MotoGP 22 Beginner's guide: Tips and tricks for new players to become World Champion

MotoGP 22 is finally here! We're so happy with the new MotoGP game, and you read exactly why in our full review right here!

Each new year brings new players to the motorcycle grand prix video game franchise. 2022 is no exception, so we're bringing you the tips and tricks you need if you're a beginner to MotoGP.

Start small

It sounds pretty obvious, but you should take your time when it comes to starting out in MotoGP 22. A lot of inexperienced players will rush in head-first without the faintest idea of how to ride a virtual motorbike.

MotoGP 22, just like previous games, has a full roster of not only MotoGP teams, but those from Moto2 and 3 as well. These are also available in the game's Career Mode.

So, we recommend starting a Career Mode save with a Moto3 team. Why Moto3? Well, Moto3 bikes are smaller, less powerful and easier to handle than those from Moto2 and MotoGP.

The underpowered bikes from Moto3 are ideal for learning how to ride a racing motorcycle, as you need to focus more on race craft and cornering. The riders in Moto3 are also less cut-throat, so mistakes aren't punished as much by the AI.

Speaking of starting small, MotoGP 22 comes with a new Intermediate and Short Calendar Season option. So, you no longer have to complete the full 21-race schedule each season.

Instead, you can opt for a 15 (Intermediate) or eight race seasons. This will also give you more time to develop the bike and team back at the factory between races.

Lean on the assists

While you should start out small in terms of the level of competition, you probably should go large on the assists. MotoGP 22 has a lot of assists to help players, whether you're a newbie or experienced player.

In Career Mode, you can alter your "Riding Aids" by pressing triangle on PS, or Y on Xbox. You can opt for a set of aids, or individually change each one to suit your needs.

We've found that the best way to figure out your ideal assist settings is to go into Time Trial and simply ride around. If you're struggling to keep the bike on the track, then you need to enable some more assists.

For example, if you're unable to stop in time for the corners, you probably need to enable Assisted Front Brakes. If you're spinning up the rear wheel out of corners, you may need Traction Control.

Use logic when you're turning assists on and if you're ever unsure about what an assist does, the description box below will tell you exactly what each will do.

Once you're comfortable, start disabling the assists one by one. Alternatively, you can increase the speed of the AI to match your newfound pace. Bear in mind though, that assists actually limit your ultimate pace, so always do the former if you can.

The correct riding technique

This section is aimed at experienced car racers, but those that haven't played many bike games. Riding a motorcycle is completely different to driving a car, but that shouldn't come as a surprise.

Aside from the straights, everything is different, as cornering, overtaking and traction zones are all completely different to driving a car.

When braking for a corner, you need to brake early, earlier than the dynamic racing line will show. This is because of the bike's lack of aerodynamics, as the brakes are leaned on more to slow the vehicle down.

You also need to turn-in to the corner sooner than a car, again due to the aero. For exiting the corner, you have to be gentle on the throttle, as the rear wheel loves to spin out of control.

Overtaking is difficult in MotoGP, because the inside and outside lines offer enough grip to pass riders. While this means you've got more opportunity to attack, your rival also has more of a chance to defend.

You've got to be patient and pick your moment, however long it may take.

Going out with the correct bike

Even the fastest riders require the correct setup to be quick in MotoGP 22. If your bike isn't setup correctly, you won't be fast, it's as simple as that. MotoGP 22's setup options are more impressive than ever before.

As part of that, it means that each rider requires a different setup, and it also varies from track to track.

If you're stuck for what to do, go out and find where the bike needs improvement and input your needs into the "Guided Setup" feature. The engineer will then make changes to the bike based on what you said.

In a race weekend scenario, you need to ensure that you make the most of your free practice sessions. These will give you the time and attention you need to succeed with finding your ideal setup.

We will be bringing you setup guides for every track in MotoGP 22, including the Historical Circuits.