Dirt 5 vs F1 Manager Black Friday 2026: Racing Game Picks

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Choosing between DIRT 5 and F1 Manager comes down to what you want to do on race day. Codemasters DIRT 5 puts you behind the wheel for quick off-road races, while Frontier Developments F1 Manager puts you in charge of the decisions behind a Formula One team. One is built around driving; the other is built around management.

For this Black Friday 2026 guide, we researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback across seven racing games. The list covers arcade action, team management, simulation and open-world driving, with picks for PlayStation and Xbox players. Here's the bottom line: match the game to your preferred play style first, then check platform compatibility and edition details before buying.

How We Picked

• Genre fit: We included games that give racing fans a distinct choice, from off-road arcade action to motorsport management.
• Useful features: We compared details such as car counts, race calendars, track options, split-screen and online play.
• Platform clarity: Each product entry names a console variant so shoppers can check compatibility before purchase.
• Player feedback: We researched and compared reviews and owner feedback for recurring strengths and drawbacks.
• Black Friday value: We prioritized games with enough depth or replay variety to suit a range of budgets and play styles.

Comparison Table

Product	Best for	Headline number	Core format	Platform
Codemasters DIRT 5 Standard Edition (PlayStation 5)	Arcade off-road and local multiplayer	4-player split-screen	Off-road racing	PlayStation 5
Frontier Developments F1 Manager (PlayStation 5)	Team strategy	24-race calendar	Motorsport management	PlayStation 5
Playground Games Forza Horizon 5 Standard Edition (Xbox Series X|S)	Open-world driving	500+ cars	Open-world racing	Xbox Series X|S
Polyphony Digital Gran Turismo 7 Standard Edition (PlayStation 5)	Circuit racing and car collecting	400+ cars	Circuit racing	PlayStation 5
Kunos Simulazioni Assetto Corsa Competizione (PlayStation 5)	GT simulation	11 official tracks	Circuit simulation	PlayStation 5
THQ Nordic Wreckfest (PlayStation 5)	Demolition racing	Up to 24 online players	Contact-heavy racing	PlayStation 5
Ubisoft The Crew Motorfest Standard Edition (PlayStation 5)	Festival events and vehicle variety	600+ vehicles	Playlist racing	PlayStation 5

Best Picks Reviewed

#1 · Top pick

Codemasters DIRT 5 Standard Edition (PlayStation 5)

The Codemasters DIRT 5 Standard Edition (PlayStation 5) is the best arcade off-road racer for players who want immediate action and couch multiplayer. The Codemasters DIRT 5 Standard Edition (PlayStation 5)'s 4-player split-screen makes local race nights easy to set up.

Best for: Arcade off-road racing and local multiplayer

Local split-screen

4 players

Locations

13

Car classes

10

Platform

PlayStation 5

Pros

• Accessible handling makes jumping into a race straightforward.
• Off-road events deliver a different feel from circuit racing.
• Four-player split-screen is a standout feature for shared play.

Cons

• Players seeking strict motorsport simulation should choose another game.

Is Codemasters DIRT 5 Standard Edition (PlayStation 5) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

Codemasters DIRT 5 Standard Edition (PlayStation 5) is worth considering for players who want energetic off-road racing and local multiplayer. The game supports 4-player split-screen and offers 13 locations, giving groups plenty of ways to race together.

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#2

Frontier Developments F1 Manager (PlayStation 5)

The Frontier Developments F1 Manager (PlayStation 5) is the best motorsport management game for players who want to run a team instead of driving every lap. The Frontier Developments F1 Manager (PlayStation 5)'s 24-race calendar gives each season a clear strategic structure.

Best for: Formula One team strategy and race management

Race calendar

24 races

Teams

10

Drivers

20

Platform

PlayStation 5

Pros

• Team decisions make race weekends feel strategic.
• Season planning adds long-term goals beyond individual races.
• A distinct alternative to conventional driving games.

Cons

• The management focus does not suit players who want constant wheel-to-wheel driving.

Is Frontier Developments F1 Manager (PlayStation 5) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

Frontier Developments F1 Manager (PlayStation 5) is a strong choice for fans who enjoy planning, team operations and race strategy. The Frontier Developments F1 Manager (PlayStation 5)'s 24-race calendar supports a full season structure, but players looking for direct driving action should choose a racing game instead.

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#3

Playground Games Forza Horizon 5 Standard Edition (Xbox Series X|S)

The Playground Games Forza Horizon 5 Standard Edition (Xbox Series X|S) is the best open-world racer for players who want varied events and broad car selection. The Playground Games Forza Horizon 5 Standard Edition (Xbox Series X|S)'s garage features more than 500 cars.

Best for: Open-world driving and a huge car collection

Cars

500+

Open-world regions

11 biomes

Platform

Xbox Series X|S

Game style

Open-world racing

Pros

• A large vehicle roster supports many driving preferences.
• Open-world events encourage exploration between races.
• Multiple event styles keep the experience varied.

Cons

• The open-world format is less focused than a dedicated circuit simulator.

Is Playground Games Forza Horizon 5 Standard Edition (Xbox Series X|S) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

Playground Games Forza Horizon 5 Standard Edition (Xbox Series X|S) is worth considering for players who want free-roaming races and a large vehicle roster. More than 500 cars and 11 biomes make it a versatile pick for varied driving sessions.

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#4

Polyphony Digital Gran Turismo 7 Standard Edition (PlayStation 5)

The Polyphony Digital Gran Turismo 7 Standard Edition (PlayStation 5) is the best circuit-focused pick for players who want car collecting and realistic racing. The Polyphony Digital Gran Turismo 7 Standard Edition (PlayStation 5)'s garage includes more than 400 cars.

Best for: Circuit racing, car collecting and realistic driving

Cars

400+

Track layouts

90+

Platform

PlayStation 5

VR support

PlayStation VR2

Pros

• A broad garage gives collectors plenty to pursue.
• Track racing puts precision and consistency at the centre.
• PlayStation VR2 support adds an optional immersive setup.

Cons

• The circuit focus offers less open-world freedom than some rivals.

Is Polyphony Digital Gran Turismo 7 Standard Edition (PlayStation 5) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

Polyphony Digital Gran Turismo 7 Standard Edition (PlayStation 5) is a strong pick for players who value circuit racing, car collecting and a realistic driving focus. The Polyphony Digital Gran Turismo 7 Standard Edition (PlayStation 5)'s 400-plus cars and 90-plus track layouts provide a substantial range of goals.

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#5

Kunos Simulazioni Assetto Corsa Competizione (PlayStation 5)

The Kunos Simulazioni Assetto Corsa Competizione (PlayStation 5) is the best focused GT racing simulator for players who value precision and racecraft. The Kunos Simulazioni Assetto Corsa Competizione (PlayStation 5)'s 11 official tracks put the emphasis on learning demanding circuits.

Best for: Focused GT circuit simulation

Official tracks

11

Driving focus

GT racing

Platform

PlayStation 5

Game style

Circuit simulation

Pros

• A concentrated GT focus rewards careful driving.
• Circuit practice builds familiarity and consistency.
• A good match for players who enjoy realistic racecraft.

Cons

• The narrower racing focus is less varied than an open-world game.

Is Kunos Simulazioni Assetto Corsa Competizione (PlayStation 5) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

Kunos Simulazioni Assetto Corsa Competizione (PlayStation 5) is a good choice for players who want dedicated GT circuit racing. The Kunos Simulazioni Assetto Corsa Competizione (PlayStation 5)'s 11 official tracks reward practice and precise driving, while its focused format is less suited to casual open-world exploration.

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#6

THQ Nordic Wreckfest (PlayStation 5)

The THQ Nordic Wreckfest (PlayStation 5) is the best demolition racer for players who want contact-heavy events and chaotic competition. The THQ Nordic Wreckfest (PlayStation 5)'s PlayStation 5 version supports up to 24 online players.

Best for: Demolition racing and high-contact multiplayer

Online players

Up to 24

Platform

PlayStation 5

Game style

Demolition racing

Race focus

Contact-heavy events

Pros

• Destructive races offer a distinct change of pace.
• Online races support large groups.
• The rough-and-ready style suits players who want less formal competition.

Cons

• The demolition focus is not a substitute for realistic circuit racing.

Is THQ Nordic Wreckfest (PlayStation 5) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

THQ Nordic Wreckfest (PlayStation 5) is worth a look for players who enjoy demolition events and unpredictable races. Support for up to 24 online players makes it a strong multiplayer option, especially for groups seeking a break from clean circuit competition.

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#7

Ubisoft The Crew Motorfest Standard Edition (PlayStation 5)

The Ubisoft The Crew Motorfest Standard Edition (PlayStation 5) is the best festival-style racer for players who want a large vehicle collection and a range of event playlists. The Ubisoft The Crew Motorfest Standard Edition (PlayStation 5)'s selection includes more than 600 vehicles.

Best for: Festival racing and vehicle variety

Vehicles

600+

Platform

PlayStation 5

Event format

Playlists

Setting

Oahu

Pros

• A large collection spans different vehicle types.
• Playlists give events distinct themes.
• The island setting adds exploration between activities.

Cons

• Players seeking a dedicated single-discipline simulator should look elsewhere.

Is Ubisoft The Crew Motorfest Standard Edition (PlayStation 5) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

Ubisoft The Crew Motorfest Standard Edition (PlayStation 5) is a good fit for players who want festival-style events and broad vehicle variety. The Ubisoft The Crew Motorfest Standard Edition (PlayStation 5)'s 600-plus vehicles and themed playlists add range, while its island setting gives players room to explore between races.

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Which is better, DIRT 5 or F1 Manager?

Codemasters DIRT 5 is the better choice for direct racing, while Frontier Developments F1 Manager is the better choice for strategic team management. The key difference is control: DIRT 5 puts you in the driver’s seat, and F1 Manager puts you in charge of decisions across a race season.

Choose DIRT 5 if you want quick off-road events, varied terrain and a 4-player split-screen mode for local sessions. The handling is built for accessible arcade action rather than strict simulation. Choose F1 Manager if you enjoy planning race weekends, managing team priorities and following a 24-race calendar. Driving skill matters less than the decisions you make around the race. Worth it for most players? The right pick is the one that matches how you want to spend your time: racing laps or running a team.

Which racing game offers the best value for Black Friday 2026?

Codemasters DIRT 5, THQ Nordic Wreckfest and Playground Games Forza Horizon 5 each offer a different kind of replay value for Black Friday 2026. DIRT 5 stands out for local multiplayer, Wreckfest for demolition events and Forza Horizon 5 for open-world variety.

Think beyond the initial purchase and consider how often you will return to the game. A multiplayer title can earn more play time when friends join in, while a simulator suits players who enjoy improving their lines and lap consistency. Check the exact edition, console version and included content before buying. The same game can have separate platform listings, and add-on content is not always part of a standard edition.

Which racing game should PlayStation and Xbox owners choose?

PlayStation 5 owners can choose DIRT 5, Gran Turismo 7, Assetto Corsa Competizione, Wreckfest or The Crew Motorfest, while Xbox Series X|S owners can choose Forza Horizon 5. Frontier Developments F1 Manager is listed here for PlayStation 5.

Start by matching the product listing to the console you own. Cross-generation naming and edition labels can make listings look similar even when the included platform differs. Gran Turismo 7 also stands out for PlayStation VR2 support, while DIRT 5 offers local split-screen for four players. For a shared household, those practical details can matter as much as driving style. Review the listing’s platform, edition and any compatibility notes before completing your order.

Is DIRT 5 better for multiplayer than F1 Manager?

Codemasters DIRT 5 is the stronger choice for playing races together, with 4-player split-screen, while Frontier Developments F1 Manager is centered on one player managing a team. The games serve different social and strategic preferences rather than competing on the same kind of multiplayer.

DIRT 5 suits a living-room setup where friends want to pick a vehicle and race on one screen. F1 Manager suits players who enjoy discussing race plans, team choices and season outcomes, even when they are playing solo. For online groups, compare the multiplayer details of the exact product edition and platform. A game’s local split-screen support does not automatically mean the same number of online players.

Do racing games work with a steering wheel?

Gran Turismo 7 and Assetto Corsa Competizione are strong steering-wheel picks because their circuit-focused driving rewards smooth inputs and careful control. DIRT 5 takes a more arcade-oriented approach, while F1 Manager focuses on team decisions instead of steering.

Check the wheel model’s console compatibility before buying a game or accessory. Wheel support, force feedback and button mapping depend on both the game and the hardware. A controller remains a practical choice for arcade racers and management games, while a wheel-and-pedal setup makes more sense for players committed to simulation. Gran Turismo 7 also supports PlayStation VR2, giving eligible players another option for an immersive setup.

Buying Guide

Choose a driving style

Pick DIRT 5 for fast off-road action, F1 Manager for team decisions, Gran Turismo 7 or Assetto Corsa Competizione for circuit simulation, and Forza Horizon 5 for open-world driving. Genre fit matters more than a long feature list.

Confirm the console version

Match the product listing to your console before buying. PlayStation and Xbox editions are separate, and platform-specific features can differ. Read the edition name and compatibility details carefully.

Look at multiplayer needs

DIRT 5 supports 4-player split-screen, while Wreckfest supports up to 24 online players on PlayStation 5. Check whether you want local play, online competition or a solo-focused experience.

Compare editions and included content

Standard and expanded editions can include different add-ons. Check the store or retailer listing for included content, platform, and any bonus vehicles or tracks before choosing.

Match accessories to the game

A compatible steering wheel pairs best with a driving-focused racer. Management games such as F1 Manager work well with a standard controller, while PlayStation VR2 is an option for Gran Turismo 7 players.

FAQ

Is DIRT 5 or F1 Manager better for casual players?

Codemasters DIRT 5 is the easier fit for casual players who want to start racing quickly, with accessible off-road events and 4-player split-screen. Frontier Developments F1 Manager suits players who enjoy planning and team strategy more than direct driving.

Can you play DIRT 5 with friends locally?

Yes. Codemasters DIRT 5 Standard Edition (PlayStation 5) supports 4-player split-screen, making it a solid choice for local racing sessions. Check the exact platform listing before buying, since supported features can vary across console editions.

Is F1 Manager a racing game or a management game?

Frontier Developments F1 Manager is primarily a motorsport management game. Players make team and race strategy decisions across a 24-race calendar rather than focusing on direct, continuous driving. Choose it for planning, not arcade-style wheel-to-wheel action.

Which game has the most cars on this list?

Ubisoft The Crew Motorfest Standard Edition (PlayStation 5) leads this list with more than 600 vehicles. Playground Games Forza Horizon 5 Standard Edition (Xbox Series X|S) offers more than 500 cars, while Gran Turismo 7 features more than 400.

Which game is best for realistic circuit racing?

Polyphony Digital Gran Turismo 7 is a strong all-round choice for circuit racing and car collecting. Kunos Simulazioni Assetto Corsa Competizione is a more focused GT simulation pick for players who prioritize precision, practice and racecraft.

What should I check before buying a racing game on Black Friday 2026?

Check the console platform, edition name, included content and multiplayer features before buying. Confirm compatibility for steering wheels or VR accessories separately. Those details help ensure the game matches your setup and preferred way to race.