iRacing is a no-compromises simulation top-to-bottom. Tracks are laser-scanned, resulting in surface accuracy which is practically impossible via other means; vehicles are modeled with assistance from manufacturers, and the simulation’s tire model — arguably the most important and difficult part of a racing simulation — is excellent and updated frequently.

Solo races against computer-controlled cars won’t happen; there aren’t any computer-controlled cars against which to race. All competition is done via pre-scheduled Internet races with other similarly-skilled opponents, or via similarly-arranged solo time trials.

The main negative of iRacing is its requirement for an always-on Internet connection; secondarily, its accuracy and (until recently) complete lack of aids to assist new drivers give it a learning curve nearly as steep as the real thing.

One mitigating factor: Unlike real life, you can make as many mistakes as you want without incurring penalties to life, limb, checkbook — or reputation.

But don’t celebrate yet — that only applies in practice. In a race against other live opponents, ‘agricultural’ excursions, course-cuts, and collisions with other vehicles are punished severely by the game’s automatic, teutonically-precise, and unblinking marshals. And adding insult to injury, enough on-track indiscretions will find your license demoted (yes, you need a license for various levels of competition) or even revoked.

Realism has a price.

Almost as accessible as less simulation-focused genre stalwarts such as Forza Motorsport and almost as detail-obsessed as hardcore near-pro training tools like iRacing, Assetto Corsa combines excellent physics, gorgeous graphics, a deep bench of diverse content, and jump-right-in design. Like iRacing, Assetto Corsa features a bevy of pinpoint-accurate laser-scanned tracks, but unlike iRacing, Assetto Corsa features not just purpose-built racing cars, but a broad and fascinating stable of street cars and a thriving mod community, as well as offline play and AI.

Want to set up a Ford Transit one-make series with your buddies? You can do that. Want to give one guy a Williams FW26 because you think you can still beat him in your Transits? You can do that too.

The most accessible of the three titles covered here, Project Cars (pCars) is probably the closest thing to a mass-market racing simulator. But don't let that dissuade you: Underneath the category-leading eye candy, dynamic weather system, and full-on career mode is a solid physics engine and capable modeling.