Essential Equipment for your Sim Racing Setup

 Minimum Requirements to start Sim Racing

At the bare minimum, Sim Racers need the following equipment to start sim racing (We are going to be as simple as possible with our explanations): 

• Wheel: The component that allows you to turn the vehicle (stating the obvious, we know)
• Wheel Base: The component that receives the input from the wheel and relays the input into the game. Most wheel bases include a motor that provides Force Feedback (description below). 
• Pedals: The components that allow you to go forward and stop (trying to be as simple as possible here).  Note: A clutch is not needed to start Sim Racing
• Note: A clutch is not needed to start Sim Racing
• Monitor: The display that shows you the Racing Simulation in real time.  Note: A traditional TV can be used as well. 
• Note: A traditional TV can be used as well. 
• Gaming Platform: The component that the Racing SImulation runs on (i.e PC or Playstation/Xbox). 

That’s it! Most people already have a gaming platform and monitor, so the first purchase is usually the Wheel, Wheel Base, and Pedals. 

RSS Pro Tip: We always recommend first time sim racers purchase a Complete Kit (Logitech G923), which includes a wheel, wheel base, and pedals that work great on a desk or table top. 

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Minimum Requirements for a Full Setup

The next level of a Simulator Rig is a full setup. A full setup is a nice-to-have, not a need-to-have if you are wanting to start Sim Racing. A full setup does offer higher immersion and added stability that will support in your performance on the track, but top Sim Racers in the world such as RSS Ambassador Cam Ebben do not use a full setup. Here are the minimum requirements for a full setup (everything from the Minimum requirements to start Sim Racing is already included):

• Cockpit/Chassis: The frame that supports the mounting of the wheel, wheel base, and pedals, as well as provides the ability for the racer to sit in. 
• Monitor Stand: A stand that supports the monitors. This can be attached to the cockpit/chassis or be free standing.  NOTE: A monitor stand is not always required for a full setup as you can use a monitor that is on a desk or a traditional TV. 
• NOTE: A monitor stand is not always required for a full setup as you can use a monitor that is on a desk or a traditional TV. 
• SEAT: The component that the Sim Racer sits in that is attached to the cockpit/chassis.  Note: Many cockpit/Chassis have a seat built into it (Playseat Challenge). 
• Note: Many cockpit/Chassis have a seat built into it (Playseat Challenge). 

These are usually a Sim Racer’s first upgrade from the desk setup to a full setup. There are a variety of options when choosing a cockpit/chassis, so make sure to use the Sim Rig Builder to help find the right one for you. 

RSS Pro Tip: Check out this QUICK START BUILD for a budget friendly full setup!

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Non-Essential Equipment for Sim Racing

Now that we’ve laid out the minimum requirements to start Sim Racing and for a Full Setup, let’s go over the non-essential equipment that add more immersion and capabilities to your Sim Racing Setup. 

• Shifter: A knob that allows you to shift your car’s gears while driving. 
• Hand Brake: A knob that allows you to utilize the car’s emergency brake
• Motion System: A mechanical system that moves your rig to replicate the car’s motion
• Button Box: A component that provides you additional input and control options while you are racing.

This list can get extensive, so we’ll stop there. We will go into more detail on all additional components in a future guide. 

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