Wreckfest 2

About

Wreckfest 2 is a single player and multiplayer open world racing game. It was developed by Bugbear and was released on July 30, 2024. It received mostly positive reviews from players.

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, a deeper armor and damage system, more intricate component damage simulation and many more improvements acro…

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72%

Audience ScoreBased on 3,277 reviews

graphics223 positive mentions

music14 negative mentions

Exceptional physics and destruction modeling provide a satisfying and realistic crash experience.
Improved graphics and sound design elevate the immersive feel beyond the original.
Driving mechanics strike a good balance between arcade fun and realistic handling.
Multiplayer racing adds chaotic and fun moments with social interaction.
Active developer engagement with frequent updates and community feedback.
Strong potential for full game release with expanded career mode, customization and content.

Currently very limited content with a small number of cars and tracks, lacking career and progression.
Instability issues including crashes and frequent game freezes affect playability.
Poor optimization causes performance drops even on high-end systems.
Multiplayer has usability issues with server hosting, toxic community moderation and lack of easy friend lobbies.
Incomplete features like missing music, no in-race leaderboards, no options for tuning as of now.
Handling and AI behavior criticized for being inconsistent and frustrating by some players.

graphics
460 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
48%
50%
2%
Reviews highlight that the graphics in this early access game represent a significant improvement over its predecessor, boasting stunning visuals, detailed damage models, and enhanced lighting effects. However, many users report optimization issues, including poor performance on mid-range and older hardware, graphical glitches, and demanding system requirements. Overall, while the graphics are praised as sharp and immersive, technical hiccups and incomplete content moderate the visual experience for some players.
- “The graphics and physics are great, and you just have so many moments where you laugh out loud at someone getting absolutely annihilated.”
- “The fundamentals of the game are massively improved across the board: literally every aspect of how the game actually plays is improved upon, from the driving physics to mechanical damage to graphics to AI drivers to art direction.”
- “The graphics look absolutely fantastic, and I don’t need to use any upscaling tricks to keep the game running at max settings with little to no performance drop.”
- “The game still has graphical issues, and the foliage shadow bug is seriously epilepsy-inducing.”
- “Game is poorly optimized for strictly PC gaming; even playing on a decent gaming laptop, the game apparently does not "see" the graphics card built into most laptop motherboards, so it will never launch.”
- “Extremely poor performance even on low graphics.”
optimization
210 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
24%
55%
21%
Optimization for the game is currently inconsistent and generally poor, with many users reporting lag, crashes, and performance drops even on capable hardware, especially in multiplayer and at higher settings. While some note improvements and smooth performance on certain systems, others experience severe frame rate issues and unresponsiveness, highlighting the need for further optimization patches. As an early access title, the developers are actively working on fixes, but the game remains demanding and unstable for many players at this stage.
- “Most importantly the optimization is goated (if your PC can't run this game, it's time for an upgrade).”
- “After several patches, they have improved performance and added realistic damage, but the game’s develop-path is only just beginning.”
- “Optimization, car and map selection, and the overall visuals were all user-friendly and well-functioning, the complete opposite of the second part.”
- “I keep waiting for optimization updates but every time I launch it I find it unplayable with lag and crashes.”
- “Game is poorly optimized for strictly PC gaming, even playing on a decent gaming laptop the game apparently does not recognize the graphics card built into most laptop motherboards so it will never launch.”
- “It's also very performance hungry at max graphics but my 5700x and 2070 is able to run it fine.”
gameplay
193 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
41%
53%
6%
The gameplay of this early access title builds on the strong physics-driven destruction and driving mechanics of the original, offering satisfying car damage, improved realism, and chaotic racing fun. However, it currently suffers from limited content, sparse modes, some balance and AI issues, and a need for deeper progression and customization. Despite bugs and early access roughness, the core gameplay loop is solid and enjoyable, with promising development underway.
- “The core gameplay feels satisfying right out of the gate—smashing into opponents, surviving brutal races, and just embracing the mayhem is as enjoyable as ever.”
- “Wreckfest 2 has superb physics-based driving and destruction mechanics that feel incredible.”
- “The fundamentals of the game are massively improved across the board: literally every aspect of how the game actually plays is improved upon, from the driving physics to mechanical damage to graphics to AI drivers to art direction.”
- “The bad (and oh boy, it's bad): gameplay is extremely basic and gets boring after about 15 minutes.”
- “Got the game Dec 31 2025, nothing has been fixed since release, nothing works, gameplay is horrible. I would have expected much better from the devs since Wreckfest 1 was great... even after all the updates it's still nowhere near done. Don't listen to the videos shown on Steam, they are all false advertising. I can't recommend this game right now, maybe in a few years it might be done who knows...”
- “Don't buy this, you're far better off spending the money on the first Wreckfest, this has poor/lacking gameplay at the moment... attempted to refund but was outwith the two week window.”
music
95 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
7%
78%
15%
The music aspect of the game is widely criticized for its complete absence, with users often highlighting the lack of in-game and menu music as a major drawback that diminishes the atmosphere and replayability. Many express hopes for a future addition of a robust soundtrack, preferably rock or metal, similar to the original Wreckfest or FlatOut series, which they feel is integral to the driving and demolition derby experience. Overall, the current lack of music makes the game feel empty and unfinished, though users are generally optimistic it will be addressed as development progresses.
- “I also want to specifically highlight the music in the game.”
- “Banger soundtrack”
- “Great soundtrack too!”
- “Basically every menu is a placeholder, jank controls for the paint editor, no progression or campaign, no soundtrack, I seemingly can't connect to online servers, and a few other minor issues.”
- “Very few tracks and they feel very flat/boring, only a few cars that do not really differ, tuning system is pointless, no progression - also no music at all.”
- “I was disappointed that there was no music of any sort.”
stability
76 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
32%
68%
The game, currently in early access, shows significant stability issues with frequent bugs, crashes, graphical glitches, and buggy multiplayer connections reported by many users. However, improvements have been noted in recent updates, including fixes to major memory leaks and better performance on high-end systems, making the game more stable and playable. Overall, while it still suffers from instability and incomplete features, the game has a solid foundation and potential, with some users experiencing smooth gameplay on capable hardware.
- “Updating my old negative review to positive: after the past 3 big updates, the game is starting to surpass Wreckfest 1 in my opinion. They have finally fixed the major memory leak and the game runs great.”
- “The game looks and runs great on my machine and so far the only bug I've hit has already been fixed in a patch.”
- “Gameplay is smooth and the game runs great.”
- “Very buggy, controls are janky and the game crashes quite often, with bad optimization on top of the glitches.”
- “Cant recommend as of today, just freezes and closes down every 5 minutes; not really early access at this stage, it's a tech demo, a very unstable tech demo.”
- “Was excited at first but after constant crashes and glitches and just the game that works against you, it's not even worth the sale it's on for; maybe in a year or two it'll be worth it.”
humor
37 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
97%
3%
The humor in the game is widely praised for its hilarious, chaotic, and entertaining moments, especially during crashes, vehicle interactions, and multiplayer sessions. Players enjoy the funny ragdolls, quirky car designs, and unexpected physics that create nonstop laughter and a fun, lighthearted atmosphere. While some wish for more comedic effects and crazy vehicle options, the humor remains a standout, contributing significantly to the game's enjoyment and community experience.
- “The crash physics are funny and entertaining and with a laptop I can now run the game amazingly and I have fun playing it.”
- “The madness that goes down in each race has me laughing so hard that I wake up the others in my house.”
- “Very polished, and most importantly, fun and hilarious as hell.”
story
26 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
12%
69%
19%
The game's story aspect is widely criticized for lacking a dedicated story or career mode, missions, and progression, leaving gameplay feeling bare-bones and unengaging. Many users express hope for future updates to introduce a narrative, character focus, and meaningful rewards to enhance immersion and drive player motivation. Meanwhile, some appreciate the game's core racing and destruction mechanics, suggesting the "story" is told through player-driven experiences rather than structured plot.
- “Tournaments with trophy rewards to display in your garage and rewards like engines and other parts to keep you driven throughout the story mode; don't be another racing game that's soulless and bare bones. Some story, imagination, and even character focus would turn this game around.”
- “I would like to see a career mode with cutscenes, some actual story about the sport of banger racing, maybe some unlocks, maybe even procedural. Maybe you start as an entertainer and dive into outlandish tracks and crazy vehicles.”
- “Each of them tells a story, and you can tell your own by customizing your ride.”
- “Brought the game in early access, this has potential, I got a refund because it got boring as no story yet; think when you realise the story the game will pop, but for now I'll wait to see what unfolds.”
- “Wreckfest 1 had more content than Wreckfest 2 and WF2 only has 4 cars and 3 tracks... no story mode, no career mode, just quickplay... not worth the $30 I spent on this!”
- “It's not a finished game, there is no story mode and the multiplayer games are filled with bots.”
replayability
9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
34%
33%
Replayability is currently limited by the lack of a career mode and soundtrack, but the game's chaotic races and unpredictable physics offer unique challenges that keep it engaging. Future updates, including mod support, revamped career mode, and workshop integration, are expected to significantly enhance replay value. Custom track creation and modding tools are seen as key factors that could make the game infinitely replayable.
- “Once they release modding tools and workshop support, I have a feeling this game will be infinitely replayable.”
- “Plans for a revamped career mode, skill-based matchmaking, and mod support via Steam Workshop indicate a commitment to expanding the game's depth and replayability.”
- “The chaos makes each race feel like a unique challenge, which makes the game very replayable.”
- “No career mode, and lacking a soundtrack currently I think is really holding back the replayability at this time.”
- “So, for now at least, it has less replayability for me.”
- “Custom/create your own tracks - forge mode - even a basic one could make replayability huge especially with a modding community.”
atmosphere
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
24%
38%
The atmosphere in the game is widely criticized for being lacking or nonexistent, especially compared to its predecessor, with missing music and weak engine sounds leaving it feeling bland and empty. Some reviewers suggest adding crowd noises and commentary to enhance immersion, though a few praise the atmospheric lighting and detailed visual effects as positives. Overall, the current early access state severely diminishes the game's atmospheric appeal.
- “I even added many tracks to my Spotify playlist as they perfectly complement the game’s atmosphere.”
- “Suggestions would be crowds roaring as you go by, the commentary in Destruction Derby really added to the atmosphere and I'd suggest it here.”
- “From the atmospheric lighting, immaculate debris, smoke and spark effects, to the newly created tracks, cars and driver models, Bugbear has gone above and beyond in this game to show what they really wanted to make Wreckfest into.”
- “The game lacks any kind of atmosphere without it, and the engine noises aren't good enough to fill the void.”
- “The atmosphere is too rotten without music.”
- “Warning: do not buy Wreckfest 2 at its current stage. It is way too early access - no music, no named bots, terrible AI racers, mediocre tracks. In my 11 minutes of playing, it does not have the same atmosphere as Wreckfest 1 at all; in fact, it has no atmosphere at all. For your own sake, do not buy while it's still in early access.”
monetization
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
14%
15%
71%
Users perceive the game's monetization as a cash grab, criticizing its early release with limited content and expressing concern over potential future microtransactions or live service models, despite the absence of such systems at launch.
- “Wreckfest 2 feels like it's going to be another cash grab, and for a literal 'tech demo' that this currently is, I cannot recommend it for even $15.”
- “A good concept, but as with all modern games, released way too early to start the cash grabbing.”
- “My biggest fear is that this game is plagued with microtransactions, or adopts some form of live service format after 1.0 or sooner.”
grinding
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
75%
Grinding is generally seen as tedious and slow, making progression feel repetitive and unengaging for some players. However, the game's sound design during grinding moments is praised for effectively enhancing the mechanical atmosphere. Additionally, there is no requirement for extra grinding to access additional content or purchases.
- “No grinding, no need to spend extra money on extra stuff.”
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “Graphics-wise it looks better than the first, but as of right now, it's bare bones empty, no music, nothing to make you want to stick to the races. I felt like it's so tedious just to complete a race, maybe that's just me comparing it to Flatout Ultimate Carnage, where bots have names you sort of hate as you progress.”
- “It's so tedious just to complete a race, making the grinding feel dull and unenjoyable.”
emotional
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Users express a high-adrenaline, intense emotional experience driven by the game's aggressive driving mechanics, with immersive details like the character's strained posture enhancing the sense of speed and power.