Leaning towards a sim racing setup, but don’t really know how much it’s going to take? Today’s piece dives in, stretching options from entry-level starter kits all the way up to those $10,000 rigs that’ll pull you into leagues. MOZA bundles and Fanatec sales helped a lot with prices taking a hit, but it’s still the wheels and rigs eating most of the budget.
To figure out what works best for you, it’s best to start at an entry level, see if you can feel out iRacing or F1 25. Then, if you vibe with the racing experience, you can always upgrade later to a bigger and better setup.
Entry-Level Setup (~$300-$500)
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Starting on an entry-level setup is simple; just clamp a Thrustmaster T128 offering ~6Nm or a Logitech G923 right onto your desk. You’ll get about 5-7 Nm of belt-driven force feedback, which is good enough for a solid experience at games like Forza and F1 25.
Two basic pedals do the job, but no load cell obviously means a softer braking feel. A GT Omega wheel stand, or a Playseat Lite helps keep the wobbles out during corner dumps. I’d even consider scouring the used market for wheels and gear. You can get a really nice deal if you look hard enough.
An additional upgrade I’d suggest is getting a 24-inch 144hz or better. It is a massive improvement for sim racing setups, typically costing around $150.
So, in total, you’re looking at somewhere between $250-$450, planting yourself a solid setup for casual racing, and maybe a bit of intense racing too. However, the feedback feels dull fast, and most find themselves itching for an upgrade not long after.
This tier is for people who are trying out sim racing and don’t currently know if it’s for them. This setup might not give you the most immersion, but it will give you an idea of what sim racing is about and whether you like it or not.
Decent Setup ($800-$1,200)
When you’ve got a budget to work with, direct drive takes the spotlight with Fanatec CSL DD 8 Nm ($350) or MOZA R5 bundle. You’ll actually feel curbs and weight shifts in real time, and the immersion is set when you’ve got your hands on a wheel like that. Add load cell pedals like Fanatec CSL that’ll help nail trail braking that adds up for lap gains.
A proper cockpit changes everything. Next Level Racing F-GT cockpit or GT Omega Titan ($400) adjusts for GT, Formula, or Rally Style seats with wheeldeck sliders to dial it in. For visuals, a 27-inch ultrawide monitor or even a Quest 3 VR pulls you right into the action. If you go for MOZA R5, F-GT, and pedals, you’re looking at nearly a $1,000 total price tag.
There’s no doubt that PC delivers the best sim racing experience, thanks to mods and sim titles like rFactor 2 that offer real depth. Consoles work fine too, but PC hardware is what really gets the most out of high-end gear. You can always add a shifter down the line when you’re hooked and feel like raising the stakes of realism and immersion.
Beyond this budget is the enthusiast zone. You have super expensive, ultra-immersive cockpits and steering wheels that cost thousands of dollars. For your first setup, I wouldn’t recommend spending that much.
What’s The Difference?
Higher price tags bring better features and performance, and entry-level setups are likely to feel much arcade-y after you’ve put in decent hours. Belts clip torque, desks turn wobbly, and brakes feel sloppy.
Decent rigs, on the other hand, lock everything in place. Direct drive lets you feel exactly what the tires are doing in real time. Load cells help build muscle memory for braking and substantially improve it.
Don’t get me wrong, entry-level setups are totally fine if you’re just delving into the niche or looking for occasional fun. However, a decent sim racing setup won’t stop you from crushing online lap times without fatiguing yourself over a few races.
How Much Should You Spend
In short, if you are unsure whether you’ll like sim racing or not, it’s better to go for the $500 setup I mentioned. It’s not the most immersive, but it will give you enough to know if sim racing is for you or not. There are different kinds of sim racers. Some just enjoy cruising in games like Forza Horizon and Assetto Corsa, while others go all-in on the motorsport side, spending hours in games like iRacing or Assetto Corsa Competizione.
For the first time in games, the $500 is a good tier, although you can opt for a direct drive wheel. For hardcore motorsport sim racers, spending a bit more is generally better.
