Exo Rally Championship Review Summary

A unique and polished rally experience where RCS thrusters add real depth, though poor grip, problematic controls, and frustrating moon stages hold it back.

Unique rally experience: The game stands out in the rally genre due to its unique atmosphere, fresh take, and authentic off-road feel. Many players consider it one of the best rally games, highlighting its distinctiveness.

Game is fun and polished: Players consistently describe the game as fun, polished, and worth the price, with satisfying gameplay and a solid core. This positive reception is widespread and detailed.

RCS thrusters add depth: The RCS thruster mechanic is praised for adding a new dimension to gameplay, enabling mid-air control and strategic resource management. It provides a high skill ceiling and is fun to master.

Detailed vehicle tuning: Players appreciate the comprehensive vehicle tuning system, which offers many adjustable elements and great depth. This allows for extensive customization and enhances the driving experience.

Unique planets and environments: Each planet and moon offers a distinct feel and requires a different approach, making them memorable and adding variety to the gameplay. This environmental diversity is a standout feature.

Poor grip and traction: Multiple reviews highlight that the vehicles have extremely low grip, causing constant sliding and loss of control on all surfaces. This makes driving frustrating and unrealistic, with some comparing it to ice.

Controls are problematic: Controls are widely criticized for being awkward, unresponsive, or poorly mapped, especially on keyboard and steering wheel. The lack of controller customization and the difficulty of using handbrake and RCS simultaneously add to the frustration.

Moon stages are frustrating: The moon stages are repeatedly mentioned as the worst part of the game, with low gravity, slippery surfaces, and difficult navigation. Players find them nearly impossible and a source of major frustration.

Difficulty is too high: The game is considered extremely difficult, especially for new players, with a steep learning curve and punishing high-difficulty settings. Many feel it is more frustrating than fun, and that it requires too much precision and practice.

Graphics are average: The graphics are described as average or budget, with plain road surfaces, ugly environments, and a dark color tone. The lack of detailed graphics options also limits the ability to improve visual quality on different hardware.

Rally simulation with sci-fi elements: The game is consistently described as a rally simulation, often with heavy simulation elements and a sci-fi or space setting. It combines off-road rally racing with futuristic themes and varying planetary conditions.

Unique thruster mechanics: Players highlight the unique thruster system, including RCS thrusters, which allow mid-air control and stabilization. This mechanic is considered crucial to gameplay and adds a distinctive layer of control.

Realistic physics simulation: The game features realistic physics and handling, simulating vehicle characteristics accurately. This is a core aspect that appeals to simulation enthusiasts and sets it apart from arcade racers.

Multiple planets and vehicles: The game offers a variety of planets and moons, each with unique conditions and hazards, and features multiple vehicle classes. This provides diverse gameplay experiences and progression.

Space Dakar rally setting: The game is often described as a space Dakar or Baja-style rally, combining long-distance off-road racing with a sci-fi interplanetary setting. This unique blend is a major draw for players.

Steam Deck performance mixed: Some users report the game runs perfectly on Steam Deck with medium settings, while others experience 10-20 FPS or find it nearly unplayable even at lowest settings. This indicates inconsistent optimization across different Steam Deck models.

General performance praised: Multiple reviewers state the game runs well, great, or decent without specifying hardware. This suggests a generally positive performance experience for most players.

Linux Proton compatibility good: The game runs out of the box on Linux via Proton and also works on Steam Deck. One user noted a temporary black screen when alt-tabbing on Pop OS, but overall compatibility is positive.

High-end hardware runs well: The game runs at 4K native max settings, 1440p with 144+ FPS, and 5120x1440 at 100 FPS on capable systems. This shows excellent scalability for high-end PCs.

Weak hardware struggles: On weak hardware and Steam Deck, FPS can dip below 40 even with FSR balanced, and the game struggles to maintain 60 FPS on an RTX 4070 at 1440p. This indicates performance issues on lower-end systems.

Highly recommended for rally fans: Many reviewers strongly recommend this game to fans of rally and off-road racing, comparing it favorably to titles like Dirt Rally and Richard Burns Rally. It is seen as a must-buy for serious rally enthusiasts.

Appeals to sim racing fans: The game is praised for its realistic physics and in-depth driving model, making it a hit among simulation racing enthusiasts. It is recommended for those who appreciate demanding driving simulations.

Great value for money: Reviewers frequently mention that the game is worth its price, with some calling it an absolute steal. It is considered a solid purchase even at full price.

Best with a steering wheel: Several reviewers advise using a real steering wheel setup with pedals and a handbrake for the best experience. The game is considered more enjoyable with proper equipment.

Beginner-friendly options available: Some reviewers suggest that the game can be accessible to beginners, especially with early vehicles and courses. It can serve as a stepping stone into the genre.

Community fair range: $20.00 - $30.00.

Story completion: 20.0h.

Exo Rally has a steep learning curve, but once players master the RCS and driving controls, it becomes deeply satisfying and addictive. The first hour or so is the main friction period before the game 'clicks'.

Friction: Steep learning curve for physics and RCS controls; Cars with poor grip and steering early on; Lack of clear explanation for RCS controls; Broken Chinese localization for some players; Limited camera views and no free camera control; Frustrating uncontrollability before learning.

Unlock drivers: Understanding how to intertwine driving and RCS controls; Getting used to the physics and inertia; Unlocking better vehicles and upgrades; Dialing in RCS controls per planet; Tutorial handholding and guidance.

Hardcore Sim Veteran: Uses wheel and joystick, engages with all tuning options, seeks high difficulty, and embraces the simulation aspects. Motivation: Mastering realistic physics and technical driving to achieve perfect runs. Stance: buy.

Casual Newcomer: Uses gamepad, adjusts difficulty, follows checkpoints, and avoids deep tuning or physics engagement. Motivation: Enjoying accessible racing with a sense of accomplishment and scenic exploration. Stance: sale.

Sci-Fi Racing Enthusiast: Enjoys the setting and innovation, uses drone planning, and appreciates the challenge without necessarily engaging in deep simulation. Motivation: Experiencing racing in fantastical alien environments with a strong sci-fi identity. Stance: buy.

Across all hardware cohorts, the game is reported to run well, with high frame rates and stability on Windows and Linux, though a few users mention minor optimization concerns or low-spec limitations.

Windows 12-15GB VRAM: positive. Users report stable high-FPS performance at high settings, with only minor complaints about optimization and missing frame generation.

Windows <8GB VRAM: positive. Users report smooth performance at 1080p, with the game running well on lower VRAM cards.

Windows 8-11GB VRAM: positive. Most users report good performance and stability, though one warns that low-spec machines and Steam Deck may struggle.

Steam Deck: The game has good Linux/Proton compatibility, but Steam Deck performance is poor, with low FPS and visual artifacts. UI readability is also an issue, and there are minor stability problems. Overall, the experience on Steam Deck is not seamless and requires significant compromises.

Linux and Proton: The game runs out of the box on Linux via Proton and on Steam Deck, with no major compatibility blockers. The only Linux-specific issue reported is a temporary black screen on alt-tab for some users, which is minor and does not affect overall playability.

Better than Dakar games: Reviewers frequently compare the game to official Dakar/Baja rally titles and consider it superior, citing more fun and cooler point-to-point racing. This comparison appears across multiple clusters, indicating a strong consensus.

Compared to Exo One: The game is often compared to the developer's previous title, Exo One, with reviewers noting similarities but also differences. Some reviewers loved Exo One and see this as a step up.

Underrated and underpromoted: Several reviewers feel the game is underrated and deserves more publicity, describing it as a niche title that is not getting the attention it deserves. This indicates a positive but overlooked game.

Combines Forza and Elite Dangerous: One reviewer compares the game to Forza and Elite Dangerous SRV, noting it combines their styles. Another compares it to Forza 4 and Dirt, finding it more interesting despite being less pretty.

Playtested by reviewers: Some reviewers participated in playtests, which may have influenced their perspective. This is a minor point but shows early access engagement.