Yeah, I know it might sound dumb that I asked this. But I want your answer. I got into racing games about 2 months ago and it seems like this is a long term interest. First it was keyboard, now it's an Xbox controller. I think I already have all the precision I need but still, a wheel sometimes pops up in my head and makes me consider getting it at some point. Price is not what I'm worried about. I can spend less on everything else to save up if I really want something. Logitech or Thrustmaster setup without all the crazy extra stuff with lights sound good. I heard this game has issues with Moza devices so it's one of these 2 brands. I'm worried about if this worth paying a lot of money for when I can technically play just fine with a controller. Did getting it dramatically enhance the experience? Is it more fun to drive in a video game because you have it? Or do you think that you never really needed it?
Don't know where you've heard this game has issues with Moza but as someone with 1000+ hours in ams2 with Moza, first with the R5 and now with the R12 I can confirm this is not the case. For me getting a wheel is a must if you really like Sim titles, you'll enjoy them so much more, but if you just've been driving for 2 months, I'd probably go for something on the cheaper side, second hand would be a good option. For me it would be either Logitech G29 or Moza R3. Cant recomend thrustmaster since the T248 has worrying reports of being somewhat unreliable. Its more fun to drive yeah, but it also takes time getting used to driving with a wheel so be mindful of that aswell.
Ladies and gentleman, a short view to the past. I started racing with a joystick on good old Grand Prix 2 and it was great fun, I didn't miss anything. Racing wheels at that point in time were rare und above all else unaffordable for me. Fast forward a few years to the Codemasters F1 games I used a controller like you and again it was totally fine, I felt competitive. Another step up compared to the joystick. Finally I could afford my first wheel, a Thrustmaster T150 and wow, those immense FFB forces! It was a whole different immersion. At first I couldn't get to the times I did with the controller, but I had so much more fun driving. I needed a good while, before I got fast again. It took again a few years before I got my first direct drive wheel, a Fanatec CSL DD with 8NM. How am I supposed to turn that wheel? I need to work out! But all in all, that was the greatest step up of them all. Finally able to feel what the car is doing. Before that, it was just gaming - now it was Simracing! Well, that's how I felt. Load cell pedals and a designated rig followed. Nowadays, I am on a Simagic Alpha Evo Pro and could'nt be happier. When i think back to each step-up, I couldn't return to the form of racing before. I tried a few months back to drive on the Thrustmaster again, before giving it to a friend and I was barely able to keep the car on the track. So, to answer your question, yes, I am very glad, that I upgraded to a wheel. The immersion alone is worth it. Although I put a lot of money into this hobby, I don't regret it and I had immense fun with every wheel I owned.
It's actually very helpful that you didn't have spend that much time racing with a controller. People moving to a wheel often struggling with how bad they suddenly are again since you bascially start at zero again trying to even keep the car on the road at all. Playing with controller or wheel is a completely different approach. If you just want to have fun controller is great. If you want to have that immersive experience that you are actually steering a car you can't get that on a controller. And for sims you will reach a skill ceiling where the controller just can't apply the precise input needed and give you the proper feedback what the car is doing to get really fast. Short version is yes, definitely go for a wheel if you have interest in racing. If you're unsure how long it will keep you interested a simple Logitech wheel will do it, many people have started with very beginner setups.
I started with a controller then went the usual upgrade path to a cheap wheel on a desk then a cheap rig a better wheel, then an ultimate rig and all the bits and bobs that are in my sig below. I dont regret it one iota, still have a couple of wheels and shifter I would like to get to finish it all off.
Thanks to everyone for great replies. After a while of thinking so profound that it made me float into the air above my toilet, I decided to get G29, its pedals and shifter. They will be here by the next day. Happy racing, everyone!
Congrats! I bet you're gonna love it! I'm still using my old Logitech G25, and have been doing so for many, many years. And it still works like a charm. Couldn't afford a decent replacement these days, anyway, plus there's not too many good options for my particular desk setup. AFAIK even our very own Renato still has one or two G25s... So it's no wonder the FFB is sooo good once it's dialed in properly!
A FFB wheel adds so much to the immersion-factor for sim-racing, I can't imagine ever going without it again. Immersion is a very important aspect of the experience for me, so I've expanded my hardware to include tactile and motion effects over the many years since I started. I have no regrets; it provides me a lot of enjoyment and is something I can do as time allows, hopefully on a daily basis (almost, anyway).
