Info about Expeditions: A MudRunner Game:

Official game description:
Editions
========
Expeditions: A MudRunner Game - Year 1 Edition
==============================================
You will receive the following content when the game launches:  
• The base game  
• The Year 1 Content Pass  
• The Cotco Canyon truck
Expeditions: A MudRunner Game - Supreme Edition
===============================================
You will receive the following content when the game launches:  
• The base game  
• The Year 1 Content Pass  
• The Cotco Canyon truck  
• The Pioneer Pack, including an alternate version of 4 different trucks
About the Game
==============
From Arizona to the Carpathians, chart through expansive open worlds in search of hidden treasures and forgotten ruins. Expeditions: A MudRunner Game is a groundbreaking off-road simulation crafted by Saber Interactive, creators of the critically acclaimed SnowRunner.  
Lead research missions as you drive a variety of all-terrain vehicles, using high-tech tools and managing your camp and crew to ensure your success in the wild. Embark on ever-rewarding scientific expeditions as you adapt to nature's challenges. Unravel the mysteries of uncharted lands, whether you're alone behind the wheel of your vehicle, or with fellow travelers in the online co-op mode for up to 4 players.  
Expeditions: A MudRunner Game builds on the legacy of Saber Interactive’s off-road simulations with its advanced physics-based gameplay systems, perfectly encapsulating the feel of driving through the wilderness. Whether you’re a long-time player of MudRunner games or a newcomer, you are in for a thrilling scientific adventure.  
Success depends on preparation. Plan your missions carefully and hire a team of Specialists to improve your skills in the field. With the drone and metal detector, scout your itinerary and locate points of interest. Invest the profits from each expedition to expand your home bases by building support structures to gain useful supplies and summon new vehicles.  
Equip your vehicles with state-of-the-art technologies and cutting-edge gadgets to ensure success in the wild. Use the winch and portable anchors to perform intricate maneuvers, and traverse treacherous rivers with the echo sounder. Choose strategically, as the tools at your disposal can make or break an expedition.  
*   **Winch:** Get your vehicle unstuck from the mud or rappel down steep cliffs  
*   **Jackscrew:** Turn your vehicle back on its wheels after accidental flips  
*   **Echo sounder:** Avoid sinking by probing the depth of the water around your vehicle  
*   And much more…
Customize your vehicles in the garage, choosing between nimbler scout vehicles, off-road machines or large trucks. Tailor your approach for light and fast exploration or slower, equipment-heavy trucking. Successful expeditions allow you to invest in new accessories, such as storage extensions, spare parts, and measuring tools.  
From arid deserts to rugged forests and steep mountains, explore vast, uncharted lands brimming with hidden wonders and forgotten ruins. Archaeological sites, dinosaur fossils and natural curiosities can be found in numbers across Arizona and the Carpathians, and each discovery can be the key to groundbreaking scientific breakthroughs.

Release date: 5 Mar, 2024

Categories: Off-road Driving, Open-World Exploration, Cooperative Multiplayer, Vehicle Customization, Resource Management, Strategic Planning, Mission-based Gameplay, Tools and Gadgets Gameplay


- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics: No data
- Time-to-fun: No data
- Player Archetypes: No data


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:
- Fun, relaxing, and engaging gameplay (weight 0.68): The game is generally considered fun, enjoyable, and relaxing, with immersive sound design and appealing graphics. Many reviewers found it engaging and addictive, praising its ability to provide a calming yet challenging experience. The game is also well-suited for playing while watching videos or unwinding after work.
- Distinct, improved off-roading experience (weight 0.6): Expeditions offers a distinct experience from Snowrunner, focusing on exploration and off-road challenges without cargo hauling. It features improved physics, more realistic terrain, and a greater emphasis on scouting with specialized vehicles. The game is recommended for fans of Mudrunner and Snowrunner who enjoy exploration and challenging terrains.
- Visually stunning, detailed environments (weight 0.42): The game features visually stunning environments with detailed graphics and realistic landscapes. Reviewers praised the level design, weather effects, and overall visual appeal of the maps. The game's graphics and sound contribute to an immersive experience, encouraging players to appreciate the details while playing slowly and carefully.
- Exploration and challenging terrain focus (weight 0.38): The game emphasizes exploration and navigating challenging terrain, rewarding players for finding their own routes. It offers large open worlds with unique atmospheres and landscapes, focusing on off-road driving and strategic planning. The game provides a sense of accomplishment when completing difficult missions and encourages players to explore and discover new areas.
- New mechanics enhance gameplay depth (weight 0.27): The game introduces new mechanics and tools, such as the anchor, car jack, and drone, which enhance gameplay and offer new options for navigating difficult terrain. These additions provide more depth and possibilities, making missions more engaging and realistic. The game also features improved physics and more detailed graphics.
- Tire pressure system adds depth (weight 0.18): The game features a tire pressure system that adds a new dimension to climbing and introduces tire damage if driving at high speeds with low PSI. This system, along with improved vehicle handling and realistic physics, enhances the driving experience. Dynamic weather and day/night cycles also impact gameplay, adding unpredictability and realism.
- Accessibility and improvements through updates (weight 0.16): The developers have made the game more accessible and brought in numerous improvements through updates and patches. The game is now more stable and enjoyable to play, with streamlined controls and improved graphics. The developers are actively addressing issues and adding necessary mechanics that improve the overall experience.
- Cooperative play enhances experience (weight 0.11): The game supports cooperative multiplayer, allowing players to work together to complete tasks and share resources. Reviewers found that cooperative play enhances the experience, making it more enjoyable and immersive. The co-op mode functions seamlessly and significantly improves the game experience.
- Improved and predictable vehicle controls (weight 0.07): Vehicle controls feel improved and more predictable, with vehicles feeling like they have more weight to them. The chassis/frame has more 'flex,' reducing rollovers and creating a more realistic feel. The reviewer enjoyed driving the vehicles, whether with a keyboard and mouse or a gamepad.
- Good core concept (weight 0.07): The core idea of the game is great. The game content itself looks interesting and promising. The game has a good concept.
- Wide vehicle selection, customization (weight 0.06): There is a wide selection of vehicles, from compact SUVs to powerful trucks, which can be upgraded and customized. Modifying vehicles is essential, with different surfaces requiring special tires and inclines needing more powerful engines. There are plenty of vehicles and types to choose from and customize.

Common complaints:
- Clunky UI and unintuitive controls (weight 0.91): The game's user interface and controls are clunky, unintuitive, and poorly designed, making it difficult for players to navigate menus, manage vehicles, and understand game mechanics. This leads to frustration and a steep learning curve, hindering the overall gameplay experience. The tutorial is also insufficient and fails to explain key mechanics.
- Repetitive, tedious, and unrewarding gameplay (weight 0.77): The game suffers from repetitive gameplay loops, monotonous missions, and a lack of meaningful objectives. Players are often forced into tedious tasks, backtracking, and dealing with frustrating mechanics. This leads to a lack of engagement and a diminished sense of accomplishment, making the game feel like a chore rather than an enjoyable experience.
- Poor vehicle selection and handling (weight 0.59): The game features a limited and uninspired vehicle selection, with many vehicles being re-used from previous titles or thematically inappropriate for the game's settings. The vehicle physics and handling are also flawed, leading to an unrealistic and frustrating driving experience. The game also lacks the logistical depth of previous titles.
- Inferior to Snowrunner in many aspects (weight 0.56): Many reviewers negatively compare the game to Snowrunner, citing its shortcomings in mission structure, cargo hauling, and overall gameplay depth. Some reviewers feel that the game is a stripped-down version of Snowrunner, lacking the elements that made the original enjoyable. However, some reviewers feel that the negative comparisons are unfair.
- Poor optimization and physics issues (weight 0.45): The game suffers from poor optimization, leading to performance issues such as low FPS and stuttering, even on capable hardware. The game's physics engine is also flawed, resulting in unrealistic vehicle behavior and frustrating situations. Some reviewers also criticize the graphics, noting low-quality textures and a lack of significant improvement over previous titles.
- Broken and unreliable co-op mode (weight 0.3): The game's cooperative multiplayer mode is plagued with bugs and stability issues, making it difficult for players to connect, stay connected, and progress together. These issues include connection drops, desynchronization problems, and a lack of shared progression, leading to a frustrating and unrewarding co-op experience.
- Poor game balance and lack of challenge (weight 0.26): The game lacks balance, with some parts being too easy and others frustratingly difficult. The game's economy is questionable, with an abundance of money that ruins the game's challenge. The game also lacks a clear objective and fails to be engaging or captivating.
- Complex and difficult for new players (weight 0.22): The game can be complex for new players, especially without guides. The game has an unforgiving learning curve and the tutorial is flawed. The game is also difficult and challenging.
- Poor sound design and arcade physics (weight 0.15): The game's sound design is lacking, with repetitive and low-quality engine sounds that don't respond well to input. The game's physics and handling are very arcade-ish, not realistic. The game also lacks manual gear shift functionality.
- Unrealistic physics and vehicle damage (weight 0.14): The game's physics are not realistic and the vehicle damage is minimal compared to real-life off-roading scenarios. The game also simulates driving in mud even in desert-like areas where it is unlikely.
- Uninspired and monotonous map design (weight 0.12): The game's maps are uninspired, monotonous, and lack diversity, with many reviewers criticizing the prevalence of desert environments. The maps also feel empty and fail to create a sense of connection or encourage exploration. The map design is also criticized for being linear and corridor-like.
- Overpriced for the content offered (weight 0.12): The game's pricing is considered too high for what it offers, especially considering the amount of content missing compared to previous games. The DLC model is also criticized for having multiple seasons of DLC that cost a lot, leading to a high entry fee for new players.
- Lacks content and mod support (weight 0.12): The game lacks significant new content and feels more like a DLC than a full-fledged sequel. Significant content is locked behind DLC paywalls. The game also lacks mod support.
- Arcade-like mission structure (weight 0.1): The game's mission structure feels like an arcade game, encouraging short sessions due to the menu-based mission selection and truck removal after each mission. The game is no longer truly open world and the garage is removed from the map.
- Lacks new mechanics and features (weight 0.09): The game lacks significant new mechanics and useful features have been removed. The game also lacks support for popular direct drive wheels. The game differs from previous installments by reducing the amount of mud.

Gameplay feedback:
- Exploration-focused, scientific expeditions (weight 0.55): The game shifts focus to exploration and scientific expeditions in off-road environments, moving away from heavy cargo hauling of previous titles like Snowrunner. Expeditions are task-oriented and session-based, requiring careful planning and resource management. Players explore open maps, discover new routes, collect data, and assist scientists, with free-roam available after completing main objectives.
- Technical off-road driving experience (weight 0.49): Core gameplay involves navigating challenging terrains with customizable off-road vehicles, emphasizing realistic physics and technical driving. Players must strategically plan routes, manage resources like fuel and spare parts, and utilize tools like winches and differential locks to overcome obstacles. The game simulates vehicle weight, tire pressure, and terrain conditions, requiring patience and methodical approaches.
- Mission-based, individual tasks (weight 0.35): The game features a mission-based structure with individually completable tasks and optional side objectives. Missions often involve reaching specific locations to photograph objects or scan areas. However, some reviewers find that the mission design lacks immersion and realism, and that progress doesn't always carry over between missions.
- Strategic planning is essential (weight 0.16): Careful planning and preparation are crucial before embarking on expeditions, involving vehicle selection, equipment loadout, route planning, and resource management. Players must consider terrain type, weather conditions, and travel distance to optimize their approach. The game emphasizes strategic thinking and thoughtful decision-making to overcome challenging obstacles.
- Tools and gadgets enhance gameplay (weight 0.13): Players utilize various tools and gadgets, such as drones, binoculars, and metal detectors, to scout the environment, locate resources, and plan routes. New mechanics include placing anchors for winching and constructing bridges to overcome difficult terrain. Finding items and upgrades is integrated into the gameplay, enhancing exploration and customization.
- Free-roam after mission completion (weight 0.08): Maps can be explored in free-roam mode after completing missions, allowing players to discover hidden equipment stashes and side quests. The game features a headquarters where players can reconfigure vehicles, upgrade them, and select specialists. However, some reviewers find the mission structure limiting, as free roam is only accessible after completing missions.
- Mini-games add variety (weight 0.06): The game includes mini-games upon reaching goals, such as searching for relics or observing wildlife, adding variety beyond driving. These mini-games are skippable, preventing potential irritation. However, some reviewers find the mini-games to be bland filler.
- Route planning and scouting tools (weight 0.03): There is usually a working route to every location, making risky climbs unnecessary, and planning routes on the map is essential. Binoculars and a drone are available to help scout the map and plan routes visually. However, some reviewers find the drone and binoculars unnecessary due to the obviousness of drivable paths.
- Realistic vehicle handling and management (weight 0.03): The game requires players to manage gear shifting, tire inflation, refueling, and repairs. Vehicle handling is grounded in realistic physics, with weight, traction, and power feeling authentic. However, the controls take getting used to, requiring constant wheel movement and prediction of vehicle response.
- Single-player and cooperative play (weight 0.03): The game supports both single-player and cooperative play for up to 4 players. It is session-based, allowing players to freely join others for simple quests. The game also features cross-platform play, allowing players to assist others in completing missions through co-op, even after finishing the game themselves.
- Adjustable tire pressure (weight 0.03): The game features a tire inflation system that allows adjusting tire pressure, a feature present in earlier Spintires games. Tire pressure can be adjusted instantly on all vehicles, despite the lack of visible air tanks or piping. This is a decent addition to the gameplay.
- Specialists provide buffs (weight 0.03): Specialists can be hired to provide buffs, but their purpose is unclear to some reviewers. Some suggest making them more realistic by having them occupy space in the vehicle, affecting fuel consumption and limiting the number of specialists based on vehicle capacity. The usefulness of specialists is also debated, with some finding only a few to be valuable.

Performance notes:
- Missing DLSS/FSR/Ray Tracing (weight 0.17): Many players have noted the absence of DLSS, FSR, and ray tracing support. Some players suggest that implementing these technologies could improve performance and stability, especially for those seeking higher frame rates or better visual fidelity.
- Graphics similar to Snowrunner (weight 0.07): The game's graphics quality and physics are comparable to or slightly improved compared to Snowrunner, as it uses the same engine. However, some players feel the graphics are worse or clunky, while others praise the detailed environments and realistic visuals.
- Runs well on Steam Deck (weight 0.04): The game generally runs well on the Steam Deck, with stable performance in both portable and docked modes. Some players note that the text size is small but still readable on the Steam Deck's screen.
- Settings reset frequently (weight 0.03): Some players have reported that game settings, particularly wheel settings, reset frequently, requiring reconfiguration each time the game is started. This can be frustrating for players who use custom control setups.
- Low CPU/GPU utilization (weight 0.02): The game does not fully utilize the CPU and GPU, with graphics card utilization remaining below 50% regardless of graphics settings. This suggests potential for optimization improvements to better leverage hardware resources.
- Low-resolution textures, blurry fog (weight 0.02): Some players have noticed occasional low-resolution textures in certain areas, such as canyons, which can detract from the visual experience. Additionally, a blurry fog is visible in the distance even at high resolutions.
- Tire physics issues present (weight 0.01): Tire physics exhibit some issues, such as bouncing on uneven terrain and clipping through the environment without deforming it. Deflating tires can improve stability in some cases.
- Spelling mistakes in text (weight 0.01): Players have reported numerous spelling mistakes in the in-game text. This can detract from the overall polish and professionalism of the game.
- Drone poorly optimized (weight 0.01): The drone is reported to be poorly optimized and flies sluggishly. This can make it difficult to use for scouting and exploration.
- Limited frame rate locking (weight 0.01): The game only allows frame rate locking to 30 or 60 FPS. This lack of flexibility may be an issue for players with high refresh rate monitors or those seeking a smoother experience.
- Freezes with Shadow Play (weight 0.01): The game freezes when filming or taking photos using Shadow Play. This issue may affect players who frequently use this feature for recording gameplay.

Recommendations:
- Generally negative, not recommended (weight 0.83): Many reviews express negative sentiments, advising against purchasing the game due to bugs, poor design choices, and a lack of content. Some reviewers felt misled and requested refunds, while others uninstalled the game shortly after starting. Some reviewers suggest that the game is only worth 0.99 euros.
- Generally positive, enjoyable experience (weight 0.73): Many reviewers express overall positive sentiments towards the game, with some calling it 'amazing' or 'very well made'. They recommend it to others, especially those who enjoy the genre or are looking for a relaxing experience. Some reviewers are sure that it won't be their last experience with the series.
- Hopes for future improvements (weight 0.64): Many reviewers express hope for future updates and content additions to improve the game. They are looking forward to new seasons, maps, and vehicles. Some reviewers hope that the developers will continue to support the game despite its initial reception.
- Compared to SnowRunner: mixed (weight 0.54): A significant number of reviewers compare the game to SnowRunner, with mixed opinions. Some feel it doesn't live up to SnowRunner's standards, while others appreciate its different focus on exploration and scouting. Some reviewers suggest that the game would have been better as a SnowRunner expansion.
- Good for patient, strategic players (weight 0.05): Some reviewers recommend the game for players who enjoy challenging tasks, realistic physics, exploration, and slower-paced gameplay. They emphasize the need for patience, strategy, and careful planning.
- Supreme Edition not recommended (weight 0.04): Some reviewers do not recommend the Supreme Edition because it adds special versions of vehicles that are already in the game, making them better than the stock versions, which the reviewer finds less interesting. Some reviewers do not recommend purchasing DLC or year passes.
- Better with controller (weight 0.03): Some reviewers recommend playing the game with a controller, as the controls feel more intuitive and responsive compared to keyboard and mouse. They suggest checking for wheel support before buying the game.
- Start with Carpathians map (weight 0.02): Some reviewers suggest that beginners should start with the Carpathians map, as it is more manageable and tutorial-like compared to the Canyon maps. They recommend skipping the desert map and starting with the Carpathians map for those who have already purchased the game.
- Experiment with vehicle builds (weight 0.02): Some reviewers recommend experimenting with vehicle builds and prioritizing scout vehicles when appropriate to fully enjoy the game. They suggest that new players should consider using a mod truck that can withstand damage due to the game's difficulty.
- Good for Spintires fans (weight 0.02): Some reviewers suggest that if you enjoy the Spintires gameplay, physics and exploration, do not be afraid to take it in a sale. They recommend playing Spintires if you enjoy crawling through mud.
- Waiting for RoadCraft (weight 0.01): Some reviewers are looking forward to RoadCraft and hope it will be good. They suggest that the game is acceptable while waiting for Roadcraft.

Other player notes:
- Exploration-focused, not Snowrunner re-skin (weight 0.12): Expeditions shifts focus from Snowrunner's cargo delivery to exploration, offering a unique off-road experience. While built on the MudRunner framework, it introduces new features and mechanics, distinguishing itself from its predecessors. Some players initially expecting a Snowrunner re-skin may be disappointed, but the game aims for a different niche.
- Active development, limited vehicles (weight 0.03): The developers are actively updating the game with new content, including vehicles, locations, and features. However, the initial vehicle selection is limited compared to previous titles. The developers have a history of releasing DLC, with varying degrees of success, and players are waiting to see if Expeditions receives the same post-launch support as Snowrunner.
- Three regions, varied map sizes (weight 0.02): The game features three regions: Little Colorado, Arizona, and the Carpathians. Arizona and the Carpathians each have four connected maps with loading screens. Maps in the larger regions are about four times the size of Little Colorado.
- Expedition customization and flexibility (weight 0.02): Players can select up to four vehicles for an expedition and equip them with modifications. Operators can be chosen to provide buffs for expeditions. The game does not force players to complete an Expedition once selected, or to return to the mission select screen after completion.
- Repetitive, unpleasant vehicle sounds (weight 0.01): The game's audio is dominated by engine and gear grinding sounds, which can become repetitive and grating. The music is not particularly enjoyable and is often overshadowed by the vehicle noises.
- Ultra-wide resolution issues (weight 0.01): The game offers 32:9 support, but HUD and menu elements are optimized for 21:9, resulting in borders on ultra-wide resolutions. The game takes up 23 GB of space after installation.
- Seasonal DLC content planned (weight 0.01): The game will feature seasonal DLC content that will add maps, specialists, or new features.

Emotions:
No emotions}