Sim racing games have grown in popularity, with more people looking to participate in thrilling virtual racing experiences from the comfort of their living rooms. There’s a reason for this, let me quickly explain.
As technology improves, game graphics get better and better. You can load up the Best Sim Racing Game right now and face an experience that’s similar to physically being on the track. No need for an actual car, no need for any costs.
For beginners, finding the perfect sim racing game might be a daunting task, given the numerous options available in the market. This article aims to provide guidance for those seeking the best sim racing games tailored to the needs of beginners.
In choosing the ideal sim racing game, various factors must be considered, such as ease of use, realistic physics, and accessibility of features. A game that caters to these aspects will most likely offer a smooth onboarding process, allowing newcomers to learn the ropes and hone their virtual driving skills quickly. Furthermore, an engaging game experience is crucial in retaining the interests of beginners.
A few prominent sim racing games excel in addressing these criteria, proving to be suitable for novices, while still delivering an immersive and exciting racing environment. In the following sections, we shall delve into these options, elaborating on their key features and why they emerge as the perfect choices for beginners venturing into the world of sim racing.
Understanding Sim Racing Games
What Is Sim Racing
Sim racing, short for simulation racing, is a genre of video games that replicates real-world motor racing events. These games offer a realistic and authentic racing experience, aiming to simulate vehicle physics, tracks, and competition rules accurately. Players can engage in a wide range of racing disciplines, such as touring cars, open-wheel racing, and endurance events.
Why Start with a Beginner-Friendly Game
For those new to sim racing, it is crucial to begin with games that cater to beginners. These games typically offer accessible controls, tutorials, and various assists to help newcomers get acquainted with racing simulations. Starting with a beginner-friendly game allows players to build a solid foundation, gradually improving their racing skills and progressing to more advanced titles over time.
Some of the features that make a game beginner-friendly include:
- Customisable driving assists: Games with adjustable driving assists allow newcomers to learn the ropes without being overwhelmed. For example, players can enable options such as traction control, stability control, and braking assists while they become more comfortable with the game.
- Multiple difficulty levels: A well-designed sim racing game should cater to players of all skill levels. Beginner-friendly titles often feature multiple difficulty settings, enabling newcomers to hone their abilities before tackling more challenging races.
- Controller support: As not all beginners have access to a dedicated racing wheel, a beginner-friendly sim racing game should offer robust controller support. This enables new players to enjoy the game even without specialised racing hardware.
By choosing a beginner-friendly sim racing game, players can ease their way into the genre, building their confidence and ability to tackle its myriad of challenges.
Top Sim Racing Games for Beginners
Assetto Corsa Competizione (My Personal Pick)
Assetto Corsa is an excellent choice for beginners, as it offers a user-friendly interface and a vast library of cars and tracks. The game provides realistic driving physics and customisability, allowing players to tweak various aspects such as tyre pressure, suspension and more.
Assetto Corsa Competizione Day One Edition (PS5)
4 used from £59.99
Features
- Day One Edition includes the 2020 GT WORLD CHALLENGE PACK DLC adds a new track, two new cars and more than 60 new liveries
- Experience true next-generation gaming with increased visual fidelity through 4K graphics, and 60FPS for a faster and smoother race experience
- 2021 Liveries: Updated liveries from the 2021 season
- Fully Immersive Simulation: Race like a real GT World Challenge driver, with options to configure tyres, chassis, engine set up, and more
- New-Generation Graphics & Visual Effects: Photorealistic weather conditions and multi-channel audio sampling to create that authentic GT racing experience
Assetto Corsa also supports various input devices, including racing wheels, gamepads and keyboards, providing a seamless experience for newcomers to sim racing.
I’ve lost track of the amount of hours I’ve put into ACC. Just look at the graphics compared to real-life. It’s my personal pick, as the gameplay is just fantastic. My favourite series of car is actually Formula 1, but Online there are so many bugs that it ruins the experience. Assetto doesn’t have these, it’s a perfect racer.
Project Cars 2
Project Cars 2 is a popular sim racing game known for its impressive graphics, realistic physics, and extensive selection of cars and tracks. The game features dynamic weather conditions, which adds an extra layer of immersion and challenge for beginners.
Moreover, its career mode offers well-structured progression, helping new players learn the ropes of sim racing as they advance.
Forza Motorsport 7
Forza Motorsport 7 is a versatile racing game that suits both casual and sim racing enthusiasts. The game strikes a balance between accessibility and realism by offering user-friendly driving assists to help beginners acclimatise themselves. Forza Motorsport 7 boasts an extensive car roster, various track locations and a dynamic weather system, providing a diverse and engaging experience for newcomers.
Gran Turismo Sport
Gran Turismo Sport is well-known for its racing academy, which teaches beginner players essential driving techniques and track knowledge. The game includes realistic driving physics and stunning visuals, immersing players in the world of sim racing. Gran Turismo Sport features a wide variety of cars and tracks, as well as online multiplayer and a single-player career mode, providing an all-around sim racing experience for newcomers.
Features to Consider
Realism and Physics
When choosing the best sim racing game for beginners, it is important to consider the level of realism and physics simulation. A good balance between realism and accessibility is crucial for new players. Some games focus on providing a highly realistic driving experience, which can be challenging for beginners but rewarding as they improve their skills. For instance:
- Assetto Corsa offers a highly detailed physics engine and accurate car handling.
- Project CARS 2 provides a wide range of driving conditions, dynamic weather, and realistic tyre wear.
Controller Support
Another factor to consider is controller support. Sim racing games should be compatible with various types of input devices, such as:
- Steering wheels and pedals
- Gamepad controllers
- Keyboard and mouse
It is essential that the game provides seamless integration and customisation options for these devices, allowing new players to choose their preferred control method. Examples of games with excellent controller support include:
- Forza Motorsport 7, which supports a wide range of steering wheel devices and gamepad controllers.
- Gran Turismo Sport, which offers advanced customisation options for controller settings.
Graphics and Performance
Finally, graphics and performance should also be taken into account when selecting the best sim racing game for beginners. High-quality graphics and smooth performance can improve the overall gaming experience and help players fully immerse themselves in the virtual racing world. Some games known for impressive visuals and stable performance are:
- F1 2021, which boasts stunning graphics and optimised performance across various platforms.
- Dirt Rally 2.0, known for its detailed environments and diverse track locations.
Learning Resources
Guides and Tutorials
For beginners in sim racing, there are numerous guides and tutorials available online that cover a wide range of topics from setup and configuration to racing techniques and strategies. Some of the most popular resources include:
- YouTube channels: Many sim racing enthusiasts create video content to share their knowledge and help newcomers learn the ropes. Examples of popular channels include Sim Racing Garage, Driver61, and Chris Haye.
- Sim racing websites and blogs: Various websites and blogs such as VirtualR or RaceDepartment offer articles, guides, and tutorials on different aspects of sim racing, including hardware and software recommendations, and racing techniques.
- Racing simulators’ official forums: Most sim racing games have dedicated forums where users can discuss, share tips, and provide tutorials on various aspects of the game. This is useful for learning more about specific sim racing titles like iRacing, Assetto Corsa, or Project Cars.
Sim Racing Communities
Connecting with other sim racers and joining communities can also be a valuable resource for beginners. These communities provide a platform for sim racers to share their experiences, ask questions, and receive feedback on their performances. Some recommended sim racing communities include:
- Discord servers: There are numerous sim racing Discord servers where racers can join to chat with fellow enthusiasts, share their setups, and participate in organised events.
- Facebook groups: Networking with other sim racers on Facebook can be beneficial for beginners, as there are various groups dedicated to assisting newcomers and offering advice on numerous topics.
- Reddit: The sim racing subreddit (r/simracing) is an active community where users share their experiences, discuss sim racing news, and ask for advice on various topics related to sim racing.
- Online forums: Websites like RaceDepartment or Inside Sim Racing offer active forums where sim racers can engage in discussions on various topics, such as hardware configuration, racing techniques, and virtual racing leagues.
By utilising these learning resources and being actively involved in sim racing communities, beginners can acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to progress in the world of sim racing.
Keep Improving Your Skills
Sim racing games can be both enjoyable and challenging for beginners. To become a skilled sim racer, constant practice and learning are crucial. In this section, we will discuss some steps to help you improve your skills in sim racing games.
Firstly, it is essential to familiarise yourself with the game’s controls and features. Spend time exploring the in-game settings, adjusting the force feedback, sensitivity, and other customisation options to your liking. This will help you feel more confident when controlling your virtual vehicle.
Another essential aspect of improving your skills is learning the tracks. Study the layout, turns, and elevation changes of each circuit in-depth. You can also watch videos of real-life races or other experienced sim racers to gain insights into the best racing lines and breaking points.
Here are some additional tips for improving your sim racing skills:
- Practice consistently: Set aside dedicated practice sessions to focus on specific aspects of your driving, such as cornering, braking, or throttle control.
- Learn car setups: Experiment with various car setups to find what works best for your driving style and the specific track conditions.
- Join online communities: Engage with other sim racers through forums, social media groups, or online multiplayer events. This can be a great way to learn from more experienced drivers and receive valuable feedback.
Another useful tool for improving your skills is utilising telemetry data. Many sim racing games offer built-in telemetry software or support third-party telemetry tools, allowing you to analyse your laps and compare them to faster drivers. By identifying areas for improvement, such as braking points, acceleration, or corner entry and exit speeds, you can make targeted improvements in your driving.
In summary, consistent practice, learning tracks, adjusting car setups, engaging with other sim racers, and using telemetry data can all contribute to steady improvement in your sim racing skills. So, keep striving to refine your skills, and you’ll become a better sim racer over time.