Racing Games With The Best Vehicle Customization

Highlights

Vehicle customization in racing games offers subtle detail that enhances gameplay noticeably.
Developers strive to meet player expectations for extensive car customization in racing titles.
Hours can be spent in the garage tweaking visual parts to create a stylish ride, even when losing.

As a hardcore racing game enthusiast with decades of experience under my belt, I must say that diving into these immersive virtual worlds has become more than just a pastime for me – it’s a way of life!

Experiencing high-speed chases exceeding 200 mph in a borderline street car, skillfully navigating through heavy traffic, is the essence of today’s racing video games. In contrast to their early versions, contemporary racing games have significantly advanced. Players now have the option to switch between manual and automatic gear systems and enhance their vehicles’ components.

Even if you’re not a car enthusiast, you can still enjoy the intricacies of racing video games. Details like visual and performance enhancements through customization add depth to the racing experience in a significant way. Often overlooked, this feature offers virtually limitless possibilities for improvement.

Every year that goes by, automobile personalization is reaching ever greater peaks, providing unparalleled freedom and a wealth of choices for hundreds of in-game cars. To help you quickly locate and enjoy the top racing games featuring rich customization options, this list has been refreshed to include both new releases and titles that were previously underrated.

1 Street Racing Syndicate

50 Total Cars

Racing Games With The Best Vehicle Customization

Regardless of its vintage, Street Racing Syndicate continues to be accessible and stands out as one of the street racing games that provides a wealth of customization options for vehicles, not only in aesthetic aspects but also in performance enhancements. Unlike many other arcade racing games, this title doesn’t allow players to blindly install the most potent and costly performance parts and expect to rule the competition. Each modification installed in the vehicle significantly affects its on-track behavior and handling, so if a player adds excessive power under the hood, they might find themselves lagging behind as early as the first bend.

Boasting an authentic urban vibe, accurate law enforcement and destruction mechanics, and options to race in day or night settings, Street Racing Syndicate remains a worthy choice for gamers yearning for a blast from the past, offering a dash of retro arcade racing with popular cars from the early 2000s.

2 Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition Remix

94 Total Cars

It’s disappointing for fans that Rockstar Games appears to have dropped support for the timeless racing franchise known as Midnight Club, with many considering the third installment to be the standout game due to its exceptional open-world exploration and captivating atmosphere.

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but reminisce about the first game in this series that revolutionized my gaming experience with its groundbreaking vehicle customization feature. Tinkering under the digital hood and revamping the look of my ride was an absolute thrill back then, and it still is! Modern-day players who get their hands on this title will be blown away by the dizzying array of options available to them, offering a level of creative freedom that’s hard to match.

3 The Crew 2

538 Total Cars

In the realm of startup franchises within the racing game community, The Crew initially failed to generate significant interest. The initial release, in particular, was criticized for its sluggish pace because of the frustrating AI racers that players faced off against. However, with the arrival of The Crew 2, the series is gradually demonstrating promise and potential.

Participants can compete with numerous types of transportation like boats, motorbikes, and Formula 1 automobiles in this game. It offers extensive vehicle customization options, enabling users to swap components for enhanced functionality and apply stickers or graphics to enhance aesthetics.

4 Need For Speed: Underground 2

31 Total Cars

The sequel to Need For Speed: Underground, known as Need For Speed: Underground 2, marked a considerable enhancement over its forerunner. It effectively addressed earlier criticisms of the series, offering enhanced arcade racing and a wider array of vehicle customization options than ever seen before. Upon its debut, there was no game on the market that could truly match it in either aspect.

For those seeking customizable aesthetic elements such as trunk speakers or rims, the “Street” ambiance was crucial in sealing the deal and boosting sales of the game, Need For Speed: Underground 2. If you’re primarily interested in a racing game to personalize your vehicle, Need For Speed: Underground 2 still stands as a reliable choice, proving its worth even in today’s gaming landscape.

5 Forza Horizon 4

752 Total Cars

Due to the news that Forza Horizon 4 will no longer be available after this year, its popularity has surged. If you wish to retain the game in your collection for future play, it’s important to take note. As a racing title, Forza Horizon 4 shares many similarities with Forza Horizon 5, but with one key difference: setting. While the locations are distinct, Forza Horizon 4 boasts numerous exclusive vehicles that may not appear in the more recent edition. Some of these unique cars might never be added to the latest installment.

In the game Forza Horizon 4, players can enjoy a blend of arcade and simulation action. They have the ability to adjust their vehicles meticulously, impacting factors like speed, acceleration, grip, and handling. While the visual customization options may not be as extensive (with limited widebody kit upgrades available), you can still give your rides a sportier look by adding accessories such as spoilers, bumpers, and wheels. Additionally, there’s an array of user-created liveries to choose from, catering to various preferences.

6 Wreckfest

66 Total Cars

Among the current racing games, not many focus on delivering an authentic arcade experience filled with excitement, disregarding realism. One game that stands out in this regard is Wreckfest, which has earned a dedicated fanbase for its emphasis on creating racing games with thrilling wreckage and destruction features.

Customizing paints, designing liveries, and tweaking cars for optimal performance offers an exciting experience. Additionally, players who meticulously create unique custom cars often take pride in their work and strive to protect their creations from damage. However, keeping them safe can sometimes be challenging.

7 Forza Motorsport 7

834 Total Cars

Playing through Forza Motorsport 7, one of several games in the extensive series, offers a thrilling experience. With a strong emphasis on authentic racing, the ability to modify and personalize your vehicles becomes significantly significant.

It’s essential for players to understand the modifications and adjustments they make to their vehicles during upgrades. Blindly altering a car without knowing its inner workings can result in an excellent vehicle performing poorly, as the configuration may not match the player’s racing style.

8 BeamNG.drive

39 Total Cars

As a gaming enthusiast and car aficionado, when it comes to immersive vehicle customization, nothing quite compares to BeamNG.drive for me. What sets this game apart is its incredibly realistic damage model – even a simple collision feels complex and engaging due to the multitude of factors at play. In fact, I find myself eagerly awaiting the opportunity to crash my ride in BeamNG.drive!

Absolutely, the vehicle customization options and fantastic user-generated content make this game a treasure trove for players who love designing their dream cars. BeamNG.drive might take some time to master, but persevering through the initial learning phase will reward you with one of the most authentic and captivating racing experiences available.

9 Midnight Club: Los Angeles

58 Total Cars

The most recent addition to Rockstar’s street racing franchise is titled “Midnight Club: Los Angeles“. Known for its focus on car customization, it builds upon the foundation set by “Midnight Club 3“. This new installment boasts a wide range of visual and performance enhancements. With an array of customizable components across all categories, it caters exceptionally well to those who are meticulous about tuning their vehicles in the workshop.

Regardless of being quite old, the game titled “Midnight Club: Los Angeles” can still be bought digitally and played smoothly on contemporary devices without any complications. For those who recall their past gaming experiences with titles like “Need for Speed: Underground 2“, but haven’t experienced the thrill of “Midnight Club“, it could be an enjoyable trip down memory lane to explore “Los Angeles” in its vintage splendor.

10 Project Cars 2

214 Total Cars

Apart from being visually stunning, ranking among the top games of the past ten years, Project Cars 2 is exceptionally enjoyable to play. Despite its realistic aspects, the gameplay has been meticulously designed to cater to gamers of varying abilities. Moreover, it offers a good range of options for tweaking performance and aesthetics to enhance the gaming experience.

Although it doesn’t offer the same level of customization depth as other games in the genre, this one provides all the essential features needed to optimize your vehicles. Some players might be let down by the lack of additional features, but those primarily interested in fine-tuning their cars for peak performance and adding aesthetic touches to the exterior will find everything they need here.

11 F1 23

30 Total Cars

For those seeking authentic racing experiences, few titles match up to the F1 23. While it’s true that this realism might be somewhat limiting in certain aspects, many players may find themselves preferring street races over track ones. Nevertheless, if neither preference is a major concern, then enthusiasts of racing games should definitely give the game a try.

In the spirit of Formula 1 itself, customization within F1 23 leans towards performance-focused tweaks rather than cosmetic changes, as it prioritizes optimization over visual alterations. Choosing the ideal engine, tires, and turbocharger can significantly impact a vehicle’s handling, making it crucial for those aiming to frequently secure podium finishes.

12 Dirt Rally 2.0

82 Total Cars

Soaring above the remnants of the previous Colin McRae Rally franchise, Codemasters’ Dirt Rally series stands out as the premier choice for authentic rally-driving adventures. Unlike many racing games, these titles demand a keen attention to physics, making the latest addition, Dirt Rally 2.0, an ideal pick for enthusiasts of off-road motoring.

Solid driving mechanics aren’t all that the game has going for it, though, with vehicle customization also being incredibly important. Granted, there aren’t too many things outside of suspension settings for players to tinker with, but getting this just right can have a huge impact on the way that a car performs. The ability to create and use custom liveries is also nice, allowing players to express themselves through their rides.

13 Gran Turismo 7

514 Total Cars

Today, the Gran Turismo franchise is known more for its driving simulation experience rather than just a traditional racing game. However, it still offers ample opportunities for racing. The latest addition to the series, Gran Turismo 7, particularly focuses on customization, allowing players to adjust not only the look but also the performance of their vehicles.

In the game ‘Gran Turismo 7′, upgrading your car can prove costly, since tire sets might even exceed the price of an entirely new vehicle. However, for players seeking total control over their vehicles’ details, it’s hard to find a superior option. The variety of over 500 cars to select from and the feature to design custom decals and liveries add to its allure, making it an appealing choice for many.

14 The Crew Motorfest

647 Total Vehicles

The Crew Motorfest represents the next step in the development of The Crew 2, with numerous vehicles and upgrades carried over from its predecessor. Players of The Crew 2 can seamlessly import their vehicle collections into Motorfest, embarking on a new journey in O’ahu, Hawaii, where they’ll find multiple rides waiting for them in their garage. In terms of customization options, both Ubisoft titles are remarkably similar, with Motorfest offering an expanded selection of vehicles and upgrades to discover, buy, or modify.

In a vibrant, unique environment and boasting numerous themed racing soundtracks, The Crew Motorfest continues to bridge the gap between The Crew and the Forza Horizon franchise, positioning itself as a formidable rival to Playground Games’ offerings. Developers Ivory Tower consistently provide content updates for the game, keeping it contemporary with fresh vehicles and racing competitions to engage in.

15 Street Legal Racing: Redline

37 Total Cars

Back in May 2016, I got my hands on the Steam release of “Street Legal Racing: Redline”. This game is all about car customization, and let me tell you, it doesn’t hold back! Some might even say that the focus on customizing your ride is a bit excessive, but for me, that’s part of the appeal. While racing might take a slightly backseat, it’s still a thrilling experience overall.

In Street Legal Racing: Redline, players have a fantastic opportunity to personalize their racing vehicles extensively. They’ll assume responsibility for fixing the car when necessary and fine-tuning it for optimal performance. What truly sets this game apart isn’t its racing or visuals, but rather its exceptional vehicle customization options.

16 Assetto Corsa/Competizione

178 Total Cars

In terms of personalizing your driving experience, Assetto Corsa (and Assetto Corsa Competizione too) is an exceptional choice. It offers players the opportunity to craft their own vehicles and tracks, and even share these creations with others in the gaming community. What makes it even better is that the customization features are similar to those used by the game developers themselves, meaning your designs fit seamlessly within the game’s ultra-realistic simulation environment.

As a long-time racing game enthusiast who has spent countless hours behind virtual wheels, I can confidently say that the immersive racing game is one of the most realistic and engaging simulators I have ever played. It stands shoulder to shoulder with heavyweights like Forza and Gran Turismo in terms of realism and depth.

17 Car Mechanic Simulator 2021

218 Total Cars

In Car Mechanic Simulator 2021, photorealistic graphics create an engaging atmosphere for players, making them feel like they’re part of the action. The title suggests that it offers a chance for players to demonstrate their mechanical abilities, all while delivering a realistic and thrilling racing game experience.

Having a multi-story parking facility available, the participants won’t have to fret about vehicle storage issues. Instead, they can concentrate on getting their hands messy with repairs and customizations of their own vehicles. They will have access to over a thousand different parts to make their vehicles run according to their desired specifications.

18 Need For Speed Unbound

152 Total Cars

I’m totally thrilled about Need For Speed Unbound, the latest addition to the legendary series that practically set the stage for visual car customization in gaming! With its engine-swapping features and a wide array of exotic, game-changing body kits, this game allows me to turn my ride into something unrecognizable. It’s the perfect choice for gamers who love to lose themselves in their garage, meticulously adjusting every minute detail of their vehicle.

The open-world racing game, Unbound, thrives with Criterion’s commitment to turning it into a genuine live-service racing title. This means regular content updates enriching the gameplay experience by introducing new cars to the collection and innovative racing genres such as drifting and drag events. To top it off, the anime-inspired graphics of the game set it apart from others on this list, making it a highly anticipated improvement for the Need for Speed series.

19 Automation: The Car Company Tycoon Game

Does Not Have A Fixed Number Of Cars

Besides allowing players to tailor pre-existing automobiles, it’s also possible to construct vehicles entirely from scratch within this game. Car enthusiasts will undoubtedly appreciate the game’s extensive customization options, which are not only engaging but also strikingly authentic.

In a nutshell, there’s an incredible level of personalization available in this game, extending from the chassis and engine to the suspension and more. While other games have dabbled with vehicle customization, none come close to matching the depth and complexity offered by “Automation“, a car company tycoon game.

20 Forza Horizon 5

869 Total Cars

In the spirit of the Gran Turismo series, authenticity reigns supreme; however, the Forza Horizon collection prioritizes enjoyment above all else. This delightful emphasis on fun is unmistakable in the experience that players will encounter when they dive into Forza Horizon 5. The game is brimming with countless entertaining activities designed to keep gamers engaged, and one such activity is its impressive array of vehicle customization options, boasting sleek wide body kits crafted by actual automotive manufacturers.

In contrast to Gran Turismo 7, the focus in Forza Horizon 5 leans more towards the aesthetic appeal of cars rather than their driving dynamics. The process of creating and sharing livery designs is particularly user-friendly, and the game’s vivid graphics bring out the best in the numerous paint options and colors. While there are mechanical enhancements to be found, it’s the cosmetic modifications that really grab your attention in this title.

2024-07-31 15:54