Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like Project CARS (2026)
Every game below overlaps with Project CARS on things players said about it rather than on our opinion of what feels alike. Each entry shows what it matched on, so you can throw out the ones matching on the part you did not care about.
The short version
- Closest match: Project CARS 2, which made by the same studio, Slightly Mad Studios.
- Project CARS is tagged Racing, Simulation, Automobile Sim, Driving, Multiplayer, Realistic, Sports, Singleplayer by Steam players. Those tags are what the matching runs on.
- 24 games qualify, each with at least fifty player reviews behind its sentiment figure.
- 2 are free to download, so you can test the resemblance yourself at no cost.
- 1 are from the same studio: Project CARS 2.
How these were matched
Steam tags carry the most weight, because players apply them and they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Souls-like, Atmospheric and Cozy exist as tags and as nothing else, which is exactly the vocabulary this question needs. Formal genres count for less, themes and a shared studio for more.
Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are thrown out before matching. Nearly everything is tagged Singleplayer, so matching on it is matching on nothing. That cutoff is computed from the catalogue rather than fixed, so it moves as the catalogue grows.
All 24, closest first
- 1
Project CARS 2
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Slightly Mad Studios; both open world and atmospheric; shares 10 player tags including Racing, Driving and Automobile Sim; released around the same time (2017).
THE ULTIMATE DRIVER JOURNEY! Project CARS 2 delivers the soul of motor racing in the world’s most beautiful, authentic, and technically-advanced racing game.
Project CARS 2 at a glance Released 2017 Studio Slightly Mad Studios Player sentiment 81% positive of 18,429 Price Not listed RacingDrivingAutomobile SimSimulationVRRealisticSportsController
- 2
Wreckfest
Why it matched: both open world and atmospheric; shares 10 player tags including Racing, Automobile Sim and Simulation; released around the same time (2018).
Wreckfest is a demolition derby themed racing game with soft-body damage modeling, sophisticated driving dynamics and in-depth vehicle upgrading, featuring both demolition derbies and more traditional track races. It’s all about fun, breakneck racing and over-the-top crashes.
Wreckfest at a glance Released 2018 Studio Bugbear Player sentiment 88% positive of 41,452 Price $29.99 RacingAutomobile SimSimulationDrivingPhysicsIndieSportsRealistic
- 3
DiRT 4
Why it matched: both open world and atmospheric; shares 9 player tags including Racing, Automobile Sim and Simulation; published by the same company; released around the same time (2017).
DiRT 4 is all about embracing fear. It’s about the thrill, exhilaration and adrenaline that is absolutely vital to off-road racing. It’s about loving the feeling of pushing flat out next to a sheer cliff drop, going for the gap that’s too small and seeing how much air you can get. Be Fearless.
DiRT 4 at a glance Released 2017 Studio Codemasters Player sentiment 80% positive of 16,257 Price Not listed RacingAutomobile SimSimulationDrivingSportsRealisticArcadeVR
- 4
DiRT Rally 2.0
Why it matched: both open world; shares 10 player tags including Racing, Automobile Sim and Simulation; published by the same company; released around the same time (2019).
DiRT Rally 2.0 dares you to carve your way through a selection of iconic rally locations from across the globe, in the most powerful off-road vehicles ever made, knowing that the smallest mistake could end your stage.
DiRT Rally 2.0 at a glance Released 2019 Studio Codemasters Player sentiment 89% positive of 48,388 Price $19.99 RacingAutomobile SimSimulationVRDrivingSportsRealisticFirst-Person
- 5
Assetto Corsa Competizione
Why it matched: both open world and atmospheric; shares 9 player tags including Racing, Automobile Sim and Simulation; released around the same time (2019).
Assetto Corsa Competizione, the official GT World Challenge videogame. Thanks to the extraordinary quality of simulation, you will experience the atmosphere of the GT3 championship. Compete against official drivers, teams, cars and official circuits reproduced to the highest quality ever seen.
Assetto Corsa Competizione at a glance Released 2019 Studio Kunos Simulazioni Player sentiment 93% positive of 48,018 Price $39.99 RacingAutomobile SimSimulationVRDrivingRealisticSportsController
- 6
GRID Autosport
Why it matched: both atmospheric; shares 9 player tags including Racing, Automobile Sim and Sports; published by the same company; released around the same time (2014).
It’s all about the teams, the rivals and the race as you become driver for hire, specialising in your favourite disciplines or conquering them all in an intense world of professional motorsport.
GRID Autosport at a glance Released 2014 Studio Codemasters Racing Player sentiment 78% positive of 8,728 Price Not listed RacingAutomobile SimSportsSimulationDrivingArcadeControllerRealistic
- 7
RIDE 4
Why it matched: both open world; shares 10 player tags including Racing, Sports and First-Person.
Are you ready to live the best gaming experience that a motorcycle fan can get? RIDE 4 will spark your competitive soul with hundreds of bikes, dozens of tracks and a whole new level of realism.
RIDE 4 at a glance Released 2020 Studio Milestone S.r.l. Player sentiment 83% positive of 12,391 Price $39.99 RacingSportsFirst-PersonSimulationThird PersonAutomobile SimDrivingVR
- 8
CarX Drift Racing Online
Why it matched: both open world; shares 9 player tags including Racing, Physics and Simulation; released around the same time (2017).
Master realistic drift physics, tune 120+ cars and drift online with up to 16 players across platforms. Compete in TOP-32, build unique setups and explore hundreds of community-made Workshop maps.
CarX Drift Racing Online at a glance Released 2017 Studio CarX Technologies, LLC Player sentiment 95% positive of 89,251 Price $16.99 RacingPhysicsSimulationAutomobile SimControllerVRArcadeRealistic
- 9
Forza Horizon 4
Why it matched: both open world and atmospheric; shares 9 player tags including Racing, Driving and Automobile Sim.
Dynamic seasons change everything at the world’s greatest automotive festival. Go it alone or team up with others to explore beautiful and historic Britain in a shared open world.
Forza Horizon 4 at a glance Released 2021 Studio Playground Games Player sentiment 91% positive of 303,167 Price Not listed RacingDrivingAutomobile SimRealisticControllerSimulationArcadeSports
- 10
Forza Horizon 5
Why it matched: both open world and atmospheric; shares 9 player tags including Racing, Driving and Automobile Sim.
Explore the vibrant open world landscapes of Mexico with limitless, fun driving action in the world’s greatest cars.
Forza Horizon 5 at a glance Released 2021 Studio Playground Games Player sentiment 89% positive of 279,979 Price $23.99 RacingDrivingAutomobile SimRealisticSimulationArcadeFirst-PersonSports
- 11
MudRunner
Why it matched: both open world and atmospheric; shares 8 player tags including Simulation, Automobile Sim and Driving; released around the same time (2017).
MudRunner is the ultimate off-road experience putting the players in the driver seat and dares them to take charge of incredible all-terrain vehicles, venturing across extreme Siberian landscapes with only a map and compass as guides!
MudRunner at a glance Released 2017 Studio Saber Interactive Player sentiment 92% positive of 44,003 Price $19.99 SimulationAutomobile SimDrivingRealisticPhysicsRacingFirst-PersonThird Person
- 12
Car Mechanic Simulator 2021
Why it matched: both open world and atmospheric; shares 8 player tags including Simulation, Automobile Sim and Realistic.
Work your way to a service empire. Get your hands dirty in a highly realistic simulation game that pays major attention to details. Pay a visit to a new Auction house and buy cars in various conditions. Expand your range of services by investing in a new work space and equipment.
Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 at a glance Released 2021 Studio Red Dot Games Player sentiment 96% positive of 38,510 Price $24.99 SimulationAutomobile SimRealisticDrivingRacingFirst-PersonVRIndie
- 13
Need for Speed Payback
Why it matched: both open world and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Racing, Controller and Sports; published by the same company; released around the same time (2017).
Set in the underworld of Fortune Valley, you and your crew were divided by betrayal and reunited by revenge to take down The House, a nefarious cartel that rules the city’s casinos, criminals and cops. In this corrupt gambler’s paradise, the stakes are high and The House always wins.
Need for Speed Payback at a glance Released 2017 Studio EA Gothenburg Player sentiment 85% positive of 32,277 Price $29.99 RacingControllerSportsArcadeThird PersonFirst-PersonSimulation
- 14
Need for Speed Heat
Why it matched: both open world and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Racing, Driving and Third Person; published by the same company; released around the same time (2019).
Hustle by day and risk it all at night in Need for Speed™ Heat Deluxe Edition, a white-knuckle street racer, where the lines of the law fade as the sun starts to set.
Need for Speed Heat at a glance Released 2019 Studio EA Gothenburg Player sentiment 84% positive of 153,208 Price $69.99 RacingDrivingThird PersonArcadeControllerSportsFirst-Person
- 15
Euro Truck Simulator
Why it matched: both open world and atmospheric; shares 8 player tags including Simulation, Automobile Sim and Driving; released around the same time (2013).
The original Euro Truck Simulator - the game which has become the classic of the genre and is still relevant today. The first truck simulation game in a European setting, with European long haul trucks!
Euro Truck Simulator at a glance Released 2013 Studio SCS Software Player sentiment 84% positive of 7,665 Price $4.99 SimulationAutomobile SimDrivingRealisticFirst-PersonIndieTrackIRThird Person
- 16
City Car Driving
Why it matched: both open world; shares 9 player tags including Simulation, Driving and Automobile Sim; released around the same time (2016).
City Car Driving – realistic car driving simulator, which will help you master the basic skills of the car driving in various traffic conditions, with plunging into the environment most closely resembling the real one.
City Car Driving at a glance Released 2016 Studio Forward Development, Ltd. Player sentiment 83% positive of 36,073 Price $24.99 SimulationDrivingAutomobile SimRealisticRacingVRFirst-PersonPhysics
- 17
The Crew 2
Why it matched: both open world and atmospheric; shares 8 player tags including Racing, Automobile Sim and Driving; released around the same time (2018).
Take on the American motorsports scene as you explore and dominate the land, air, and sea across the entire USA. New: play The Crew 2 offline or online with the new Hybrid mode, available now!
The Crew 2 at a glance Released 2018 Studio Ivory Tower Player sentiment 78% positive of 99,588 Price $29.99 RacingAutomobile SimDrivingArcadeFirst-PersonThird PersonSimulationSports
- 18
RaceRoom Racing Experience
Why it matched: shares 10 player tags including Racing, Automobile Sim and Realistic; released around the same time (2013).
RaceRoom is free to download and built on true-to-life physics and Force Feedback. Drive DTM, FIA WTCC, WTCR and a huge library of cars and tracks—including the most up-to-date Nordschleife. Jump in, race instantly, and expand your garage with a massive selection of content.
RaceRoom Racing Experience at a glance Released 2013 Studio KW Studios Player sentiment 76% positive of 28,036 Price Free RacingAutomobile SimRealisticDrivingSimulationPhysicsSportsController
- 19
Forza Motorsport
Why it matched: both open world; shares 10 player tags including Racing, Automobile Sim and Simulation.
Compete in over 500 cars on 30 world-famous tracks – now featuring the legendary Fujimi Kaido! Play the new 20th Anniversary Tour and obtain special rewards.
Forza Motorsport at a glance Released 2023 Studio Turn 10 Studios Player sentiment 51% positive of 12,730 Price $27.99 RacingAutomobile SimSimulationSportsDrivingFirst-PersonRealisticThird Person
- 20
F1 2020
Why it matched: shares 9 player tags including Racing, Simulation and Sports; published by the same company.
F1® 2020 allows you to create your F1® team for the very first time and race alongside the official teams and drivers. Alternatively, challenge your friends in new split-screen with casual race options for more relaxed racing. Compete on 22 circuits, with current and classic content.
F1 2020 at a glance Released 2020 Studio Codemasters Player sentiment 94% positive of 39,931 Price Not listed RacingSimulationSportsAutomobile SimDrivingRealisticControllerVR
- 21
SnowRunner
Why it matched: both open world and atmospheric; shares 8 player tags including Simulation, Automobile Sim and Driving.
Get ready for the next-generation off-road experience! Drive powerful vehicles and overcome extreme open environments to complete dozens of challenging missions solo or with up to 3 friends!
SnowRunner at a glance Released 2021 Studio Saber Interactive Player sentiment 90% positive of 55,755 Price $29.99 SimulationAutomobile SimDrivingRealisticFirst-PersonThird PersonRacingPhysics
- 22
Copa Petrobras de Marcas
Why it matched: both open world; shares 8 player tags including Racing, Automobile Sim and Simulation; released around the same time (2015).
COPA PETROBRAS DE MARCAS is a 100% free official game simulating the thrill of competing wheel-to-wheel with models from various automakers in some of the main Brazilian race tracks.
Copa Petrobras de Marcas at a glance Released 2015 Studio Reiza Studios Player sentiment 68% positive of 2,903 Price Free RacingAutomobile SimSimulationSportsControllerFirst-PersonDrivingArcade
- 23
Need for Speed
Why it matched: both open world; shares 8 player tags including Racing, Driving and Automobile Sim; published by the same company.
Ready to own the streets? Get behind the wheel of iconic cars and floor it through Ventura Bay, a sprawling urban playground. Explore overlapping stories as you build your reputation – and your dream car – and become the ultimate racing icon.
Need for Speed at a glance Released 2020 Studio Ghost Games Player sentiment 69% positive of 29,486 Price $29.99 RacingDrivingAutomobile SimArcadeSimulationThird PersonFirst-PersonController
- 24
High Octane Drift
Why it matched: both open world; shares 8 player tags including Racing, Automobile Sim and Driving; released around the same time (2016).
Enter the world of professional competitive drift and win online series amongst hundreds of other players to become the living legend. Buy, tune, trade, unite and conquer the drift scene.
High Octane Drift at a glance Released 2016 Studio Cruderocks Player sentiment 55% positive of 5,879 Price Not listed RacingAutomobile SimDrivingSimulationSportsControllerFirst-PersonArcade
Common questions
What game is most like Project CARS?
Project CARS 2, on the evidence we have. It made by the same studio, Slightly Mad Studios. That is a statement about overlap, not a promise you will like it as much: two games can share every tag and still feel different to play.
How is "similar to Project CARS" decided?
By overlap on the tags Steam players applied to each game, the formal genres, the themes both sit in, and whether the same studio made them. Tags carry the most weight because players write them, so they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are ignored: matching on "Singleplayer" is matching on nothing. Every entry below shows exactly what it matched on.
Are these ranked by quality?
No. They are ordered by how much they overlap with Project CARS. Where two games overlap equally, the better received one goes first, but that only moves a game a place or two. Each entry shows its own player sentiment so you can weigh that separately.
What else did the makers of Project CARS do?
Project CARS 2 is also from Slightly Mad Studios, and appears in the list below for that reason as well as on tag overlap.
Do you get paid for these recommendations?
No. The order is computed from tag and genre overlap and nothing else. No placement here can be bought, and a game appearing high on this page is a statement about resemblance rather than an endorsement.