05 Dec 2024 1:05 AM +00:00 UTC

Best Racing Games to Enjoy on the Steam Deck

The Steam Deck is gradually becoming a powerful handheld gaming platform, engaging gaming enthusiasts with portability and performance to play AAA games on the go. Steam Deck offers a vast collection of games, spanning genres from RPGs to fast-paced shooters, ensuring something for every type of player. Among these genres, racing games stand out as some of the most thrilling and entertaining experiences on the Steam Deck.

With the Steam Deck, you can enjoy these games on a device that fits in the palm of your hand. The guide below enlists some of the best racing games present on Steam Deck, from arcade racing to simulations and off-road racing.

Burnout Paradise Remastered

Burnout Paradise Remastered allows you to explore the fictional city of Paradise, which is fully packed with races, events, and challenges. Well known for its emphasis on car destruction, this game allows you to smash through obstacles and knock opponents off the road in intense, action-packed races.

The remastered version also brings updated visuals and includes all DLC content that offers extra smooth and fast gameplay on the Steam Deck. With plenty of events and areas you can explore, it is easy to get lost in the city’s open-world racing environment and enjoy the thrill of high-speed races and intense crashes.

Need for Speed Heat

Need for Speed Heat offers street racing fans a mix of day and night racing. During the day, players can compete in organized races for cash, while at night, they can join illegal street races for reputation points. The game also offers extensive car customization options, allowing players to style their cars to fit their racing vibe.

On the Steam Deck, Need for Speed Heat performs well with minor stutters that do not affect gameplay. It is an excellent option for those who love the mix of underground racing in a handheld format.

Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged

Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged brings back the thrill of old toy car racing and offers players a chance to experience an exciting journey of car racing and stunts on the Steam Deck. In this game, you race through colorful tracks, perform flips, drift around sharp turns, and even launch off ramps in tiny toy cars.

The game is visually bright, full of details, and offers vibrant colors and well-designed tracks that look stunning on the Steam Deck’s screen. You can also customize your cars to match your style and preference. Overall, it offers a fun experience that brings nostalgia to players who grew up with Hot Wheels.

Forza Horizon 5

Forza Horizon 5 is a beautiful open-world game set in Mexico. With stunning graphics and dynamic weather, it lets players explore varied landscapes while racing through Horizon Events. From deserts to jungles, Forza Horizon 5 offers a lot to explore and plenty of cars to try out.

The game runs well with the Steam Deck, which allows you to personalize the experience using mods. This open-world racing game is perfect for those who enjoy exploring while competing, and it is one of the most visually impressive racing games for handheld play.

Automobilista 2

Automobilista 2 offers a realistic car gaming experience with an authentic racing simulation. Its extensively detailed physics and handling mechanics feel like real-world racing, making it ideal for fans who enjoy challenging and lifelike gameplay.

Automobilista 2 runs smoothly on Steam Deck with high-quality graphics that look great on the handheld screen. Whether you are racing on smooth asphalt or challenging dirt roads, this game offers a rewarding experience for both casual racers and serious simulation fans.

DiRT Rally / DiRT Rally 2.0

DiRT Rally and DiRT Rally 2.0 bring the excitement of rally racing to the Steam Deck. Both games are known for their realistic physics and place you in the shoes of rally drivers. Now, a challenge awaits you: you must race on rugged terrains like muddy paths and icy roads.

Both games run smoothly on the Steam Deck, and minor tweaks are needed for optimal performance. The breathtaking environments and realistic car handling make each race feel intense and immersive, providing rally fans an exciting and challenging experience.

Inertial Drift

Inertial Drift uses a different approach to drifting and turning. With dual-analog stick controls, you can control the car’s drift with one stick and the direction with the other, which makes it a unique and interesting gameplay style.

On the Steam Deck, Inertial Drift runs smoothly and is perfect for quick racing sessions. Its bright, anime-inspired visuals make it stand out, bringing a fun and unique twist to the racing genre for those looking for something different.

Hotshot Racing

Hotshot Racing is a retro-style racing game that returns the look and feel of classic arcade racers from the 90s. With its colorful graphics, it captures the spirit of old-school games and offers simple and enjoyable gameplay with lots of drifting and speed boosts.

The game performs smoothly on the Steam Deck and includes various modes, from single-player races to multiplayer challenges. It is easy to pick up and play, with responsive controls that make each race feel fast and fun. This makes it perfect for fans of classic arcade racing.

Crazy Taxi

Crazy Taxi is a classic arcade game in which players speed through busy city streets to pick up and drop off passengers as fast as possible. Known for its fast-paced and chaotic gameplay, Crazy Taxi challenges players to traverse traffic and obstacles to beat the clock.

On the Steam Deck, Crazy Taxi runs smoothly and evokes nostalgia for the original arcade version. It is a fun, easy-to-play game that is great for quick, adrenaline-filled gaming sessions anytime and anywhere.

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