iRacing Arcade relies on private lobby codes for all online multiplayer races. The game does not feature an open server browser or automated public matchmaking, meaning every online session requires a host to generate a code or an invite to an existing room. Drivers enter this room code in the multiplayer menu to connect across supported platforms.
How to Host and Join Races with Lobby Codes
Online multiplayer in iRacing Arcade supports up to 12 cars on track at once. Setting up or joining a private session requires only a few steps through the in-game menus.
Creating a Lobby
- Open the main menu and select the online multiplayer mode.
- Select the option to create a lobby.
- The game generates a unique room code displayed on screen.
- Distribute the code to friends or community members.
- Configure race rules, track selection, and grid settings.
- Add AI drivers if desired. The game offers five different AI skill tiers to fill open grid slots.
- Launch the event once all participants enter the lobby.
Joining an Existing Lobby
- Navigate to the multiplayer screen from the main menu.
- Select the join lobby option.
- Enter the alphanumeric code provided by the host.
- Confirm entry to load into the waiting room before the race begins.
Online Multiplayer Features and System Settings
The online structure in iRacing Arcade focuses strictly on private sessions and asynchronous leaderboard challenges.
| Feature | In-Game Availability | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Public Matchmaking | No | Players cannot search for random public lobbies. |
| Server Browser | No | Dedicated public servers and searchable server lists are absent. |
| Private Lobby Codes | Yes | Hosts generate custom room codes for up to 11 other players. |
| AI Grid Fillers | Yes | Five difficulty levels can populate unoccupied grid spots. |
| Multi-Race Series | Yes | Groups can run multi-round tournaments with accumulated points standings. |
| Global Time Trials | Yes | Weekly rotating track challenges with ghosts and global leaderboards. |
| Cross-Platform Play | Yes | The settings menu includes an option to enable or disable crossplay. |
The settings menu provides standard configuration toggles, including language options, measurement units, and cross-platform matchmaking toggles. While the game supports online connectivity on PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox, players who experience session drops or loading stalls will see the game return directly to the main menu.
How the Community Runs Ranked and Public Races
Because native public matchmaking is absent, the player base organizes structured events through external community tools. Steam community members and Discord groups frequently run organized competitions using third-party sites like arcaderanked.com.
The community coordination process operates in a structured sequence:
- Drivers register for scheduled race slots on the community platform.
- The external system automatically groups entrants into heats of up to 12 racers.
- One designated participant creates an in-game lobby and pastes the generated lobby code into the external group chat.
- All registered group members enter the code in iRacing Arcade to populate the private room.
- Competitors complete the race, take screenshots of the final standings screen, and submit them to the community platform to record race results and track external ladder ratings.
Alternatives to Live Code Sessions
Players seeking competition without sharing room codes can use the built-in asynchronous modes.
Global Time Trials rotate tracks on a weekly schedule. In this mode, drivers set fast laps against other players' ghost data or their own personal best times. The system logs lap times to global leaderboards, allowing drivers to practice braking points, manage curb contact, and refine weight shifts without needing live competitors in the lobby.
For offline competition, single-player career mode and free play allow racers to configure custom lap counts, tire degradation, fuel burn rates, and contact damage against computer opponents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you join random online races without a code?
No. There is no public matchmaking queue or server browser in iRacing Arcade. Every live online multiplayer race requires an invite or a host-generated lobby code.
How many players can enter an iRacing Arcade lobby?
Lobbies accommodate up to 12 total cars. The host can fill the session with up to 11 invited human players, or use AI drivers across five skill settings to complete the grid.
Does iRacing Arcade support cross-platform lobbies?
Yes. The options menu includes a cross-platform setting that allows racers on different supported platforms to connect to the same room code.
Can you race ghosts if friends are offline?
Yes. The Global Time Trials feature displays community lap records and lets you race directly against ghosts on weekly rotating track layouts.
