A Beginner’s Guide to Sim Racing Rigs

Lead Simulator Consultant David Desjardins of Vthrotl Simulators has put together a Beginner’s Guide to Sim Racing Rigs which will be published in installments over the next few weeks. In this introductory installment, David explains what to expect at different budgets.

---

Introduction

Three Questions to Ask Yourself

Sim racing’s popularity continues to grow. As more manufacturers enter the hardware space, it can be difficult to know what you actually need to get started, and how to do it without overspending.

Before diving in, ask yourself three questions:

• Why?
• What’s your goal?
• How much do you want to spend?

If you’ve never tried a simulator before, it’s worth testing a friend’s setup or visiting a sim centre. It’s the best way to experience what modern simulators can do. While they don’t replicate every physical sensation of real-world racing, the new generation of sim rigs deliver an incredibly immersive and rewarding experience that continues to bridge the gap between virtual and real motorsport.

Sim racing is more than just a video game and a fancy controller. It can be an escape, a serious training tool, or even a pathway into professional motorsport. It’s more affordable than go-karting and is increasingly recognized as a legitimate way for drivers to sharpen their skills and pursue real-world racing ambitions. At the same time, it can simply be a fun and engaging hobby. Whatever your motivation, it pays to understand your goals and budget before you dive in.

The sheer amount of gear, brands, and opinions online can be overwhelming. Should you start with a console or a PC? Is a $500 wheel good enough, or do you really need to spend thousands? This guide is meant to simplify that decision-making process. We’ll break down the fundamentals, explain what matters most, and help you understand what to expect at different budgets.

This isn’t a buyer’s guide or a step-by-step tutorial. It’s meant to give you a clear starting point for your sim racing journey, outlining the essentials, the trade-offs at different budgets, and what you can realistically expect along the way. Based on my own experience building and using simulators, I’ve picked up lessons that now shape the turnkey builds I create for Vthrotl clients. While there are many ways to build a simulator, these are some of the most common setups.

Core Build Principles

Essential Components

• Wheel and wheelbase (force feedback system)
• Pedals (2-pedal: brake/throttle, or 3-pedal: clutch/brake/throttle)
• A mounting solution (desk mount, stand, or chassis)
• Display (monitor or TV, or VR headset)
• Audio (headphones or speakers)
• PC or console (Xbox or PlayStation 5 for entry rigs)

Expectation vs Budget

As budgets increase, so does the experience:

• Fidelity and force feedback improve with stronger wheelbases
• Quality and strength of the materials used improve
• Pedals become more realistic with load-cell, active, or hydraulic systems
• Chassis rigidity reduces flex and increases stability, leading to consistent muscle memory
• Visuals improve when moving from console and TV to PC with ultrawide or triple monitors, or VR
• Hardware ecosystems expand, as PCs offer a much broader selection of gear and software than consoles

Upgrade Path

Plan ahead. A small investment in a sturdier mounting solution or PC can save money later. Also consider your racing discipline:

• Upright rigs work well if you want flexibility for multiple forms of driving including GT, rally, formula, or stock car racing.
• Formula-style rigs suit drivers seeking a more authentic F1 or prototype (Le Mans-style) experience, with a reclined seating position and elevated feet.

Time and Space Commitment

Mid and high-tier setups require both assembly time and software configuration, as well as careful planning of where they’ll be used. A typical chassis rig with a seat and single monitor stand takes up roughly a 5×5 foot space, and that doesn’t include extra room for triple monitors or motion systems.

Placement is important, since noise and vibration can be disruptive if the rig is set up near bedrooms or shared living areas. If you’re not tech-inclined or handy, consider working with a turnkey provider. Companies like Vthrotl focus on high-end builds and can deliver a fully built, ready-to-race system.

Do Your Homework

It may go without saying, but take the time to research the hardware before you buy. Read or watch reviews, ask questions in forums, and compare different perspectives. Experiences vary from one person to another, but if you go in knowing what to expect, you’ll make better choices and avoid disappointment.

Software Considerations

The choice of sim software plays a big role in your experience. Each platform has its own strengths, and the best one often depends on your goals. Some examples:

• Entry-Level: Forza Motorsport and Gran Turismo are excellent starting points, but they’re more game-like and limited in realism compared to PC-based sims.

• Mid-Tier and High-End:
  • Assetto Corsa (AC): A modding paradise with a vast library of community content, from cars and tracks to physics tweaks.
  • iRacing: The gold standard for competitive online racing, with structured events and a large global community. Popular with pros, but subscription-based.
  • Le Mans Ultimate (LMU): Official WEC-licensed sim with strong physics, endurance racing focus, and modern graphics.
  • Automobilista 2 (AMS2): Known for excellent visuals, VR support, and a wide variety of cars and tracks across disciplines.

Patience and Practice

Like any skill, improvement comes with time behind the wheel. It can be frustrating at first if your lap times are not dropping or you are not reaching the podium, but progress happens gradually. Consistent practice and effort are what lead to results.

Up Next: Entry-Level Rigs

Now that we’ve covered the core principles, it’s time to look at what your first step into sim racing might actually cost. Entry-level rigs are where most people begin, whether it’s for casual entertainment, family fun, or testing the waters before committing to something more serious. In the next post, we’ll break down what you can expect from an entry-level setup, where it shines, and where it falls short compared to mid- and high-end options.

---