Sim racing games have become increasingly popular over the past decade. There are now several racing sims available to purchase, but which one is best? Which games offer the most realistic racing experience?
If you are a racing fan, then there is good news for you. This article will review the best sim racing games available to buy in 2022.
1. iRacing
2. Assetto Corsa
3. Assetto Corsa Competizione
4. Project Cars 2
5. rFactor 2
6. Automobilista
7. Dirt Rally 2.0
1iRacing
Platforms: PC
Features: The tracks are very authentic, realistic, and accurate.
iRacing is a subscription-based service that provides an online racing experience similar to real-life motorsport events. Upon purchasing iRacing, players get access to a large online racing community and a choice of well-researched tracks from all around the world. The accuracy of iRacing is almost unparalleled in the sim racing world, with official drivers' telemetry data being used to ensure that each car's handling dynamics are as realistic as possible.
One of the best features of iRacing is the fact that it enables players to compete in real-world racing leagues such as the World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series and IndyCar Racing League. iRacing is a visionary approach to sim racing, and its popularity is growing rapidly as more and more drivers decide to take their online racing experience into the real world.
Features: The career mode provides a very real experience where you progress as a racer and earn titles and rewards.
Assetto Corsa is one of the highest-rated sim racing games available on the market. Released in late 2013, Assetto Corsa allows players to experience the thrill of driving some of the most prestigious high-performance cars in the world. There are over 50 cars available, with each one having an intuitive setup that makes modern racing simulations stand out from the crowd. The game has a less serious approach than titles such as iRacing, but it is still a serious racing sim.
One of the best features of Assetto Corsa is its realistic force feedback, which works in harmony with the physics engine to create a truly immersive experience with each car. The game is continually being updated by its dedicated development team, with an online mode and multiplayer mode available for players to use. Assetto Corsa is one of the best racing sims on the market and is highly recommended by fans and critics alike.
3Assetto Corsa Competizione
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
Features: Photorealistic weather conditions and graphics, night races, motion capture animations
Assetto Corsa Competizione is a recent addition to the Assetto Corsa franchise and has received overwhelmingly positive reviews. Players can once again compete in some of the fastest cars on the planet. Assetto Corsa Competizione is a work-in-progress title and is set to have several updates in the future. The game is expected to be one of the most realistic racing sims by 2022, and players can get their hands on it early by investing in the game's special launch edition.
Features: The physics is much better than the competition.
Project Cars 2 is the sequel to Project Cars, and both titles are staples of the sim racing genre. The game features over 180 high-performance vehicles, including four-wheel drive classics and modern Formula One cars. Players can choose from several driving assist features which allow anyone to pick up and play the game, regardless of skill.
There are over 120 courses available in Project Cars 2, with each one featuring changing weather conditions that affect the car's handling. The game spotlights over 140 historic and modern racing series, with the ability to race as a real-world driver such as Fernando Alonso or Lewis Hamilton. Project Cars 2 is highly realistic and extensive, making it one of the best racing sims available in 2022.
5rFactor 2
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
Features: The physics of this game is the most complex among all sim racing games.
rFactor 2 is a racing simulator with an unrivaled level of realism. Players can race up to 27 other cars on dynamic and interactive tracks that change every single lap. The game's attention to detail is outstanding, with each physical aspect of the car affecting how it handles. There are multiple racing series available to players, and there is even the ability to race in special endurance events. The game has a fully-fledged weather system that can change the car's handling to great effect.
6Automobilista
Platforms: PC
Features: Added in the game are dynamic track conditions, advanced transmission and tire modeling, upgraded physics and so much more.
Automobilista is a unique racing simulator that allows players to race a wide variety of different cars. The game's physics engine complements the cars featured in the game, and players can fine-tune their racing experience with a comprehensive set of assists. There are over 200 vehicles to race in Automobilista, with players given the ability to race both modern and classic cars. The game features a co-op campaign mode that allows friends to race together, and numerous multiplayer options are available for players to enjoy.
7Dirt Rally 2.0
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
Features: The game features stages in Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, Poland, Spain and the United States.
Dirt Rally 2.0 (stylized as DiRT Rally 2.0) is a racing simulation video game developed and published by Codemasters for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. It was released on February 26, 2019. It is a successor to the 2015 video game Dirt Rally and emphasises realistic driving physics.
The new Rally 2.0 features completely new locations, vehicles, and menus. Delve into the rich and detailed finished locations, beautifully animated vehicles and exciting characters. Experience slightly altered physical simulations of the tires and completely new management techniques. It is a fantastic game, but for newcomers, it's not particularly welcoming, with no tutorials and almost all the driving assists turned off by default.
The Bottom Line
The above are some of the best sim racing games for 2022. All games have their own pros and cons. Some offer the fastest cars while others offer better handling. It all comes down to your choice and preferences.