Best Wheels for rFactor 2

Since its challenging start in 2013, rFactor 2 has evolved into a hidden gem, offering a thrilling and authentic racing experience with continuous updates, downloadable mods, and meticulously crafted tracks. The addition of ranked multiplayer racing further enhances its appeal.

To get the most out of the game, integrating a high-quality racing wheel is essential, although not exactly easy. So, to help you out in this area, we've put together a list that focuses on direct drive-compatible wheels that offer precise replication of in-game physics and track nuances, along with additional buttons for easy adjustment of settings. The goal is to help you find the best wheel for rFactor 2 based on your needs and setup.

From premium options like the MOZA RS V2 to budget-friendly choices like the Thrustmaster T248, our list caters to varying preferences and budgets, making it an excellent starting point for elevating your rFactor 2 experience.

Best wheels for rFactor 2

1. Fanatec ClubSport Steering Wheel Formula V2.5 - a superb well-rounded option
2. Thrustmaster T248 - a great budget alternative
3. Logitech G923 - the best mid-range choice
4. MOZA RS V2 - a top-tier, premium racing wheel

Credit: Fanatec

1. Fanatec ClubSport Steering Wheel Formula V2.5

Best racing wheel for rFactor 2 overall

Let's start our list with the impressive Fanatec ClubSport Formula V2.5 racing wheel, which is packed with Fanatec's most advanced innovations and technology to date.

This wheel is equipped with a distinctive OLED display and an LED Rev counter, ensuring precise gear shifting through the use of the pre-installed, precision-engineered CNC-machined aluminum ClubSport Magnetic Paddle Module.

Additionally, it has an array of additional controls, featuring 11 buttons, 12-way multi-position switches, thumb encoders, and toggle switches. In fact, Fanatec proudly offers the flexibility to customize and access up to 67 in-game functions directly from the wheel itself, once it's configured to your preferences.

Crafted with exceptional attention to detail, Fanatec has also employed a robust 5mm-thick carbon fiber front plate, enhancing grip and longevity using genuine Alcantara material. Additionally, it's designed to accommodate upgrades, allowing you to install a direct drive wheel base and F1-style clutch paddles. Furthermore, it's future-proofed for integration with Fanatec's QR2 quick-release system.

It's worth noting that this product is the wheel rim only, so if you don't already possess one, you'll need a compatible wheel base to complete your setup. We recommend complementing it with the CSL Direct Drive for an exceptional racing experience.

Read More: Best sim racing deals

Credit: Thrustmaster

2. Thrustmaster T248

Best budget wheel for rFactor 2

If you're seeking a slightly cheaper option, the Thrustmaster T248 could be the perfect wheel for you as it's arguably one of the best budget racing wheels for serious sim racing enthusiasts.

Thrustmaster proudly claims that the T248 offers 70% more power than its previous TMX series. It boasts a unique HYBRID DRIVE system, combining belt and gear mechanisms, to provide robust and lifelike force feedback that adds versatility to your racing experience.

Also, the wheel allows you to conveniently adjust the force feedback settings on the fly, letting you create and use your own presets. Additionally, Thrustmaster includes 3 preset modes as standard for your convenience.

The wheel offers excellent control during gameplay, equipped with 25 action buttons, including 2 dual-position encoders. Furthermore, the shifter and pedal set come with Thrustmaster's patented H.E.A.R.T technology, ensuring instant responsiveness that remains consistent over time.

Considering all its features and budget-friendly price, the Thrustmaster T248 is undoubtedly a great force feedback wheel worth considering, particularly if you want to upgrade your racing setup without breaking the bank.

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Credit: Logitech

3. Logitech G923

Best mid-range wheel for rFactor 2

If you're looking to extend your budget slightly further, then we'd say the Logitech G923 is well worth checking out.

It features a 900-degree turning radius and Logitech's TRUEFORCE feedback technology, designed to plug directly into in-game physics, including rFactor 2, for unparalleled levels of realism thanks to its real-time haptics software.

Moreover, it comes with a 24-point selection dial unit, allowing you to adjust in-game settings like the clutch, throttle, and brake sensitivity from the wheel itself - no need to dive deep into the settings to optimize your setup.

This wheel is also made from high-quality materials such as aluminum, steel, and leather. So, even with the usual wear and tear of racing to compete with, this Logitech device should last, thus making it an all-around great pick in our eyes.

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Credit: MOZA

4. MOZA RS V2

Best premium wheel for rFactor 2

Finally, we come to the premium MOZA RS V2 wheel. Being one of the most expensive options, there's unsurprisingly a ton of features to highlight.

Firstly, you get a slew of extra buttons to assign to some of your most-used controls, plus an LED Rev counter to help you time your gear shifts to perfection. When it comes to changing gear, the carbon fiber magnetic shifters on the back are designed to have a premium feel with responsive feedback.

The rest of the device is also made from a combination of carbon fiber and aluminum and is compatible with a range of direct drive and force feedback wheel bases from MOZA to deliver unparalleled realism and immersion from the comfort of your own home.

It's also worth mentioning it comes with a quick-release system to ensure a solid, stable connection, even when you want to swap between devices. Ultimately, this looks to be another great option to consider.

Read More: Best sim racing pedals

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Sim racing wheels can be tricky to find at times and may lead to a ton of questions. Don't worry though, we've answered some of the most commonly asked queries right here.

Can you use any wheel on rFactor 2?

No, rFactor 2 is only available for PC, which means only PC-compatible wheels can be used with the game. However, PC compatibility is generally widespread among racing wheels, unlike their compatibility with PlayStation and Xbox consoles, where certain wheels may have limitations.

If you're unsure about a specific wheel's compatibility, we recommend you visit the manufacturer's website and verify whether the wheel you intend to purchase is explicitly stated as suitable for use on a PC.

How much should you spend on a wheel for rFactor 2?

rFactor 2 is one of the more advanced racing simulators on the market. Therefore, you'll probably want to spend a little more than usual in order to pick up a wheel that can accurately feedback rFactor 2's realism to you.

Depending on your budget, you could end up spending thousands on a standout bit of kit, but we'd argue that you don't necessarily have to break the bank to pick up a great wheel packed with technology.

For instance, the Thrustmaster T248 is relatively inexpensive compared to some of the other options featured in our list. However, it still comes with dynamic force feedback that adjusts on the fly depending on what's happening on the track in-game.

That said, choosing how much you spend will come down to your own personal preference and available budget. Our one recommendation here though would be to only pick up a wheel that you're able to afford as you can always upgrade later down the line.

Is rFactor 2 easier with a racing wheel?

As a true-to-life sim racing title, rFactor 2 is perhaps at its best using a racing wheel, so adding one to your setup could make the game that bit easier.

Of course, this all depends on whether or not you're used to using a racing wheel over the likes of a controller as transitioning from one to the other can take some time to adjust.

However, once you've made the switch, you should find additional buttons and the likes of direct drive improve your driving ability as you should gain a better understanding of the track in-game through the sensations felt through your steering wheel.

However, a controller does offer greater versatility away from racing games. So, if you're a more casual sim racer, then you may find picking up one of the best controllers for racing more beneficial to your setup.