Sim Racing Drifting Guide: Techniques and Best Games

How to drift in sims — Assetto Corsa, BeamNG, and more.

Introduction to Sim Racing Drifting

Sim racing drifting is an exhilarating and challenging aspect of the sim racing world, requiring a combination of skill, practice, and dedication. As a sim racing enthusiast, you're likely no stranger to the thrill of speeding around a track, but drifting takes it to a whole new level. In this guide, we'll cover the techniques and best games for sim racing drifting, including Assetto Corsa and BeamNG.

To get started with sim racing drifting, you'll need a good understanding of the basics of sim racing. This includes familiarizing yourself with the controls, learning how to handle different types of cars, and practicing on various tracks. Once you've mastered the fundamentals, you can start to focus on the specific techniques required for drifting. This includes learning how to initiate a drift, control the slide, and transition smoothly between different corners.

Techniques for Sim Racing Drifting

One of the most important techniques for sim racing drifting is learning how to initiate a drift. This involves feathering the throttle and applying gentle pressure to the brakes to transfer weight to the rear of the car. As the rear wheels start to lose traction, you'll need to countersteer to maintain control and keep the car facing in the direction you want to go. This requires a delicate balance of speed, steering, and throttle input, and can take a lot of practice to master.

Another key technique for sim racing drifting is learning how to control the slide. This involves making subtle adjustments to the steering and throttle to maintain a consistent speed and angle of drift. You'll also need to pay attention to the track surface and conditions, as these can affect the handling of your car and the difficulty of the drift. For example, damp or slippery surfaces can make it harder to initiate and control a drift, while rough or bumpy surfaces can make it easier to lose control.

In addition to these techniques, it's also important to choose the right car and track for sim racing drifting. Some cars are more suited to drifting than others, with rear-wheel drive and high-power engines being particularly well-suited. Tracks with tight corners and sweeping bends are also ideal for drifting, as they allow you to maintain a consistent speed and angle of drift. Some popular tracks for sim racing drifting include the Nurburgring and Suzuka circuits.

Best Games for Sim Racing Drifting

When it comes to sim racing drifting, the game you choose can make a big difference. Some games are more suited to drifting than others, with Assetto Corsa and BeamNG being two of the most popular options. Assetto Corsa is a highly realistic racing simulator that offers a range of cars and tracks, including some that are specifically designed for drifting. The game's physics engine is highly advanced, allowing for incredibly realistic handling and behavior.

BeamNG, on the other hand, is a more arcade-like game that focuses on fun and accessibility rather than pure realism. The game features a range of cars and tracks, including some that are specifically designed for drifting, and offers a more forgiving handling model that makes it easier to get started with drifting. Other popular games for sim racing drifting include Project Cars 2 and Dirt Rally 2.0, which offer a range of cars and tracks and highly realistic handling and physics.

In addition to these games, there are also a range of mods and community-created content available that can enhance your sim racing drifting experience. These can include new cars, tracks, and game modes, as well as custom handling and physics models that can make the game more realistic or more accessible. Some popular mods for sim racing drifting include the Drift Mode mod for Assetto Corsa, which adds a range of drifting-specific features and game modes, and the BeamNG Drift mod, which adds new cars and tracks specifically designed for drifting.

Practical Tips and Advice

One of the most important things to remember when it comes to sim racing drifting is to start slow and build up your skills gradually. It can be tempting to jump into a high-power car and try to drift at high speeds, but this can be frustrating and difficult. Instead, start with a slower car and focus on mastering the basics of drifting, such as initiating and controlling a slide. As you gain more experience and confidence, you can gradually move on to faster cars and more challenging tracks.

Another key piece of advice is to pay attention to your surroundings and the conditions of the track. This includes things like the weather, the time of day, and the surface of the track, all of which can affect the handling of your car and the difficulty of the drift. You should also experiment with different cars and setups to find what works best for you, and watch videos and tutorials to learn new techniques and gain insights from more experienced drivers.

Finally, don't be afraid to make mistakes and learn from them. Sim racing drifting is all about experimentation and practice, and it's okay if you don't get it right straight away. With patience, persistence, and a willingness to learn, you can master the art of sim racing drifting and enjoy the thrill and excitement of this unique and challenging discipline.

In conclusion, sim racing drifting is a fun and rewarding aspect of the sim racing world, requiring a combination of skill, practice, and dedication. By mastering the techniques and best games for sim racing drifting, and following the practical tips and advice outlined in this guide, you can take your sim racing experience to the next level and enjoy the thrill of drifting like a pro. So why not give it a try and see what you can achieve – with patience and practice, you never know how far you can go.