F1 2020

91%
Game Brain Score Based on 9,899 reviews
  • graphics
  • gameplay
  • optimization
F1 2020 Game Cover
While all of Codemasters’ Formula One games have been great in recent years, F1 2020 feels somewhat special.
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"F1 2020" is the official video game of the 2020 FIA Formula One World Championship. Race in the authentic Formula 1 cars and circuits, featuring a new split-screen mode and enhanced my career mode. Experience the thrill of Formula 1 racing with improved graphics and realistic physics for a immersive racing experience.

  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Steam Deck
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Play​Station
  • Tablet
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

91%
Audience ScoreBased on 9,899 reviews
graphics256 positive mentions
stability77 negative mentions
  • graphics434 mentions

    The graphics in the game have received widespread praise for their realism and detail, with many users noting improvements over previous iterations, particularly in lighting and textures. While some reviews mention minor graphical bugs and a lack of significant upgrades compared to F1 2019, the overall consensus is that the visuals are stunning and contribute to an immersive racing experience. Players appreciate the smooth performance across various hardware setups, making it accessible without requiring high-end specifications.

    • “The graphics are honestly a bit more vivid in 2022 compared to 2020.”
    • “The graphics are amazing, and the feeling of the control is so real, it responds so well.”
    • “Overall amazing game, graphics are amazing, it's pretty realistic and it stays true to the actual F1 feeling.”
    • “The graphics are honestly a bit more slightly vivid in 22 compared to 20.”
    • “There aren't exactly any major graphics improvements but all in all it's a damn good game!”
    • “The graphics on my lower end laptop are not the best.”
  • gameplay277 mentions

    The gameplay in F1 2020 has received widespread praise for its realism, smooth mechanics, and engaging features, particularly the new "my team" mode that adds depth to the racing experience. While some players noted technical issues like crashes and AI behavior, the overall consensus highlights significant improvements over previous iterations, making it a solid choice for both casual and dedicated F1 fans. The graphics and driving mechanics are also lauded, contributing to an immersive racing experience.

    • “Great physics, awesome gameplay, great graphics!”
    • “The gameplay in this game is worth the price alone, I lean in my gaming chair playing this game, it feels unreal.”
    • “Best gameplay in all F1 games.”
    • “Game is crashing too often in solo mode gameplay and online lobbies are so full of idiots who just want to crash you.”
    • “I can only manage about 5-10 minutes of gameplay before it crashes and exits.”
    • “The biggest problem I've found with the game so far is actually on the gameplay side of things.”
  • optimization106 mentions

    Overall, the optimization of the game has received mixed reviews. Many players report excellent performance, with smooth gameplay even on lower-end systems, while others experience significant stuttering, crashes, and bugs, particularly when using certain graphics settings or hardware configurations. Despite some complaints about specific performance issues, the game is generally considered well-optimized compared to its predecessor, with many users achieving high frame rates and good graphics quality.

    • “The performance of the game is amazing, it's really well optimized and runs smoothly.”
    • “Great game, very well optimized and runs smoothly even on medium or low-end configurations.”
    • “The game is optimized incredibly well; it pumps out 1440p 144hz as well as 4k 60 with absolute ease, just beautiful.”
    • “This game is poorly optimized.”
    • “Out of all my 53 games in my Steam library, this is by far the buggiest and most unoptimized game.”
    • “The biggest issue with it currently though is the overall performance of the teams, such as Ferrari still performing as a top 3 team, when in reality they are struggling down the midfield or worse.”
  • story102 mentions

    The game's story aspect is polarizing among players, with many noting a lack of a significant narrative, especially compared to previous entries. While some appreciate the optional story elements in career modes, others feel that the gameplay focus overshadows any narrative depth. Overall, the consensus suggests that while there are story modes available, they are often considered secondary to the racing experience.

    • “The game has a story mode as well, which starts out as an F2 driver who slowly rises to become an F1 driver. It isn't very dramatic or anything, but it's there and it's awesome.”
    • “Great improvements on this version of the game; managing a team adds more drama to the story.”
    • “The game itself isn't that bad; the two different story modes make the game fun, and the new story mode is a whole new take on the traditional single-player style game.”
    • “This game has no story.”
    • “The only negative I have with this is that my story mode is pretty stale compared to the likes of NBA and FIFA.”
    • “It's a shame we're missing the story introduced in the previous entry, and we hope Codemasters return to this and flesh it out in future outings.”
  • stability83 mentions

    The game's stability has been widely criticized, with numerous reports of bugs, glitches, and crashes that significantly detract from the overall experience. While some players have managed to run the game smoothly on various hardware, many others face persistent issues, especially in multiplayer modes, leading to frustration and a sense that the game is not fully polished. Despite these problems, some users still find enjoyment in the gameplay, indicating that while the game has potential, it requires substantial fixes to improve stability.

    • “Runs great on Steam Deck as well.”
    • “The level of detail is amazing and runs great on my PC.”
    • “Big thing about the game is that it's not buggy at all.”
    • “Constant crashing, two days of troubleshooting and tech support not really any help.”
    • “Do not buy: buggy mess, feels like an early access indie game.”
    • “The game freezes and there's nothing you can do about it at the moment other than to wait for a patch.”
  • grinding34 mentions

    The reviews indicate that grinding in the game is a significant and often tedious aspect, with many players feeling it requires an excessive time commitment, likening it to needing a "second life." While some find the grinding rewarding and integral to the experience, others criticize it for being monotonous, particularly in team management and resource gathering. Overall, the grinding mechanic is a polarizing feature that can enhance or detract from the enjoyment of the game, depending on the player's perspective.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “A bit grindy... sometimes.”
    • “One long, tedious grind.”
    • “Unless you can put hours upon hours into grinding the same track just to still get beat, this game isn't for you.”
    • “Podium pass is a sore point for me, as it encourages one of two behaviors: 1) dumping real money into the game for cosmetic items and frankly silly emotes/podium celebrations, or 2) grinding away in every game mode on a continual basis to keep your pitcoin balances high.”
    • “No real improvement from last year outside of the overtake button making the controller usable in a competitive manner and the my team mode which will undoubtedly get tedious as your car becomes overpowered against mindless AI drivers.”
  • monetization29 mentions

    The monetization in F1 2020 has received mixed reviews, with many players noting the presence of cosmetic microtransactions and a "podium pass" system that resembles battle passes in other games. While some appreciate that these microtransactions are optional and do not impact gameplay, others criticize their predatory nature and the lack of transparency regarding their inclusion. Overall, the game is seen as enjoyable, but the monetization strategy has raised concerns among players about the direction of future titles in the franchise.

    • “F1 2020 manages to toe the line between giving the fans what they want and being tacky - it also has way less microtransactions than 2021 and 2022; thanks, EA.”
    • “Great racing game and I'm glad that all the microtransactions are just cosmetic.”
    • “This game also has microtransactions of its own, but it isn't mandatory, it isn't shoved down your throat, and it's entirely optional.”
    • “So many sports franchises degrade into a yearly cash grab and a sub-par game with no major improvements.”
    • “Well, basically, F1 2021 is going to be riddled with microtransactions and a whole slew of other crappy decisions, effectively making all future F1 games dead on arrival.”
    • “Edit: just want to add the developers kept microtransactions hidden until the game was released and got its reviews. I was a little disappointed to see not a lot of customization options in the base game to start with and this so-called 'podium pass' was locked away and hidden until the reviews were out. The game is pretty packed with content, so I kinda just wished they were straight up and open about this from the off that there will be tons of customization but it's hidden behind extra money.”
  • music24 mentions

    The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with some players finding it immersive and enjoyable, while others describe it as bland or lacking. Many noted the absence of engaging background music during races, suggesting that the game could benefit from a more dynamic soundtrack similar to that of other racing games. Additionally, some players criticized the main menu music for its unsettling tone, contrasting with the high-energy atmosphere expected in a racing title.

    • “I got 2 remarkable memories from F1 Racing Championship: first the amazing opening for a 2000s game with music and everything, and how the game actually felt like you were inside or watching a race!”
    • “Yeah you have your Formula 1 engines roaring at full speed, there’s some occasional music while in the menu and obviously a celebratory theme at the end of the race.”
    • “Great game, great soundtrack... immersive.”
    • “Only adjustment I would love to have is something to be playing while you drive, like a commentator like FIFA or music like Forza.”
    • “Also for some reason the main menu music in the career mode is some horror movie-like track.”
    • “The sounds and music are bland.”
  • humor23 mentions

    The humor in the game is widely appreciated, with players finding the AI antics and multiplayer interactions particularly entertaining. Many enjoy the comedic moments that arise from crashes and absurd scenarios, such as unusual driver line-ups and exaggerated character traits. Overall, the game successfully blends realism with humor, making it a fun experience for friends and family.

    • “The graphics are awesome, the gameplay is cool, the AI is just hilarious, especially if you set it from 60-max AI settings.”
    • “The my team is so much fun to play, but multiplayer with friends is so funny, whether you're crashing into each other or cruising in 1st place whilst your friend keeps damaging his nose in Azerbaijan.”
    • “Hahahahahaha Ferrari slow hahahaha Vettel spin hahahahaha Mazepin bad hahahahahaha Mercedes fast hahahahah Lando funny.”
  • replayability20 mentions

    The game is widely praised for its high replayability, with features like the "my team" mode, various career options, and multiplayer gameplay contributing to its longevity. Players appreciate the immersive experience and diverse modes that keep the game engaging, although some note that singleplayer can become tedious over time. Overall, it offers significant replay value, making it appealing to a broad audience.

    • “Graphics are top notch, the feel of the cars is really immersive and the diversity and replayability it offers at this value is hard to surpass.”
    • “It has a ton of replayability thanks to the my team F1 career mode, the regular career mode, Grand Prix singleplayer, championship mode, F2 cars, classic cars, multiplayer and so much more.”
    • “Singleplayer is fine, but it can get tedious, and multiplayer is where the replayability is.”
    • “For a lot of replayability you'll need actual racing sims that have more complex physics.”
    • “My team is a great feature to this game which adds a lot of longevity and replayability.”
  • emotional8 mentions

    Players express that the game fosters a deeper emotional connection compared to previous F1 career modes, highlighting the impact of realistic gameplay elements like collisions and engine retirements. The experience evokes strong feelings, such as nostalgia and attachment to the cars and tracks, enhancing the overall immersion for hardcore F1 fans.

    • “Previous F1 career modes simply haven’t been able to produce the same emotional connection.”
    • “You shed a tear as you look at your front wing, knowing this is the last time you will see it fully intact.”
    • “Being a hardcore F1 fan, this game literally made me feel closer to the tracks, the cars, the teams, and more importantly, closer to the speed!”
  • atmosphere3 mentions

    The game's atmosphere is highly praised for its realistic and immersive environments, particularly in tracks like Bahrain and Singapore, which enhance the driving experience. Players appreciate the exciting ambiance during races, especially in career modes, contributing to an authentic Formula 1 feel.

    • “The atmosphere and environments in the game are excellent; my favorite tracks, such as Bahrain and Singapore, feel great to drive around, and even better in a Grand Prix setting.”
    • “The F1 atmosphere is so realistic.”
    • “It also provides a really exciting atmosphere around the races with their career modes.”
    • “As for gameplay, the atmosphere and environments in the game are excellent.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

87% average critic score

Buy F1 2020

Play time

22hMedian play time
57hAverage play time
8-73hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 23 analyzed playthroughs

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