I’m just now getting into the PC side of sim racing. I’ve been on the console side up until now and wondering which sims and any mods that should be on my shortlist to get. I’m already going to get Assetto Corsa and ACC with iRacing coming later on. Suggestions?
I would agree with
@Wolfe that Live for Speed is well worth a look as the demo is free.
With AC you want to start off with following mods:
Content Manager & Custom Shader Patch
Sol 2.0
Which if you run them together and add in the preview version of CSP (for the rain, which requires a very cheap Patreon sub) makes AC look like this:
As for Cars and Tracks, take a look around our own Mod thread, as that contains a huge amount of content, the AC videos thread also showcases a lot of the really good stuff, and be sure to visit Race Department as well and take a look at the top-rated mods. Any Track by a modder called Fat-Alfie is a must (they are utterly stunning). Don't however pay for a mod until you have done your research on it, as an unfortunate number of people sell crap and/or ripped off content (such is the world of modding I'm afraid).
If in doubt ask here, and you can always subscribe to my you-tube channel (link in my signature) as I do cover a lot of mod stuff for all the title listed below as well.
For example:
Rfactor 2 is worth a look as it also supports mods, it doesn't look as good as AC (after Mods) or ACC, but its physics and FFB are both excellent.
Video Playlist
RaceRoom Racing Experience also has a free content demo and is great for Touring cars, again with good physics and FFB, as well as some of the best AI you will find.
Video Playlist
Automobalista is also a great mod platform (uses the same engine as RFactor 2), with the same pro's and cons as RFactor 2 as well.
AMS & AC vs Reality
Automobilista 2 uses the Madness engine from Project Cars but has a very different feel to it, and they have (and continue to) resolve the issues that have never been fixed with the Project Cars series, its also got a really nice balance of solid physics and FFB, alongside looking great and being really well optimised.
Video Playlist
iRacing I personally avoid as it still has some serious issues with its tyre model and is a massive money pit (expensive cars and tracks on top of a monthly subscription fee).