Wreckfest 2 – Latest News And Release Date

The king of destruction derby will soon return following the confirmation from Bugbear that Wreckfest 2 is on the way. But how long will we need to wait?

TL;DR: What We Know So Far

• Release date unconfirmed, likely 2025
• Available for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
• Overhauled physics engine
• Improved damage system
• Revamped career mode
• Brand new split-screen mode
• Improved online matchmaking
• Enhanced vehicle customization
• Mod support for PC (via Steam Workshop)
• New special vehicle challenges
• Expanded car roster

THQ Nordic’s Digital Showcase 2024 confirmed that Wreckfest 2 is in development. The announcement was accompanied by an official launch trailer, offering fans a tantalizing glimpse into the chaos and destruction that awaits.

While light on gameplay footage, the cinematic teaser sets the tone for the upcoming carnage with its humorous narrative. It’s clear the sequel aims to demolish expectations and build upon the success of its predecessor. But when is it coming, and what do we know so far?

Wreckfest 2 Release Date

Wreckfest 2’s official release date has yet to be confirmed. Currently, the game’s Steam page teases us with a vague “Coming soon” message, but you can add it to your Wishlist to get further updates.

Given the announcement’s timing and since we don’t have much time left in 2024, it seems most likely that it’ll be a 2025 release.

It’s challenging to predict a release window, given that there’s only one game in the Wreckfest series. However, Bugbear’s track record with the FlatOut series suggests they can work efficiently when developing sequels.

FlatOut was released in 2004, followed by the sequel FlatOut 2 in 2006 and the enhanced port FlatOut: Ultimate Carnage shortly after in 2007.

Which Platforms Are Supported?

When it eventually arrives, it’s confirmed that Wreckfest 2 will be available for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, ensuring that enthusiasts across platforms can join in the mayhem.

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. Therefore, you may want to get saving soon if you’re still on an older console or PC, just in case they spring a surprise release date, just like CarX Street did recently.

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 team 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

Alongside the new physics engine, the game will also introduce a “reimagined career mode” that promises to support various styles, catering to both 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 get a significant boost with 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 introducing 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.

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, which are available through the Steam Workshop. This could 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

It’ll come as no surprise that there’ll be even more special challenges that let 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 make the most of their drifting capabilities.

As development progresses, more details about Wreckfest 2’s features and a confirmed release date 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 Drifted exclusive games, which are free to play in your browser – Drift Hunters MAX and Touge Drift & Racing.

With other highly-anticipated drift-focused titles like Assetto Corsa EVO (Assetto Corsa 2), CarX Street, and JDM: Japanese Drift Master.

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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