Virtual driving has long ceased to be just entertainment - today it is a full-fledged tool for honing skills, testing extreme situations, and even preparing for real trips. Open world simulations stand out from others thanks to freedom of movement, detailed maps and advanced vehicle physics. But how to choose the best option among dozens of games? Which ones offer realistic controls, and which ones are suitable for casual gameplay?
In this article, we analyzed the top open-world driving simulators on PC, taking into account key parameters: physics of motion, variety of vehicles, size of the game world and compatibility with steering wheel/pedals. Particular attention was paid to projects that are useful not only for gamers, but also for those who want to improve real-life driving skills - from parking to driving in difficult weather conditions.
Note that modern simulators often require powerful hardware. For example, BeamNG.drive or Assetto Corsa Competizione with open world mods they can load the processor at 100% even on top configurations. Therefore, before purchasing, check the system requirements - we will list them in the comparison table below.
1. BeamNG.drive - destructible world and ultra-realistic physics
BeamNG.drive is not just a simulator, but a virtual sandbox for car enthusiasts, where every element of transport and the environment is subject to the laws of physics. The game is famous for its system soft-body physics, which simulates the deformation of the body, suspension and even individual parts during collisions. Here you can not only drive, but also test the consequences of road accidents with scientific precision - this is even used in some driving schools to demonstrate the dangers on the road.
Open world in BeamNG.drive represented by several large maps (for example, West Coast USA or Italy), each offering hundreds of kilometers of on-road, off-road and city streets. Feature of the game - complete freedom of action: You can organize races, test the strength of cars, or just drive around and enjoy the views. All types of transport are supported - from cars to trucks and even airplanes (with modifications).
- 🚗 Physics realism: best-in-class system of destruction and simulation of vehicle behavior on the road.
- 🗺️ Maps: 5 official locations + hundreds of custom ones via Steam Workshop.
- 🎮 Peripheral support: compatible with any steering wheels (Logitech, Thrustmaster, Fanatec) and pedals.
- 🔧 Modifications: thousands of mods - from new cars to full-fledged maps (for example, Moscow or Tokyo).
⚠️ Attention: The game is extremely resource intensive. To play comfortably at maximum settings, you will need a video card of the highest level RTX 3070 or higher, and at least 16 GB of RAM. On weak PCs, physics begins to lag, which negates all realism.
2. Euro Truck Simulator 2 - for those who love long-distance driving
Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2) is an iconic trucking simulator that proved that truck driving can be fun. The game offers open world europe with real roads, cities and attractions (from Paris to Moscow). There are no races or shooting here - only calm driving, logistics and the development of your own fleet.
The main advantage of ETS2 is atmosphere. The developers have recreated even the little things: from road signs to radio stations with local music. The physics of driving a truck are so well developed that the game is used in some driving schools to teach driving large vehicles. And with mods (for example, ProMods or RusMap) the world is becoming even larger - new countries and routes are being added.
- 🚛 Driving realism: accurate representation of the behavior of a truck with a trailer, taking into account the weight of the cargo and weather conditions.
- 🌍 Geography: officially 24 European countries + hundreds of custom maps.
- 💼 Economic model: you can open your own company, hire drivers and buy equipment.
- 🎧 Sound: one of the best sound designs in the genre - from the engine to the noise of the tires.
⚠️ Attention: The game requires patience - there is no instant drive here. For the first few hours you will have to transport cargo on other people’s trucks in order to earn money for your own. But if it's the driving experience (and not the arcade racing) that appeals to you, ETS2 is the perfect choice.
Use the mod Realistic Camera for a more immersive cockpit view - this greatly increases realism, especially with the steering wheel and pedals.
3. Assetto Corsa with open world mods
Assetto Corsa It was originally designed for racing tracks, but thanks to the modding community it can be turned into a full-fledged open-world simulator. The base game offers incredibly accurate physics (developed with the participation of professional racers), and modifications like Open World Mod or City Car Driving add city locations and free movement.
The main advantage of this approach is combination of realism and freedom. You can drive around virtual Tokyo by Toyota Supra, testing drift on wet roads, or ride through the Alps on Porsche 911. The physics remains at the level of a racing simulator, so control errors will not be forgiven here - just like in real life.
| Mod | Description | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Open World Mod | Adds urban and suburban locations with free movement. | Assetto Corsa + Content Manager |
| City Car Driving | Realistic driving simulator with traffic rules and road situations. | Separate installation (free) |
| RusMap | Maps of Russian cities (Moscow, St. Petersburg) with real roads. | ETS2 or ATS+ mod |
⚠️ Attention: Installing mods in Assetto Corsa requires skills. Some modifications conflict with each other, which can lead to crashes. We recommend using Content Manager for managing mods - it simplifies the process and prevents errors.
How to install Open World Mod?
1. Download Content Manager from the official website. 2. Install Assetto Corsa in a folder without Cyrillic characters. 3. Download the mod from the Steam Workshop or modder's website. 4. Activate the mod in Content Manager and select the map from the "Drive" menu.
4. Forza Horizon 5 - arcade drive and amazing graphics
If you need beautiful, dynamic and less strict simulator, Forza Horizon 5 is the best choice. The game takes place in Mexico, where deserts, jungles, cities and mountain tracks await you. The physics here is simplified compared to BeamNG or Assetto Corsa, but this is compensated incredible graphics, a variety of vehicles (more than 500 cars) and a living open world with changing seasons.
The main feature Forza Horizon 5 — availability. The game is suitable for both beginners and experienced gamers. Here you can just ride, photograph cars, participate in races or collect rare cars. And thanks to the system ForzaVista You will be able to study in detail the structure of any car - from the engine to the interior.
- 🎨 Graphics: one of the most beautiful games on PC (supports ray tracing and 4K).
- 🚘 Vehicle fleet: more than 500 licensed cars - from retro classics to supercars.
- 🌦️ Dynamic world: Changes in time of day and weather affect control.
- 🎮 Controllers: excellent support for gamepads, steering wheels and even touchpads.
⚠️ Attention: The game requires a constant internet connection to activate via Xbox Live, even in single player mode. Also in Forza Horizon 5 There are microtransactions, but they are not critical to the gameplay.
Forza Horizon 5 is the perfect balance between realism and entertainment. There is no strict physics here, but there is freedom and beauty that is not found in other simulators.
5. American Truck Simulator - Open Roads USA
American Truck Simulator (ATS) is "American Brother" Euro Truck Simulator 2, but with different landscapes and techniques. The game offers realistic truck driving on US roads - from the deserts of Nevada to the snowy mountains of Colorado. Like ETS2, there is an economic model, company development and mod support.
The main difference between ATS is american trucks (Peterbilt, Kenworth, Freightliner) and local features: for example, wider roads and different traffic rules. The game is ideal for those who want to feel like a truck driver in the USA or just enjoy the views of American landscapes.
- 🇺🇸 Locations: officially 12 states (California, Nevada, Arizona, etc.) + mods.
- 🚛 Technique: only American trucks with unique characteristics.
- 📡 Radio: real American radio stations with music and news.
- 🔄 Seasons: Some DLCs add winter roads and snow.
⚠️ Attention: The base game only includes Western states. To open the entire US map, you will have to purchase additional DLS (for example, Texas or Colorado). Without them, the world will seem small.
6. City Car Driving - a simulator for real driving
City Car Driving - this is not an entertaining game, but full-fledged simulator, which is used in driving schools for driving lessons. There are no racing or arcade elements here - only realistic controls, traffic rules and typical road situations (from parking to driving in heavy traffic).
The game offers several open maps (including Russian cities) where you can practice:
- 🅿️ Parking (parallel, reverse, in the garage).
- 🚦 Driving through intersections taking into account signs and traffic lights.
- 🌧️ Driving in rain, snow or fog.
- 🚗 Control of different types of cars (from Zhiguli to crossovers).
⚠️ Attention: The game is paid, but there is a free demo version with limited functionality. If your goal is to prepare to pass the traffic police exam, City Car Driving will be a great helper.
Make sure your PC meets the system requirements|Check support for your steering wheel/pedals|Read reviews about the control physics|Assess the availability of mods/DLC to expand gameplay-->
7. SnowRunner - off-road and survival
SnowRunner - this is a simulator off road driving in extreme conditions. The game offers huge open locations (Alaska, Siberia, Michigan), where you have to drive trucks, jeeps and special equipment, overcoming mud, snow and swamps. The physics here is worked out at the level BeamNG.drive, but with an emphasis on permeability and interaction with the environment.
Feature SnowRunner — realistic damage and repair system. If you get stuck in the mud, you'll have to winch, change tires, or call for help. The game teaches you how to plan a route and take into account the peculiarities of equipment - for example, an all-wheel drive pickup truck behaves differently than a heavy timber truck.
- 🏔️ Locations: 4 regions with unique landscapes and weather.
- 🚙 Technique: more than 60 vehicles - from jeeps to mining dump trucks.
- 🔧 Repair: you will have to repair the car in the field.
- 🎮 Multiplayer: You can play with friends in co-op.
⚠️ Attention: The game requires patience - there are no fast races here. The main gameplay comes down to slowly overcoming obstacles, which not everyone likes. But if you like a challenge, SnowRunner will give unique emotions.
Comparison table of simulators
| Game | Type | Physics realism | Open world | System requirements (min.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BeamNG.drive | Sandbox/simulator | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Yes (multiple cards) | GTX 1060, 8 GB RAM |
| Euro Truck Simulator 2 | Freight transportation | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Yes (Europe) | GTX 760, 6 GB RAM |
| Assetto Corsa + mods | Racing simulator | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Yes (via mods) | GTX 1050, 8 GB RAM |
| Forza Horizon 5 | Arcade simulator | ⭐⭐⭐ | Yes (Mexico) | GTX 1060, 8 GB RAM |
| SnowRunner | Offroad simulator | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Yes (Alaska, Siberia) | GTX 960, 8 GB RAM |
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about driving simulators
🔹 Which simulator is better for learning real driving?
City Car Driving or Assetto Corsa with mods for city traffic. They teach you to follow traffic rules and control the car in different conditions. Suitable for trucks Euro Truck Simulator 2.
🔹 Is it possible to play without a steering wheel?
Yes, all simulators support keyboard, gamepad or mouse. However, for complete immersion it is better to use a steering wheel with feedback (for example, Logitech G29).
🔹 Which simulator is the most realistic?
BeamNG.drive - on the physics of destruction and machine behavior. For racing tracks - Assetto Corsa Competizione.
🔹 Where to download mods for simulators?
Main sources:
- Steam Workshop (for BeamNG, ETS2, ATS).
- Websites Assetto Corsa Club or ETS2 Mods.
- Official game forums (for example, SCS Software for ETS2/ATS).
⚠️ Download mods only from trusted sources to avoid viruses!
🔹Which simulator requires the least powerful PC?
Euro Truck Simulator 2 or City Car Driving. They even work on office PCs with integrated graphics (at low settings).