Wreckfest 2 – Latest News And Release Date

Wreckfest 2’s demolition derby carnage returns on March 20, 2025, initially launching on Steam Early Access with huge improvements.

TL;DR: What We Know So Far

Release Dates

• PC Early Access begins March 20, 2025
• PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions confirmed for later release

Available At Early Access Launch

• Three core modes: Racing, Derby, and Multiplayer (34-player support)
• High-speed circuits and obstacle-filled courses
• Rebuilt ROMU physics engine
• Enhanced crash and damage simulation

Coming During Early Access

• Revamped career mode adapting to playstyles
• Skill-based matchmaking
• Server queues
• Tournament mode
• Special vehicle challenges with unconventional vehicles
• Steam Workshop mod support
• Additional vehicles and customization options

On February 4, 2025, THQ Nordic and Bugbear Entertainment announced the Thursday March 20, 2025, Steam Early Access launch for Wreckfest 2.

It’s clear the sequel aims to demolish expectations and build upon the success of its predecessor, and here’s what we know so far.

Wreckfest 2 Release Date

Wreckfest 2 will arrive on Steam Early Access with a March 20, 2025 release date. You can Wishlist the game on the official Steam page. PlayStation and Xbox consoles are set to follow after the Early Access period.

Which Platforms Are Supported?

Following the initial PC launch, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S versions are planned for a later release once the Early Access period is complete.

Although the original game was available for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Stadia, Switch, Android, and iOS, the next-gen focus makes it unlikely that we’ll be seeing such a wide range of options this time around. However, there are rumors it might eventually come to the Nintendo Switch 2.

Early Access is becoming an increasingly common trend in modern gaming. While it’d be nice to get the full games on release, Bugbear Entertainment has stated that community input will directly influence Wreckfest 2’s evolution, from gameplay refinements to feature additions, while ironing out the bugs along the way.

What’s New In Wreckfest 2?

Thankfully, the second game in the series doesn’t appear to be a minor update. If the new additions to the game are as epic as the team is making out, it could become one of the most highly-anticipated racing games despite quite a few on the horizon right now.

Overhauled Physics & Gameplay

The big news for Wreckfest 2 is the completely rebuilt physics simulation engine. Bugbear states they’re taking “full advantage of modern hardware” to deliver the ultimate destruction engine.

The ROMU engine promises improved crashes, more intricate damage simulation, and plenty of other improvements that will (somehow) make every collision feel even more impactful and satisfying than the O.G. game.

Although drifting was possible in the original, it sometimes felt a little restricted and unnatural, even with the fully locked differential. These upgraded physics provide some optimism that this could become the ultimate drift game for those looking for realistic crash simulations.

Revamped Game Modes

The initial Early Access launch will include three core modes: Racing, Derby, and Multiplayer, supporting up to 34 players.

During Early Access, Bugbear will gradually introduce the “reimagined career mode” that supports various styles, catering to destruction derby diehards and those who prefer more traditional racing experiences. We hope to see an improved career mode that captures the depth and progression of the FlatOut series.

While you were able to create your drift-focus races in the original, it’ll be incredible if they pull it out of the bag with a specific drift mode this time around. There’s no word yet, but it doesn’t stop us from remaining hopeful for now!

With the incredible damage simulation, variety of surfaces, and general challenges that come with the game, there’s a real gap in the market that CarX Drift Racing 3 is trying to fill right now with realistic damage. It’ll be awesome to see Wreckfest 2 compete and potentially provide “destruction drifting” to a more mainstream audience.

Online play will receive significant updates during Early Access, including a new skill-based matchmaking system, ensuring you’ll be pitted against drivers of similar ability. This should lead to more balanced and enjoyable online races, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newcomer to the franchise.

Perhaps the most exciting addition for many fans is the introduction of a brand new split-screen mode – finally! This local multiplayer option offers couch co-op chaos, allowing friends to battle it out in the same room, just like in the good old days of gaming that we’ve been devastated to see getting culled from most popular games in recent years.

Customization & Mod Support

Vehicle customization also gets an overhaul with a powerful new tool that allows players to fully personalize their rides. This isn’t just about slapping on a new paint job or adding a spoiler like before. The new features promise to be much more in-depth, enabling the creation of one-off unique vehicles, and we’ll get to see new armor and component types added during Early Access.

As drifting fans, we hope to see the ability to fine-tune suspension setups, further adjustments to weight distribution, and maybe even aftermarket fiberglass body kits that explode on impact when you don’t quite nail your “kiss the wall” intentions!

PC players will gain additional mods available through the Steam Workshop, even during the Early Access period. This could potentially open up a world of endless possibilities, much like we’ve been treated to with Assetto Corsa, which is part of what’s made the game the most popular drifting simulator.

The potential mod possibilities are endless, from new vehicles and tracks to entirely new game modes, further supporting the need for improved drifting physics to really capture the market.

More New Features & Content

During Early Access, Bugbear will introduce special vehicle challenges, letting you get behind the wheel of unconventional vehicles. For drift enthusiasts, this could mean adapting their skills to unlikely drift machines – imagine trying to get a school bus sideways or running walls with a forklift!

While the full vehicle roster has yet to be revealed, fans are hoping for an expanded selection that includes more JDM drift cars alongside the American muscle that the series is known for.

The inclusion of the Nissan Skyline R33-style drift car known as “Razor,” which was available as DLC in the original game, has raised hopes for a more diverse lineup in the sequel.

If you want to revisit Wreckfest while you wait, here are some of our favorite cars in the original that are awesome at getting sideways, which we highly recommend checking out:

• Razor
• Rocket RX
• Raiden RS
• DragSlayer
• Starbeast SS
• Tristar
• Roadcutter

Make sure you opt for manual transmission and the fully locked differential to maximize their drifting capabilities.

As development progresses, more details will emerge, and we’ll be sure to keep you informed with the latest information.

Other Games To Look Out For In The Meantime

While you wait, you can also check out these popular games at Drifted, which are completely free to play in your browser on PC and mobile devices – Drift Hunters MAX and Drift Hunters.

Right now, Drifted fans are also loving Tokyo Xtreme Racer, which returned in January following an even longer break than Wreckfest – nearly 20 years! It certainly hasn’t disappointed, and the modding community is already working on making the game even more exciting.

Another highly-anticipated drift-focused title, JDM: Japanese Drift Master, will also arrive less than a week after Wreckfest 2 on March 26 – you might want to reserve that week in your calendar!

Rumors are also circulating about Forza Horizon 6 and Gran Turismo 8 potentially arriving soon, proving that racing and drifting games are thriving. What a time to be alive!

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