What Do You Need for Sim Racing?
A Beginner's Checklist for Your First Setup
So, you want to get into sim racing.
You've watched a few races, seen some impressive sim racing setups online, and perhaps already started comparing steering wheels, pedals, and cockpits.
Then comes the difficult part.
What do you actually need to start sim racing?
The good news is that your first setup doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. You need a PC or console, a racing simulator, a steering wheel, pedals, and a screen. But if you're planning to build a dedicated sim racing setup, there's another component worth thinking about from the beginning: the cockpit.
A stable cockpit gives your equipment a solid foundation, helps you maintain a consistent driving position, and makes future upgrades much easier.
You don't need to buy everything at once. The important thing is understanding what each component does and how it fits into your setup.
Let's go through the essentials.
1. PC or console: Choosing your platform
Before buying any sim racing hardware, you'll need something to run your racing simulator.
Both PC and console sim racing can offer an excellent experience, but there are some important differences.
Console sim racing
Consoles are generally straightforward to use. Connect compatible hardware, install your racing game, and you're ready to start driving.
For beginners who already own a compatible console, this can be a convenient way to get started.
However, hardware compatibility is more restricted, and not every simulator is available on every console.
PC sim racing
A gaming PC typically offers greater flexibility.
Depending on the simulator, PC users can access a wider selection of steering wheels, wheelbases, pedals, additional software, community-created content, and more advanced configuration options.
A PC can also make it easier to expand into more complex setups later.
Neither platform automatically makes you a better driver.
The most important consideration is whether your chosen platform supports the simulators and hardware you want to use.
Beginner tip: Always check compatibility before purchasing a wheelbase, steering wheel, or pedal set. Not all sim racing hardware works with every console.
2. Racing simulator: Finding the right type of racing
Once you've chosen your platform, you'll need somewhere to race.
Fortunately, there's no shortage of options.
Some sim racers enjoy competitive online racing, while others prefer GT racing, Formula cars, endurance racing, rally, drifting, or simply driving their favorite cars on famous circuits.
Popular simulators include:
- iRacing: Known for organized online competition across multiple racing disciplines.
- Assetto Corsa: Popular for its driving experience, variety of cars, and extensive community content.
- Assetto Corsa Competizione: Focused primarily on GT racing.
- Le Mans Ultimate: Built around endurance racing.
- Gran Turismo: An accessible introduction to racing simulation for PlayStation users.
Each offers a different experience, so the best choice depends on what interests you.
If you're new to sim racing, start with a racing discipline you already enjoy.
You can explore other simulators and categories as your experience grows.
3. Start with a stable sim racing cockpit
When building your first dedicated sim racing setup, the cockpit is one of the most important decisions you'll make.
It's easy to focus on the steering wheel or wheelbase first. After all, those are the components that immediately catch your attention.
But the structure supporting your hardware matters just as much.
A sim racing cockpit, also known as a sim rig, provides a stable platform for your wheelbase, pedals, and racing seat.
It keeps everything in position and allows you to create a consistent driving environment.
Why does cockpit stability matter?
During a race, your hardware experiences forces in several directions.
Force feedback applies torque through the wheelbase and its mounting points. Braking places pressure on the pedals and their mounting structure.
If these components move or flex excessively, it becomes harder to maintain consistent control.
A stable cockpit helps prevent unwanted movement and allows you to concentrate on driving.
It also makes it easier to find and maintain a comfortable seating position.
Why choose an aluminium profile cockpit?
An aluminium profile cockpit combines structural rigidity with adjustability.
The profiles allow you to position the wheelbase, pedals, seat, and accessories around your preferred driving position.
They also make future upgrades easier.
You might begin with a relatively simple GT setup and later add a stronger wheelbase, different pedals, a shifter, or additional accessories.
With a modular cockpit, you can often make these changes without replacing the entire structure.
A good starting point: Sim-Lab GT1 EVO
For someone building their first dedicated sim racing rig, the Sim-Lab GT1 EVO is a practical starting point.
Its aluminium profile construction provides a stable foundation for modern sim racing hardware while offering the flexibility to adjust and expand the setup over time.
You don't need to start with the most advanced cockpit available.
A well-designed entry-level rig can already provide the stability and adjustability needed for a satisfying sim racing experience.
Beginner tip: Think of your cockpit as the foundation of your setup. Choosing a stable and adjustable structure early can make every future hardware upgrade easier.
4. Racing seat: Finding a comfortable driving position
Once you've chosen a cockpit, the next step is finding a suitable seat.
A racing seat isn't just about appearance.
Your seating position affects how comfortably you steer, how effectively you operate the pedals, and how consistently you can drive during longer sessions.
What should you look for in a sim racing seat?
The most important factors are comfort, support, and compatibility with your cockpit.
A seat should help you maintain a stable driving position without restricting your movements.
For a GT-style setup, a bucket seat is a popular choice because it provides a supportive and consistent seating position.
For example, the Sim-Lab S1 Enduro GT and S1 Sport GT are options worth considering when building a GT-oriented setup.
Depending on the seat and cockpit configuration, you may also need a Bucket Seat Bracket Set and a Seat Slider for installation and adjustment.
Getting your seating position right
Start with a comfortable distance from the steering wheel.
Your arms should remain slightly bent while holding the wheel, without requiring you to stretch forward.
Next, adjust the seat relative to the pedals.
You should be able to press the brake firmly without fully locking your knee or lifting your body out of the seat.
Make small adjustments until the steering wheel, pedals, and seat feel natural together.
Don't worry about recreating the exact seating position of a professional race car.
For your first setup, comfort and consistent control are more important.
5. Steering wheel and wheelbase: Understanding force feedback
The steering system is probably the first piece of equipment most people associate with sim racing.
But there are actually two separate components involved:
The steering wheel is what you hold and use to control the car.
The wheelbase is the unit responsible for generating steering resistance and force feedback.
What is force feedback?
Most modern sim racing wheelbases use force feedback (FFB) to communicate what the virtual car is doing.
Through the steering wheel, you can feel changes in steering load, bumps, curbs, and variations in tire grip.
These sensations provide valuable information about how the car is behaving.
What is a direct drive wheelbase?
There are several types of force feedback systems, but direct drive wheelbases have become increasingly popular among sim racers.
In a direct drive system, the steering wheel is connected directly to the motor.
Unlike gear-driven or belt-driven systems, there are no intermediate transmission mechanisms between the motor and steering shaft.
This allows for fast, detailed, and direct force feedback.
Direct drive wheelbases also vary significantly in torque, which is typically measured in newton-meters (Nm).
A higher torque rating indicates greater potential steering force, but more power doesn't automatically make someone a faster driver.
For beginners, predictable feedback, appropriate settings, and compatibility with the rest of the setup are more important than chasing the highest numbers.
At the advanced end of the market, products such as the Sim-Lab DDS26 and DDS39 Direct Drive Wheelbases are designed for drivers looking for high torque and detailed force feedback.
However, there's no need to begin with the most powerful equipment available.
Choose a steering system that suits your current experience and allows you to develop your skills comfortably.
6. Sim racing pedals: Why braking matters so much
A steering wheel often gets most of the attention, but pedals are just as important.
Your first pedal set will usually include an accelerator and brake. Some configurations also include a clutch.
While accelerating is relatively straightforward, braking is one of the most important skills to develop in sim racing.
Basic pedals vs. loadcell pedals
Basic pedal sets often measure pedal travel.
In other words, the simulator receives an input based on how far the pedal is pressed.
More advanced loadcell pedals measure the force applied to the brake instead.
This is particularly useful because consistent braking depends heavily on controlling pressure.
Learning to apply and release braking force smoothly can help you achieve more repeatable braking points and improve your control when entering corners.
Do beginners need loadcell pedals?
Not necessarily.
You can learn the fundamentals of sim racing with a basic pedal set.
However, loadcell pedals can become a valuable upgrade as you begin focusing on consistency and braking technique.
The Sim-Lab XP1 Loadcell Pedal Set, for example, offers adjustment options that allow drivers to adapt pedal positioning and braking feel to their preferences.
Remember that pedals and cockpit stability work together.
A firm brake pedal is much easier to use consistently when the pedal deck and seat remain securely in position.
7. Monitor and monitor mount: Creating your field of view
You obviously need to see the track.
For your first sim racing setup, a single monitor or television is perfectly adequate.
However, the position of your screen can make a significant difference to the driving experience.
A monitor that's too far away, too high, or incorrectly aligned can make it harder to judge distances and understand what's happening around the car.
Single monitor, ultrawide, or triple monitors?
There are several options.
A single monitor is simple, practical, and suitable for beginners.
An ultrawide monitor can provide a wider field of view without requiring multiple screens.
A triple monitor setup can significantly increase peripheral vision, allowing you to see more of the track and surrounding cars.
VR sim racing offers another approach by placing you inside a virtual cockpit, although it comes with different hardware and performance requirements.
There's no universal best choice.
Your decision will depend on available space, budget, computer performance, and personal preference.
Why does the monitor mount matter?
A dedicated monitor mount helps position the screen at the correct height, distance, and angle.
It also keeps the display stable and allows for more precise adjustments.
For a first setup, an Integrated Vario™ Single Monitor Mount can be a practical option when a compatible cockpit-mounted solution is preferred.
Alternatively, a Freestanding Vario™ Single Monitor Mount provides a separate structure for the display.
If you later move to three screens, the Integrated Vario™ Triple Monitor Mount and Freestanding Vario™ Triple Monitor Mount are options designed for that type of configuration.
Accessories such as the VARIO™ VESA Kit can help with precise monitor alignment, while the XERO-PLAY™ Triple Pivot provides additional adjustment possibilities in compatible triple-monitor configurations.
For beginners, the most important thing is simple:
Position your screen comfortably, keep it stable, and make sure you can clearly see the track.
You can always expand your visual setup later.
8. What about shifters, handbrakes, and other accessories?
This is where sim racing setups become more personal.
Depending on the type of racing you enjoy, you may eventually want to add a shifter, handbrake, button box, dashboard, keyboard tray, or other accessories.
But the important word is eventually.
A handbrake can be particularly useful for rally and drifting.
A sequential shifter can add another level of control and immersion when driving cars that use sequential gearboxes.
Other sim racers may spend years using paddle shifters and never need either accessory.
Products such as the Sim-Lab SQ1 Sequential Shifter and XB-1 Handbrake are worth considering when your preferred racing discipline calls for them.
The same principle applies to other accessories.
A button box might become useful when you want easier access to in-game controls. A keyboard tray can make everyday setup adjustments more convenient.
But none of these additions is essential for your first laps.
Build your setup around the racing you actually enjoy, not around the number of accessories you can attach to it.
9. Your first sim racing setup checklist
If you're starting from zero, it's helpful to divide your equipment into three categories.
Essential equipment
These are the components you need to get on track:
- PC or compatible console
- Racing simulator
- Steering wheel and compatible wheelbase
- Accelerator and brake pedals
- Monitor or television
Recommended foundation for a dedicated sim racing setup
If you're building a permanent sim racing station, we recommend planning these components from the beginning:
- Stable sim racing cockpit, such as the Sim-Lab GT1 EVO
- Compatible racing seat
- Appropriate seat brackets and, if desired, a seat slider
- Stable wheelbase mounting solution
- Adjustable pedal deck
- Suitable monitor mount
These components help create a consistent driving position and provide a foundation for future upgrades.
Optional upgrades
Depending on your experience and preferred racing discipline, you may eventually want:
- Direct drive wheelbase
- Loadcell pedals
- Ultrawide or triple-monitor setup
- VR headset
- Sequential or H-pattern shifter
- Handbrake
- Clutch pedal
- Dashboard or DDU
- Button box
- Additional sim racing accessories
You don't need to buy everything at once.
In fact, taking your time has advantages.
Starting with a well-planned foundation gives you the opportunity to understand your preferences before investing in more advanced equipment.
Once you know whether you prefer GT racing, Formula cars, endurance racing, rally, or something completely different, choosing your next upgrade becomes much easier.
10. Common mistakes to avoid when building your first setup
Before making your final decisions, it's worth considering a few mistakes that beginners often make.
Buying hardware without checking compatibility
Not every steering wheel works with every wheelbase, and not every wheelbase is compatible with every console.
Always confirm compatibility before purchasing.
Focusing on power instead of control
A powerful direct drive wheelbase can provide excellent feedback, but high torque alone doesn't guarantee a better driving experience.
For beginners, smooth and predictable feedback is more valuable than maximum force.
Overlooking seating position
An uncomfortable or poorly adjusted driving position can make braking and steering less consistent.
Spend time adjusting the seat, wheelbase, and pedals before trying to improve your lap times.
Choosing a setup with no room to grow
Your preferences may change as you gain experience.
A modular cockpit and adjustable mounting solutions can make future upgrades much easier.
Buying too many accessories too early
A shifter, handbrake, or button box can be a great addition, but only when it serves a purpose.
Start with the fundamentals and expand when you know what you need.
Build your sim racing setup around you
There is no universal perfect sim racing setup.
The best setup is the one that suits your driving preferences, available space, budget, and plans for the future.
A beginner interested in GT racing may have very different needs from someone who wants to focus on rally or Formula-style driving.
What matters is creating a stable, comfortable environment that allows you to enjoy the experience and improve over time.
Start with the essentials.
Choose a solid foundation.
Learn what matters to you.
And upgrade when you have a good reason to do so.
With the right approach, your first sim racing setup can grow into a complete racing environment that evolves alongside your skills.
Next article: Your First Sim Racing Rig: From Cockpit Setup to Your First Lap