Are you searching for a perfect sim racing game to start out? Is every sim racer you come across expensive and has very little to do with tutorials? Then it is time to learn about racing games that you will not regret playing.
Now, there are a few things that make a good sim racing game. Understanding these factors can bring you closer to racing games that scratch the sim racing itch.
Below, we'll talk you through how to pick out the correct sim racing game and check out the best beginner-friendly titles for your first sim racing experience. Let us begin.
Six Key Factors of a Sim Racing Game
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Here are the six crucial criteria for a well-rounded sim racing game:
- Platform: Your chosen sim racing game should be able to run easily on a basic PC and any other console you already own. No need for extra spending.
- Assists: Driving assists help you with controls and keep you steady when the keys are not. Consider them training wheels for your sim racing experience. You can always turn them off when you feel your skills improving.
- Server Activity: Does your game have multiplayer platforms with active players? More players in a game means faster matchmaking and a better online experience.
- Tutorial: Comprehensive lessons about honing your driving skills are crucial in a sim racing game. These help you improve continuously, without letting you stray from the game and look for answers.
- Updates and Modding: A game's modding potential welcomes more player creativity. And if a game has no mod support, a sim racing game should have frequent updates to bring in new cars, new tracks, and fresh challenges.
- Pricing: Free sim racing games are stress-free. But if you find a paid title, ensure the price justifies the content, with timely updates, structured gameplay, and tutorial availability for beginners.
Best Beginner-Friendly Sim Racing Games
Sim Racing Game | Platform | Cost | Features | Drawback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
iRacing | PC | $13/month.$11.95/car or track | Clear-cut self-coaching features | Expensive |
Automobilista 2 | PC | $39.99 | Beginner-friendly force feedback | Zero in-game tutorials |
Assetto Corsa EVO | PC | $39.99 | Immersive and realistic racing | Awaiting console support (possibility) |
RaceRoom Racing Experience | PC | The base game is free. $5 to $70+ for paid content | Test drive cars before buying | No modding support |
Forza Motorsport | XBox, Cloud, and PC | Free with Game Base | Multiple Modes and helpful Assists | No modding support |
Gran Turismo 7 | PS4 and PS5 | $79.08/$92.26 | Reliable feedback | No modding support |
6. iRacing: Great for Self-Coaching, Pricey Subscription
While iRacing is a well-structured game with progress tracking, the subscription fees might be high for some players. Here, you pay a monthly subscription to access the base game. Moreover, any new car or truck needs an extra payment.
But on the bright side, this is a PC-only game, and it runs smoothly with a modest-enough build. And while the game lacks an Assist feature, iRacing's license and safety rating system works to check your progress and match you with players of your level.
Now, there is also no built-in Tutorial mode, which can be challenging for new sim racing players. But thankfully, the iRacing community is helpful and supportive towards beginners, so you can turn to fellow players for any help you need. The matchmaking, in addition, follows strict protocols to avoid matching you into a lobby above your experience.
iRacing updates are constant, hence you can rely on this sim racer for long-term playability. All in all, iRacing is good value for money.
5. Automobilista 2: Affordable Force-Feedback Features
The best features of Automobilista 2 are its playability for all entry-level rides. Plus, it is affordable and does not require high-end PC requirements.
Now, what makes Automobilista 2's playability stand apart is its Force-Feedback feature. With it, you can gauge weight, grip, and understand how balance works. Assistance is, of course, available for help. You can, however, always turn them off as you get better. And even though Automobilista 2 does not have Tutorial features, the comprehensive driving experience teaches you all you need to know.
Thanks to the steady updates, you can enjoy the plethora of racing styles, VR gameplay, and the diverse weather system in Automobilista 2.
4. Assetto Corsa EVO: Realistic Racing on a Budget
If you have a PC and want to immerse yourself in realistic racing, then Assetto Corsa EVO is the perfect sim racing game for you. Assists are available in this sim racer to help you train your handling skills.
You begin with slow pacing and can gradually ease into more challenging settings as you become more comfortable. And thanks to the active modding community, you can tweak your gaming experience and personalize it to your liking.
Moreover, the Driving Academy mode offers short-term challenges to help train your focus during races, preparing for more advanced hurdles.
3. RaceRoom Racing Experience: Free-to-Play with Driving Modes
If you are looking for a free sim racing game, then RaceRoom Racing Experience might be up your alley. You get the base game for free on PC, and it comes with a plethora of tracks and cars. And if you want, you can always invest in paid content later on.
RaceRoom Racing Experience comes with three driving Modes in its free-to-play offering:
- Novice
- Amateur
- Get Real
If you are new to sim racing games, then the Novice Mode can help you practice. Once you are ready, try out the Amateur Mode and ultimately the Get Real Mode for more immersive and thrilling races. The game's Assists adjust according to your chosen Mode, and simplify the gaming experience until you are ready for more challenging races.
As for practice runs, RaceRoom Racing Experience's adaptive AI and its timed-trial events will train your moves for a fun multiplayer experience. You can also opt for beginner-friendly competitions to brush up on your skills.
While RaceRoom Racing Experience has no modding support, the game drops new content frequently and even lets you test out cars before buying them.
So, if you are looking for a no-risk sim racer to try out your racing skills, then RaceRoom Racing Experience is your go-to.
2. Forza Motorsport: Versatile Multi-Platform Gameplay
If you have an Xbox Game Pass, you do not need to buy extra to enjoy Forza Motorsport. Moreover, the game is also available to play on PC! All you have to do is install it and enjoy its high-quality, immersive gameplay.
Forza Motorsport is a sim racer's paradise, with adjustable Assists and a Career Mode where new cars roll out for you to try.
You also have the Rivals Mode, where you can enjoy solo practices to sharpen your controls before diving into online competitions. And as for online races, enjoy your time in active, multiplayer lobbies where matchmakings are quick, and races are thrilling.
While Forza Motorsport has no mod support, the game has new updates with fresh cars and new events to keep you hooked for longer!
1. Gran Turismo 7: One-Time Pay for Lifetime Racing
With just a one-time payment, you can get into sim racing with Gran Turismo 7. All you need is a PS4 or a PS5, and you are good to go. Every update is free, so you can enjoy the whole game and its new features without extra payments.
The PS5 controller's feedback for Gran Turismo 7 is fantastic, making braking points, tyre grip, and throttle changes feel immersive to the max. The Driving Assists are easy to turn on and off. As for the tutorials, the Menu Books and license tests come in handy.
If you want to play online, then the Sport Mode in Gran Turismo 7 comes with auto matchmaking and helpful beginner lobbies to help you race on your preferred level. Even if there is no modding support in GT7, new events and cars roll out approximately every month, so there is always something new to try out in this sim racing game.
There you have it, some of the best beginner-friendly sim racing games to try out. So, what are you waiting for? Take to the tracks and check out these games today!
Stay tuned to racinggames.gg: The Home of Virtual Motorsports.