iRacing

About

iRacing is a realistic online sport game that offers both massively multiplayer and multi-player races. With over 150 cars and 40 official series to choose from, players can also host their own races or join one of the 800 private leagues. All that's needed is a computer, a USB gaming wheel or game pad, and an internet connection.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

+13

81%

Audience ScoreBased on 1,429 reviews

graphics25 positive mentions

monetization5 negative mentions

iRacing offers the most realistic racing experience available, with laser-scanned tracks and detailed car physics.
The online community is generally serious about racing, leading to competitive and clean races.
The ranking and safety rating systems encourage good driving behavior and help filter out reckless players.

The subscription model is expensive, requiring ongoing payments for both the monthly fee and additional purchases for cars and tracks.
Many players report issues with the penalty system, where drivers can be unfairly penalized for incidents caused by others.
The user interface and overall graphics feel outdated compared to other modern racing games.

graphics
76 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
51%
16%
The graphics of the game are generally considered dated, often compared to early 2010s visuals, with many reviewers noting they fall short of competitors like Assetto Corsa and Automobilista 2. While some players appreciate the clarity and performance balance, others criticize the outdated engine and lack of detail, especially given the game's subscription model and pricing for additional content. Overall, the graphics are seen as acceptable but not impressive, with a strong emphasis on the racing experience over visual fidelity.
- “Graphics are great; they aren't the best, but they're very good and clear.”
- “Great for online racing, very good graphics.”
- “Exceptional graphics.”
- “Too expensive, terrible graphics.”
- “The graphics look dated, around early 2010's, which I found surprising considering the amount of money being poured into this.”
- “Graphics are awful, the game looks terrible, I know that is not really so important in racing sim, but it's 2024 and I feel like I am back in time like PS2 early PS3 era.”
monetization
18 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
11%
61%
28%
The monetization model of the game has been widely criticized for being overly expensive and burdensome, requiring both an initial purchase and a monthly subscription, along with numerous in-game purchases that many players find excessive. This approach has led to perceptions of the game as a cash grab, particularly for those on a budget or looking for a more versatile gaming experience. While some players appreciate the quality of the racing simulation, the financial commitment required to fully enjoy the game has deterred many potential users.
- “However, for those seeking a more budget-friendly or versatile gaming experience, iRacing's monetization model may not align with their preferences, especially when considering the array of alternatives available in today's gaming market.”
- “Just know what you're getting into! There are technically 'in-app purchases' that determine what type of racing you'll be doing if you're on a budget, and also that this sim is taken a lot more seriously than others, but it leads to some amazing races!”
- “One of the game's primary downsides lies in its monetization strategy.”
- “Amazing but full of in-game purchases which ruin the game a little bit.”
- “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
14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
36%
43%
21%
The gameplay of iRacing is praised for its realistic mechanics, competitive online community, and satisfying skill progression, making it appealing for dedicated racing enthusiasts. However, some users criticize the high cost of entry and subscription model, suggesting that while the gameplay is solid, it may not justify the financial investment compared to other racing simulators. Overall, iRacing offers a unique experience for serious players, but casual gamers might find better value elsewhere.
- “For dedicated enthusiasts willing to invest considerable time and money solely into iRacing, the precision in its mechanics and the competitive online racing community might hold great appeal.”
- “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.”
- “Despite what everyone says about the game's business model, in terms of gameplay, the game is just getting better with the new day-to-night cycle and the recent tire model update.”
- “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.”
- “- 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).”
optimization
13 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
38%
23%
The game's optimization is a mixed bag; while it runs well on low-end systems and strikes a good balance between graphics and performance, some users report poor performance in certain areas, particularly with distant objects appearing stuttery. Additionally, while some vehicle models excel in tire performance, others fall short, indicating inconsistency in the overall experience. Overall, the game is generally well-optimized but has room for improvement in specific aspects.
- “The game is surprisingly well optimized.”
- “Great optimization.”
- “Looks great, is very optimized, and is even fun.”
- “Oh last but not least, the performance is awful for such a low-end game.”
- “I seems not that great optimized, CPU & GPU performance wise.”
- “Also, I have the impression that everything close moves fluently, but far objects around the track are like stuttering.”
stability
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The stability of the game is widely criticized, with users reporting long loading times, frequent freezes, crashes, and various bugs that disrupt gameplay. Many players express frustration over the game's outdated performance and the negative impact of these issues on their racing experience, leading to a perception of it being both expensive and unfair. Overall, the game's stability is seen as a significant drawback, detracting from its potential enjoyment.
- “Wait for 30 minutes to load in a race, game freezes when you press join or you get taken out turn 1.”
- “It's the only sim that I had so many problems with random freezes, stutters, and sound anomalies.”
- “Expensive, buggy, and unfair game.”
story
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43%
43%
14%
The reviews highlight that while the VR racing experience is enjoyable, the story aspect is notably lacking, with one user specifically recommending "F1 2021" for its engaging story mode, albeit limited to F1 cars. Overall, the emphasis is on the immersive racing experience rather than a compelling narrative.
- “I would also recommend F1 2021 as it has a great story mode but is restricted to F1 style cars.”
- “No story.”
emotional
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional responses to the game highlight a deep frustration among players, particularly those experienced in racing, who feel that the game's mechanics and realism clash with their expectations shaped by arcade-style racing games. Many express disappointment over the lack of a refund policy and the game's inability to deliver a satisfying racing experience, leading to feelings of anger and disillusionment. Overall, the emotional tone reflects a mix of frustration, regret, and a sense of betrayal regarding the game's design and its impact on players' racing skills.
- “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!”
- “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.”
- “I can't even log into the game and they still won't refund me because I have 3 hours played from last year... I am never touching this piece of garbage game ever again!”
grinding
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players find the grinding aspect of iRacing to be both demanding and tedious, requiring significant time and effort to progress through the license system. Many express frustration over the potential setbacks caused by accidents, which can negatively impact their safety rating and prolong the grinding process.
- “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.”
- “The biggest problem with the grinding is that if you're in a wreck, you lose safety rating.”
humor
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is derived from its chaotic gameplay and the unexpected, often absurd situations players encounter, such as cars bouncing around and flying during races. While some players find amusement in the antics of others who intentionally disrupt races, the overall experience is marred by frustrations related to the game's subscription model and penalties for uncontrollable events. Despite these issues, many still appreciate the game's entertaining and humorous moments.
- “Tried different solutions and finally I wrote support, and here begins the funny side.”
- “This game is pure carnage, and you are often penalized for things that aren't your fault. The game is also buggy at times; cars will literally bounce around and fly. Just watch funny clips, and you will see.”
- “This is an amazing game, but there are a few things that let it down, like the fact that it costs a lot of money being a subscription-based game and that you have to buy everything in-game. Also, there are a lot of people who think it’s funny to wreck other players in races when they know it will lower that person's safety rating. But apart from that, it’s a great game.”
atmosphere
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Reviewers highlight the immersive atmosphere of the game, emphasizing the enjoyment derived from racing against others and the strong sense of community. The realism of the physics enhances the overall experience, contributing to a captivating and engaging environment.
- “I really enjoyed the racing atmosphere; racing against others and the realism of physics played a big part as well.”
- “I love the atmosphere; I love the friends I make, and I love the stories I get to tell.”
replayability
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
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.”