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How to Build Your First Sim Racing Setup (Beginner Guide)

So, you’ve been racing on a controller for a while and started wondering: how could this be any better?
That’s usually the moment when sim racers begin thinking about upgrading to a wheel and pedals, but the next question quickly becomes, where do you even start?

Sim racing is one of the best ways to experience motorsport from home. Whether you enjoy F1, NASCAR, GT3 racing, or just cruising down mountain passes in a Toyota AE86, sim racing as a hobby offers an incredible variety of experiences.

The good news?
You don’t need to spend loads of money on professional cockpits, wheels, or pedals to get started.

In this beginner guide, we’ll explore entry level and mid-range sim racing gear, keeping realistic budgets in mind, so you can start racing without feeling overwhelmed.

What Is a Sim Racing Setup?

When we talk about a sim racing setup, we usually think about hardware — and that is the main part — but software also plays a crucial role in allowing you to drive these virtual machines.

A basic sim racing setup consists of:

  • A wheel and pedals
  • A PC or console
  • A way to mount the hardware (desk clamp, wheel stand, or cockpit)
  • A racing game

Many sim racers start with a simple setup and upgrade gradually over time. That’s part of the fun — learning, improving, and evolving your setup as your interest grows.

What You Need for Your First Sim Racing Setup

Wheel and Pedals

This is the first piece of equipment you’ll spend money on, and it’s also the most important.
Switching from a controller to a wheel and pedals completely changes how racing feels, whether you’re playing online or offline.

Even an entry-level wheel provides far more immersion and control than a gamepad. One important rule for beginners, If a wheel does not have force feedback, it is not worth buying.

Why Force Feedback Matters

Force feedback allows you to:

  • Feel tire grip and loss of traction
  • Experience road texture and curbs
  • Sense understeer and oversteer
  • Feel the weight transfer while braking and cornering

This feedback is what teaches you how the car behaves — and it’s what makes sim racing feel alive.

Best Entry-Level Wheels and Pedals for Beginners

These wheels are popular for a reason: they’re reliable, affordable, and beginner-friendly, and they’ve introduced thousands of people to sim racing.

Logitech G29 / G920 / G923
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Logitech’s entry-level wheels are well known in the sim racing world, primarily for their ease of use and affordability.

Why they’re popular:

  • Reliable and durable
  • Decent force feedback
  • Simple desk mounting system
  • Compatible with PC and consoles

These wheels use gear driven force feedback, which can be a bit noisy, and come with basic pedals that still include a clutch. They’re designed to be plug and play, with the G29 compatible with PC and PlayStation, the G920 with PC and Xbox, and the G923 serving as the updated version of the lineup.

Bonus tip:
Because these wheels have been around for so long, they’re widely available on the second hand market at very affordable prices. Buying used can save money; just be cautious and test when possible.

Thrustmaster T150
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The Thrustmaster T150 is another excellent beginner option and a strong alternative to Logitech.

Things to know:

  • Belt-driven force feedback (smoother and quieter than gears)
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Part of a strong Thrustmaster ecosystem for future upgrades
  • Pedals are basic, but upgradeable later

This wheel is ideal if you want smoother feedback and the option to upgrade within the same brand over time.

Bonus tip:
Like Logitech wheels, the T150 is also commonly found on second hand marketplaces.

MOZA R3
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The MOZA R3 is a newer addition to the entry-level sim racing market, and it’s our favorite. It brings direct drive technology to a beginner friendly price point.

Things to know:

  • Direct drive force feedback (smooth, precise, and silent)
  • Compact and clean design
  • Offers a taste of high-end gear at an entry level
  • Decent pedals included
  • Best suited for PC users

Because it’s relatively new, it’s harder to find used, but if you’re buying new, this is one of the strongest entry-level options available today.

PC or Console: Which Platform Should You Choose?

Both PC and console are great ways to start sim racing, and you don’t need an expensive system either way.

PC
  • Largest variety of sim racing titles
  • Modding support
  • Large online and league racing communities
  • Flexible upgrade path

Even a budget gaming PC can run many sim racing titles with lowered settings.

Console
  • Plug-and-play simplicity
  • Lower upfront cost
  • Exclusive titles

Xbox and PlayStation both offer great experiences. While Forza Horizon is now available on multiple platforms, Gran Turismo remains exclusive to PlayStation, which may influence your choice.

Beginner advice:
Use what you already own. Many sim racers start on console and move to PC later.

Desk Setup vs Wheel Stand vs Cockpit

This is the part many beginners overthink. Do you need a cockpit? What even is a wheel stand? How much space does it take? and many more questions come to mind. The honest answer: keep it simple at first. Many people who are very competitive race on a desk; you don’t need a wheel stand or a cockpit to be good and enjoy this
hobby. Here are all the things to consider with each method:

Desk Setup (Perfect for Beginners)

Yes — sim racing on a desk is absolutely fine.

What you need:

  • A solid desk with no wobble
  • Clamp-mounted wheel
  • A chair that doesn’t roll (or wheel stoppers / DIY solutions)
Wheel Stands

Wheel stands are a great upgrade if you want more stability without committing to a cockpit.

Why they’re popular:

  • More stable than desks
  • Foldable and easy to store
  • Adjustable wheel and pedal positions
  • Much cheaper than full cockpits

For many beginners, this is the perfect middle ground.

Cockpits

Cockpits offer the most immersion, but:

  • They take up significant space
  • They cost more
  • They’re not necessary when starting out

Desk → Wheel stand → Cockpit is a natural progression, not a requirement

Budget Breakdown: How Much Does It All Cost?

Sim racing doesn’t have to be expensive. Entry level setups can be quite affordable, especially if you already have a PC or a Console. Mid range setup will usually include a more expensive direct drive wheel, better pedals, and a wheel stand. High end setup would include an even more powerful and expensive direct drive wheel, load cell pedals, cockpit, and even triple monitor setups.

Can you start Sim Racing Cheap?

Absolutely.

Many fast sim racers started with desk setups with a logitech g29 or thrustmaster wheels. Hardware is nice, but what is more important is practice, consistency, and enjoyment. Sim racing is a journey, not a single purchase. Your first setup doesn’t need to be perfect; it just needs to get you on track. Start racing, enjoy the process, and welcome to sim racing.