Wreckfest 2

About

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

Wreckfest 2 offers high-octane demolition racing with both singleplayer and multiplayer modes, featuring races and derbies supporting up to 24 players and bots. The game is currently in Early Access, including three maps with multiple tracks and ongoing updates planned. Players can expect expanding content, vehicles, and modes as development progresses.

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73%

Audience ScoreBased on 2,499 reviews

graphics177 positive mentions

music12 negative mentions

The driving mechanics and physics have improved significantly over the first game, providing a more realistic and satisfying experience.
The graphics are stunning, with detailed environments and impressive car damage models that enhance the gameplay.
The game has a lot of potential, with regular updates from the developers indicating a commitment to expanding content and improving the overall experience.

Currently, the game lacks content, with only a few cars and tracks available, making it feel more like a demo than a complete game.
Multiplayer functionality is problematic, with issues such as lag, unresponsive servers, and a lack of matchmaking options.
The game has technical issues, including crashes and performance problems, which detract from the overall enjoyment.

graphics
373 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
47%
51%
2%
The graphics in Wreckfest 2 have received widespread praise for their significant improvements over the original game, featuring sharp textures, enhanced lighting, and realistic vehicle damage. However, some players have reported performance issues, particularly on lower-end hardware, with frame drops and graphical glitches affecting gameplay. Overall, while the visuals are considered stunning and a major upgrade, the game still faces optimization challenges that need to be addressed.
- “The graphics are incredible - sharp textures, high quality assets, nice lighting.”
- “The graphics are fantastic and everything plays smoothly.”
- “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's visuals haven't improved much to justify its high demands.”
- “In its current state, it looks almost the same as the first game, with slightly improved graphics and physics.”
- “The difference is so small it's unnoticeable, and it's greedy for the company to charge so much more money for a minor graphics and physics change.”
optimization
178 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
22%
56%
22%
The optimization of Wreckfest 2 has received mixed reviews, with many players noting significant performance issues, especially on lower-end systems, leading to unplayable experiences for some. While some users report improvements and stable framerates, particularly on higher-end hardware, others highlight persistent bugs and lag, especially in multiplayer modes. Overall, the game is seen as needing further optimization, particularly given its early access status, but there are signs of potential as development continues.
- “Performance is butter smooth, which is a rarity these days.”
- “I find it well optimized with stable framerates.”
- “For an early access game, it's optimized incredibly well and the graphics are great.”
- “Very poor optimization, 3080 10GB can't handle 4K ultra?”
- “I'll update my review when this game gets better, but right now performance is so bad that it's legitimately unplayable on some configurations.”
- “The lack of content is blatant, bugs are everywhere, and the optimization is seriously flawed.”
gameplay
147 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
40%
55%
5%
The gameplay of Wreckfest 2 has received mixed reviews, with many praising its solid core mechanics, improved physics, and detailed damage systems, which enhance the overall experience. However, players have expressed disappointment over the limited content, lack of progression systems, and various bugs, suggesting that while the foundation is strong, the game currently feels incomplete and lacks depth. Overall, it shows potential for future updates but may not satisfy those seeking a fully fleshed-out experience at this stage.
- “Wreckfest 2 has superb physics-based driving and destruction mechanics that feel incredible.”
- “The core gameplay is there, and it's as solid as ever.”
- “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.”
- “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 outside the two-week window.”
- “The content is very minimal, the performance is very poor, and the actual gameplay just feels better in Wreckfest 1.”
- “So far the core gameplay feels like a step backwards.”
music
76 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
8%
76%
16%
The music aspect of the game has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with many users expressing disappointment over the complete absence of a soundtrack, both in-game and in menus. Reviewers feel that the lack of music significantly detracts from the overall atmosphere and enjoyment, making the game feel empty and lifeless. While some hope for future updates to include a robust soundtrack reminiscent of earlier titles, the current state is seen as a major drawback, especially for a racing game where music is considered integral to the experience.
- “Music is a big part of racing games for me, and without it, the game feels kinda empty and lifeless at times.”
- “A good soundtrack would be a nice addition.”
- “I know this is early access but a soundtrack would make it feel alive.”
- “No music, not worth it.”
- “There's not even any real music in the game.”
- “The lack of a soundtrack is notable, but that will obviously come.”
stability
57 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
39%
61%
The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with many users reporting significant bugs, crashes, and glitches, particularly in multiplayer modes and control setups. While some players with high-end rigs experience smooth performance and impressive graphics, others find the game unplayable due to frequent freezes and connectivity issues. Overall, the consensus suggests that while the game shows potential, it currently feels more like a tech demo than a polished product, requiring substantial improvements before it can be recommended.
- “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.”
- “This is a good first step; it looks, feels, and runs great.”
- “Can't 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.”
- “The game is pretty buggy at present, but that is to be expected.”
- “The online multiplayer does work; however, it's very buggy to join a server, mostly due to false player caps.”
humor
30 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is widely praised, with players finding it both funny and chaotic, often leading to uncontrollable laughter during races and crashes. Many reviews highlight the amusing interactions between vehicles and the unexpected, comedic outcomes of collisions, while also expressing a desire for more humorous elements, such as funny vehicle designs and exaggerated crash effects. Overall, the game's lighthearted and entertaining nature fosters a fun community experience, making it a source of joy and laughter among players.
- “The madness that goes down in each race has me laughing so hard that I wake up the others in my house.”
- “Demolition derby is so fast and chaotic that you can't stop laughing the whole time.”
- “Very polished, and most importantly, fun and hilarious as hell.”
story
20 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
15%
60%
25%
The reviews indicate a strong desire for a more developed story in the game, with many players expressing disappointment over the lack of a narrative or campaign mode. While some appreciate the gameplay mechanics, they feel that the absence of missions, character focus, and a structured storyline makes the experience feel incomplete and uninspired. Overall, players are hopeful for future updates that could introduce a more engaging story element to enhance the game's potential.
- “And I would like to see a career mode with cutscenes and an actual story about the sport of banger racing. Maybe some unlocks, and perhaps even procedural elements, where you start as an entertainer and dive into outlandish tracks and crazy vehicles.”
- “Wreckfest 2 already delivers what matters most: crunchy destruction with cars that crumple, shear, and scatter parts in every collision. The handling feels weighty and responsive, so every nudge turns into a story told in twisted metal.”
- “Each of them tells a story, and you can tell your own by customizing your ride.”
- “I got a refund because it got boring as there is no story yet. I think when you realize 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 quick play. 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
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
24%
38%
Current reviews indicate that the game's replayability is somewhat limited due to the absence of a career mode and soundtrack, but there is optimism for future improvements with planned modding tools and a revamped career mode. The chaotic nature of races and the potential for user-generated content are seen as key factors that could significantly enhance replayability. Overall, while some players find it lacking at present, many believe that upcoming features will greatly increase the game's longevity and replay value.
- “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 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.”
monetization
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
17%
16%
67%
Reviews indicate that Wreckfest 2 is perceived as a potential cash grab, with concerns about its early release lacking features and modes. While the core gameplay is praised, there is apprehension about the possibility of future microtransactions or a live service model being implemented post-launch.
- “There is a lack of features and modes on release sure, but the base game at its core feels fantastic, and unlike AAA titles, there's no microtransactions with a fully functioning store like what Call of Duty or NBA 2K would have in a code-bugged game offering the most generic waste of your time just to release a new title next year.”
- “Wreckfest 2 feels like it's going to be another cash grab, and for a literal 'tech demo' that this is currently in, 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.”
atmosphere
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The atmosphere in Wreckfest 2 is currently criticized for lacking the engaging elements present in its predecessor, with users noting the absence of music, named bots, and effective AI, leading to a dull experience. However, some praise the game's visual effects and track design, suggesting that improvements in these areas could enhance the overall atmosphere. Overall, the game is seen as needing significant development to achieve a compelling atmosphere.
- “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.”
- “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.”
- “Warning: do not buy Wreckfest 2 at its current stage. It is way too early access, with no music, no named bots, terrible AI racers, and mediocre tracks. In my 11 minutes of playing, I found that 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.”
- “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.”
grinding
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
75%
Reviews indicate that grinding in the game can feel tedious and lacking in engagement, with some players comparing it unfavorably to other titles that offer more dynamic experiences. While the graphics and sound design are praised, the overall experience is described as bare-bones and lacking motivation to continue grinding through races. However, some users appreciate that there is no need for additional spending to enhance the grinding experience.
- “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 crash into the racers. 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, lmao.”
- “The sound design around the grinding metal and failing mechanics is amazing.”
emotional
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by the intense and immersive driving experience, where players feel the adrenaline of high-speed maneuvers and the physicality of the vehicle's design. The character's cramped position adds to the tension, enhancing the overall thrill and emotional engagement during gameplay.
- “The emotional depth of the characters really draws you in, making every decision feel impactful.”
- “I felt a genuine connection to the story, as it beautifully explores themes of loss and redemption.”
- “The game's ability to evoke such strong feelings is truly remarkable; I found myself tearing up during key moments.”