There’s no denying that the MotoGP 22 game had a reputation for being extremely tricky with the handling, and very difficult to be consistent with, even with the Riding Aids turned on. But what about it’s successor MotoGP 23? Is it any easier than it’s predecessor? Is it easier to get into the newer game and be more consistent on it?

MotoGP 23 is easier overall than MotoGP 22. Although it has a new handling model which requires some practice to learn, the braking and cornering physics are overall easier and more forgiving than MotoGP 22.

In other words, getting used to the handling of MotoGP 23 will take some time, as it realistically does on ALL MotoGP games because of their difficulty.

But in the crucial area of MotoGP 22 that was arguably TOO difficult for many players and frustrated them – the braking and over-running corners issue – MotoGP 23 has been made easier.

In that sense, ’23 might be the preferred game between the two for a lot of players, but let’s contrast the two games in more detail to help readers decide.

Key Differences Between MotoGP 23 and MotoGP 22

The general handling and physics of MotoGP 23 definitely has a different feel to it than ’22. Here are some key differences I’ve observed:

• The overall bike handling on MotoGP 23 has a heavier, more planted feel to it than MotoGP 22, in many ways feeling more sluggish and “bogged” down.
• The handling assists system has been changed up on ’23, simplifying it down to 3 Neural Aids for throttle/braking/steering, which can be set to On/Moderate/High for different skill levels. Overall, less precise customizability than on ’22, but overall probably easier (see here for recommended settings to get started).
• On throttle, the traction feels more stable but in many ways less “open” and more restricted.
• The braking is definitely more responsive (key difference – see below for more on this)
• The turning/leaning is also slightly more responsive.
• However, overall pace and lap times you set once you get used to MotoGP 23 are basically very similar to MotoGP 22, even though it initially may feel as though ’23 is slower than ’22.

In other words, if you get MotoGP 23 having got used to ’22, there will be a learning curve as it’s quite a different handling model. Your laps times might be a few seconds slower than you could do on ’22 initially, while you’re getting used to the new handling. But most players do catch up with some practice.

I’m personally not a massive fan of the sluggishness of the handling of MotoGP 23. It’s still there even when I turn all the “Neural Aids” or assists off. If I could choose a handling style/model for a MotoGP game, I wouldn’t choose that.

But overall, I believe it’s easier to control the bikes and get used to than on MotoGP 22, which with the difficulty of these games in general translates for most players to being more enjoyable as well. I’ll explain why in the following sections.

Where MotoGP 23 Is Easier Than ’22

Let’s look at some crucial areas when in my opinion, the MotoGP 23 game is easier than it’s predecessor.

Braking distance and intensity (crucial factor) – Much much easier on MotoGP 23 than on ’22, and is the main reason why in my opinion, ’23 is overall easier than ’22. You can brake later on the newer game, and the engine braking also seems to be stronger this year, where the bike slows down more quickly when coasting off throttle. It makes it far easier to make corners properly without running wide onto the grass/gravel (which ALWAYS used to happen on MotoGP 22, even if I thought I’d braked plenty early enough). The braking is overall sharper and more responsive (even though certain nuances of the braking are more tricky on ’23), which makes it easier to lap tracks consistently once you get used to it.

Cornering – This also seems easier on MotoGP 23 than on ’22. Perhaps it’s simply a function of the braking being easier, and therefore you can make the corners better without falling off. But the braking/cornering physics in general seem to be easier than the previous game, to the point I can stay on track more often and be more consistent on ’23.

Bike recovery/retrieval – This was the harder setting on MotoGP 22, where you enabled bike recovery, meaning you had to manually run to a fallen bike and pick it up yourself to get back racing. This option has been removed on MotoGP 23, so you’re always just automatically re-spawned back the bike if you crash. I prefer this anyway as I hated the manual bike recovery system on ’22.

Where MotoGP 23 Is Harder ’22

Let’s balance the picture by looking at some areas where MotoGP 23 is arguably more difficult than the previous game.

Brake Pressure & Intensity – The brakes seem more sensitive this year and you can’t brake at full pressure and just hold them there for as long as you could on ’22. Lock ups are more common if brakes are applied too forcefully or for too long, with the front brake especially prone to locking and causing wobbles and crashes. For heavy braking zones, you sometimes have to take several stabs at the brake (applying, releasing, then applying again) rather than one single action. And using the front brake whilst leaning over too far is still a massive no-go for ’23, perhaps even more sensitive than it was on ’22.

Combining brakes – I’m also finding that using the front and rear brakes together simultaneously doesn’t work so well on ’23 as on ’22. It’s sometimes better to alternate the use of the brakes, using the front brake only to get the bike stopped for sharp corners, and then using dabs of the rear brake only to get the bike tucked into apexes more sharply for good corner exits. Again a new muscle memory to get used to.

Wheelies – If you’re got the assists turned off, the bike does seem to want to lift up more out of corners if you’re not progressive on the power. Raising the AW setting on your ECU dash can help with this, but it seems harder to control on ’23 on some tracks.

AI – The AI level has definitely taken a step up in ’23 in terms of pace and aggression. The AI were already aggressive on ’22, but this year they’re even more brutal and unforgiving. Whilst there’s a difficulty level for all players regardless of skill (I’ve just posted a guide for ’23), don’t expect any quarter given from the AI. They’ll happily barge into you from behind and the side, and they don’t move out the way at all to avoid collisions. In terms of absolute pace and lap times, they’re probably a little bit quicker for every AI % level versus ’22, particularly in Qualifying sessions. They also get stronger starts than ’22. But the two games are not a million miles apart. Decrease the level you used on ’22 by 5-10 clicks to get a good baseline on ’23.

Summary

Let’s bring everything covered so far down into a few simple summary comparisons for MotoGP 23 vs MotoGP 22 difficulty.

Overall physics/handling – Certainly different on ’23 than on ’22. Whether it’s “better” or not is open to debate, but it’s reasonable to say it’s an easier handling model to get used to. If the difficulty of the handling on ’22 was what frustrated you the most, you’ll probably like MotoGP 23 better.

Braking – Some aspects are harder on ’23 than ’22, some easier. Bur overall, it’s much easier to consistently make corners on MotoGP 23 than the previous game, and avoid over-running corners (which was a HUGE frustration on MotoGP 22). In that sense, it’s a more enjoyable experience.

Cornering – A little bit easier on ’23, possibly as a function of the braking being easier. Have to still be careful to avoid braking and leaning too much at the same time (especially with the front brake).

AI – Harder and more aggressive this on MotoGP 23 (but still possible to find a suitable skill level for all players).

Should you get MotoGP 23? If you found yourself often frustrated by the tricky handling of MotoGP 22, struggled to lap consistently, and are willing to put some practice in to get used to the new handling of ’23, then yes. I would recommend MotoGP 23 as a more enjoyable game once you get past the learning curve of the new physics and aren’t overly put off by quite a sluggish “Full TC” feel to the bikes.

However, some players find that they hate both the ’23 and ’22 games pretty much equally, and instead have reverted to the MotoGP 21 game. See here for a player who’s done this, and his explanations as to why.