Although we typically keep our focus on home theatre and audio equipment, today we’re gonna be talking about one of our more niche interests — racing simulators.
Yes, you can get a complete racing sim cockpit fitted with a Thrustmaster racing wheel and pedal set here at Selby. And, you can test drive our cockpit in-person at our Hallam location any time.
If you’re investing in a realistic motorsport simulator cockpit, you’d better be using it to play the best racing sim games that 2024 has to offer! But what are they?
That’s what we’re gonna talk about today — the competition is tough these days in terms of graphics capabilities and real racing feel, so racers have no shortage of options when it comes to realistic motorsports games. Of course, each line of racing games has its own style and feel that racers may prefer for one reason or another, so the “best” racing game in 2024 is really a matter of opinion. However, there’s no question that these are the headliners:
1. iRacing
Developed by iRacing Motorsport Simulations, iRacing is one of the most realistic racing simulation games on the market today. That being said, it also takes racing very seriously, and its players will need to as well.
The game has no meaningful single-player component, it’s all about live tournaments with other racers. Players are required to pay subscription fees and must have a racing wheel in order to participate. For those looking for a casual racing experience, this is not it, but for those looking for a competitive and realistic racing simulation, iRacing offers one of the very best. Many iRacing players compete in real motorsport as well, and some have made a career out of eSports racing on its own.
First released in 2008, iRacing’s ability to keep up with modern simulators for over a decade is, to say the least, quite an achievement.
2. Assetto Corsa Competizione
Assetto Corsa is a highly esteemed sim racing franchise, and this 2019 release brought a few things that the original 2014 Assetto Corsa was missing. Namely, it brought a championship single-player structure with multiple vehicle categories and scalable endurance racing in iconic circuits such as Circuit de Catalunya, Spa Francorchamps, and Paul Ricard.
With improved handling via a strong force feedback wheel as well as impeccable day/night cycles, Assetto Corsa Competizione is a rigorous, authentic racing sim built to impress even the most hardcore simulation racers.
3. F1 23
Codemasters truly reinforced what makes the F1 series worth playing with their 2023 release, F1 23. This fast-paced, technical racer uses advanced AI drivers to push players to their limits and make their time on the track exciting, intense, and explosive.
The other unique aspect of F1 23 is the return of the Braking Point single-player story, which is surprisingly engaging and dramatic, featuring original characters and dialogue that keeps players connected to the story from race to race.
4. rFactor 2
rFactor has been an OG sim racing series since its original title back in 2005. The franchise quickly amassed a large cult following due to its versatility with modifications, allowing players to upgrade and customise their racing experience.
The sequel release in 2013 had a big name to live up to, but maintained the reputation of a community-driven title, and this is what makes rFactor so spectacular and long-lived. For players looking for a deep dive into an advanced racing sim that comes alive with the addition of community-developed mods, rFactor 2 is at the top of the list.
5. Gran Turismo 7
This title is a more accessible and beginner-friendly racing sim compared to the others on this list. If you’re considering getting into racing simulators for the first time, Gran Turismo 7 is a great place to start. The only drawback will be that your expectations of racing games will be starting out quite high, because GT7 does not disappoint even the toughest of critics.
At its release in March 2022, players had a few bones to pick with some of the game’s physics and accessibility features, but Polyphony has proactively addressed concerns with multiple updates in the last two years to round out GT7 into a completely polished release. They also have shown no shortage of new cars to add to the game to make it eminently playable well into 2024.
