How To Get Started In Sim Racing eSports?

If you love car racing, the obvious start to a career in it is the go karting world. Almost every driver on the F1 grid today has taken the same route. However, there's a slight chance that you might be late for the party. And there's also the possibility that go-karting facilities are not very easily available to you. All hope is not lost though. While actual racing may be out of your reach, you can definitely indulge in sim racing eSports, which have become hugely popular and more so after the pandemic. Even stars like Lando Norris and Max Verstappen indulge in sim racing eSports from time to time. If you too want to get started, we've got the right guide for you.

What is sim racing?

Sim racing is short for simulation racing. This means you get to control a car in software (essentially a video game) that's specifically designed to emulate the experience of actual cars. Sure, you can play these games using the keyboard or the controller but sim racing can be best enjoyed only with special equipment that aims to give the feeling of actually driving a car. This equipment includes a steering wheel, a shifter, a handbrake, a racing seat, foot pedals, and more.

Choose your sport

Car racing is of many types. You might be fascinated by ground touring races or by rally racing, which involves rough, narrow, and challenging terrains. While Formula 1 racing could be your true calling, drifting is also a pretty known form of racing that many sim racing enthusiasts like to dabble in.

Choose your platform

Sim racing video games can be played on PC or consoles. You will need to buy your games and other equipment based on the platform you choose. In case you decide to switch platforms, there's a big possibility that the old equipment won't work with it. That is why it is necessary to choose your platform wisely. PC offers maximum flexibility since you can upgrade it anytime you want. As for the PS4, PS5, Xbox One, or Xbox Series X/S, they cannot be upgraded.

Choose your game

Here are a few games that you need to buy or subscribe to in order to get into sim racing eSports:

1. F1 2021: The official Formula 1 game is also the most definitive. It features all the official circuits of the season as well as the drivers and teams.
2. Dirt Rally 2.0: Offering realistic driving physics to rallying and rallycross enthusiasts, Dirt Rally 2.0 includes simulation of classic as well as modern races.
3. Forza Horizon 5/Grand Turismo 7: These are the two ideal simulation games for Xbox or PlayStation consoles.
4. iRacing: This is a subscription-based online game that simulates real-world cars, tracks, and racing events, and enforces rules of conduct modelled on real auto racing events.
5. Assetto Corsa: This one has been designed with an emphasis on offering a realistic racing experience with support for extensive customization and moddability.
6. rFactor 2: This game has been derived from rFactor Pro, a simulation used by professional racers and most of the Formula One teams and NASCAR manufacturers.

Equipment

The equipment you'll need in order to get started with sim racing eSports includes:

1. Monitor: Opt for a large monitor supporting the latest gaming technologies. Better yet, go for a multi-monitor setup including three monitors for an immersive experience.
2. Steering wheel: Beginner steering wheels are quite affordable but if you wish to opt for advanced setups, the steering wheels can get very expensive.
3. Pedals: Pedals are usually bundled with the steering wheel, but those with enhanced functionality are expensive.
4. Cockpit: While you can attach your steering wheel and pedals to existing furniture, a cockpit really gives you an authentic racing experience.
5. Peripherals: Additional stick shifts, handbrakes and even paddle shifters can be added to existing equipment to enhance the sim racing experience.

Once you choose your game, platform and equipment, it's time to hone your skills and master the racing. You can then look for eSports competitions involving the game.