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About

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.

iRacing screenshot
iRacing screenshot
iRacing screenshot
iRacing screenshot
iRacing screenshot
iRacing screenshot
iRacing screenshot
iRacing screenshot
iRacing screenshot
iRacing screenshot
iRacing screenshot
+15

84%
Audience ScoreBased on 3,009 reviews
graphics57 positive mentions
monetization6 negative mentions

  • Highly realistic racing simulation with excellent physics and handling.
  • Strong online community with a structured safety rating and matchmaking system that promotes clean racing.
  • Wide variety of cars and tracks available, with regular updates and new content.
  • Expensive pricing model with a monthly subscription and additional costs for cars and tracks, making it a financial burden for many players.
  • Frustrating penalty system that can penalize players for incidents caused by others, leading to a negative racing experience.
  • Outdated graphics and user interface that do not match the quality of other modern racing games.
  • graphics
    213 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with many users noting that they are outdated compared to modern racing titles like Assetto Corsa and Forza. While some appreciate the game's optimization and decent performance, others criticize the visuals as lacking detail and immersion, often likening them to early PS3-era graphics. Overall, the consensus is that while the graphics may not be cutting-edge, they are functional enough for a racing simulation, with a focus on gameplay and physics over visual fidelity.

    • “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 not bad by any means; they give more accessibility to people with less powerful PCs.”
    • “Nice sharp graphics, very good physics, laser-scanned tracks, constant updates, and of course, a top multiplayer racing system.”
    • “The graphics are extremely outdated by now; other games like AC and LMU make this look like it comes from the Stone Age.”
    • “The outdated graphics are okay if it didn't take such a toll on your FPS for no reason.”
    • “The graphics are awful; the game looks terrible. I know that is not really so important in a racing sim, but it's 2024, and I feel like I am back in the early PS2 or PS3 era.”
  • optimization
    36 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with some users praising its performance, particularly in VR and on lower-end systems, while others report significant performance issues and stuttering, especially with distant objects. Overall, many players appreciate the balance between graphics and performance, noting that the game runs smoothly during intense online races, but there are still concerns about optimization for certain hardware configurations.

    • “The focus here is more on performance and accuracy than flashy graphics, and the game runs smoothly, even in the most intense online races.”
    • “You don't need the best PC in the world as iRacing is a really optimized game.”
    • “I've got a somewhat outdated machine and I have all settings maxed out and run it at 120fps, because it is such an optimized game.”
    • “Then there are considerable performance issues. How come a game that looks like it's 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.”
    • “I seem to not be that well optimized, CPU and GPU performance-wise.”
  • monetization
    36 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization model of the game has received significant criticism for its combination of a monthly subscription fee and extensive microtransactions, which many players find excessive and anti-consumer. While some acknowledge that the subscription supports ongoing updates, the requirement to purchase additional cars and tracks to fully enjoy the game is seen as a cash grab, making it financially burdensome for average gamers. Overall, the monetization structure detracts from the experience, leading to frustration among players who feel trapped in a costly cycle.

    • “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.”
    • “Last but not least, and most importantly, the horrible business practice of this game: you pay for a subscription but 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.”
    • “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.”
  • gameplay
    27 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay is praised for its realism and immersive mechanics, offering a satisfying learning curve and competitive environment, particularly for dedicated players. However, the subscription model and high costs for additional content are significant drawbacks for many users. While the game features impressive physics and a variety of options, some players feel that the crash physics could be improved and that the pricing structure detracts from the overall experience.

    • “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.”
    • “Crash physics aren't the best (but aren't the worst either, they don't ruin the gameplay experience whatsoever, but don't expect something on the same level as NR2003 or BeamNG.drive).”
    • “It's not a pick up and play sim; you'll want to research what each series has to offer (the forums are amazing for this), you'll eventually need to look into the basics of mechanical tuning, and you'll need to spend a lot of time in one car to really get dialed in.”
  • story
    17 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The reviews indicate that the game lacks a traditional narrative, with multiple users noting the absence of a story element. While some mention the immersive experience of VR racing, they emphasize that the focus is primarily on gameplay mechanics rather than storytelling. Overall, the consensus is that players seeking a rich narrative may be disappointed, but those interested in racing will find enjoyment in the game's mechanics.

    • “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.”
    • “☑ no story”
    • “Patience runs short, and I hear the same story over and over.”
    • “- no story”
  • stability
    14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The stability of the game has been widely criticized, with users reporting frequent random freezes, stutters, and crashes, particularly when attempting to join races or run in VR. Many players have experienced significant bugs, including erratic car physics and sound anomalies, leading to frustration and refunds. Overall, the game is perceived as outdated and plagued by technical issues that detract from the overall experience.

    • “I'm sure it is a fun game, but after 4 or so days of troubleshooting, I gave up and just refunded it.”
    • “It's the only sim that I had so many problems with random freezes, stutters, and sound anomalies.”
    • “What you get for the price tag is a gated community to a product that has buggy physics and sub-par simulation features.”
  • humor
    12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is a standout feature, with players frequently laughing at the chaotic and buggy racing mechanics, such as cars bouncing around and unexpected penalties. Many reviews highlight the game's ability to create hilarious moments, even amidst frustrations like long loading times and aggressive players. Overall, the comedic elements contribute significantly to the enjoyment, making it a memorable experience despite some drawbacks.

    • “I couldn't stop laughing the whole time.”
    • “Funny race car go brrr.”
    • “I strongly encourage you to use a funny fake name :)”
  • emotional
    8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of the game elicits a mix of frustration and realization among players, as they grapple with the harsh realities of racing simulation compared to arcade-style games. While some find the community supportive, others experience toxicity, particularly when performance falters. The game challenges players to confront their preconceived notions about racing, leading to moments of self-reflection and disappointment.

    • “One thing I learned early on in my still very young iRacing career, which was something so obvious, I completely 'facepalmed' myself once I truly realized that I was so naive to believe it! This was how I've been subconsciously trained over the years without realizing it, that all these movies and 'arcade style' racing games make you think that you can just floor the gas pedal through a wreck, and things like touching a wall with the front fender does no damage to the car, or driving alongside another car and you bump his left rear fender, and nothing happens, whereas in real life the wreck that you would cause could be catastrophic to all cars involved!”
    • “Community can be wholesome most of the time; sometimes they can be toxic when you race poorly.”
    • “If you are a good racer and understand how to win a race from the very back without touching anyone, how to downshift, how to lift off the throttle, how to conserve tires and fuel, how to draft and slingshot... this game will infuriate you.”
  • atmosphere
    6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere in iRacing is highly praised for its addictive quality, realism, and strong community engagement, making it a standout choice for racing simulation enthusiasts. Players appreciate the competitive environment and the immersive experience enhanced by advanced physics and virtual reality support. Overall, the game's atmosphere is considered a key factor in its appeal, alongside its technical features.

    • “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.”
  • grinding
    5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be excessively time-consuming and tedious, often requiring significant dedication and self-discipline. The license system, while intended to provide a sense of progression, can become frustrating due to the penalties for mistakes, such as losing safety ratings after wrecks. Overall, the grinding experience is viewed as a double-edged sword that can detract from enjoyment.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “I can't stress enough, this takes a lot of grinding, self-restraint, and a seriousness that is unique to only iRacing.”
    • “The second thing I don't like is the tedious grinding that you have to do in order to increase your license class.”
  • replayability
    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players highlight the game’s massive replayability value, indicating that it offers numerous opportunities for varied experiences and encourages multiple playthroughs.

    • “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.”

Buy iRacing

8h Median play time
147h Average play time
3-105h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 11 analyzed playthroughs

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