Getting started with sim racing
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It may seem obvious but you'll need a gaming device like a PC, Playstation or XBOX and a screen plus the racing game to get started.
The easiest way to get into racing is to use a console like an XBOX or Playstation with games like Forza or Gran Turismo however if you get bitten by the bug you'll likely want to swap to PC sim racing as the options for hardware and software configurations are far greater.
Skip to the good bits?
You can start off using a game controller or keyboard but with any of the mentioned devices, you'll find it much easier if you invest in a steering wheel and pedals setup. These are available for PC, Playstation and XBOX with some brands allowing for the same hardware to work across any like the Logitech G G923 (XBOX PC version | Playstation version) which is great for a tighter budget and some flexibility.
Depending on the device you choose, most of the racing games are available across each platform, for the PC it makes the most sense to use the Steam gaming platform. Steam keeps all of your gaming purchases in one place meaning if you upgrade or swap PC's you can download already purchased games without needing physical copies or forgetting where you purchased a game from, updates are also handled for you as well as discounts given your spending with one vendor.
Console vs PC
Console gaming can be very much described as plug and play and by that what we mean is there is little configuration possible with the hardware and the software options are limited to within the relevant game but you can get setup and start having fun quickly. PC sim setups are the complete opposite with a huge variety of hardware configurations possible from multiple screens to multiple wheel and pedal combinations along side handbrake, gearstick and feedback modules all of which can be configured to maximise the realism. Depending on your budget and how serious you want to get into sim racing you might want to go straight into PC sim racing or if it's just a bit of fun you can save 10's of thousands by sticking with a console setup.
If you decide to opt to go straight for a PC sim setup then be warned, there is a steep learning curve because there are so many options available at almost every stage from the PC specification, monitor setup and in-game configuration options. Read our article about getting started with PC Sim Racing for more information.
What racing game should I start with?
If you're interested in having fun in a more arcade style of racing games you're looking at games like Forza Motorsport or Gran Turismo which are very highly regarded racing games but not the best sim racing games on the market. Available across all devices you can still hone your driving skill on either console or PC with these games and be assured that the quality of the game is high with few bugs and plenty of expansion packs available if you wish to add more tracks or cars to your choices menu.
If you'd like to learn more about certain titles, read our reviews of the following racing games:
How much does it cost?
Currently the cheapest racing wheel and pedal set available is called Subsonic Superdrive that's compatible with PC and consoles and is at the time of writing under £60. However, the majority consider the best entry level steering wheel and pedal set to be the Logitech G29 Driving Force Racing Wheel and Floor Pedals which at the time of writing can be bought for £224.99.
Beyond this the choices and prices are very varied with professional setups upwards of £20,000 when you consider an aluminium rig, hydraulic pedals and direct drive force feedback wheels not to mention bucket racing seats, triple monitors and a gaming PC that can take the sim racing setup in it's stride. So set yourself a budget and enjoy the progress of getting better and upgrading your hardware and skills at the same time.
What should I do next?
At this point you have some decisions to make, where are you going to setup in your home, whether you are going to use a PC, XBOX or Playstation and then what games you're going to start enjoying. While you're thinking about those decisions there are some more articles that might help you decide so take a look at: