Best Open-World Racing Games With The Most Cars, Ranked

Key Takeaways

Open-world arcade racing games rely on engaging driving physics, expansive maps, and, most importantly, a diverse car lineup for success.
The Forza Horizon series sets the benchmark with an average of 700–800 total cars, complemented by vast, explorable maps and stunning visuals.
The Need for Speed and The Crew series also exemplify strong live-service support in the open-world racing genre, consistently expanding their vehicle rosters with regular updates.

After years of immersing myself in the vibrant world of open-world arcade racing games, I must say that Forza Horizon 5 has left me utterly spellbound. With its colossal vehicle roster of over 830 cars and counting, this game is a true paradise for any car enthusiast like myself.

The key factors that determine the achievement of any open-world arcade racing game revolve around three crucial aspects: realistic driving mechanics, an expansive environment for both exploration and competition, and a comprehensive collection of vehicles. Given car enthusiasts’ discerning tastes, games that incorporate popular automobile brands and legendary models tend to be more attractive, thus enhancing the game’s popularity and commercial success by addressing these preferences directly.

Over time, the number of cars available in open-world arcade racing games has expanded dramatically. Earlier titles, like the Need for Speed series — pioneers of the genre — typically offered just a few dozen vehicles. In contrast, the Forza Horizon series has set new standards by featuring hundreds of unique cars, each customizable and tailored for different racing disciplines. Similarly, The Crew series has carved out its niche by emphasizing enormous maps and extensive vehicle lineups. The live-service nature of many modern open-world racing titles also helps, as more new cars are being added over time via the post-launch content updates. This list explores some of the standout open-world racing games that offer extensive car collections to satisfy any automotive enthusiast’s desire for a dream garage, ranking them by how many cars each game offers.

7. Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown

How Many Cars: 110 Total Cars

In the latest installment, Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown, you’ll find an expansive virtual landscape modeled after Hong Kong ripe for exploration. However, it only boasts a relatively small collection of 110 vehicles. The game emphasizes the driving culture and social experiences rather than intricate car customization, following in the footsteps of its series heritage.

In Solar Crown, automobiles are categorized into five distinct groups: daily commuters, luxury tourers, ultra-fast hypercars, rugged off-road vehicles, and high-performance supercars, each designed for specific racing categories. The game features a variety of popular brands like Audi, Bugatti, Ferrari, Ford, Lamborghini, Mercedes, and Porsche, along with some less common ones such as W Motors, Sientero, and Pininfarina. Although the vehicle selection could expand in the future, the initial launch of Solar Crown received moderate feedback and may not see major updates soon. As of now, Solar Crown has yet to carve out a unique identity in the competitive arcade racing genre.

6. Need For Speed Heat

How Many Cars: 138 Total Cars

In the world of Need for Speed Heat, the gameplay experience is set apart by an engaging system that separates racing into day and night periods. During the day, players can freely roam and race with reduced danger. However, the nights offer greater rewards but also introduce pulse-pounding police pursuits, ramping up the excitement level. The game showcases a diverse collection of more than 130 distinctive vehicles, which include pre-tuned special versions like Legends and Khyzyl Saleem models. Enthusiasts of legendary street racing cars will recognize beloved brands such as Acura, BMW, Chevrolet, Honda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, and Nissan, alongside less common ones like Volvo, Polestar, and Buick.

As a devoted fan, I’d say that unlike numerous arcade racers dishing out cars left and right, Heat sets me on an exciting journey where I have to grind, save, and build my Rep during the night to unlock and upgrade my rides. The depth of customization options adds a layer of fulfillment to my vehicle collection, fostering creative flair and strategic planning for every race or challenge ahead.

5. Need For Speed Unbound

How Many Cars: 156 Total Cars

As a die-hard fan, I can’t contain my excitement about diving into the latest installment of the legendary racing franchise, Need for Speed Unbound! This game is all about staying connected and evolving, with regular seasonal updates, or Volumes, that bring in fresh races, challenges, rewards, and an ever-growing garage filled with sleek vehicles. By the end of 2024, the game will house over 150 cars, making it one of the most extensive vehicle collections in Need for Speed history! Brands like Bugatti, McLaren, and Alfa Romeo are joined by returning favorites such as Lotus and Jaguar, while Volume 9 – Lockdown is set to introduce motorbikes to the series for the very first time. I can hardly wait to hit the streets with this incredible lineup!

The customization options in the game “Unbound” are remarkably versatile, enabling players to tweak their vehicles with numerous one-of-a-kind components such as body parts, performance enhancements, visual flairs, and special stunts for showcasing during races. Combining this flexibility with its bold and unique aesthetic, “Need for Speed Unbound” effectively reshapes the series’ persona, offering a novel and captivating racing adventure.

4. The Crew 2

How Many Cars: Over 538 Total Cars

The Crew 2 distinguishes itself by offering one of the most expansive open-world maps in arcade racing, complemented by a wide array of vehicles to choose from. Over six years of regular post-release updates have expanded the game’s vehicle lineup to include more than 500 options across multiple categories, all customizable and primed for players to reach their maximum potential. Rare brands not often found in similar games, such as Cadillac, Chrysler, Citroën, DMC, Lancia, Peugeot, Ruf, and Spyker, enhance the game’s appeal. Some vehicles can be hard to obtain though, as many are tied to season pass rewards or temporary drops.

Even though The Crew 2 has been around almost as long as Forza Horizon 4, there’s no sign of it being removed from the market in the near future. This makes it a secure and rewarding choice for fans on all platforms who appreciate vast landscapes and a wide variety of vehicles.

3. The Crew Motorfest

How Many Cars: Over 612 Total Cars

The annual event, The Crew Motorfest, extends the diverse automobile collection found in The Crew 2, showcasing more than 600 vehicles, a number that keeps increasing with seasonal updates introducing new racing events and incentives. Apart from cars, the game offers various other modes of transport, such as boats, motorcycles, aircraft, and helicopters, although these are not included in the tally of the 600+ automobiles.

Just like the Forza Horizon series, collecting cars in Motorfest is fairly simple and intuitive, enabling players to rapidly accumulate a remarkable assortment. Nevertheless, exclusive playlists demand expensive vehicles for purchase, encouraging players to delve into events and explore for rewards. This blend of simplicity and challenge ensures that the gameplay remains captivating for a wide range of gamers.

2. Forza Horizon 4

How Many Cars: Over 752 Total Cars

Forza Horizon 4 takes its foundation further by providing a broader, more visually captivating and varied map along with an enlarged collection of automobiles. Through regular updates since its launch, the game now boasts over 750 vehicles, some of which are so elusive that acquiring them demands patience and a dash of good fortune during the auctions.

In keeping with the original spirit of the series, different types of vehicles are organized, including Super GT, Track Toys, Vintage Racers, Retro Muscle, among others. Notable brands like AMC, Apollo, Ascari, Hennessey, Italdesign, Toyota, and Zenvo can be found in the illustrious collection players can interact with. Moreover, the game offers Forza Edition (FE) cars that have been fine-tuned for optimal performance and come with exclusive event bonuses and free roam benefits.

Don’t forget that “Forza Horizon 4” will no longer be available for purchase in digital stores on both PC and Xbox as of December 15. Although the servers will continue to function, this is your last opportunity to own the game for continued gameplay.

1. Forza Horizon 5

How Many Cars: Over 833 Total Cars

In the realm of open-world arcade racing games, Forza Horizon 5 reigns supreme, and for a host of compelling reasons. The game showcases top-tier graphics, a sprawling and meticulously designed map that encompasses distinct ecosystems, seasonal shifts that adapt in real-time, customizable tracks created by players, and consistent updates brimming with fresh challenges and enticing new vehicles as incentives. By the close of 2024, Forza Horizon 5 promises an impressive collection of over 830 automobiles, a list that continues to grow as new models are introduced.

For car enthusiasts, the game is a true paradise, offering vehicles spanning different eras, classes, and disciplines. Players can collect both real-life licensed cars and fictional creations from other media, all recreated with stunning accuracy. While its customization options may not be as deep as the Need for Speed series, the ability to upgrade and personalize vehicles both inside and out adds personal touch. For some, managing and expanding their car collection becomes just as engaging — if not more so — than racing itself.

2024-12-11 06:34