CarX Drift Racing 3 – Latest News And Release Date

CarX Drift Racing 3 arrives to shake up drift gaming with insane damage simulation alongside a host of exciting new features and substantial improvements.

In recent years, CarX revolutionized the drift game landscape as we know it, establishing itself as the go-to arcade drifting simulator for enthusiasts seeking a more focused, track-based experience without the steep learning curve of realistic simulators like Assetto Corsa.

The original CarX Drift Racing mobile game amassed over 30 million downloads, paving the way for CarX Drift Racing Online, which debuted on Steam for PC players in 2017. The game later expanded to Xbox and PlayStation consoles in 2020, with a Nintendo Switch release in 2021.

While mobile gamers have enjoyed a variety of new titles from CarX Technologies in the meantime, including CarX Racing 2, CarX Highway Racing, CarX Rally, and CarX Street, PC and console players have been limited to CarX Drift Racing Online, eagerly awaiting a new installment.

True to form, CarX Technologies gradually built up the suspense by slowly teasing information about what CarX Drift Racing 3 has to offer, much to the frustration of impatient fans who often joke that GTA 7 will arrive before the new CarX game.

While the free mobile version of CarX Drift Racing 3 was released for iOS and Android devices on Dec 5, 2024, PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch fans must wait a little longer for their turn.

For those unfamiliar with the series, CarX Drift Racing Online offers an experience comparable to Forza Horizon 5, focusing on track-based drifting rather than the open-world offering of FH5 or CarX Street.

Many fans argue that the CarX series provides a more authentic drifting experience over Horizon. Its impressive physics engine balances realism and accessibility, making it more convenient and often more enjoyable to jump in and shred tires than hardcore drifting simulators.

CarX Drift Racing 3 builds on its predecessors’ success with improved graphics, enhanced physics, and many incredible new features.

As CarX Technologies continues to push the boundaries of drifting games, here’s what’s (hopefully) coming soon. It’ll certainly be worth waiting for if they deliver on their promises! Here’s everything we know about CarX Drift Racing 3 so far.

Release Date & Platforms

The free CarX Drift Racing 3 mobile game was released on Apple’s App Store and Android’s Google Play Store on December 5, 2024.

Along with the release, the team also delivered this stunning gameplay teaser, showcasing the game’s visuals and physics in action:

Although the mobile versions are now out, the game’s console and PC release dates are yet to be confirmed. However, it brings optimism that they’ll soon begin shifting towards these now that the mobile version is out.

Other Platform Release Dates (Console/PC)

The team confirmed that CarX Drift Racing 3 will be released on multiple platforms:

• Mobile (iOS and Android) – Released December 5, 2024.
• PC – Confirmed, expected to follow shortly after mobile. (Expected Early 2025)
• Consoles (PlayStation/Xbox/Switch) – Confirmed, expected to be the last to receive the game. (Expected Summer/Fall 2025)

CarX Drift Racing 3 is free to download and play on mobile devices. Pricing for PC and console versions is yet to be announced.

Mods, Upgrades & Tuning

CarX Drift Racing Online is already renowned for its simple yet in-depth tuning system, but CarX 3 is set to take customization to a whole new level. The developers have significantly reworked and expanded the tuning system, making it more comprehensive than ever before.

This video shows you the game’s tuning capabilities. Note: We recommend turning the sound off for the video. You’ll soon see why!

One of the most exciting new features is the ability to change out individual components, compared to the previous “all-at-once” approach. Based on the previews, this extends to just about every aspect of the car:

• Body Panels – Swap out specific parts, such as individual fenders, roof, and trunk
• Interior – In-depth restructuring, including the option to manually remove rear seats and upgrade front seats
• Bash Bars – Customize specific parts of front, side, and rear bash bars
• Mirrors – Replace individual mirrors, allowing for different styles or mirrors on just one side

Weight reduction enthusiasts will be pleased to hear that you can experiment by running your car with body parts removed. This feature may also tie into the game’s damage system, which we’ll discuss shortly, potentially allowing you to eliminate repair costs for body and paint damage during practice.

The paint booth also gets a significant upgrade with plenty of new features:

• Color Sliders – Access every color imaginable
• Individual Part Painting – Repaint specific components like bash bars or individual body panels
• Chassis Customization – Paint the chassis a different color from the body

The customization improvements also extend to the visual aspects, with significantly enhanced 3D models of cars and individual parts. The developers have even utilized laser scanning technology to create highly accurate engine models based on real prototypes.

The game offers one of the most comprehensive and detailed vehicle customization systems in any racing (especially drifting) game, allowing the creation of truly unique vehicles.

Revolutionary Damage System

CarX Drift Racing 3 introduces a groundbreaking realistic car damage feature to the series, offering a level of detail and realism previously unseen in the drift game scene.

They dropped this car damage demo, which got fans excited about what’s to come:

Before taking things up a notch for the second demo:

Once fans started getting their hands on the game, we also started seeing the damage system being tested in all its glory with “ultra” 4K 60 FPS graphics settings (and they’re not holding back with pushing it to its limits!)

As you can see, the damage model is insanely detailed and satisfying. Unlike many racing games where damage is often superficial or non-existent due to licensing restrictions, CarX Tech is free to push the boundaries of realism due to fictional recreations of the ultimate drift cars rather than licensed real-world cars.

The damage system reminds us of physics-based games like BeamNG.drive or Wreckfest, which are known for their hyper-realistic vehicle deformation.

In CarX Drift Racing 3, you can expect destroyed body panels (and exploding fiberglass) and progressive damage that worsens with repeated impacts. The damage and wear and tear also affect the vehicle’s performance, adding depth to single-player and multiplayer modes.

This plays out best in tandem battles, where a slight miscalculation results in visible and performance-altering damage.

This means you must balance aggressive driving with the potential cost/waiting time for repairs. You must manage your time or finances to keep the showroom-fresh vibes or bear the battle scars.

Gameplay Engine Improvements

With a significant physics engine overhaul, CarX Drift Racing 3 also delivers a leap forward in gameplay mechanics and visuals, providing more realistic car behavior with improved weight transfer, tire grip simulation, and suspension dynamics.

Road 3.0 Feature

“Road 3.0” provides a significant improvement in replicating real-world surfaces. It uses an insane level of detail and takes into account minor bumps and deviations that will affect vehicle handling and grip levels.

You’ll experience varying levels of road deterioration, such as a blend of old and new asphalt patches on the previously repaired rural mountain roads. In some areas, the road surfaces are rough and dusty, making it difficult to achieve sufficient traction.

Combined with the new weather features we’ll discuss shortly, it makes the game more challenging and exciting than ever.

Audio Enhancements

The development team made significant updates to the game’s audio. The main changes deliver drastically improved engine sounds, which change with each installed mod/upgrade, and a fantastic new soundtrack created specifically for the game.

Fresh Game Modes

CarX Drift Racing 3 now offers the most in-depth selection of game modes of any CarX game to date.

Single-Player Campaigns

The game features five distinct campaigns dedicated to a specific drifting era. These provide variety while explaining how to improve your in-game drifting skills one-by-one.

1980s: Time Attack Campaign

This focuses on learning basic car handling and touge runs, mirroring the real-life practices of the era.

Drift is not a requirement at this point, as the races are more like classic touge runs you’d expect to see on a Hot Version DVD than typical modern tandems.

You’ll learn how to master grip-driving in time attack challenges in the style of legendary driver Keiichi Tsuchiya, offering a taste of drift culture’s early days.

1990s: Time Attack & Drift Campaign

The 90s campaign represents the transition period from touge runs to more specialized drifting, teaching drifting fundamentals with mixed challenges focusing on both speed and drift techniques, reflecting the evolution of the sport during this decade.

2000s: Early Drift Campaign

As you enter the 00s campaign, you’ll encounter more specialized drift challenges. This era marks a significant shift towards drifting as a distinct motorsport discipline, with the recognizable Team Orange vibes.

2010s: Advanced Drifting Campaign

At this point, you’ll learn to master the most advanced drifting techniques, reflecting the rapid evolution in the modern era and providing increasingly complex challenges to test your mastery of advanced drifting skills.

Top 32 Championships

This multiplayer mode allows players to compete against AI-controlled “ghosts” of other players. Implementing AI solves several issues in previous games, such as waiting times and unsportsmanlike behavior, which was a common problem.

It also introduces skill-based matchmaking and individual objectives, ensuring that every race is unique and challenging.

Enhanced XDS Judging System

The XDS (judging system) has been completely reworked to align with real-world drift competition criteria. Runs are judged based on trajectory, angle, and style. For tandem runs, the system also considers the distance of the chase run and how well the chaser follows the leader.

Fan System

Players accumulate fans as they progress through the game by completing the various challenges. The number of fans determines access to certain game locations and influences the quantity and quality of sponsorship opportunities.

Unlike previous games, fan count doesn’t directly affect race rewards, but reaching certain fan milestones provides instant rewards such as currency, cars, engines, or access to new locations, game modes, and mechanics.

Contracts

Players receive rewards for completing contracts, with specific terms defined by skill level, sponsor relations, and fan count.

These contracts can include requirements like using specific cars, racing on particular tracks, or setting new records. Like in the real world, failure to meet contract terms can damage your reputation, affecting future offers.

Car Market

The game introduces an innovative Car Market feature in the series. As seen in other games, this allows you to buy and sell cars, potentially allowing you to get your hands on some unique builds at a bargain price, which can be super useful for those just getting started.

Buying & Selling Cars

Auto dealers will set a base price for each vehicle based on its overall condition, including mileage, wear and tear, and any modifications or tuning setups applied.

When selling a car, players can adjust the asking price. However, the pricing decision will impact how quickly the deal is closed. Setting a price too high might result in a longer wait for a buyer, while a more competitive price could lead to a quicker sale.

Custom Search Filters

Car Market includes custom search filters allowing you to narrow your search based on specific criteria to find the most ideal offers.

Tire Improvements

Visual & Wear Mechanics

There’s now a completely redesigned, realistic wear system. As you’d see in the real world, new tires have a sticker that wears off after the first few meters of use. Over time, the tires become increasingly worn, eventually exposing the cords and providing next to no grip.

Tire Replacement System

The tire auto-replacement mechanic is retained from the previous game but refined. In competitive modes like Top 32 battles, tire changes are only available before the first race, mirroring real-life drift competitions. In non-competitive modes, automatic tire changes occur during races based on a player-set percentage.

Customization Options

You’ll now have the flexibility to install different tires on different wheel axles, allowing for more nuanced vehicle setups. Additionally, basic tires are always available in unlimited quantities, ensuring players are never left without options.

Dynamic Time & Weather

In a move reminiscent of Assetto Corsa EVO’s plans, CarX Drift Racing 3 introduces dynamic time and weather for the first time. This feature requires you to adapt your drifting techniques to the changing conditions throughout a race or event.

Car List

CarX Drift Racing 3 will launch with 30 cars, and there are plans to add more after release. Each vehicle looks, sounds, and feels brand new.

You’ll now be able to own multiple copies of the same car model in your garage, allowing you to create builds tailored to specific tasks or events.

Many new additions aren’t featured in the current games, including the Toyota GR86 and the Nissan 400Z (under their unlicensed names, of course!)

During one of their many Q&A sessions, the CarX Tech team confirmed no plans to include SUVs, trucks, or off-road vehicles.

Tracks & Locations

It’s no secret that CarX focuses on delivering a track-based experience rather than an open-world environment. However, CarX 3 introduces an in-depth track creator feature, allowing you to design custom circuits for the first time in the series.

On top of that, the game features several locations, all looking more stunning and in-depth than ever.

Ebisu Complex, Japan

This iconic drifting venue is best known for the legendary Minami circuit called the “Drift Stadium” in the game. As in the real world, the Complex offers multiple layouts and lesser-known circuits for drift fans to enjoy.

Kami Road, Japan

A reimagined version of a legendary CarX location, Kami Road once again brings the touge mountain roads of Japan while significantly expanding its size and detail.

New points of interest include a radio station, an abandoned gas station, a toll booth, and a Japanese village at the mountain’s base. It’s also filled with traditional details like cherry blossom trees, Japanese road signs, and views of pagodas.

Nürburgring, Germany

The world-famous track known for hosting the real-world “Nürburgring Drift Cup” brings a taste of European motorsport, offering a variety of challenging sections perfect for high-speed and technical drifting.

Dominion Raceway, USA

Although it’s one of the lesser-known US tracks for drifting, it has welcomed drifting in the past with the likes of “US Drift Shootout” events.

ADM Raceway, Russia

Located near Moscow, ADM Raceway regularly hosts RDS GP drift competitions, and it’s been recreated with high attention to detail. Since the CarX team is based in Russia, they were able to use extensive photo and video data, laser scans, and personal visits to ensure accuracy.

We’ve loved the mobile game so far and cannot wait to get our hands on the PC and console versions!

While you wait for the next versions, why not check out the free-to-play Drifted-exclusive browser game Drift Hunters MAX?

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