NASCAR 25 is the official NASCAR-licensed sim racing video game developed and published by iRacing Studios, marking the first console NASCAR title in nearly five years and iRacing's debut in standalone console gaming.
Released on October 14, 2025, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S (with early access for Gold Edition pre-orders starting October 10), it launched digitally only—no physical discs. The PC version via Steam followed on November 11, 2025.
Key Features
- All Four National Series: Includes the ARCA Menards Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series, Craftsman Truck Series, and Cup Series—the first game to feature all in one title, with over 150 licensed drivers and 400+ paint schemes.
- Career Mode: Start in a backyard shop in ARCA and climb to multi-time Cup champion. Includes staff hiring, car upgrades, social media feeds with real NASCAR personalities (e.g., Jeff Gluck, NASCARCASM), and "Turning Points" narrated by Dale Earnhardt Jr.
- Gameplay Modes: Quick Race, Championship, Online Multiplayer, and deep customization (custom cars, suits, helmets, haulers with hundreds of sponsor logos).
- Tech & Physics: Built on Unreal Engine with laser-scanned tracks/cars from iRacing's sim roots (inheriting code from legendary NASCAR Racing 2003 Season). Tunable AI, realistic drafting, damage, and high-speed pack racing. Supports wheels/controllers well, with PC offering modding and sharper visuals.
- DLC/Editions: Season Pass ($24.99) adds 200+ paint schemes and bonuses; Gold Edition bundles it with early access.
Reception & Sales
It sold over 100,000 console units in October 2025 alone, cracking Top 10 best-sellers on Xbox (4th in grossing) and PlayStation (9th in new releases). Reviews are "mixed or average" on Metacritic—praised for authentic on-track feel, AI, and oval chaos (e.g., 5-wide at Talladega), but criticized for bugs (yellow flags, penalties), bare-bones features, and replay systems. IGN called it strong in core racing but with room for growth; Reddit users say it's phenomenal in clean lobbies but chaotic online.
Other Notes
- Cover athlete: William Byron.
- Events: NASCAR 25 Creator Series on Twitch with pros/streamers launched post-release.
- It's not from EA Sports (their NASCAR era ended in 2009); iRacing took the license from Motorsport Games in 2023.
If you're asking about the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season instead (which just crowned Kyle Larson as champion on November 2), let me know—that's a separate topic! The game is available now on consoles and PC.
