Simracing for beginners: where to start

Simracing means virtual racing where what counts is driving a car realistically, not taking arcade shortcuts. If you dream about getting into simulators but do not know where to start, this guide walks you through the basics. We will show you what gear you need and how to try it without spending a fortune up front.

What simracing is and how it differs from arcade games

Simracing, or racing simulation, is built on a faithful reproduction of physics: tyre grip, weight transfer and how the suspension works. Unlike arcade games, where you can hold the throttle to the floor, here you have to brake with feel and pick your racing line. It is exactly that fidelity that makes many drivers treat simulators as training before a real track.

Popular titles for beginners include Assetto Corsa, Gran Turismo, Le Mans Ultimate and iRacing. Each one lets you start with forgiving cars and move up to faster machinery step by step.

Where to start: gear for a beginner

The basics are a wheel with force feedback, a set of pedals and a stable stand or cockpit. A pad will work too, but it is the wheel that gives you the full feel for what the car is doing. Direct drive systems dominate the market today, and they pass on the forces from the track far more accurately than older belt-driven units.

Before you spend a few thousand zloty, set a budget and check whether simracing will hold you for the long haul. A good strategy is to start with a rig built around one wheel and add the other pieces, a load cell brake for instance, only once you feel the need.

Where to test simracing without buying gear

Best to get a feel for a simulator before you invest in your own. At Kinguin Esports Lounge in Gdansk there are three MOZA Racing R5 simracing rigs set on Yumisu cockpits, with an F1-style wheel or a truck set to choose from. Prices start from PLN 20 for 15 minutes, so the barrier to entry is low.

A test like that lets you compare different setups and check whether you prefer light race cars or heavy trucks, before you commit to a rig of your own.

First settings and good habits

To start, set the wheel to around 900 degrees of rotation for road cars and less for formula machinery. Turn the racing line on as an aid, then gradually switch it off. Practise smooth braking and watch where you are losing time on a lap.

Do not compare yourself to the best straight away. Regular short sessions do more for you than hours-long marathons once a week.

Frequently asked questions