Sim Racing Beginner Guide
A complete beginner-friendly guide that explains how to start sim racing, including equipment choices, software, setup tips, driving technique basics, and upgrade recommendations.
Introduction
Sim racing is an accessible and immersive way to experience motorsport from home. This guide covers everything you need to get started with your first setup, improve your driving skills, and understand which equipment is worth buying.
What You Need to Start Sim Racing
A PC or Console
- PC offers the widest game selection and upgrade options.
- PlayStation and Xbox are more affordable but limited in peripherals.
- Most beginners can start with a mid-range gaming PC.
A Wheel & Pedals
- The most important part of your setup.
- Direct drive wheels offer the best force feedback but aren't mandatory.
- Beginner budget range: Logitech G923, Thrustmaster T248.
A Cockpit or Stable Desk
- A solid mount for the wheel is essential to avoid flex.
- A dedicated cockpit is ideal but not required.
- Sturdy desk mounts work for starter wheels.
Choosing Your First Wheel
Gear-Driven (Beginner Level)
- Affordable and easy to find.
- Lower force feedback detail.
- Examples: Logitech G29/G923.
Belt-Driven (Mid-Range)
- Smoother, stronger force feedback.
- Great value for beginners aiming to improve.
- Examples: Thrustmaster T300, Moza R5 (entry DD).
Direct Drive (High-End)
- Strong, precise force feedback with maximum realism.
- Future-proof and ideal for long-term progression.
- Examples: Fanatec CSL DD, Moza R9, Simagic Alpha Mini.
Pedals: The Most Important Upgrade
Why Pedals Matter
- Consistency and control come mostly from braking.
- Load-cell pedals help you brake by pressure, not distance.
- Even beginners should prioritize good pedals early on.
Recommended Pedals
- Beginner: Logitech / Thrustmaster stock pedals.
- Mid-range: Thrustmaster T-LCM, Fanatec CSL Load Cell.
- High-end: Heusinkveld Sprint, Asetek Forte.
Choosing Your Display: Monitor or VR?
Single / Ultrawide Monitor
- Most affordable and easiest to set up.
- Ultrawide gives a more immersive field of view.
- Ideal for beginners learning racecraft.
Triple Screens
- Best situational awareness.
- Perfect for competitive racing.
- Requires more space and GPU power.
Virtual Reality (VR)
- Maximum immersion and depth perception.
- Higher hardware demands.
- Can be tiring for long sessions.
Choosing Your First Sim Racing Game
Assetto Corsa (AC)
- Huge modding community.
- Great for road cars, drifting, and variety.
- Best beginner flexibility.
Assetto Corsa Competizione (ACC)
- The best GT3/GT4 simulation.
- Ideal for structured learning.
- Amazing force feedback and physics.
iRacing
- Subscription-based competitive platform.
- Strong online community and ranking system.
- More expensive, but the best for serious racers.
F1 Series
- Great for fans of Formula 1.
- Accessible with a strong career mode.
- More “simcade” but still rewarding.
Basic Setup Tips
Wheel Settings
- Match the steering rotation to the car (e.g., 900° for road cars, 540° for GT3).
- Avoid overly strong force feedback at the start.
- Use recommended profiles from developers or communities.
Pedal Setup
- Adjust brake deadzone to zero.
- Use a firm brake pedal to improve consistency.
- Practice trail braking early—it dramatically improves lap times.
Driving Position
- Arms should be slightly bent at 9–3 hand position.
- Sit low with a clear view over the wheel.
- Replicate real-world driving posture if possible.
Driving Basics: How to Improve Quickly
Braking
- Brake in a straight line before turning.
- Use trail braking to rotate the car.
- Consistency > late braking as a beginner.
Cornering
- Slow in, fast out.
- Look ahead to the apex and exit.
- Use the full width of the track.
Throttle Control
- Smooth inputs prevent oversteer.
- Gradually apply throttle through corner exits.
- Avoid snapping the wheel when accelerating.
Best First Upgrades
Priority Upgrades
- Load-cell pedals → biggest performance improvement.
- Direct drive wheel (if starting from gear-driven).
- Sturdier cockpit or mounting solution.
Optional Upgrades
- Button box for endurance racing.
- ButtKicker or haptic system for immersion.
- Better monitor or VR headset.
Final Tips for Beginners
Key Advice
- Start with affordable gear—skill matters more than hardware.
- Focus on consistency over raw speed.
- Join beginner-friendly online communities.
- Record your laps and study mistakes.