Frequently Asked Questions

Buying a motion simulator is a big decision, and most questions come up again and again. We've pulled the most common ones together here, with straight answers from a US-based, authorized DOF Reality dealer. If you don't see your question, reach out any time - we'd rather talk you into the right rig than sell you the wrong one.

Platforms, included gear & setup

What exactly is included with a platform?

Every DOF Reality Hero and Pro platform ships with everything you need to put it in motion - except the parts you already have or want to choose yourself. In the box you get:

  • The rigid metal rig, supporting both a normal and an F1-style seating pose
  • Mounts for a bolt-in seat or sliding seat rails
  • Integrated drive motors
  • A 100-240V control unit with USB connection
  • A SimRacingStudio software license (the motion engine)
  • Quick-assembly tools
  • A full 1-year manufacturer warranty

What's not included, because most people already own these or have strong preferences: the seat, your wheel and pedals (or flight controls), and a VR headset. You can add any of those from our accessories catalog or bring your own.

Do I need a PC, or will it work on PlayStation/Xbox?

A Windows PC gives you the full experience - 60+ racing titles and 27+ flight titles with deep, per-game tuning. So for most builds, yes, a PC is the way to go.

Consoles are supported too, just more selectively. A set of games send motion data over the network (UDP) and work natively, including Gran Turismo 7 & Sport, Project CARS 1/2, Assetto Corsa, F1, Forza Motorsport 7, and Forza Horizon 4/5. For other PlayStation and Xbox titles, the MagicBox adapter ($199) bridges motion to your platform. See the full list on our Games & Software page.

What seat should I use?

The platform mounts a bolt-in seat or sliding seat rails, so you have flexibility. If you want a no-fuss option that's purpose-built for the rig, the DOF Reality Sim Racing Seat ($399) is a solid choice. If you want a more premium feel, the Sparco line bolts right up - the R100 ($469), R333 ($549), or the FIA-rated Sparco Sprint ($596). You can also reuse a seat you already own as long as it fits standard mounting. Browse seating and harnesses on our Options & Upgrades page.

Is assembly hard? How long does it take?

Assembly is a straightforward bolt-together, not a fabrication project. Your rig arrives disassembled in two boxes (roughly 78 lb and 97 lb for a 3-axis), and the included tools cover the build. Once it's bolted together, you install SimRacingStudio on your PC and connect the control unit by USB - and you're moving. The rigs are built from commercial-grade steel, so they're heavier than a flat-pack chair, but the process itself is methodical and well-documented. Most enthusiasts handle it solo or with a helping hand for the heavier sections.

Does it work in VR?

Yes. VR is fully supported through OpenVR Motion Compensation, which keeps the VR image stable while the rig physically moves underneath you - so the world stays put while your body feels the motion. Tested headsets include the Valve Index, HTC Vive, Pimax, Oculus Rift / Rift S, HP Reverb G2, Meta Quest / Quest 2, and Samsung Odyssey+. If you're not sure your headset is covered, ask us before you buy.

Shipping, duties & ownership

How long is shipping?

These rigs are built factory-direct, so each one is assembled for your order rather than pulled off a shelf. Typical build plus delivery runs about 3-4 weeks. Shipping is door-to-door via FedEx or DHL Express, fully insured, with tracking the whole way. Your rig arrives disassembled in two boxes. For full details, see our Shipping page.

How are duties and taxes handled?

Any tariffs, customs duties, or import taxes imposed by your country are the responsibility of the customer — these charges are not included in our product or shipping prices. You will always see the product price and shipping cost at checkout; any duties assessed by your local customs authority are billed separately by the carrier.

Can I upgrade to more axes later?

Absolutely - this is one of the best reasons to buy DOF Reality. The platforms are modular, so you can start with fewer axes and add more as your budget and appetite grow, without replacing the whole rig. Upgrade kits include the extra motor(s), frame parts, and a new control/power box. Typical "from" prices (they vary by your current frame, motors, and year):

  • Hero: H2→H3 from $1,073 (adds yaw); H3→H4 from $1,675 (adds heave); H4→H6 from $2,875; H3→H6 from $3,750 (adds surge + sway)
  • Pro: P2→P3 from $1,650; P3→P4 from $1,935; P4→P6 from $4,250; P3→P6 from $4,990

The M2 seat mover is also a recognized starting point - it's upgradable to H2, H3, or H6. See all paths on our Options & Upgrades page, or check the Buyer's Guide if you're deciding where to start.

Games, warranty & buying help

Which games are supported?

A lot - and the list keeps growing. Motion is driven by SimRacingStudio, which reads each game's live telemetry and translates it into acceleration, braking, rear traction loss, understeer/oversteer, drifts, curbs and bumps, turbulence, vibration, and collisions. Highlights:

  • Racing (60+): iRacing; Assetto Corsa, Competizione & EVO; Automobilista 1 & 2; Le Mans Ultimate; rFactor 2; Project CARS 1/2/3; Gran Turismo 7 & Sport; F1 22-25; Forza Motorsport & Horizon 4/5; BeamNG.drive; Wreckfest; RaceRoom; GRID; Dirt Rally 2.0; EA Sports WRC
  • Flight (27+): Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 & 2020; DCS World; X-Plane 10/11/12; IL-2 Sturmovik; Prepar3D 4.5/5; War Thunder; Star Wars Squadrons; Elite Dangerous; Aerofly FS 2; Condor 2
  • Helicopter: DCS World helicopters, MSFS, and X-Plane - with the full cockpit (collective, cyclic, pedals, throttle) moving with you

For the complete, up-to-date list and console/VR specifics, see our Games & Software page.

What's the warranty?

Every DOF Reality platform includes a full 1-year manufacturer warranty, and an Extended +1 Year warranty is available if you want longer coverage. The DOF Reality warranty covers their own products and options. Third-party items we resell - like Sparco seats or SRS immersion gear - carry their own manufacturer warranties. As your authorized US dealer, we help coordinate any warranty claim so you're not navigating it alone. Full details are on our Warranty & Support page.

Do you offer financing?

Spread the cost of your rig over time. At checkout you can pay with Shop Pay Installments, Affirm, or Klarna — split your purchase into monthly payments instead of paying everything up front. Available plans and terms are shown at checkout based on your cart total and eligibility.

How do I get help choosing?

That's what we're here for. We race ourselves, so we'll only point you toward what we'd actually run - and if a rig isn't right for your space, budget, or sim, we'll tell you before you buy. A good starting point:

Still not sure? Get a free pre-purchase consultation with a US-based specialist - email support@simdriveperformance.com, call (952) 649-5710 (Mon-Fri 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM CST), or just contact us. Tell us your space, your sim, and your goals, and we'll help you land on the right rig - or point you to the full lineup of DOF Reality rigs to explore yourself.