Thrustmaster · wheel base · 2022
Thrustmaster T818 Direct Drive Base (PC)
10 Nm PC-only direct drive base with Thrustmaster quick release; no rim or pedals included
Thrustmaster's 10 Nm direct drive base for PC, sold without a rim and using the same quick release as the T300, TX and T-GT II rims. Strong and detailed, but PC-only and priced against more mature direct drive ecosystems.
AI rating
- Force feedback detail
- 8
- Strength
- 8
- Smoothness
- 7
- Ecosystem
- 7
- Quietness
- 7
- Value
- 6
Who it suits
- First rig
- 3
- Console racing
- 0
- Competitive racing
- 8
- Small rooms
- 6
- Tight budgets
- 4
- Enthusiasts
- 7
Scores are AI analysis of public information (specs, manuals, published reviews and owner reports), not a hands-on test. How we rate
Pros and cons
- 10 Nm direct drive: enough for GT3 and formula cars
- Reuses existing Thrustmaster quick-release rims (SF1000, 32R, Hypercar)
- Accepts T-LCM pedals and Thrustmaster shifters through the base
- PC only: no console support
- No rim or pedals in the box
- Similar money buys Fanatec, Moza or Simagic bases with larger ecosystems
Watch out: PC only, and it ships without a rim: budget for a Thrustmaster add-on rim before it can be used.
What it feels like
- Strength
- Detail
- Smoothness
- Noise
- Heat
Strong enough to push back hard in corners without needing a big rig.
Effects feel direct, though less refined than the best bases at this price.
Compact and light enough to sit on a sturdy desk clamp.
Like a small, punchy electric motor: strong for its size, but not the most polished.
What the T818 works with
- Works on PC.
- Sold as a base only: you also need a wheel and pedals.
- Wheels attach with the Thrustmaster quick release.
Wheels that fit the Thrustmaster T818 Direct Drive Base (PC)
Platforms show where each pairing works.
| Part | Works on | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Thrustmaster Ferrari SF1000 Edition Wheel Add-On | PS5XboxPC | 80 |
| Thrustmaster Hypercar Wheel Add-On | PS5XboxPC | 73 |
| Thrustmaster EVO Racing 32R Leather Wheel Add-On | PS5XboxPC | 70 |
Pedals that plug into it
These connect through the base's pedal port, so they work on every platform the base supports.
| Part | Works on | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Thrustmaster T-LCM PedalsPlugs into the base | PS5XboxPC | 77 |
USB pedals that work with it on PC
These run beside the base over USB. They don't work on console.
- Heusinkveld Ultimate+ (3-pedal) · USB to the PC88
- Asetek Invicta Pedals (2-pedal, hydraulic) · USB to the PC84
- Heusinkveld Sprint (3-pedal) · USB to the PC84
- Moza CRP2 Load Cell Pedals (Throttle + Brake) · USB to the PC82
- Simagic P1000 (3-pedal) · USB to the PC80
- Logitech G PRO Racing Pedals · USB to the PC80
- Fanatec ClubSport Pedals V3 · USB to the PC79
- Asetek Forte Pedals (2-pedal) · USB to the PC79
- Fanatec CSL Pedals with Load Cell Kit · USB to the PC76
- Logitech G RS Pedals · USB to the PC76
- Asetek La Prima Pedals (2-pedal) · USB to the PC74
- Fanatec CSL Pedals · USB to the PC60
Shifters and handbrakes
Plugged into the base where noted; the rest connect to a PC by USB.
| Part | Works on | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Thrustmaster TH8A ShifterPlugs into the base | PS5XboxPC | 76 |
| Thrustmaster TH8S Shifter Add-OnPlugs into the base | PS5XboxPC | 63 |
| Thrustmaster TSS Handbrake Sparco Mod+Plugs into the base | PS5XboxPC | 72 |
| Heusinkveld Sim Shifter SequentialUSB to the PC | PS5XboxPC | 83 |
| Simagic DS-8X ShifterUSB to the PC | PS5XboxPC | 80 |
| Fanatec ClubSport Shifter SQ V1.5USB to the PC | PS5XboxPC | 78 |
| Moza SGP Sequential ShifterUSB to the PC | PS5XboxPC | 74 |
| Moza HGP H-Pattern ShifterUSB to the PC | PS5XboxPC | 71 |
| Heusinkveld Sim HandbrakeUSB to the PC | PS5XboxPC | 82 |
| Simagic TB-1 HandbrakeUSB to the PC | PS5XboxPC | 76 |
| Fanatec ClubSport Handbrake V2USB to the PC | PS5XboxPC | 72 |
| Moza HBP HandbrakeUSB to the PC | PS5XboxPC | 72 |
Cockpits and stands
With 10 Nm of torque, a frame rated below that flexes and one rated far below it shakes.
Tech facts
| Drive type | Direct |
|---|---|
| Torque | 10 Nm |
| Wheel included | No |
| Pedals included | No |
| Mounting | Desk clamp or bolted to a rig |
| Power supply | external 168 W power supply |
| Power draw | 168 W |
| Connection | USB to PC |
| Software | My Thrustmaster Panel |
| Quick release | Thrustmaster quick release |
| Size (W × D × H) | 7 × 12 × 7 in (18 × 30 × 18 cm) |
| Weight | 12 lb (5.5 kg) |
| Materials | Aluminum, steel and plastic |
| Released | 2022 |
| Platforms | PS5XboxPC |
Our take
AI analysis of public information, not a hands-on review.
The T818 is Thrustmaster's cheapest direct drive base, and its appeal is simple: 10 Nm of constant torque from a compact, roughly 5 kg unit that clamps to a desk or bolts to a rig. It is PC only, so console players should look elsewhere. It uses Thrustmaster's own quick release and works with the brand's rim ecosystem, so existing T-series rims and pedals plug in. The base ships without a rim or pedals, so budget for those. Reviewers have criticized its early firmware and software as rough, and some found the force feedback less refined than rivals at similar money. The 168 W external power supply is moderate for this class. The main alternatives are Moza R9/R12 and Fanatec's entry bases, which often offer more refinement or flexibility. The T818 makes the most sense for someone already in the Thrustmaster ecosystem who wants a direct drive upgrade without changing rims. For a first rig, price the full setup before committing. A base alone at this price leaves less budget for pedals, and pedals matter a lot.
Questions buyers ask
Does it work on PlayStation or Xbox?
No. The T818 is PC only, per Thrustmaster's listing.
Does it include a wheel rim and pedals?
No. It is a base only. You need a compatible Thrustmaster rim and pedals, which can be sold separately or in bundles such as the Ferrari SF1000 set.
Can I use my existing Thrustmaster rims and pedals?
Yes. It takes rims from the Thrustmaster ecosystem via the quick release and has a port for Thrustmaster pedals. Check rim compatibility on Thrustmaster's site first.