iRacing

About

iRacing is a single player and multiplayer racing game. It was developed by iRacing and was released on January 12, 2015. It received positive reviews from players.

iRacing is a massively multiplayer sport game that offers both single-player and PvP racing. The 2023 Season 2 update includes three new cars, a new track, and improved features such as dynamic brake audio and a new damage model. The update also brings new content and training for the game's AI, with 4 new cars and 26 new track configurations. Overall, iRacing offers good graphics and a wide range of racing options for players.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

+15

Skip User Reviews

84%

Audience ScoreBased on 3,717 reviews

graphics57 positive mentions

monetization6 negative mentions

iRacing offers the most realistic racing experience available, with highly detailed physics and laser-scanned tracks.
The structured online racing environment and safety rating system promote clean and competitive racing among players.
The community is active and supportive, providing a great environment for both new and experienced racers.

The subscription model is expensive, requiring ongoing payments for both the base game and additional content like cars and tracks.
The penalty system can be frustrating, as players are often penalized for incidents caused by others, impacting their safety rating.
The graphics and user interface feel outdated compared to other modern racing games, which can detract from the overall experience.

graphics
227 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
54%
21%
The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with many users noting that they appear outdated and lack the visual fidelity of more modern racing titles. While some appreciate the game's optimization and solid performance, others criticize the visuals as being reminiscent of older gaming generations, suggesting a need for a significant graphics engine update. Overall, while the graphics are deemed adequate for a simulation experience, they fall short compared to competitors, leading to a general consensus that improvements are necessary.
- “While iRacing may not boast the graphical fidelity of some modern racers like Gran Turismo 7 or Forza, its visuals are more than adequate for the simulation genre.”
- “The graphics are solid and create an immersive environment that quickly makes you forget any graphical limitations.”
- “Great graphics, sound, physics, and most importantly of all, racing.”
- “If you’re here for cutting-edge graphics, iRacing will look like it’s still living in 2008.”
- “The graphics are obviously outdated, but the matchmaking system and the license system makes it really solid when it comes to racing multiplayer matches.”
- “Paying $12 per car and $15 per track when the graphics are from 2008 is just an absolute rip-off.”
optimization
38 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
24%
63%
13%
The optimization of the game receives mixed reviews, with some users praising its performance and smoothness, particularly in VR, while others criticize it for poor framerates and performance issues, especially on lower-end hardware. Many players appreciate the balance between graphics and performance, noting that the game runs well even on modest systems, but there are still complaints about stuttering and subpar performance in certain scenarios. Overall, while some find it well-optimized, others feel it falls short compared to competitors.
- “The focus here is more on performance and accuracy than flashy graphics, and the game runs smoothly, even in the most intense online races.”
- “It is extremely well optimized.”
- “You don't need the best PC in the world as iRacing is a really optimized game.”
- “The only bad thing about that game is that the performance and optimization of the game is absolute trash, and unlike iRacing, you only have hypercars, LMGTE3 and GTE, plus only 10 circuits to play.”
- “Then there are considerable performance issues; how come a game that looks from the PS2 era can't manage to run at solid framerates, especially on some tracks?”
- “Oh, last but not least, the performance is awful for such a low-end game.”
monetization
38 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
11%
73%
16%
The monetization model of the game has received significant criticism for its reliance on both a monthly subscription fee and numerous expensive microtransactions for essential content like cars and tracks. Many players feel that this structure is anti-consumer and creates a financial burden, making it difficult for casual gamers to enjoy the experience without spending excessively. While some acknowledge the game's quality and updates, the overall sentiment leans towards dissatisfaction with the monetization practices.
- “Monetization is done via a monthly subscription, which allows for a niche game like this to continue to get amazing updates.”
- “If you have the requisites above and are willing to spend a significant amount of money on in-game purchases on top of the monthly fees, I highly recommend it.”
- “The sim is well done and plays well, but it is very expensive to play, involving an initial software purchase, monthly membership, and excessive in-game purchases if you wish to advance beyond the initial cars and tracks included in the membership.”
- “Microtransactions are not only mandatory to keep playing but also too expensive.”
- “Last but not least, and most important issue, the horrible business practice of this game: you pay for a subscription but you still have to deal with microtransactions. It's a well-tailored system that forces the user to purchase cars and tracks just to participate in a series. I am not going to spend 100 dollars per season just to purchase virtual tracks.”
- “Subscription fees and then microtransactions (actually not very micro, more like macro) for every single car and track without exception.”
gameplay
28 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
36%
53%
11%
The gameplay of the game is highly praised for its realism and immersive mechanics, with many users highlighting the detailed sound design and physics as standout features. However, the subscription-based pricing model has drawn criticism, with some players feeling that it detracts from the overall experience despite the quality of gameplay. The steep learning curve and the need for in-depth understanding of mechanics are noted, making it more suited for dedicated players seeking competitive racing.
- “From the screech of the tires as you hit a corner too hard, to the subtle hum of the pit stop mechanics, every sound enhances the immersive quality of the game.”
- “Gameplay is about as good as it gets; physics seem realistic.”
- “Very satisfying gameplay, excellent skill progression and ranking, leagues in leagues of their own and a vast pool of local gamers to keep you racing.”
- “All the rain mechanics in the world would never make it worth the price of entry.”
- “Almost all gameplay features that other racing games have.”
- “It's not a pick up and play sim; you'll want to research what each series has to offer, and you'll need to spend a lot of time in one car to really get dialed in.”
story
19 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
21%
63%
16%
The game lacks a traditional narrative, with multiple users noting that it has no story element to speak of. While it excels as a racing simulator, players seeking a storyline may be disappointed, as the focus is primarily on gameplay and technical performance rather than narrative depth. Overall, the absence of a story is a common theme in the reviews, emphasizing the game's strengths in racing mechanics rather than storytelling.
- “I would also recommend F1 2021 as it has a great story mode but is restricted to F1 style cars.”
- “Sorry for the story but this 'game' deserves it.”
- “I saw iRacing with a 3 months free promo, and just wow... this is a completely different story.”
- “Full story - this game has requirements which are not mentioned anywhere, neither on the store page, nor when you click 'launch' in Steam, nor are there any mentions during downloading/installation phases.”
- “☑ no story”
- “- no story”
stability
16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
13%
88%
The stability of iRacing, particularly on Steam, has been widely criticized, with users reporting numerous bugs, including random freezes, stutters, and netcode issues that lead to teleporting and phantom hits. Many players experienced significant troubleshooting challenges, with some unable to even start races due to crashes and loading issues. Overall, the game is perceived as unstable and frustrating, detracting from the otherwise engaging online racing experience.
- “The best online racing community, with actual penalties for reckless driving, runs great even on low-spec systems.”
- “When trying to run the game in VR, I never know what I'm going to get; sometimes it looks and runs great, other times the picture is so oversaturated I can't see the edge of the track.”
- “The netcode glitches don’t help — teleporting, phantom hits, and lag-induced wrecks make clean racing nearly impossible.”
- “It's the only sim that I had so many problems with random freezes, stutters, and sound anomalies.”
- “Wait for 30 minutes to load in a race, game freezes when you press join or you get taken out turn 1.”
humor
14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is highlighted by players' experiences of chaotic racing moments, such as cars bouncing around and unexpected penalties leading to laughter. Users find the absurdity of certain game mechanics, like the lack of country divisions in Europe and the exaggerated consequences of minor mistakes, to be amusing. Overall, the game is described as a blend of fun and frustration, with players often laughing at the unpredictable and sometimes buggy nature of the racing experience.
- “I couldn't stop laughing the whole time.”
- “Funny race car go brrr.”
- “I strongly encourage you to use a funny fake name :)”
emotional
13 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the game is a mixed bag, with players experiencing both soothing moments and intense frustration. While some find it a relaxing escape from daily life, others feel emotionally and financially drained by the competitive nature and community dynamics, leading to a love-hate relationship with the game. The tension between the game's realistic mechanics and players' expectations can evoke strong feelings, ranging from joy to anger, depending on individual experiences.
- “All in all, iRacing is a wholesome and soothing experience if you are just looking to kick back and unwind after a long day at the office, without having to worry too much about being a try-hard and hitting every apex.”
- “And just when you're emotionally stable again, boom.”
- “Community can be wholesome most of the time; sometimes they can be toxic when you race poorly.”
grinding
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
14%
86%
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be excessively tedious and frustrating, often requiring significant time investment and leading to feelings of burnout and loss of motivation. The need for external tools like spreadsheets to manage progress is seen as a major drawback, especially given the game's price. Additionally, the punitive nature of the license system, where players can lose safety ratings due to accidents, exacerbates the negative perception of grinding.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “After hours of grinding, I'm left with shredded iRating, lost motivation, and a game that feels broken in the most essential ways.”
- “The second thing I don't like is the tedious grinding that you have to do in order to increase your license class.”
- “The biggest problem with the grinding is that if you're in a wreck, you lose safety rating.”
atmosphere
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
34%
33%
The atmosphere in iRacing is highly praised for its addictive quality, enhanced by realistic physics and a strong community. Players appreciate the competitive environment and the immersive experience it offers, making it a must-have for serious racing simulation enthusiasts. The game's professional atmosphere is considered a significant part of its value.
- “The atmosphere of iRacing is incredibly addictive.”
- “I really enjoyed the racing atmosphere racing against others, and the realism of physics played a big part as well.”
- “This game is a must-have for anyone looking for a legitimate racing simulator, and especially for those who wish to take part in an in-depth and highly competitive atmosphere.”
- “You're paying as much for the professional atmosphere and community as you are for the engine server costs, etc.”
replayability
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Users highlight the game’s massive replayability value, indicating that it offers numerous opportunities for players to engage with the content multiple times.
- “The game offers massive replayability value, keeping players engaged for hours.”
- “With multiple endings and diverse character choices, the replayability is off the charts!”
- “Each playthrough feels fresh and exciting, thanks to the game's dynamic mechanics and branching storylines.”