DiRT Rally

86%
Game Brain Score Based on 10,025 reviews
  • graphics
  • gameplay
  • optimization
DiRT Rally Game Cover
DiRT Rally is a game that CodeMasters needed to create. While the similarities between prior games are obvious, DiRT Rally feels new and plays great.
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"DiRT Rally is a realistic racing game that supports Oculus VR, providing an immersive 90fps experience. It features iconic rally cars and challenging stages, including the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb and World Rallycross content. The game has been tested over 80 million miles by the DiRT community for ultimate authenticity."

  • Mac OS
  • PC
  • Phone
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Steam Deck
  • Virtual Reality
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Linux
  • Oculus Rift
  • Play​Station
  • Tablet
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

86%
Audience ScoreBased on 10,025 reviews
graphics835 positive mentions
stability43 negative mentions
  • graphics1,340 mentions

    The graphics in the game are generally praised for their impressive quality and detail, especially considering its age, with many players noting that they hold up well against newer titles. While some reviews mention that the graphics may not be cutting-edge compared to the latest games, they still provide a visually appealing experience with realistic environments and vehicle models. Overall, the game is recognized for its beautiful graphics that enhance the immersive rally experience, even on lower-end systems.

    • “The graphics are impressive, especially considering that it was released about 7 years ago.”
    • “One of the most significant features of the game is its high-quality graphics and detailed vehicle models.”
    • “The graphics are absolutely beautiful, even on my years-old PC I can run it at full details.”
    • “The graphics are a bit unrefined in comparison.”
    • “Graphics are dated but smooth.”
    • “The graphics aren't as nice as Dirt Rally 2, although this game has lower requirements.”
  • gameplay490 mentions

    The gameplay of this rally simulation is widely praised for its challenging and realistic mechanics, requiring players to master intricate driving techniques and vehicle management. While the game offers a steep learning curve, many find the experience rewarding and addictive, especially when using a steering wheel for enhanced control. However, some players note that the lack of tutorials and the punishing nature of the gameplay can be frustrating for newcomers.

    • “Not only are the graphics great, but the gameplay is challenging and fun.”
    • “The gameplay of the game is notable for its high level of realism.”
    • “This game is absolutely brilliant; the gameplay is highly immersive and, although challenging, it is highly rewarding!”
    • “The gameplay is unforgiving; if you fall, you will suffer consequences like a damaged radiator or a broken window.”
    • “Prepare to crash, restart, or perhaps give up by the first hour of gameplay.”
    • “Unfortuately, the game is plagued with these small issues, and they surprisingly have a very big impact on the gameplay, always leaving a sour taste in your mouth after playing.”
  • optimization241 mentions

    The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players praising its ability to run smoothly on a variety of hardware, including older systems, while others report significant stuttering and performance issues, particularly on high settings or with certain graphics cards. Many users noted that while the graphics are impressive, the game can suffer from random slowdowns and stuttering that detracts from the overall experience. Overall, the game's optimization appears to be a strong point for some, but a source of frustration for others, indicating a need for further improvements.

    • “Very well optimized.”
    • “Amazing optimization and graphics.”
    • “The optimization of the game itself is well above average, 100+ fps with ~50% CPU and GPU usage using full ultra settings.”
    • “It suffers from random heavy stuttering that in effect causes you to crash your car although the engine is running at 120+ fps on modern hardware and Windows 10 operating system.”
    • “Utterly unplayable stuttering mess at 3440x1440, regardless of graphics settings and average fps.”
    • “The game is stuttering at horrible times on the track and is making it impossible to steer/navigate.”
  • music119 mentions

    The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players praising the menu soundtrack and ambient sounds as fitting and enjoyable, while others criticize the in-game music as generic or annoying. Many appreciate the absence of a heavy soundtrack during races, allowing engine sounds to take center stage, but there are calls for more variety and better quality in the overall music selection. Overall, while some find the music enhances the experience, others feel it detracts from it, leading to a desire for customization options.

    • “The soundtrack is spot on, making you feel nostalgia of Colin McRae Rally as you watch your replay in awe.”
    • “The music in the menus is great and I love how it's dynamic, changing depending on the context.”
    • “The soundtrack is great, could listen to it all day long!”
    • “The music in this game is so bad that I compare it to Battlefield 4 music or worse.”
    • “The menu music is really bad and gets annoying almost instantly (mute it and play whatever you like).”
    • “What I really wish is more content, like locations, cars, and music (the same song in the main menu starts to annoy very soon).”
  • stability74 mentions

    The stability of the game is a mixed bag, with many users praising its performance and graphics, particularly on lower-end hardware and Linux systems. However, numerous reports highlight significant bugs, glitches, and frustrating issues, such as freezing, audio problems, and inconsistent controller support, which detract from the overall experience. While some players find it runs smoothly and is enjoyable, others express frustration over persistent technical problems that hinder gameplay.

    • “The game also has the (sadly) rare feature of being practically bug free aside from some small launching issues.”
    • “It runs great on reasonable hardware, looks terrific, and sounds even better.”
    • “But as of now, this is the most 'ready' and bug free early access game on the planet.”
    • “I enjoyed mastering the difficult driving physics, but the game's strictness mixed with lots of glitches leads to massive frustration.”
    • “This is probably the best rally game in existence that's also an infuriatingly buggy piece of hateful garbage with both savegame progress deleting bugs and incredibly annoying display issues that have been around and never fixed for years.”
    • “Now every time I try to do a race, it freezes and restarts, regardless of whether it's in career, hillclimb, or rallycross.”
  • story56 mentions

    The reviews indicate that the game lacks a substantial story or campaign mode, with many players noting that it primarily focuses on gameplay rather than narrative. While some appreciate the absence of a traditional story, others express a desire for a more immersive career mode or progression system to enhance the experience. Overall, the consensus is that the game is enjoyable for its racing mechanics, but it falls short in delivering a compelling storyline.

    • “I also managed to experience a bit of an intense story in what was my second custom race (to practice and get a feel for things).”
    • “I like the buying cars, upgrades and team members side to the game, that's great, however I'd love to see the career of your driver expanded slightly, maybe a few amateur rallies in lower powered 2 wheel drive cars, similar to the bottom tier races in Dirt 1 to ease you into the game and add a bit of a story.”
    • “Really makes the game feel like a living story (not a cheesy American narration, thank the stars) alongside the excellent rally game.”
    • “There is no story mode or anything; just online and offline championships to keep replaying.”
    • “No storyline about how you’re a young upstart who’s going to rise up and challenge the king of the road, no brother murdered by rival street gangs to avenge, none of that stuff.”
    • “You launch the game and you can either play 'campaign' which is just driving without story or reasoning.”
  • grinding33 mentions

    The reviews highlight a significant issue with grinding in the game, describing it as tedious and often frustrating, particularly due to a lack of tutorials and the necessity to grind for money to unlock cars and tracks. While some players appreciate the depth and challenge of mastering various classes and cars, many find the repetitive nature of grinding detracts from the overall enjoyment, leading to a feeling of monotony. Overall, the grinding aspect is seen as a double-edged sword, offering potential rewards but often at the cost of player engagement and satisfaction.

    • “It's a bit grindy at times, but it adds to the overall experience.”
    • “You'll need a second life for grinding, but the rewards are worth it.”
    • “This is grinding at its worst.”
    • “I desperately want to love this game, but grinding it to get where I'd like to be, when there's minimal fun and maximum frustration is not what I'm about.”
    • “There is no handholding together with hours of painful grinding before (potentially) feeling good about how you play.”
  • humor33 mentions

    The humor in the game is a mixed bag, with many players finding it genuinely funny due to its quirky mechanics, hilarious car sounds, and amusing in-game moments, such as the co-driver's misdirections and the absurdity of crashes. While some players appreciate the comedic aspects, others note that the humor can be overshadowed by the game's challenging nature and frustrating moments. Overall, the game offers a blend of humor and challenge that can lead to both laughter and exasperation.

    • “Still funny even in the year 2022 lol.”
    • “I end up laughing at myself because this game makes me swear so much and I still love it.”
    • “Crashes are absolutely brutal and will ruin your run, but it's funny to have a missed instruction lead to you hurtling off a cliff or into a tree.”
    • “This game is not funny.”
    • “The first 10 hours were not funny, but now I love facing the challenge of Dirt Rally.”
  • replayability32 mentions

    Overall, the game exhibits a high level of replayability, with many players enjoying the variety of cars, tracks, and challenges available. While some critiques mention a lack of content and the potential for monotony after mastering stages, the engaging physics and daily/weekly challenges keep the experience fresh for many. Players appreciate the depth and uniqueness of each vehicle's handling, contributing to its enduring appeal.

    • “Fun game, lots of replay value.”
    • “Daily, weekly, and monthly community challenges keep the game interesting and add endless replay value.”
    • “The way the car interacts with the surfaces on the various types of tracks is what makes the game endlessly replayable; no car will handle the same way on the same surface.”
    • “I'd give it 3 stars due to limited scope and replay value.”
    • “Although the main critique is that there is a lack of quantity - players won't take very long to learn the stages leading to a lack of replayability to some and taking away that rallying experience from others.”
    • “For a penny shy of 40 shekels, I just cannot recommend this game as there is not enough replay value in it and ultimately it's a rip-off.”
  • atmosphere32 mentions

    The atmosphere in the game is widely praised for its realism and immersive quality, with many reviewers highlighting the stunning graphics and sound effects that enhance the racing experience. While some players find the atmosphere to be simplistic or bland, others appreciate the unique charm and the ability to convey the feeling of attending a live race event. Overall, the game successfully captures the essence of its environments, making it a standout feature despite some criticisms regarding content variety.

    • “The atmosphere of the tracks and the environment are fabulous to drive in.”
    • “The devs really nailed the feel of the cars, and the atmosphere looks gorgeous.”
    • “Graphics and sound are amazing and really add to the atmosphere - you can really tell the difference between an arid, dusty trail and a wet countryside road.”
    • “Secondly, the atmosphere is very bland.”
    • “Painful driving, no charm, no atmosphere.”
    • “It takes away a big chunk of the atmosphere, and I, for my part, really like racing games that can transmit the feeling of 'attending a race event.'”
  • emotional32 mentions

    The emotional aspect of Dirt Rally is a complex mix of frustration and satisfaction, as players experience the intense demands of precision driving that can lead to both emotional exhaustion and a profound sense of achievement. While the game evokes strong feelings of attachment to the cars and the rally experience, it can also be taxing, with some players expressing feelings of depression and frustration due to its challenging mechanics. Overall, the game captures the highs and lows of rally racing, making it a deeply engaging yet emotionally charged experience for dedicated fans.

    • “It will break you; it will exhaust you; it will leave lasting emotional scars because it demands nothing short of perfection if you want to get the best time and when you succeed, admittedly...it's pretty damn satisfying.”
    • “This game is so realistic that I'm already emotionally attached to my car and felt genuinely bad for what I put it through.”
    • “It's very frustrating and emotionally taxing to play, but if you know anything about rally racing you know it only makes it that much more real and fun.”
  • monetization13 mentions

    Dirt Rally is praised for its lack of microtransactions and paid DLC, offering a pure rally experience without the distractions of advertising or seasonal content. In contrast, Dirt Rally 2.0 introduces numerous microtransactions and a more commercialized approach, which detracts from the gameplay experience. Overall, players appreciate the original game's commitment to free updates and a straightforward monetization model.

    • “No BS 'paid DLC', all free updates and no microtransactions.”
    • “Amazing visuals, intense, challenging, visceral driving, no microtransactions!!!”
    • “Straight from the release, no advertising, no big deal made out of it.”
    • “Dirt Rally 2.0 has a lot of microtransactions while Dirt Rally has none of that.”
    • “Unfortunately, it's also one of the last racing games that's not split into seasons as a greedy cash grab, as we saw with the next in series 2.0 version.”
    • “The car setup and team management are locked behind microtransactions.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

82% average critic score

Buy DiRT Rally

Play time

25hMedian play time
60hAverage play time
28hMain story
140hCompletionist
8-100hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 51 analyzed playthroughs

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