Recommend a driving simulation game for an immersive experience.
Recommend a driving simulation game for an immersive experience.
She’s nervous about driving and prefers a calmer, less stressful experience. A friend has an old Logitech wheel and pedals to try, hoping it’ll help her feel more comfortable behind the wheel. Since I’m not a racing gamer, I was curious about simulator games that focus more on driving around cities rather than speed races. BeamNG came up as a suggestion, but I wanted to hear other suggestions too.
It seems like a poor approach, using a simulator for street driving only works if you're in VR or heavily reliant on screens. Even then, AI traffic doesn't mimic real-life conditions well.
i haven't found anything better for "regular road driving" than ETS2/ATS. yes, it's about trucking rather than driving cars, but the game aims to make the world feel very realistic. you'll encounter unexpected roadworks, sudden traffic jams, and penalties. on the ETS2 side (geographic preference for me), you can use almost any truck model with a 6-speed H shift or an automatic if you prefer. headtracking or using left/right hotkeys helps a lot. as for traffic, pedestrians and cyclists are surprisingly unpredictable—probably why the creator is seeking a "safe zone".
Really, you were ahead of the game. ATS/ETS2 works well for road driving. I also share some thoughts with victor390, since real-life experience is key. Ultimately it depends on her personal goals.
I've only seen a few games that handle mirrors well, but it feels different. I've played many truck simulators in VR using a Logitech G25, and I really enjoy it. It's incredible. However, it's just a game. If you try to use it as a real learning tool, you might end up in a serious accident and worry about it happening in reality. Real driving is completely different from this experience.
For a gentle introduction to driving, these games work well. You could also try one of the Forza Horizon titles, since they offer a range of road types and conditions without focusing heavily on racing. Once she feels confident, you might follow a similar approach I used: practice in an empty parking lot with no pressure. It had various challenges like speed bumps, traffic lights, and one-way streets. "You need to get comfortable in the parking lot before you can drive well on the road," said my dad (2016).
The optimal approach is to find a different method if the current one creates excessive pressure. You should have a backup plan until they become comfortable with that stress. PS – something I need to mention is that a lot of the tension people feel comes from the car's environment. Since I'm not a therapist, I can't offer solid guidance, but if the atmosphere feels calmer inside the vehicle, they're likely to relax more while driving. That’s why my first attempt at getting a license didn’t work; the instructor was overly critical and made me feel like I was making mistakes. I ended up leaving the lot without moving forward. With a better teacher, I’d handle uphill starts more smoothly. On a side note, Spintires / Mudrunner taught me the heel-toe technique, which is essential for manual clutch in that game.
It would be an excellent concept for a driving simulator, train simulator, or city-building game... I’d really enjoy something like that. Exploring bustling metropolises and iconic spots would be amazing, while racing sims seem the least engaging in comparison. You’d just keep driving in circles, potentially hundreds of times... That’s essentially what I’m saying about racing sims—only making sense in VR, which is my clear opinion moving forward!
It seems like a very specific and possibly obscure category, but I’m intrigued... discovered something a bit dated yet entertaining—definitely worth keeping an eye out for during sales. Also, this one caught my attention: it looks engaging, though it appears to have some performance issues. That’s understandable given recent high-profile releases, especially since similar games struggled with lag earlier on.
For those seeking a realistic driving experience, try ETS2. It offers a GTA5 feel with steering wheel control, first-person or cockpit view, blinker effects, and intense traffic. If you prefer Assetto Corsa with GTA Los Santos, it delivers a similar authentic car sensation on the road.