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There are many sim racing games out there, but which ones do the pros use?
Well, that depends. You can find pros in games like iRacing, Assetto Corsa, rFactor, rFactor 2, Assetto Corsa Competizione, Automobilista, Automobilista 2, and more. There’s no strict rule.
In fact, you can encounter them in almost every sim racing game. Almost every popular sim racing game has been tried by some real-life pro racing drivers. We’ve seen Formula 1 drivers in rFactor 2, iRacing, and other games.
But which games are the most popular among pros?
Here’s how I see it.
iRacing
iRacing may not be the newest or shiniest sim racing game, but it's undeniably one of the most competitive.
Not only is it one of the most popular games in the genre, but it’s also a favorite among many pros, including real racing drivers.
The game's iRating and matchmaking systems create intense races against equally skilled opponents, helping you develop your skills gradually by racing against better and better drivers.
iRacing is also renowned for its meticulously scanned tracks and cars. Plus, it offers a lot of content without the need for external mods.
rFactor 2
For those seeking true-to-life physics, rFactor 2 takes the crown. Many sim racers, both virtual and real, consider it the ultimate sim racing game in terms of realism. For this reason, this game is often used in the professional simulators of real racing teams.
The game's impressive AI also makes it a hit among pros who enjoy single-player action or don’t have a good enough internet connection. This game can be challenging and fun even against bots.
Assetto Corsa Competizione (ACC)
If you're into GT racing, ACC should be on your radar.
This relatively new sim racing game boasts stunning visuals, immersive sounds, and impressive physics.
Thanks to these features and its popularity, it’s not hard to find some pros out there. Sometimes, you can even meet them in public lobbies.
ACC also has one of the best AIs in the genre. Although the possible opponent skill level could be a bit higher, if you choose the right setting, it may feel like a real race against pros. Personally, I enjoy this feature and play it pretty often when I want to chill with a controller (so I won't ruin anyone's race).
This is very important for people who don’t always want multiplayer competition.
What Sim Racing Game Does Max Verstappen Play?
Three-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen is well known in our sim racing community. He often talks about his love for simulators, using them both for training and as a hobby.
Verstappen's endorsement has even introduced many newcomers to the sim racing community – kudos, Max!
So, what games does Max play? While he dabbles in various sim racing titles, he primarily plays iRacing.
Conclusion
Sim racing is a whole genre. There is no single best or only game.
Don't hesitate to explore different games and discover what suits your preferences. The games you play can depend on your mood, the availability of races or leagues, and other factors. In fact, many professional sim racers switch games depending on the league or event they are preparing for at the time.
Honestly? If it's a good sim, just play what you like the most.
If you get pro in one of the most popular sim racing games, you’ll likely be very good in each of them. At the end of the day, they’re all racing simulators, so the racing theory is pretty much the same.