We’ll start this article on the downside. Horse racing games do not get the same love from developers as other games, and that’s a fact.
We don’t see many new releases, and the overall gameplay experience falls short compared to other gaming titles like Red Dead Redemption 2, and horse racing games are still far from being realistic.
But let’s move all that to the side, and focus on the positive things. Even though there aren’t many horse racing games on the market, there are some hidden jewels that managed to sneak through, that are actually really good.
So, what makes a good horse racing game?
Well, the idea is to play the game just to get a feeling of what is like to become a jockey or a racehorse owner. The game should include all the things that are happening in the background from breeding to training and of course racing.
On top of that it should have realistic mechanics and graphics that will allow horse racing enthusiasts to fully immerse themselves in the experience. And let’s not forget about betting. Most advanced horse racing games have their own betting system with odds just like the one explained on TwinSpires.
So, which are the games that hit all of these markers and are they available on PS5?
Let’s find out.
Best Horse Racing Games for PS5
Phar Lap Horse Racing Challenge
Phar Lap Horse Racing Challenge is probably one of the most popular horse racing games on PS5 by PikPok and distributed by Home Entertainment Supplies. Despite the fact that neither company is well-known in the gaming world, they were able to provide a high-quality horse racing game.
The graphics are the most satisfying aspect of Phar Lap. It appears that they spent a significant amount of time creating horses and racetracks in order to provide fans with a more realistic experience.
What distinguishes Phar Lap is its scope beyond horse racing. This game dives into the intricate workings of horse racing behind the scenes.
It covers a wide range of topics, from the careful art of horse breeding to the construction of your own stable to the hands-on training of your equine friends.
The gameplay is very enjoyable since, in addition to riding, you may manage your farm, and stable, and oversee your horses' training, as well as the horse racing calendar if you have the clout. A well-rounded game for the sport with some well-thought-out courses and a genuine effort to make the racing seem as genuine as possible.
Winning Post 10
Winning Post has been the most constant horse racing video game brand, and the latest addition this year celebrates the franchise's 30th anniversary. Koei Temco created the game, which is without a doubt one of the greatest horse racing games available right now.
Winning Post 10's biggest feature is the enormous variety of various aspects that are genuine depictions of real-world horse racing. Breeding, training, financial management, betting, and other activities are available. The realism of the betting simulator is probably the most shocking aspect. It is a flawless betting system, exactly as in real life.
This is one of the latest horse racing games ever released, but don’t get too excited. It is still far from today’s gaming standards. It is worth mentioning, that although Winning Post 10 is their best game so far, the game does not come in English for PS5. So, if you want to play an English horse racing game, you should go for Winning Post 8, since the new ones are in Japanese.
My Little Riding Champion
This game differs from the others in that the emphasis is on getting to know your horse and being able to nurture and train it. Once you have done that you can go out and race for your club and win medals.
The center was previously well known for its riding club, participating in all the local competitions and winning a fair number of them.
However, following the death of the original owner (her uncle), things began to deteriorate and local rivals began to dominate.
This is your primary focus in the game. You must repair the center and make it suitable for participation in contests with your riding club once more.
There are side tasks like racing club members and village jobs to keep things interesting, and it's also wonderful that you may explore a lot outside of the main plot.
The visuals are quite impressive, as one would expect from a next-generation console, but it also allows for a more competent knowledge of the world of horse ownership and the obligations that come with it. People who want to watch horse racing but aren't interested in competing should watch this.
Horse Club Adventures 2
Horse Club Adventures 2 is yet another choice in the area of open-world adventure horse games for the PlayStation 5.
However, in the area of the greatest horse games on PS5, this title has much to offer.
If you get a glimpse of the gameplay, you’ll find out that this is hardly the most graphically sophisticated game you'll play on the PS5.
The visual style is evocative of a toy approach, with brilliant and cheery colors that are maybe more suited to a beach-themed game, yet it works.
It is mostly centered on single-player narrative mode, which is acceptable given that this is a casual relaxing game in which you may explore the landscape with your horse.
