You don't necessarily need expensive equipment to get started with sim racing, but a few basic components are crucial to a realistic and fun driving experience. First, you need a PC or console that can run the respective racing simulation smoothly – many modern games place quite high hardware demands. Then you need the heart of any sim racing setup: a steering wheel with pedals. While simple models from Logitech or Thrustmaster already offer a solid driving feel, more ambitious drivers are increasingly turning to so-called direct-drive steering wheels, which provide significantly more precise feedback. A stable seat or even a special sim racing cockpit frame not only increases comfort but also immersion. Optional, but very popular, is a monitor with a high refresh rate or even a setup with three screens or virtual reality to make the field of view more realistic. Furthermore, a stable internet connection is essential if you want to compete against others online. Depending on your requirements, the equipment can cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand euros – the key is that it fits your goals and the available space. If you want to start simple, you can gradually upgrade – getting started in sim racing is more flexible than ever before.