Rally games really have something special that sets them apart from the rest of the racing genre. They’re not just about chasing speed thrills and smooth racing lines; they’re about controlling chaos. You can be tearing through a muddy forest one moment, then sliding sideways on a snowy mountain road, praying you don’t crash into a tree.
Rally racing is chaotic, unpredictable, and endlessly thrilling, which is exactly why so many of us are fans of it. These games offer a whole unique experience that the typical racers just don’t, which is why I would recommend you dip your toes in the world of rally racing.
In today’s age, rally fans have more titles to choose from than ever. These games range from hardcore rally sims to more accessible beginner-friendly ones; there’s a game out there for every rally enthusiast.
8. Rush Rally 3
Earning its reputation as one of the best rally games on mobile, Rush Rally 3 doesn’t fall short on PC or consoles either. It offers over 70 unique rally stages ranging from all kinds of surfaces and presents a genuine rally challenge with realistic driving physics and dynamic weather.
Rush Rally 3 offers extensive customization for all your tuning setups and liveries, not to mention the career mode, along with other modes like time trial and multiplayer. Driving feels responsive in this game, and the real-time car deformation adds to the immersiveness.
If you don’t have the best hardware to run the top rally titles, this one’s arguably the best rally racing experience you can get otherwise.
7. Sebastien Loeb Rally Evo
Sebastien Loeb Rally Evo is named after the 9-time World Rally Champion and features a decent selection of rally cars and classic stages. What makes it stand out is a dedicated mode that takes players back to the legendary moments from the rally legend Loeb’s career.
Yeah, the graphics and physics may feel outdated compared to modern rally games, but it’s still a solid pick. The rally driving challenges and authentic stage designs make it worth checking out, especially if you want a game with real motorsport heritage.
6. WRC Generations
The final rally game from Kylotonn before the series moved to EA, WRC Generations was a proper send-off. It featured a massive lineup of historic rally vehicles, newer hybrid Rally1 cars, and over 140 classic rally stages set across the globe.
Handling may not be the best in this game, but the sheer variety of officially licensed cars and stages makes it a must-play for any true rally fan. The depth of content overlooks weaker physics and handling when compared with other titles on this list.
5. Art Of Rally
Art of Rally offers a refreshing perspective on rally games, replacing cockpit views and realistic physics with a minimalistic art style and a simple top-down camera view. Instead of focusing on realism, it captures the true feeling of rallying through smooth slides, flowing stages, and a hypnotic sense of rhythm that just takes hold of you.
Rather than worrying about split-second precision, Art of Rally is more about keeping the momentum as you rally through snowy mountains, deserts, and wild forests. It’s the perfect rally game that’s as much about atmosphere as competition.
The soothing synthwave soundtrack is just the cherry on top, adding to the overall relaxing feel of the game.
4. DiRT 3
DiRT 3 is one of the most popular entries in the DiRT series, blending traditional rally racing with fun side modes. Featuring over 50 rally cars and diverse rally stages all the way from icy Finland to dusty Kenya.
The game supports split-screen, online multiplayer, and offers a few gameplay modes. This includes a career mode and the popular new Gymkhana mode, where players showcase their crazy driving skills or perform stunts and tricks. While its handling may not be as realistic as RBR or Dirt Rally 2.0, it remains far better than pure arcade racing games out there. Perfect for players who want a blend of true rally racing and fun gameplay.
3. EA Sports WRC
EA Sports WRC brings the whole package to the table, being the most complete rally game ready to play. Providing the full World Rally Championship experience, it features all the officially licensed cars, teams, and stages from the 2023 WRC season.
The career mode has depth and flexibility, allowing players to form their own personal rally team from scratch. Additionally, the new builder mode lets players design and race their own custom rally car. The stages are rather long, which pushes both endurance and driving skills to the test.
Regular updates ensure its playability and improve the game piece by piece. If you’re looking for the most authentic rally experience from the comfort of your home, then this one takes the cake.
2. Dirt Rally 2.0
Dirt Rally 2.0 hits that sweet spot between a hardcore sim and an accessible game for all, making it one of the most highly praised rally titles today. The driving physics are realistic, and the handling feels authentic, but the game is still forgiving for new players who struggle at first. It features a vast selection of rally and rallycross cars with classic rally stages set across the globe.
With VR support, active multiplayer servers, extensive DLC content, and excellent optimization, Dirt Rally 2.0 remains the ideal choice for players seeking hardcore rally action without a steep learning curve.
1. Richard Burns Rally
Released more than two decades ago, Richard Burns Rally still holds the crown of the undisputed rally sim. The base game was already pretty realistic for its time, but thanks to its modding community, it has evolved into one of the best and most immersive rally games ever. Modding projects like “Rallysimfans” keep the game alive with regular updates, modern physics, new cars, and hundreds of recreated real-world rally tracks.
The details are spectacular, and you’re sure to feel every bump and patch of gravel as your car struggles to grip. Considering the challenging driving, which is rather tough and demands real skills, it may not be best suited for beginners, but that’s precisely what makes the journey thrilling.
It remains the purest raw rally experience you can get today, with VR support and constant updates rolling out, the game keeps you engaged in never-ending fun.
