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Essential sim racing equipment
Getting off the line in sim racing requires more than just a controller and a game. You’ll need a wheel, shifter, pedals, and a stand that can tie all those components together, with each part playing an important role in providing that authentic race car feel. It’s sort of like building your own F1 racer! And it's more than just great fun. That’s because loads of pro racing drivers use sim racing rigs to train and stay sharp, including multiple Formula 1 champ Max Verstappen. So, if you're keen to shave a few tenths or even seconds off your lap times — the best sim racing gear will help you unlock your true speed.
Sim racing wheels
A racing wheel is the heart of any sim rig setup. With features like force feedback, you'll feel every bump and slide through your hands. Plus, they allow for subtler steering inputs than standard controllers, so you can be more precise and go even faster. There are different types of gaming steering wheels out there, but we can help steer you in the right direction.
Gear-driven wheels
If you're just getting into sim racing — gear-driven wheels are a great shout. They offer a realistic feel at an amazing price. And while not as smooth or quiet as other options you’ll find, they still give you decent force feedback through their mechanical gears. Plus, lots of models come with built-in paddle shifters so you can change gears in a flash.
Belt-driven wheels
Most affordable to mid-range sim racing wheels are belt driven. They're quieter than gear-driven designs and feel much smoother too. So, you can nail those difficult apexes with extra precision. The force feedback wheel effects get amplified through their belt and pulley systems too, so they'll feel a bit truer to life than gear-driven models.
Direct-drive wheels
Now we're at the sharp end of the racing wheel grid. If you want to shift up to a new level of realism, a premium direct-drive wheel is your ticket there. They connect directly to a motor instead of via a belt or mechanical gear system. This means the most instant and powerful force feedback possible, so you'll always feel when you're losing grip through a corner or running over a kerb.
F1 racing wheels
If you're a Formula 1 fanatic after something that looks and feels just like the real thing, a replica F1 racing wheel would be a great addition to your rig. They come with paddle shifters plus all the easy-access buttons and switches you'd see on an actual F1 wheel. And you can assign custom actions to them too, making it easy to personalise your setup.
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Sim racing shifters
Lots of racing wheels come with built-in paddle shifters that let you easily change gears while keeping hold of the wheel. But in real-world racing, you'd be surprised at how many cars still use traditional gear shifters. So, if you want to feel like a proper driver — a tactile sim racing shifter will bump up the difficulty and really test your talent.
Shop sim racing shifters
H-pattern shifters
These mimic the gearboxes you'd find in most road and classic racing cars. To accelerate, you have to move the shifter through an H-shaped pattern of slots to go up the gears — and vice versa to slow down. They can be tricky to master, but they're fantastic for replicating that old-school driving feel and enhancing your skills. Just don't forget about the clutch!
Sequential shifters
A sequential shifter might suit you better if you're after a more modern setup. They still require you to take one hand off the wheel, but all you have to do is push it forward to downshift and pull it back to upshift — just like in GT and rally cars. They're much easier to use than H-pattern shifters and you're a lot less likely to miss a gear or select the wrong one.
Handbrake shifters
There are even some sim racing shifters out there that double up as handbrakes. These are great if you want more functions right at your fingertips. Use handbrake mode when you need help tackling tight rally stage turns or pulling off big drift moves. Or stick it in the sequential transmission mode to change gears in thrilling touring car sprints or long endurance rounds. The choice is yours.
Sim racing pedals
Pedals are another crucial part of any good sim racing setup. You need these to control both your throttle for accelerating and your clutch to change gears. But they're especially important for braking, where having the right feel can result in much faster lap times. There are two main types of sim pedals you can choose from to suit your budget and preferences.
Shop sim racing pedals
Stock pedals
Stock pedals often come bundled with entry-level racing wheels, so you can save money on your sim racing essentials and set them up easily. They use potentiometers to detect movement — measuring your inputs by the distance the pedals travel forward. They're good for beginners as they're softer to press, but serious sim racers can find them lacking when it comes to feel for precision braking.
Load cell pedals
Premium load cell pedals use pressure sensors to measure the forces applied by your feet, which makes them far more precise and realistic when it comes to braking feel. They're some of the best sim racing pedals out there if you're looking to improve your braking accuracy and consistency, which should give you a performance edge over your competitors.
Sim racing cockpits
Once you have your wheel, shifter, and pedals — you'll need something to connect them all together. This is where a sim racing cockpit comes in handy. It can act as the backbone of your rig by providing a stable platform you can mount all your sim racing gear to. That way, everything will stay firmly in place during those long and intense races.
A racing simulator cockpit will often include a sim racing seat too, so you can emulate the position that real drivers sit in. And with adjustable mounting points, you can get the height and spacing of your equipment just right for the most comfortable arrangement.
While you can still use a regular gaming chair or desk to get up and running, a dedicated sim racing cockpit is far more immersive. And there's something for everyone, ranging from simple wheel stands all the way up to full sim racing frame setups with monitor mounts.
Best sim racing games to put your setup to the test
Once your rig is ready for lights out… you'll need some games! Here are some of the best sim racing games to jump into — all featuring online multiplayer modes so you can challenge your friends:
EA Sports F1 24 (PS5, Xbox Series X/Xbox One)
The officially licensed F1 game lets you line up alongside the world's greatest drivers. In the 2024 game, you can rise through the ranks of F2 to reach the pinnacle of motorsport in the extensive career mode — where you can race for the ultimate prize of F1 world champion. Stunning graphics, realistic physics, and iconic circuits make it a must-have if you love all things F1.
Gran Turismo 7 (PS5, PS4)
Gran Turismo games are renowned for their incredible attention to detail and huge range of cars you can drive and customise. Gran Turismo 7 is the latest in the series, and a fantastic choice if you're a PlayStation player. With a mix of arcade and proper racing sim elements, over 400 cars, and 37 tracks — it's got something for everyone. You don't have to be an ace from the get-go!
Forza Motorsport (Xbox Series X)
Forza Motorsport is a winning choice if you're rocking an Xbox. Offering rich photorealistic visuals, more than 500 cars, 20 racing locations with dynamic weather, plus advanced Ai opposition for when you're playing solo — it's a real thrill ride. And if you need a hand honing your driving skills? The powerful assists will have you covered so you can build up your confidence.
Sim racing accessories to complete your rig
To give your racing simulator setup an even bigger boost of realism, consider adding these extra cool accessories:
Sim racing handbrakes
You can't set blistering rally stage times without a handbrake. They give you more stopping power and control when off-road racing, helping you turn your car quickly when navigating sharp hairpin bends. They work great for drifting too!
Sim racing wheel stands
You'll want to make sure your sim rig setup is rigid and stable. But if you haven't got enough space for a full cockpit, a compact sim racing stand could be just what you need. Bolt your wheel, pedals, and shifter to the solid upright bracket, then neatly tuck it away once you're done tearing up the track.
Wheel bases
A wheel base is what houses the motor that drives force feedback effects in premium racing wheels. High-quality wheel bases will provide smooth and precise feedback, with direct-drive options offering top performance with extra power and precision. Most are sold without a wheel, so you can pair it up with your favourite gaming steering wheel.
Choosing the right monitor for sim racing
A class-leading sim racing setup is nothing without a great monitor to match it up with. High-spec screens can transform your experience with sharp visuals and rapid response times so there's no lag. Here are a few features to think about when tracking down the right display for your rig:
Screen type
For the best view of those virtual circuits, you'll want to look at ultrawide and curved monitors. Ultrawide screens are popular because of their 21:9 aspect ratio, which expands your field of view so you can see more around you. While curved monitors enhance depth perception and your peripheral vision, as they’re similar in shape to car windscreens.
Triple-monitor setup
You could ramp up the realism with a three-monitor setup instead. By combining three screens side-by-side, you can achieve a nearly 180 degrees field of view — so you'll feel like you're sat in a real-life race car. Just make sure all three monitors have matching specs when it comes to size, resolution, and refresh rate. Your PC will also need enough GPU power to run three monitors at the same time.
High refresh rate
For sim racing especially, you'll need a high refresh rate gaming monitor that can keep up. It'll update your graphics more quickly, so they end up looking smoother and free of blur. But these monitors reduce input lag too, so you'll get to make the most of your cat-like reflexes to avoid incidents or make daring overtakes. Aim for at least a 144Hz monitor for the best experience possible.
Resolution
A high-res monitor will boost clarity and detail — helping you see distant objects, braking markers, and other cars more easily. That can be the difference between winning and losing! A 1440p or 4K gaming monitor should bring out the best in your fav racing games. What’s more, razor-sharp graphics will help reduce eye strain during those long racing stints.
