Using Fantec Gear for Arcade Racing Games

Some arcade racing games sit in the sweet spot between pure fun, pick-up-and-play titles and realistic simulators. They incorporate some detailed physics that makes the driving feel grounded. Unlike pure arcade games – where vehicles may behave more like props than machines – this so-called ‘simcade’ titles can include elements such as weight transfer, progressive tire slip, and varying grip levels.

These games don’t demand the precision of hardcore sims like iRacing or Le Mans Ultimate, but they still reward smooth inputs and car control. Because of this, they’re a fantastic entry point for players who want the excitement of arcade racing with a more physical, tactile driving experience.

Not every arcade game works well with a steering wheel. Many popular arcade‑style titles, especially those with exaggerated physics, excessive steering assists, or unrealistic drift mechanics, simply don’t translate into enjoyable wheel play. If the game ignores tire load, has heavily automated steering, or lacks proper force‑feedback signals, a controller often provides a better experience.

An arcade game qualifies as wheel‑friendly when:

• Its handling model includes basic vehicle physics (weight shift, traction, suspension).
• Force feedback conveys useful information, such as road texture or loss of grip.
• Steering isn’t over‑assisted, allowing players to meaningfully control the car.
• Braking and throttle inputs scale realistically, giving your pedals purpose.

The EA / Codemasters yearly F1 releases have come to define the semi-realistic racing game. Using real-world data and with a sophisticated engine that can reproduce many of the complexities of modern Formula 1, such as hybrid powertrains and tire management, F1 25 balances accessibility with realism to be enjoyable on gamepads and full simulator setups. Fanatec’s partnership with F1 as ensured that Fanatec hardware is well supported.

Forza Horizon 5 is an open‑world racing festival that blends accessible handling with a surprising amount of underlying physics depth. Cars feel weighty, grip levels vary across surfaces, and tuning affects behavior in believable ways. While still leaning toward the arcade side, it supports wheels well and provides enjoyable force feedback on everything from paved roads to Baja‑style terrain. It’s perfect for players who want freedom, exploration, and a wide variety of cars without sacrificing believable driving feel.

Dirt 5 is an off‑road arcade racer with stylized environments, dramatic weather, and a fun‑focused driving model. Less realistic than EA Sports WRC and the Dirt Rally titles, Dirt 5 still features enough traction variation, suspension dynamics, and directional feedback to make a wheel worthwhile. Rally‑raid trucks, ice circuits, and gymkhana‑style challenges feel especially satisfying on a wheel with solid torque.

Wreckfest sits firmly between demolition derby chaos and surprisingly sophisticated vehicle dynamics. Beneath the metal‑crushing action lies a believable physics engine that models weight transfer, tire grip, and surface changes. This makes it one of the few “destruction racers” that genuinely benefits from a wheel. Feeling a car go light during a jump or begin to slide before an impact adds a layer of immersion you can’t get with a controller.

BeamNG.drive is famous for its highly realistic soft‑body physics simulation and is used as an ‘arcade’ fun title because of its sandbox environments and endless experimentation. Its force feedback is incredibly rich, reflecting suspension compression, chassis flex, road imperfections, and a detailed tire model.

To get the most out of these games, consider hardware that balances strength, smoothness, and control. Users transitioning from a controller to a racing setup fare well with entry-level bases like the CSL DD or Gran Turismo DD Pro Wheel Base. When it comes to Steering Wheels, round wheels like CSL Steering Wheel P1 V2 or CSL Elite Steering Wheel WRC tend to be the most suitable for open-world, rally, and mixed-surface racing found in games like Forza Horizon, DIRT 5, and BeamNG.