The long-awaited NASCAR 25 by iRacing Studios is finally out. That also means there are reviews out for the game as well. From casual NASCAR fans to passionate sim racers, to bloggers and critics, everyone has spoken up about the game. The game made many promises about being the most comprehensive NASCAR simulation game, so let’s see if it delivered or not.
The game is only out for consoles, which means there is a large number of PC players who haven’t played the game yet. This is important as the majority of sim racing fans are on PC. So, we don’t really know the full extent of how the game is, especially how the driving physics are. But what we have are the reviews of the game on consoles.
What The Critics Are Saying About NASCAR 25
Metacritic and Steam reviews are generally the go-to places if you want to know if a game is worth it or not. But, since the game is only out on consoles, neither of the sources has information for us. Thankfully, critics never shy away from voicing their opinions on the web. So, here are some good takes on NASCAR 25.
According to DailyDownForce
NASCAR 25 feels like a title with strong bones — thrilling AI battles, surprisingly solid online play, and handling that can make even a casual fan grin. But career depth, pit logic, and some janky race starts keep it from fully crossing the finish line. Still, for players who just want to race and don’t mind a few rough edges, this might be the most fun console NASCAR game in years. Rating (Positive)
In short, the core gameplay loop is fun, but it lacks polish. It’s nothing that can’t be sorted out with future updates.
Here is what Athlon Sports said about the game:
NASCAR 25 is a long-awaited return to form. It blends realism, customization, and fan passion into one cohesive experience that rewards skill and patience. From its deep career mode to its competitive online play, it’s clear iRacing poured effort into making this the most complete NASCAR title in years.
Sure, there are dents — occasional bugs, inconsistent wheel feedback, and online quirks that still need smoothing out — but those are fixable. What matters most is that NASCAR 25 feels authentic. It captures the rush of speed, the tension of a close finish, and the satisfaction of seeing your custom ride cross the line first. Rating (8.5/10)
Roundtablecoop had more or less the same opinion,
Overall, NASCAR 25 has been a surprise hit for me and successfully bridged the gap between my vintage arcade memories and the demands of a modern racing simulator. The graphics are amazing, and the soundtrack is excellent. It’s an enjoyable and challenging game that provides both a fun experience and gives me a deeper appreciation for the strategy of the sport. Rating (Positive)
Outside of conventional reviews, the community sentiment about the game has been more or less positive. The overall review is that the racing, driving, and physics feel great, the multiplayer and Career Mode are decent, but still lack depth. As a casual simcade for NASCAR, this is excellent, but still needs a bit of polish and more content to be a complete game.
