Sim racing is a beast of a genre that tends to intimidate newcomers away. Driving a vehicle and racing in the streets like inNeed for Speedis one thing, but driving a fully-tuned GT3 car on a racing track with the driving assists turned down while battling the meticulous physics engine is a whole other thing entirely.
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For gamers who want to get into the world of sim racing, it’s highly unadvised to go out and purchase the most realistic rim racing title paired with the most premium driving wheel and pedals. Instead, they should try these seven Simcade titles, which are loose with their physics and ease players into slowly learning the basics of sim racing. All of these games can be played with a controller, and a racing wheel is only recommended for players who have outgrown the precision a controller provides. Note that the ranking prioritizes how beginner-friendly each title is, rather than its overall quality.
7Assetto Corsa Competizione
The Least Beginner-Friendly of the Bunch
Assetto Corsa Competizione
There’s a reason whyAssetto Corsa Competizioneis synonymous with some of the most hardcore racing fans. The game features an in-depth tire model that takes temperature, pressure, and even rubber buildup into account, factors that newcomers will have to learn about sooner rather than later. But being a goodracing simdoesn’t mean that it can’t have features that can help ease beginners into the genre. Still, compared to the next entries, ACC is arguably the hardest to get into, but since it is close to the definitive racing sim experience, players who learn the genre by playing this title will have an edge over those who played easier titles.
For a beginner, the difficulty curve is unforgiving but fair. Driver assists like traction control and ABS help ease new players into handling the aggressive rear-wheel-drive monsters that dominate GT racing, while the game’s in-depth telemetry allows for precise improvements in driving technique. The real learning curve, however, comes from understanding racing etiquette, pit stop strategies and the nuances of tire wear. For those willing to put in the effort, Assetto Corsa Competizione is the closest thing to experiencing an actual GT race from the driver’s seat.
6Need for Speed Shift 2: Unleashed
The Unlikely Sim Racer Hiding in Plain Sight
Need for Speed II
For a franchise known for street racing,Need for Speed Shift 2: Unleashedtook a surprising detour into the world of sim racing. Developed by Slightly Mad Studios, this game aimed to bridge the gap between arcade and simulation, delivering a driving experience that feels raw and immersive. Unlike traditional NFS titles, Shift 2 places a strong emphasis on proper braking, racing lines and vehicle tuning.
One of the standout features is its helmet cam, which dynamically adjusts the player’s perspective based on speed, G-forces and impacts, creating a sense of realism rarely seen in racing games. The physics can feel unpredictable at times, however, making it slightly less beginner-friendly than other entries on this list. Still, for players coming from traditional NFS titles, Shift 2 serves as a great introduction to the more disciplined world of sim racing.
5Gran Turismo 7
The King of Consistency
Gran Turismo 7
Few racing franchises have maintained their reputation as well as Gran Turismo. The seventh main installment continues the series’ tradition of blending realism with accessibility, making it an excellent choice for beginners who want a balance of simulation and playability. The driving physics are detailed enough to teach players proper racing techniques like braking points, cornering lines and weight transfer, yet forgiving enough to prevent them from feeling completely overwhelmed.
Gran Turismo 7also does an excellent job of easing players into the sim racing experience. The game’s driving license tests and mission challenges act as a structured tutorial, gradually teaching everything from basic throttle control to complex race strategies. Even the progression system, which rewards players with new cars and upgrades, encourages them to experiment with different vehicles and driving styles. With its extensivesingle-playercontent and robust multiplayer modes, Gran Turismo 7 is one of the best titles players can jump into to learn how the world of sim racing works.
4Forza Motorsport 7
As Easy or as Difficult as You Want It to Be
Forza Motorsport 7
As the final entry in the classic Forza Motorsport series before its reboot,Forza Motorsport 7delivers an experience that is both accessible and deeply rewarding for new sim racers. While not as hardcore as Assetto Corsa Competizione, it still maintains a high level of realism with detailed vehicle handling, realistic track surfaces, and dynamic weather that affects grip and visibility.
For beginners, FM7 offers a variety of assists that can gradually be turned off as players improve. The rewind feature, one of the franchise’s signature mechanics, is best at helping new players correct mistakes and learn from them without restarting an entire race. With over 700 cars and a wide selection of tracks, Forza Motorsport 7 provides plenty of room for experimentation, making it an excellent entry point for those looking to transition into more hardcore sim racing.
3Driveclub
A Love Letter to Car Culture That Never Got the Sequel it Deserved
At launch,Driveclubstruggled with severe online issues, but once its problems were patched, it became one of themost visually stunningand satisfying racing experiences available on consoles. While it leans more toward a sim-cade style, its handling model is grounded enough to introduce players to fundamental racing mechanics, such as maintaining racing lines and managing traction through corners.
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What makes Driveclub great for beginners is its structured approach to progression. Players start with slower cars and gradually work their way up to high-performance vehicles that are difficult to control, learning proper driving techniques along the way. The dynamic weather system adds an extra layer of challenge, forcing players to adapt to changing track conditions. Despite its unfortunate discontinuation, Driveclub remains a fantastic entry-level sim racer for PlayStation users.
2Grid (2019)
A Sim That Knows How to Keep Things Fun
Codemasters’Grid(2019) finds a comfortable middle ground between simulation and arcade racing. The game features detailed car handling with realistic physics, but it also prioritizes accessibility, ensuring that new players won’t be punished for every minor mistake. Something unique to this title is the AI-driven Nemesis system, which turns other racers into aggressive drivers out for the player’s blood, but only after they hit into them enough times or with enough force.
While not as deep as other sims, Grid teaches valuable racing fundamentals like braking techniques, overtaking strategies and vehicle weight distribution. It also features a wide variety of racing disciplines, allowing newcomers to explore different styles of motorsport without feeling locked into a single category. For those looking to transition from arcade racers into more realistic driving experiences, GRID provides an excellent stepping stone.
1Forza Horizon 5
A Playground Disguised as a Racing Sim
Forza Horizon 5
WhileForza Horizon 5isn’t a traditional racing sim, it serves as a fantastic gateway for players looking to ease into more realistic driving experiences. Unlike other entries on this list, Horizon 5 lets players experiment with sim-like physics in an open-world environment, giving them the freedom to practice high-speed cornering, braking techniques and handling dynamics without the pressure of strict race rules or sacrificing fun.
The game features a wide range of vehicles with customizable tuning options, allowing players to gradually learn how different setups affect performance. With options to enable or disable driving assists, Horizon 5 can be tailored to suit any skill level. Though it may not provide the structured racing experience of a true sim, it introduces crucial concepts that players will encounter in more serious racing games, making it an excellent first step into the genre.
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