Info about Wreckfest 2:

Official game description:
Disclaimer
==========
This is a chance for wreckers to drive an early (!) version of the game. For anybody who is expecting a fully-fledged, perfectly optimized game with several modes, dozens of tracks and vehicles, as well as an extensive career mode, please consider buying once we are releasing the 1.0 version of the game.
Roadmap
=======
Early Access Content
====================
As we opted for an Early Access release with Wreckfest 2, here is everything that awaits you in the initial version. We will keep updating this section with all implementations so that the store page always reflects the status of the game. Throughout the Early Access phase, we will add vehicles, tracks, game modes, and of course more languages. More upcoming content is after this section, which will outline the status quo.
Initial Early Access Launch March 20, 2025:
-------------------------------------------
**Game modes:**
*   Singleplayer racing & derby with up to 24 players (bots)
*   Multiplayer racing & derby with up to 24 players + bot support
**3 maps with multiple tracks:**
*   Scrapyard map: 
    *   Circuit course with intersections
    *   Crazy course with oncoming traffic
*   Speedway map:
    *   Figure 8 circuit
    *   Speedway oval circuit
    *   Derby arena
*   Sandpit map (new remake of WF1 track):
    *   Circuit long route + reverse variant
*   Test track
    *   Sandbox map with ramps, loopings etc (similar to "Sneak Peak map" of WF1)
**4 Cars:**
*   2x '60/70s American Muscle cars (as seen in trailers)
*   1x '80s EU banger car (compact)
*   1x '90s US banger car (intermediate)
**Other features:**
*   Basic paint customization for all cars (more customization options coming later)
*   Garage to edit & save car designs
*   1st version of Replay mode incl. photo mode
*   Leaderboards
Content Update #1, Launch May 13, 2025:
---------------------------------------
**Cars:**
*   1x American sedan _Rammer_
*   1x European sports sedan _Bravion_
**Maps:**
*   1x Mixed surface folk race course (2 routes)
*   1x Rallycross course (1 route)
**Other features:**
*   Friend invites
*   Server sorting
*   DLSS & FSR upcsaling & frame generation support
*   Improved mechanical damage
*   Controller rumble
*   Misc smaller improvements
Content Update #2, Launch June 26, 2025:
----------------------------------------
**Cars:**
*   New American sedan _Cardinal_
*   New American special vehicle _Motorhome_
**Maps:**
*   New Banger Racing dirt track with Oval and Figure 8 layouts
*   New Scrapyard demolition derby arena
**Other features:**
*   Added Last Man Standing mode
*   Added engine stalls
*   Added server favourites & server info screen
*   Improved car handling, damage & collisions
*   Smoother online gameplay
*   Improved game stability & VRAM usage
*   Misc improvements & fixes
Content Update #3, Launch August 28, 2025:
------------------------------------------
**Cars:**
*   New American muscle car _Switchback_
*   New European folk racing car _Popper_
**Maps:**
*   New folk racing track with forward and reverse layouts
*   New Scrapyard Speedbowl layout
*   New Scrapyard Figure 8 layout
*   New Scrapyard Main Circuit reverse layout
*   New Savolax Short Circuit with both forward and reverse layouts
*   New Speedway inner (small) oval
*   New European Rallycross 1 reverse layout
**Other features:**
*   Added AI difficulty settings (Novice, Amateur and Expert).
*   Made AI cars smarter in general
*   Added Player Reporting option
*   Added SimHub telemetry support
*   Improved damage consistency
*   Improved game stability & loading times
*   Misc improvements & fixes
Content Update #4, Launch November 3rd, 2025:
---------------------------------------------
**Main feature:**
Crap-it™ customization tool
**Content:**
*   New european folk racing car Buggy
*   New crazy track Crash Canyon 2.0
**Other features:**
*   Improved car handling & suspension
*   Improved tire simulation & collisions
*   Made light cars less twitchy
*   Improved precision for visual car deformation
*   Improved AI behaviour & AI difficulty levels
*   Improved loading times
*   Added multi monitor support
*   Misc imprements & fixes
Content Update #5, Launch December 15, 2025:
--------------------------------------------
**Content:**
*   New american minivan Grandstar
*   New asian coupe Phaser
*   New track Moorfeld with Race Route and Crash Route
**Other features:**
*   Added Challenge Mode with 10 challenges (more come later)
*   Added Multiplayer Cup Mode
*   Improved Crap-it™ tool
*   Made car crashes more rewarding
*   Enhanced car engine sounds
*   Improved game stability and performance
*   Added mud accumulation to cars (more surfaces coming later)
*   Misc imprements & fixes
This section will be updated as we roll out content updates. 
Upcoming content for Wreckfest 2 during its Early Access phase and leading into the 1.0 release 
About the Game
==============
Ascend to the throne of full-contact racing by breaking the rules - and everything else - on your way to victory! Developer Bugbear went all out, rebuilding its true-to-life physics simulation engine to take full advantage of modern hardware. Wreckfest 2 features even higher crash fidelity, more intricate component damage simulation and many more improvements across the board!
Get ready to witness the absolute best-in-class car destruction and truly epic moments of chaos, all with the signature vehicle handling from Wreckfest!
**Destruction awaits on the ultimate driving playground!**
Brace yourself for the most phenomenal full-contact racing action with no rules, just jaw dropping moments of chaos and destruction, powered by the overhauled physics engine. Race in intense head-to-head fights on courses featuring high-speed circuits, crazy courses with obstacles & jumps, intersections and oncoming traffic, or go for demolition domination in derby mode.
More and more tracks & arenas will be added during the Early Access phase.
Forget pristine supercars: Our cars are old, dented and patched together. Each of them tells a story, and you can tell your own by customizing your ride. Over the course of early access, more and more customization options will be added to the game. They will not only unlock your creative desires, but also contain new armor and component types that support certain playstyles. And later during Early Access, you can also share your designs with other racers and wreckers!
Launching into early access with the base game modes of Racing, Derby and multiplayer mode. During the Early Access phase, we will add a completely revamped career mode that adapts to your individual playstyle and guides you on your journey to become a true champion! For online racers there will be new skill-based matchmaking system and server queues coming as well!
Another highlight during the Early Access phase will be special challenges, putting you behind the steering wheel of unconventional vehicles that were definitely never supposed to end up on a racetrack! Various bite-sized scenarios will keep you hooked as you battle for the highest scores.
During the Early Access phase, mod support will be added so you can really mess with this game by installing various mods from the Steam Workshop.

Release date: Mar 20, 2025

Categories: Racing Simulation, Vehicle Customization, Destructible Environments, Multiplayer, Driving Simulation, Physics Simulation, Competitive Multiplayer

Feature scans:
- MTX: score 20; verdict: Mixed Monetization Perception; summary: The user reviews for Wreckfest 2 reveal a mix of concerns and appreciations regarding the game's monetization. Major themes include complaints about the base price being overpriced, frustration with additional costs for DLC, and a perception of the game as a cash grab. However, there is also appreciation for the absence of predatory monetization practices like battle passes and seasonal events. Overall, while there are significant concerns about the cost and value of the game, there are also positive notes on the straightforward purchasing options.
- Proton/Linux: score 30; verdict: Works Well with Minor Tweaks; summary: The game generally runs well on Linux using Proton, with several users reporting a positive experience. However, there are notable issues with graphical glitches that require the use of Proton Experimental to resolve. Additionally, there are reports of significant graphical glitches on SteamOS and slow loading times on Linux. Overall, while the game is playable on Linux, it may require some tweaks and workarounds for optimal performance.
- Steam Deck: score 75; verdict: Tinkering Required; summary: The game Wreckfest 2 on Steam Deck faces significant issues, including the necessity to use Proton Experimental to fix graphical glitches, frequent performance dips, stability problems such as freezing and crashes, and overall compatibility concerns. These issues collectively degrade the user experience and indicate that the game is not yet optimized for the Steam Deck.

- Hardware Profile:
  - Summary: Performance varies significantly across hardware cohorts, with higher VRAM configurations generally experiencing better stability and performance. Lower VRAM setups struggle with crashes and performance issues.
  - Sample size: 67 (2% coverage)
  - Audience skew: Review sample is heavily weighted toward Windows PCs with 10GB+ VRAM.
  - Windows 12-15GB VRAM (positive, 27 reports): Mostly solid performance with some reports of high VRAM usage and occasional crashes.
  - Windows <8GB VRAM (mixed, 21 reports): Experiences frequent crashes and freezing, but some users report smooth performance with tweaks.
  - Windows 8-11GB VRAM (negative, 12 reports): Significant performance issues and crashes reported.
  - Windows 16GB+ VRAM (negative, 5 reports): Frequent crashes reported despite high VRAM.
  - Caveats: 67 of 2738 reviews expose hardware metadata.; Review sample is heavily weighted toward Windows PCs with 10GB+ VRAM.
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $20.00 - $30.00
  - Reasoning: The evidence suggests that the community generally finds the game worth purchasing at a reduced price, typically around $25-$30. Many users mention that the game is worth buying on sale or at a discounted price, indicating that the fair price range is perceived to be lower than the full price. The sentiment is that the game is still in development and lacks some content, making a lower price point more reasonable.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 1000.0h
  - Story completion: N/A
  - Session length: 4.0h
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: The evidence provides some insights into playtime metrics for Wreckfest 2. The mention of '4 hours in and it went by quickly' suggests a session length of around 4 hours. The statement 'I have never played in First person mode as much as this from back to back races online' implies extended play sessions, possibly indicating a longer session length. The claim 'I'm sure I will sink another 1k hours in this over the coming years' suggests a high total playtime, which can be indicative of extensive game completion and endgame content. However, the evidence is limited and lacks specific details about story completion and endgame hours. The last quote is about Wreckfest 1 and is not relevant to Wreckfest 2, but it is included to show the type of evidence that was rejected.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: Wreckfest 2 initially suffers from performance issues and lack of content, but becomes enjoyable once these problems are addressed and players engage in the multiplayer mode.
  - Stance: Clicks after
  - Anchor: Multiplayer mode
  - Time to anchor: 1h 0m
  - Friction: Performance issues; Lack of content; Early access limitations
  - Unlock drivers: Optimization updates; Multiplayer engagement
  - Conditions: Playing with friends; Optimized performance; Multiplayer mode
- Player Archetypes:
  - Visual Customizer (sale)
    - Motivation: Aesthetic appeal and customization options.
    - Playstyle: Enjoys customizing vehicles and appreciating visual details.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: graphics enthusiast; customization lover
    - Reference games: Wreckfest; Forza Horizon
  - Driving Purist (no buy)
    - Motivation: Realistic and engaging driving experience.
    - Playstyle: Focuses on the driving mechanics and physics.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: driving enthusiast; physics lover
    - Reference games: Wreckfest; Gran Turismo
  - Multiplayer Avoider (deep sale)
    - Motivation: Avoiding toxic multiplayer environments.
    - Playstyle: Prefers single-player or controlled multiplayer experiences.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: deep sale
    - Labels: solo player; multiplayer critic
    - Reference games: Wreckfest; Destruction Derby
  - Franchise Supporter (buy)
    - Motivation: Supporting the Wreckfest franchise and developers.
    - Playstyle: Loyal to the series and supportive of the developers.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: franchise fan; developer supporter
    - Reference games: Wreckfest; FlatOut


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Realistic physics and handling (weight 0.47): The game is praised for its realistic car handling, physics, and damage models. Players appreciate the improved physics and the unique handling characteristics of each car.
- Excellent graphics and audio (weight 0.47): The game features high-quality graphics, stunning visuals, and impressive audio design. Players appreciate the realistic graphics, smooth gameplay, and great soundtrack.
- Enjoyable and fun gameplay (weight 0.42): Many players find the game enjoyable and fun, similar to the first game in the series. It offers a great racing experience, especially when played with friends.
- Great potential for future (weight 0.19): The game is seen as having huge potential for success and future development. Players believe it can surpass the first game with updates and time.
- Customization options (weight 0.09): Players enjoy the customization options available, such as paint jobs and decals. This adds a layer of personalization to the vehicles.

Common complaints:
- Lack of content (weight 0.42): Many players feel the game lacks sufficient content, including tracks, cars, and overall depth, making it feel unfinished and not worth the price.
- Limited car selection (weight 0.3): Players are disappointed with the limited variety of cars available, and the cars lack customization options and pictures.
- Frequent crashes (weight 0.27): The game is reported to crash frequently, with many players experiencing random crashes and server errors, making it nearly unplayable at times.
- Limited track variety (weight 0.17): The game has very minimal track variety, with many tracks feeling flat, boring, and lacking creativity.
- Poor AI behavior (weight 0.14): The AI in the game is criticized for being poorly behaved and brain dead, following predictable paths and not competing effectively.
- Slow updates (weight 0.14): Content updates and overall game updates are slow, with minimal content being added over time.
- Lack of features (weight 0.13): The game lacks several features such as VR support, wheel support, mod support, and a story mode, which players find disappointing.
- No in-game music (weight 0.11): There is no music or soundtrack in the game, which detracts from the overall experience for some players.
- Disappointing compared to Wreckfest 1 (weight 0.08): Many players feel that the game is just an updated version of Wreckfest 1 and is disappointing in comparison, lacking improvements.

Gameplay feedback:
- Realistic vehicle destruction physics (weight 0.21): Players appreciate the detailed and realistic vehicle destruction mechanics, including damage models, car weight, and body distortion during crashes.
- Multiplayer and solo modes (weight 0.12): The game offers various modes including multiplayer with bots and a solo mode, catering to different player preferences and enhancing replayability.
- Demolition derby gameplay (weight 0.12): The game features demolition derby-style gameplay, where players can engage in destruction derby races, adding a unique and exciting element to the game.
- Responsive car handling (weight 0.1): Players enjoy the unique and balanced car handling, which includes drift handling and steering responsiveness, providing a satisfying driving experience.
- Car customization and tuning (weight 0.1): The game includes a car customization system that allows for early versions of car tuning and modifications, appealing to players who enjoy personalizing their vehicles.
- Wheel support (weight 0.08): The game supports steering wheels and pedals, providing a more immersive and realistic driving experience for players with wheel setups.
- Diverse driving styles (weight 0.08): The game offers a mix of simulation and arcade-style driving, catering to different player preferences and providing a varied driving experience.
- Car upgrade mechanics (weight 0.08): The game features a car upgrade and purchasing system, allowing players to improve and customize their vehicles over time.
- Variety of cars (weight 0.08): The game offers a wide selection of cars, each with unique behaviors and characteristics, adding to the realism and variety of the gameplay.
- Livery customization (weight 0.08): Players appreciate the livery editor feature, which allows for extensive customization of car appearances.
- Arcade and simulation driving (weight 0.08): The game blends casual arcade driving with realistic simulation elements, offering a balanced experience for different types of players.
- Wrecking and racing mechanics (weight 0.06): The game combines racing with car wrecking mechanics, providing a unique and exciting gameplay experience.
- Car design interface (weight 0.06): The game includes a car design interface and skin editor, allowing players to customize the appearance of their vehicles.
- Crashing mechanics (weight 0.06): Players enjoy the strategy involved in crashing into opponents, adding a tactical element to the gameplay.
- Dedicated server setup (weight 0.05): The game supports dedicated server setup and hosting, improving the multiplayer experience and infrastructure.
- Soft body physics (weight 0.05): The game features soft-body physics, adding to the realism of car collisions and deformations.
- Cockpit view (weight 0.05): The game offers an immersive cockpit view, enhancing the realism and immersion of the driving experience.

Performance notes:
- Frequent game crashes (weight 0.36): The game experiences frequent crashes in various scenarios, including startup, during solo mode, and while joining servers. This issue significantly impacts the gameplay experience.
- Performance and framerate issues (weight 0.33): Players report severe frame drops, low FPS, and choppy performance. These issues are prevalent across different hardware configurations, indicating poor optimization.
- Optimization issues (weight 0.24): The game suffers from various optimization problems, leading to poor performance even on high-end hardware. Players have mixed experiences, with some reporting good performance while others face significant issues.
- High VRAM usage (weight 0.22): The game requires a significant amount of VRAM, often exceeding 12GB. This leads to performance issues on systems with lower VRAM, affecting graphics quality and overall gameplay.
- Specific hardware performance (weight 0.16): The game's performance varies significantly depending on the hardware. Some players report good performance on specific setups, while others face severe issues even on high-end hardware.
- Online and multiplayer issues (weight 0.1): There are significant problems with online connectivity, including high ping, desync issues, and teleportation in multiplayer. These issues can make online gameplay frustrating and unenjoyable.
- Long loading times (weight 0.1): Loading times for maps and other game elements are reported to be slow, particularly on Linux and slower computers. This can be frustrating for players and disrupts the gaming experience.
- Graphical glitches and bugs (weight 0.1): Players have encountered various graphical glitches, including bugs with shadows, mediocre graphics quality, and render distance issues. These bugs can detract from the visual experience of the game.
- Control and input issues (weight 0.08): Players have reported issues with controls, including long recognition times, janky controls, and non-functional steering wheels. These issues can make the game difficult to play and enjoy.
- Settings and saving issues (weight 0.05): There are reports of settings not saving and issues with Steam playtime tracking. These problems can be inconvenient for players and disrupt the gaming experience.

Recommendations:
- Mixed purchase recommendations (weight 0.2): Players have varying opinions on whether to buy the game, with some highly recommending it, others suggesting to buy it only on sale, and some advising against purchasing it altogether.
- Comparison to Wreckfest 1 (weight 0.15): Many players suggest playing the first Wreckfest game instead, indicating that it might offer a better or more complete experience compared to the current version.
- Recommended for racing fans (weight 0.13): The game is recommended for fans of chaotic, semi-realistic, or general racing games, indicating it caters well to this audience.
- Wait for full release (weight 0.12): Several reviews recommend waiting for the full release of the game, suggesting that the current version lacks content or has issues that might be addressed in the final version.
- Worth trying with conditions (weight 0.11): Some players find the game worth trying or investing in, especially if it's on discount or if players enjoyed the first game and are looking for better wheel support.
- Suggestions for additional features (weight 0.1): There are multiple suggestions for additional features such as a sticker creator, career mode, progression and reward systems, and more in-depth vehicle customization options.
- Requests for split-screen mode (weight 0.07): Players have expressed a desire for a local split-screen multiplayer mode, which is currently missing from the game.
- Support the developers (weight 0.05): There are calls to support the developers, indicating a positive sentiment towards their work and efforts.
- Recommended for specific setups (weight 0.05): The game is recommended for those with sim racing setups or for players looking for a realistic driving experience.
- Positive comparisons to other games (weight 0.05): The game is considered miles better than NFS: Outbound and is recommended for fans of Bugbear's games, indicating it stands out positively in comparison.
- Requests for more content (weight 0.05): Players have requested additional maps, game modes, and the addition of trucks, indicating a desire for more variety and content in the game.
- Better on specific platforms (weight 0.03): Some reviews suggest that the game performs better on PS5 and Xbox compared to other platforms.
- Requests for language support (weight 0.03): There are requests for additional language support, specifically mentioning Spanish.
- Good for casual play (weight 0.03): The game is seen as a good option for casual play and stress relief, suggesting it has appeal beyond hardcore racing fans.

Other player notes:
- Add visual car customization (weight 0.05): Players are requesting more options to visually customize their cars, including the ability to share and display paint jobs.
- Request for specific car parts (weight 0.03): There are suggestions to include more specific car parts for customization.
- Game in Early Access (weight 0.03): The game is currently in Early Access, which might be affecting player experiences and feedback.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.25): Players are frustrated primarily due to frequent game crashes, performance issues, and lack of essential features such as a minimap and difficulty adjustments for AI rivals. Additionally, the presence of busses and poor AI behavior, along with the inability to play with friends and the game's high VRAM requirements, contribute significantly to this frustration.
- Disappointment (weight 0.16): Disappointment stems from the lack of content and features compared to the first game, as well as the slow progress and development of the game. Players also express dissatisfaction with the game's current state, including poor optimization, missing features, and the feeling that the game is unfinished or inferior to its predecessor.
- Excitement (weight 0.11): Players are excited about the game's graphics, audio, and overall fun and chaotic gameplay. The anticipation for future updates, the potential of the game, and the enjoyment of new content and detailed customization options also contribute to this excitement.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.11): Satisfaction comes from the improvements in physics, graphics, and destructibility, as well as the overall gameplay experience. Players appreciate the realistic caravan sounds, improved AI behavior, and the variety and customization options in the game.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.05): Enjoyment is derived from the overall fun and exciting gameplay experience, including the damage physics and the smooth, realistic gameplay with favorite cars. Players also enjoy the multiplayer and online racing experiences, as well as the good graphics and force feedback.
- Hope (weight 0.04): Hope is centered around the potential for future updates and improvements, including optimization, expanded customization, and new features. Players believe the game will improve and are hopeful for its continued development and success.
- Anger (weight 0.03): Anger is caused by the presence of cheaters, frequent crashes, and unfair bans. Players are also angry about poor optimization, multiplayer issues, and the feeling of paying to be a beta tester without receiving a refund.
- Frustrated (weight 0.03): Frustration is due to poor optimization, lack of wheel support, and multiplayer issues. Players are also frustrated with the game's performance issues, lack of progression, and the toxic community.
- Disappointed (weight 0.02): Disappointment arises from the lack of depth, career mode, and certain features. Players are also disappointed with the slow progress, lack of content, and the game's current state compared to the first Wreckfest.
- Excited (weight 0.02): Excitement is generated by the anticipation for future updates and the final version of the game. Players are excited about the new features, improvements, and the potential addition of new vehicle types.
- Joy (weight 0.02): Joy comes from the positive driving experience, the sense of accomplishment, and the high fun factor. Players enjoy the funny and enjoyable moments, as well as the beautiful game and good car handling.
- Hopeful (weight 0.02): Hopefulness is based on the potential for future updates and improvements. Players are hopeful for more games like this one and express hope for future updates and additional content.
- Satisfied (weight 0.02): Satisfaction is derived from the positive aspects of the game, including the ability to host own server and good customization features. Players are satisfied with the game's feel, realism, and overall quality.
- Anticipation (weight 0.01): Anticipation is centered around the wait for the full release and the career mode update. Players are looking forward to the full release and the potential it holds.
- Optimism (weight 0.01): Optimism is based on the game's potential and future improvements. Players are optimistic about the game's potential and future updates, including modding support.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.01): Nostalgia is evoked by the game's resemblance to early 2000s burnout games and other older games. Players feel nostalgic about the modern version of classic games like FlatOut.
- Surprise (weight 0.01): Surprise comes from the positive aspects of the game and the enjoyment of the destruction derby, even for those who did not like it in the previous game.
- Approval (weight 0.01): Approval is given for the effort put into cars and racing, as well as the damage system and sounds. Players approve of the improvements and the overall quality of the game.
- Hopefulness (weight 0.01): Hopefulness is based on the game showing real potential and the possibility of it becoming more fun. Players are hopeful for the game's future and its potential improvements.
- Nostalgic (weight 0.01): Nostalgia is felt by players who miss features from the previous game and mention other great games in the series. The game evokes memories of older, beloved titles.}