CarX Expands Its Sideways Formula With Upcoming PC Release
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To the surprise of many, CarX Tech (the guys behind the popular Drift Racing Online and Street series) announces CarX Rally will be heading to PC via Steam Early Access soon.
For those of you who aren’t already aware, CarX Rally initially launched on mobile in 2020 and has since passed 10 million Android downloads, but this will be its first dedicated PC version (beyond Google Play Games).
Much like the CarX Drift Racing 3/Online 2 combo, Rally looks to be a reworked version of the mobile version (rather than a straight-up port), with new features built specifically for PC hardware and online play.
At the initial Early Access launch, it’ll feature a basic package, but fans will know the team is great for quickly adding more content. However, you’ll get tuning, CarX’s incredible damage system, steering wheel, and triple-screen support, Online PvP, and a stage editor for creating and sharing new routes.
What to expect during the PC Early Access period
The Early Access build will feature just three cars and two tracks at launch. However, CarX plans to add more cars, stages, modes, supported devices, and general polish before version 1.0, which it currently expects to reach after roughly 12 months of development and player feedback.
The official Steam page offers little to go on for the time being, but confirms dirt, gravel, and asphalt stages, along with changing weather conditions. Its three initial cars are unlicensed takes on the BMW E30 M3, Lancia Delta Integrale, and Volkswagen Polo R WRC.
Game pads, steering wheels, and triple-screen setups will all be supported. Online PvP is also confirmed, although CarX hasn’t explained exactly how this will be structured. Despite many fans asking, there also isn’t any confirmation of VR support yet.
The announcement trailer shows the cars picking up scratches and dents, with body panels falling off after impacts. They’ve clearly integrated the awesome damage system from CarX Drift Racing Online 2 and Drift Racing 3.
It’s worth noting that the existing mobile game has grown way beyond the initial early access PC package, with a much larger roster, more locations, championships, tires, and service and repair systems. While these are yet to be confirmed, they’ll likely trickle over to PC throughout the year-long Early Access period.
How CarX Rally plans to stand out on PC
The CarX team says player feedback will specifically help shape the physics, peripheral compatibility, and location editor, so those areas are still being actively developed.
The stage editor is an important part of that plan. Players will be able to build and share special stages, potentially adding a steady supply of unfamiliar roads alongside the official tracks. Rally fans reacting to the news were quick to point out that the last time they remember seeing a track editor was way back in 1998, for V-Rally 2. Whether it’ll live up to the hype to fill the near 30-year void is yet to be seen.
CarX describes the PC release as a “realistic rally simulator”. Their experience with weight transfer and sideways action certainly gives them a relevant foundation, but if the team’s fun, but simcade-style drifting physics are anything to go by, rally fans will undoubtedly have a thing or two to say about that!
We won’t know how convincing the handling is until independent hands-on testing begins. But, for now, Assetto Corsa Rally provides the obvious comparison. It launched with a more explicitly hardcore focus, including licensed cars, and laser-scanned roads, then expanded after release. CarX is approaching the limited-stage challenge from a more unique direction by putting the community-created routes at the center of its plans.
The exact Early Access date and prices are yet to be announced. News of future console versions, and how much mobile content will eventually carry across also remain unconfirmed. Regardless, it’ll be a welcome addition and competitor to the other popular rally games on PC. Given that the team is best known for bringing something a bit different to the norm, we’re looking forward to giving it a shot.
Rally games you can enjoy on Drifted while you wait
If you’re eager to head into the rally action right now, we’ve got a couple of rally games you can play right in your browser without needing to install anything.
For those looking for plenty to do, Rally Racer Dirt offers career, survival, and multiplayer modes, along with 16 recognizable cars and drift combos for players who enjoy a looser interpretation of rallying.
Rally Point 4 is a shorter solo option with nine stages, nine vehicles, a dedicated drift button, and a compact campaign that experienced players can finish in well under half an hour.
Who knows, maybe we’ll even get to see a Drifted-exclusive new browser game sometime!
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Joe is an avid writer and car enthusiast. When he’s not cruising the streets alongside his friends in his Nissan Silvia S15, he’s drifting on his VR racing simulator.
Joe’s passion for cars is always on display. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the automotive industry, he hopes his writing conveys his excitement and knowledge of cars and games.
Joe’s work has been featured on many platforms including drivetribe.com, 180sx.club, carthrottle.com, smartdrivinggames.com, smartbikegames.com, databox.com and ceoblognation.com.
When he’s not behind the wheel or at his keyboard, he’s likely daydreaming of his ultimate ride – the legendary Lexus LFA.
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