Advice on starting from scratch driving gaming?

Advice on starting from scratch driving gaming?

Author
Discussion

tight fart

Original Poster:

3,166 posts

283 months

Wednesday 29th January
quotequote all
Ok please be kind to me I’ve never played any computer games.
After going to the F1 exhibition at excel and trying their F1 simulator (it was not, just a chair and wheel)
I quite fancy trying this at home. So starting from scratch what should I go for, Xbox, PlayStation or pc etc?
Then I guess I need a steering wheel and pedals, finally I haven’t thought about budget, ideally less than
£1k unless that’s unrealistic and it needs to be more?

andrewcliffe

1,176 posts

234 months

Wednesday 29th January
quotequote all
You'll need a 'platform' - PS5 / XBox / PC. Each has its own merits. For casual gaming then console, PC if you want to take it more seriously.

You'll need pedals and steering wheel - The cheap stuff is exactly that - cheap, outdated tech. For around the £ 500 mark you're into the entry level systems from the bigger bodys - Fanatec and Moza in particular, and I've been eying up the Fanatec CSL DD bundle at £ 400 The stuff holds its value well. If you wanted a seat and frame, look at Playseat.

A decent gaming PC will cost a significant chunk of money, really more than your initial budget. The Playstation fans will tout their platform as being the best of the consoles, and the Xbox contingent will have an equally compelling argument. In racing games, Playstation has Gran Turismo exclusive to its platform, and Xbox has its own Forza series, and I understand the official F1 game is on both.

If I was buying a console, I think my money would go towards Sony at the moment.


Edited by andrewcliffe on Wednesday 29th January 18:15

Crafty_

13,576 posts

210 months

Wednesday 29th January
quotequote all
Andrew pretty much covered it,
I would skip Xbox personally. The only thing it gives you is the Forza games - horizon is generally accepted to be more arcade than sim and motorsport is ok but you can get both on PC. MS has spent a small fortune on buying up games studios over the past few years, but they lost the hardware battle with Playstation (again) this generation and have announced they'll be releasing games to other platforms - no specific details yet so can't say Forza will go across.


If you go playstation keep in mind if you want to go online you have to pay - £60 a year right now but there are occasional sales. Most (but not all) PC games are free to go online. the exception to this is iracing where you need to pay, then there are additional charges for extra cars and tracks.
PC probably has the widest number of games and better integration with hardware like switch boxes and a wider number of wheels if you get proper keen - but by this time you'll be a few grand in.

At the moment for playstation Gran Turismo 7 is the mainstay, its looked down upon by some as "not a real sim" - well, they may have a point, but what it does have is the "pick up and play". It does get a massive amount of criticism, yet has sold (and continues to sell) well. One thing here - all updates a free, ther's one coming tomorrow adding 4 cars and some other stuff for example.

The next big game coming is Assetto Corsa Evo, PC first, then consoles. The racing geeks enthusiasts are getting pretty excited but eh, we'll see - the last version of the game got over hyped (imho), especially on console where a iffy port (done by a 3rd party) left it with poor performance and shortcomings (for example, there were more functions you could map to a button than there are buttons on a controller/wheel...) . I don't think the developer really gave a toss about console versions, but the publisher wanted it for the £££, dev support was lacklustre to say the least.
I'd have less doubts about it if on PC, but there's a cost to having something that will run the game well.

Automobilista 2 is on the way too, the first game I understand to be quite well regarded but doesn't have the traction of other titles. The new version has Ian Bell working on it of Project Cars fame, depending where you sit that might be a good or bad thing, certainly he's an interesting character.

Go over to https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/ and have a mooch about, but keep in mind that many there treat sim racing as life or death, it really isn't that serious!





Super Sonic

7,985 posts

64 months

Wednesday 29th January
quotequote all
Pole Position on the pier, a pile of pound coins.

MikeM6

5,359 posts

112 months

Thursday 30th January
quotequote all
If you are looking to have a go at this and unsure if you will want to sink loads of time and money into it, then there are cost effective ways of getting onto this. I don't have much time for gaming or inclination to spend money on it, but I used to enjoy chasing down laptimes when I was younger.

I have an Xbox S (£250), a 4k Samsung 42" TV (£265), a Logitech G920 (£200) and a very basic wheel stand (eBay £65). I then bought Assetto Corsa Competitzione for about £10 and this works for me. It's not perfect, but it is everything you need to have fun and get a taste.

The wheel stand is secure and sturdy enough and is miles better than clamping to a desk, but it is a cheap solution and so isn't perfect.


brian_H

86 posts

102 months

Thursday 30th January
quotequote all
I am only commenting on this as I want this kind of set up myself in the next couple of months.....this way I can find the post easier!

Thanks

:-)

Bujinkhal

95 posts

76 months

Thursday 30th January
quotequote all
If you're in the north west, I'll sell you that wheel set up, including shifter (with a better frame) and a PS4 (No TV or Chair sorry) for around £300.

Dashnine

1,548 posts

60 months

Thursday 30th January
quotequote all
Having been to the F1 Exhibition in (or as we eventually found - under) Excel and then the F1 Arcade near St Pauls I was wondering what hardware and software they’re using, I assume the same / similar in both places?

Used to be into driving gaming many years ago, this may have caused the itch to resurface….

triple5

755 posts

155 months

Thursday 30th January
quotequote all
Dashnine said:
Having been to the F1 Exhibition in (or as we eventually found - under) Excel and then the F1 Arcade near St Pauls I was wondering what hardware and software they’re using, I assume the same / similar in both places?

Used to be into driving gaming many years ago, this may have caused the itch to resurface….
F1 arcade in London uses Vesaro simulators, about 13K IIRC, I don't know what the game platform is though.

BobSaunders

3,081 posts

165 months

Friday 31st January
quotequote all
MikeM6 said:
If you are looking to have a go at this and unsure if you will want to sink loads of time and money into it, then there are cost effective ways of getting onto this. I don't have much time for gaming or inclination to spend money on it, but I used to enjoy chasing down laptimes when I was younger.

I have an Xbox S (£250), a 4k Samsung 42" TV (£265), a Logitech G920 (£200) and a very basic wheel stand (eBay £65). I then bought Assetto Corsa Competitzione for about £10 and this works for me. It's not perfect, but it is everything you need to have fun and get a taste.

The wheel stand is secure and sturdy enough and is miles better than clamping to a desk, but it is a cheap solution and so isn't perfect.

Bought the "kids" a GT omega ART.

Similar to you, i had a old xbox one 4k hanging around connected to a LG 55" tv in a room in the house - mostly used for lego star wars etc. I had a previously bought a G920 pedals and steering wheel in the cupboard. On the xbox subscription for £20 for three months i got forza horizon for them, and assetto competition etc for me.

Great way of introducing them to driving. Cheap-ish solution.

I've not tried iracing, but nothing stopping me dragging my gaming pc downstairs and plugging it in - beyond the weight of it.

sassthathoopie

958 posts

225 months

Friday 31st January
quotequote all
I started a thread on this last year which you may find helpful

I also gave an update of my experience just after Christmas in this thread

sassthathoopie said:
Still Mulling said:
Hi Folks. I'm wandering into unchartered territory here as I'm not a gamer, but I'm toying with something and could use some advice from the experts, please!
I was in your position last April and started a thread which you may well find helpful. I tried to cover how my thinking and thoughts changed through the process as I learned more about the subject matter.

I went backwards and forwards over the options. In the end I made the following choices, and everything was pre-owned:

PS5 with disc
PSVR2 headset and controllers
Gran Turismo 7 & EA Sports WRC
Playseat Challenge
Fanatec CSL Elite wheelbase (Playstation version with the blue symbol)
Fanatec CSL P1 QR1 Lite wheel
Fanatec CSL Elite V2 pedals

TOTAL: £1071.30

Am I happy with the choices I have made? Yes for the time being (although I still love the idea of being able to drive a full mock up of the Targa Florio in VR with Assetto Corsa!)

I'm still working my way through the GT7 single player game without having raced any real people yet. I'm deliberately taking my time and enjoying road cars before moving into race cars.

Buying a Ferrari 512BB at the used car dealership, racing it at sunset at Goodwood, alongside 19 other stunning classics whilst wearing my VR headset for the first time is an experience I will never forget. I've played all the Gran Truismo games, but somehow the VR element gives me way more interaction and 'pride of ownership' than I've had with the previous versions.

Last week I had a bit of breakthrough:
1)I bought a Lamborghini Countach LP400 and then tuned it to be competitive at 600pp but without adding any external mods that would spoil its stunning looks (ie no spoilers, no wide body, no wide track/wheels). Very satisfying, but it is still a complete animal to drive and more tuning work to be done.

2) I bought a Lancia Stratos Stradale. Fitted it with the wide body Gr4 kit. Downloaded an Alitalia livery, and then tuned it to also be competitive in 600pp track events. It went from being slow and super unpredictable, to being a fantastic car to drive, finding that perfect balance between being a bit too easy, and being just a bit too hard.

Before I start racing either of these I usually go for a bit of a VR perv of them in Japanese garage/garden. biggrin

What have I learned?
  • The Playseat Challenge is superb value for £50 used. Really comfy. I just wish that the wheel platform height was adjustable.
  • VR is immersive, and as a consequence is tiring. You will naturally play fewer hours if you only play in VR. I did some licence tests recently without it, but 9/10 times I'm wearing the headset.
  • GT7 is such a good game that I have barely touched EA Sports WRC.
  • With a PS5 there is no faffing about with software patches or settings. You can just jump in and play, which is a bonus if you are likely to come and go with it or if you want to go the VR route. Your hardware/software is the same as everyone elses so you can easily look up settings and apply/test other people's findings.
  • Don't be tempted to run your wheel with too high torque settings. My short lazy stint on WRC with GT7 wheel settings gave me carpal tunnel that took 10 days away from playing to get over.
  • I thought I would be able to buy someone's complete setup at a big discount and be a happy camper. In the end everything was bought piecemeal so I got what I wanted at a sensible price, with nothing I would have to resell.
  • If you want Fanatec kit to run on Playstation you need to be able to recognise the minor distinguishing marks over the cheaper kit that is PC/Xbox only.
Hope that's helpful

Still Mulling

13,829 posts

187 months

Friday 31st January
quotequote all
I wondered if you'd be along, sassthathoopie smile

With a bit of tweaking to the advice above, as I'm not going VR for dipping my toe in, I'm currently saving towards second hand items (CEX, eBay combined):

Console: PS5 disc (£390)
Games: Gran Turismo 7, F1 '24 (£40 + £28)
Pedals/wheel: Logitech G923 (£180)
Seat: Playseat Challenge (£120)
Screen: 22" PC monitor that I already have spare

Total: £758

sassthathoopie

958 posts

225 months

Friday 31st January
quotequote all
Still Mulling said:
I wondered if you'd be along, sassthathoopie smile

With a bit of tweaking to the advice above, as I'm not going VR for dipping my toe in, I'm currently saving towards second hand items (CEX, eBay combined):

Console: PS5 disc (£390)
Games: Gran Turismo 7, F1 '24 (£40 + £28)
Pedals/wheel: Logitech G923 (£180)
Seat: Playseat Challenge (£120)
Screen: 22" PC monitor that I already have spare

Total: £758
smile
I found I got better service with Cash Converters than CEX.

Be careful with wheels > I think the Logitech G923 is PC/Xbox only so GT7 on Playstation wouldn't be an option.

My used Playseat Challenge was in great condition, and no smells or issues. It is a great bit of kit and I paid £50 on FB Marketplace. Plenty of people look to upgrade once they really get into it, so there is usually a good selection available. When funds are tight I would save that £70 and put it towards your wheel/pedals budget.

Still Mulling

13,829 posts

187 months

Friday 31st January
quotequote all
Fab, thank you. I hadn't thought to look at Cash Converters. The G923 does have a PS version now. smile

conkerman

3,405 posts

145 months

Friday 31st January
quotequote all
My thoughts are inexpensive gaming PC (If you don't have one that can run games OK), most driving games are not that intensive to run. Steam sales/HumbleBundle/Fanatical are great for cheap games.

Find a used racing wheel/Stand for not much money and see how you go. You can pretty much use any wheel with PC.

With the ascendancy of DD wheels, there are plenty of G26/7/9 wheels/stands kicking about in cupboards for the taking.

captain_cynic

14,034 posts

105 months

Friday 31st January
quotequote all
sassthathoopie said:
Be careful with wheels > I think the Logitech G923 is PC/Xbox only so GT7 on Playstation wouldn't be an option.
The Logitech G29 has a PS and Xbox options. New from Logitechs web site it's £199 so you should be able to get it cheaper... Sans manual shifter of course.

I think the G29 is a good starting point.

I'm on PC so it doesn't matter which one I buy but I ended up with the PS version for two reasons. 1. It has two more buttons. 2. It was £15 cheaper.