What Does Shock (SHO) in Fanatec’s Tuning Menu Do?

In the Fanatec tuning menu, SHO stands for Shock, and it controls the intensity of force feedback vibration effects that are delivered through the wheel rim’s vibration motors—these are separate from the main force feedback system that drives the wheel base. The SHO setting primarily influences effects such as ABS (anti-lock braking system) feedback, wheel slip, engine vibrations, and road surface textures, depending on what the game supports and how it communicates with the Fanatec wheel.

The SHO setting adjusts the strength of these vibration cues, which can be crucial for immersion and situational awareness in sim racing. For example, if SHO is set to a higher value (typically it ranges from 0 to 100), you'll feel stronger vibrations when ABS kicks in, when a tire locks or slips, or during curbing. Lower settings reduce or even eliminate this tactile feedback.

The effects are especially useful in games like iRacing, where detailed feedback from the car can inform you when a tire is on the edge of grip. In Assetto Corsa Competizione (ACC), the SHO setting can enhance immersion by providing extra rumble over curbs or when traction control is activating. In F1 23, SHO vibrations are used to simulate track surface changes and curb contact, giving a more realistic feel of driving on different types of surfaces.

Whether you should max out the SHO setting depends on several factors:

• Game Support: Not all games make full use of SHO vibrations. For instance, Gran Turismo 7 and Forza Motorsport have relatively limited use of SHO vibrations compared to iRacing or ACC.
• Wheel Rim Type: Some Fanatec wheel rims don't have built-in vibration motors, in which case the SHO setting has no effect.
• Driver Preference: Some players find strong SHO vibrations distracting or fatiguing over long races. Others see them as essential cues to drive at the limit.

• iRacing / ACC: Set SHO between 80-100 for maximum tactile feedback—these sims make excellent use of vibration cues.
• F1 23: Around 60-80 is usually enough to feel the track detail without being overwhelming.
• GT7 / Forza: Since SHO has limited impact, you can set it around 40-60 or disable it if you don’t feel any effect.

You might want to lower SHO for endurance racing, where prolonged vibrations can lead to numbness or fatigue. Also, if you already use a separate tactile feedback system, the wheel’s vibration might be redundant or even interfere with those cues.

The SHO setting is a subtle but valuable tool in the sim racer’s tuning arsenal. While not as impactful as core force feedback strength or damper settings, it enhances realism and performance when used correctly. Maxing it out isn’t always best – tailor it to your sim, hardware, and driving preference for optimal results.