The thrill of sending flashy vehicles speeding racing around tight asphalt turns or down dirt tracks in a manner you’d never conceive of doing in real life is available to anybody with a racing computer game, regardless of whether or not they are fans of real-life motorsports. Using a steering wheel and pedals makes the experience seem even more realistic, since you’ll be driving your vehicle the same way you would a real automobile.
And whether you’re looking for a realistic simulation of the sport or a high-octane thrill ride across open environments, there’s no lack of options among the many wheel-compatible racing games available for the PS5, Xbox One, and PC. Getting a decent setup is a big commitment, but if you’re into this kind of game, it’s money well spent.
The Thrustmaster T-GT II wheel, which has its own pedal set, is now my favorite racing wheel. The strong torque and real-time force feedback it provides make for a highly realistic racing experience, but the price tag of $800 is hefty. It well made, easy on the hands, and compatible with the PS5 and the computer.
New to Gran Turismo 7
There are a variety of racing frames and stands available to set up in front of your TV, but I cheated and just strapped mine to my drift hunters desk, set the pedals on the floor, and used my regular screen to play.
After getting everything ready, you may start racing. In my experience, these are the top racing games that are enhanced by the use of a steering wheel and pedals.
The newest entry in the PlayStation classic Gran Turismo has the series’ trademark photorealistic visuals, a wide variety of licensed automobiles, and meticulously recreated recreations of real-life racing circuits from across the globe. If you’re into customizing and fine-tuning cars, this is the game for you since it’s gorgeous and you get to go deep into that world.
Best experienced with a wheel and pedals set, it puts you in the driver’s seat of a wide variety of exotic vehicles, including McLarens, Aston Martins, Dodges, and more. It’s not ideal, to be sure; progress toward your goals is gradual, and yes, you can controversially simply purchase more with in-game microtransactions, as if spending $70 (£70) for the game wasn’t enough.
GT7 is a no-brainer for PlayStation players who wish to race their favorite vehicles on legendary courses like Silverstone and the Nurburgring.
F1 22
Viewers who have been engrossed in the Drive To Survive series on Netflix may find that they are inspired to try their hand at Formula One racing. F1 22 continues the series’ tradition of placing players in control of the world’s most advanced and costly racing machines, before sending them careening around authentic racetracks and challenging them to not choose the best racing lines.
Players may create their own racing squad and compete against famous drivers like Verstappen, Hamilton, LeClerc, and Norris. Using a racing wheel, the game’s physics feel great (though I can’t speak to how they compare to genuine F1 racing), and the game’s concentration on “correct” driving doesn’t detract from the fact that it is still exciting and demanding to play.
Forza Horizon 5
From its inception, the Forza Horizon series has been my go-to racing series, and the latest installment in the series hasn’t disappointed. Horizon 5 continues Mexico’s gorgeous open world by letting players send a wide range of authentic vehicles careening down mountains, through sand dunes, and along winding coastal roads at breakneck speeds.
I finished the game using a regular controller on the Xbox Series X, but utilizing the wheel and pedals was a whole new experience for me. It was more challenging at first, but I soon realized how much fun it was to really guide my Bugatti Chiron at breakneck speeds around the terrain or hone my drifting abilities in one of the Hoonigan cars.
It’s a lot of fun, and you should try it out with a steering wheel and pedals.
iRacing
The iRacing philosophy is the polar opposite of the “drive it like you stole it” mentality of Forza Horizon. There is no auto-steering or braking, no manual rewind, and not even a little track map.
Yet iRacing is all about realism, with meticulously recreated courses and mechanics and an emphasis on true talent and understanding of the tracks and vehicles rather than luck. Unlike the other games listed, iRacing requires a monthly payment to access and is played via a subscription model in which users improve by participating in races against other real-life players at scheduled times. Getting to the next level doesn’t need you to win every race; rather, you may advance by demonstrating safe driving practices like avoiding wrecks and staying on the course.
Because of its intense concentration on realism, iRacing is likely the least “fun” game on our list. But, real-life professional racers apparently utilize it as a training ground since it’s the closest thing to experiencing what it’s like to be behind the wheel of a racing vehicle on a track.
Dirt 5
Dirt 5 is the game to turn to if you’re sick of racing on dry, paved circuits and long for the grit and grime of the rain and mud. Although previous entries in the series have focused more on realism, this rally racer takes a more arcade-like approach, which I found to be a lot of fun.
The visuals are fantastic, there is a wide range of courses to choose from, and it was a blast to use my steering and pedals to power slide my way through the various vehicles’ tough curves. There are customizable levels of driving assistance, which I took advantage of (since I’m here for a vacation, not a crash course in physics).Although the career mode may fail to capture your attention, the exciting races and stunning visuals will have you going back for more.
