, XB1

Often overshadowed by Mario Kart, Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled is an impressive kart racer in its own right. It includes a unique career mode that sees you facing off against iconic bosses from across the Crash franchise, each bringing their own twist to the kart racing formula. Some players were put-off by its steep learning curve (power sliding is all but a necessity to win a race), but with a wealth of unlockable content, dozens of playable characters, and a combination of single and multiplayer game modes, Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled manages to stand out in a crowded market.

"Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled is another remarkable remake of a true timeless classic." — Daily Star


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Wreckfest

Steampowered

Wreckfest (PC)

Metascore: 81
Best for: Fans of vehicular carnage
Where to buy: Steam
Also available on: PS4, PS5, Stadia, XB1, XBX

Despite its name, Wreckfest is more than a car-crashing simulator. The main attraction is without a doubt its impressive collision system, which realistically alters your car's appearance as it takes damage, but underneath is a racing simulator with surprisingly tight controls. Dedicated players can dive into their garage and upgrade their rides, before heading out to the track and causing some chaos. Aside from the expected demolition derbies, you'll also find a variety of standard race tracks and other game modes to keep you busy. It might not look as pretty as Gran Turismo 7, but no doubt there's just as much fun to be had with Wreckfest.

"A deceptively realistic racing game that doesn't care if you want to ignore the details and just smash every car on the track." — PC PowerPlay


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Dirt 5

Steampowered

Dirt 5 (PS4)

Metascore: 79
Best for: Fans of off-road racing
Where to buy:


Also available on: PC, PS5, Stadia, XB1, XBX

Dirt 5 is the newest entry in the long-running off-road franchise. You'll be tasked with customizing one of more than 60 cars before heading out to the track. The game will take you on a globe-trotting adventure, with more than 70 unlockable courses spread out around the world. There's a deep career mode that's voiced by some big names (Nolan North as Bruno Durand and Troy Baker as Alex "A.J." Janicek), both of whom offer performances that elevate Dirt 5's career mode above some others in the genre.

"Dirt 5 delivers a fantastic off-road racing experience full of content that will keep you busy not only on the track, but also off with the addition of the new Playgrounds arena editor." — Attack of the Fanboy


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Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit

Steampowered

Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered (PS4)

Metascore: 75
Best for: Fans of car chases
Where to buy:


Also available on: PC, Switch, XB1, XBX

Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit is all about the chase. Whether you're playing as the cops or racers, you'll be barreling down beautiful Seacrest County roads as you attempt to outwit the other. Most of the fun comes from its competitive (and cross-platform) multiplayer, giving you a variety of ways to push the limits and prove you're the better driver. This remastered version of the game includes all the original content along with a bundle of DLC that adds new challenges, achievements, and car customization options. It's not quite as flush with features as Gran Turismo 7, but fans of adrenaline-pumping action will find this to be a joyride worth taking.

"Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered takes players back to what these games used to be and looks great doing it." — Hardcore Gamer