Deadly Descent
Table of Contents
Summary
Deadly Descent brings highly entertaining downhill racing mayhem where you’ll need to defy the odds in order to reach the finish in one piece as obstacles and fellow racers do their best to destroy your ride before it gets decimated.
You’ll race down the insanely steep downhill ramps against AI opponents while swerving massive craters, dodging the car crushers, and launching off huge jumps while your car falls apart.
The damage physics are up there with the best crash and stunt games out there, with realistic carnage that’ll leave your ride a complete write-off if you’re not careful. You’ll need to contend with your body panels stripping away as you fight to keep your wheels from flying off in order to progress to the next level.
Your goal is to get to the finish line first, or at least get what’s left of your mangled wreck across the line by any means necessary. Sometimes that means crawling on three wheels as your suspension is dragging along the ground.
There are 20 increasingly challenging levels, with a Nissan Skyline R34 (look-a-like, of course) and a tank-like American pickup to unlock, along with a selection of engine and handling upgrades.
If you’re after a quick, fun browser game or a stress reliever that lets you wreck cars and have a load of fun in the process without needing to install anything, look no further!
Deadly Descent controls
PC/laptop/Chromebook
- W/Up arrow – Accelerate
- S/Down arrow – Brake/reverse
- A/Left arrow – Steer left
- D/Right arrow – Steer right
- Space – Handbrake (very harsh – use carefully!)
- C – Change camera
- Finish button (on-screen) – Restart level if stuck
There are several camera views, including an in-car option, and some views let you hold the left mouse button and scroll around the car mid-race to check out the bonkers damage.
While you can kick out the back end using the handbrake, the focus is purely on downhill racing carnage. However, as you probably guessed, we’ve got a huge selection of drifting games if that’s what you’re after.
Mobile/tablet (iOS/Android)
While Deadly Descent isn’t available to play in the browser on mobile devices, it can be downloaded on Android devices. However, if you’re on your phone or tablet and want to play something in your browser right now, we have plenty of mobile-friendly games that work without requiring a download.
Deadly Descent features
- Release date – September 2024
- Difficulty – Beginner (But challenging quickly)
- Levels/environments – 20
- Number of vehicles – 3
- Vehicle customization/upgrades – Yes (Engine and handling only)
- Multiplayer – No
- Mobile – No (browser). Available for download on Android.
- Developer – Andrey Melnikov
Physics
Deadly Descent’s damage physics are hilariously impressive and sit comfortably alongside the best stunt and crash games on offer.
You’re punished for any mistakes, where your wheels will fall off, body panels fly into the air, suspension parts collapse, and your car realistically crumples as you try your best to navigate through the many obstacles, or even if you don’t land the massive jumps perfectly.
If you’re after similar physics to what this offers, along with more opportunity to experiment and roam around, Car Crash Test: Abandoned City offers a perfect alternative. You get to enjoy BeamNG-style sandbox chaos with crushers, slow motion features, and complete freedom to crush your ride in just about every way imaginable.
Graphics
There are no graphics settings available, but Deadly Descents’ default blocky, simple visual style keeps the performance smooth even on lower-spec devices while still showcasing the carnage perfectly.
The visuals and general vibe of the game remind us a little of Polytrack, although it favors high-intensity pinpoint precision racing over damage, where you’ll need to show off your ultimate driving skills with perfect racing lines. Needless to say, this one is slightly more forgiving.
How to play Deadly Descent
Initial setup
When you first open the game, you’re immediately staring down at your first epic downhill adventure with the controls displayed on screen. This is where you get your first taste of what the game has in store. But, don’t panic – the first level is super simple – just hold accelerate, clear the jump, and cross the finish line.
The real fun begins at the finish line, which is packed with heavy machinery designed to absolutely annihilate your car and provide the first glimpse of the awesome damage physics (unless you managed to crash along the way, that is.)
Once you hit Continue, you’ll be taken to the game’s main menu.
Main menu overview
- Top left: Settings (sound toggle and controls)
- Middle left: Upgrade options (Engine and Control)
- Top right: Current coin balance
- Middle right: Currently selected car
- Center: Garage (with left/right arrows to browse currently locked showroom vehicles)
- Bottom right: GO! button to return to racing
You can left-click and drag the cars to spin the camera and check them out from all angles.
Getting started
After completing the first race, you’ll earn around 330 coins. Not enough for upgrades yet (Engine level 1 costs 450 coins, Control level 1 costs 400 coins), so you’ll need to get back out there and race for more earnings across 20 levels.
If you want to earn money quickly, you’ll want to get to the finish line as soon as you can, while providing plenty of destruction along the way.
Bonus system
- Speed bonus (hit 130+ km/h)
- Time bonus (finish as quickly as possible)
- Damage bonus (more damage provides a bigger bonus)
- Level completion reward (get to the finish line, which is often harder than it sounds)
You can also watch an ad to double your earnings.
When you get started, focus on upgrading your Toyota AE86 (PG86) starter car before saving for new vehicles, as this will help you progress through the levels quicker. The Engine maxes out at level 3, and Control at level 4.
If you’re enjoying the massive jumps, Downhill Car Ride: Crash Test is another must-try game that focuses on launching off huge ramps while causing as much damage to the crash test dummy as possible. You’ll need to time ejects and flips to maximize distance and destruction, with almost no ‘real’ driving skills required.
Deadly Descent game modes
The only mode is downhill racing, with a variety of escalating challenges. Each of the 20 levels introduces new obstacles and ever-increasing difficulty (as you’ll soon see!)
The initial levels start with simple jumps and basic steering. Soon, you’ll need to swerve around massive craters, which force you to yank the handbrake while avoiding moving obstacles and crushers that flatten your car.
After a while, you’ll be advised to upgrade your ride, as the starter car will still lack power even after being fully upgraded. The difficulty ramps quickly, and you’ll need to think of ways to simply survive by any means necessary.
Unfortunately, there’s no online multiplayer or competitive modes beyond AI opponents and a basic leaderboard in Deadly Descent. If you’re after online multiplayer games, Drift King is the ultimate pick for tandem drift battles with friends in private or public lobbies with great physics.
Madalin Stunt Cars 3 is another top choice among Drifted fans, offering a free-roam stunting experience with online lobbies. You get 34 unlocked vehicles from the start, and similar jump-based chaos to Deadly Descent, but with far less damage.
If you’re not bothered about going online, but want similar high-speed downhill carnage with even more intensity, the full-contact Epic Racing – Descent on Cars game takes the chaos even further with similar damage physics. The high-speed racing experience takes you over massive jumps with wild elevation changes, along with rewards for smashing through objects while fighting your fierce opponents for the win.
Deadly Descent car list
PG86 (Free starter) – Based on Takumi Fujiwara’s weapon of choice in Initial D, the legendary Toyota AE86 drift car is nimble, lightweight, and perfect for the early levels. Although it handles well, it’ll soon be outpaced by faster alternatives, even with the upgrades maxed out.
GMS 4X4 (5,000 coins) – American pickup truck. You’ll immediately notice this is much stronger and more resilient to damage than the PG86. It can easily take hits that would destroy the others and is recommended for mid-game levels. While it’s less agile than the PG86 and much slower than the S34 Race, it offers far greater durability.
S34 Race (8,000 coins) – Drifting fans will undoubtedly recognize this one, since it’s based on Paul Walker’s favorite car, the Nissan Skyline R34. This one is insanely fast and hits the speed bonus before you know it, completely revolutionizing the game, where you’ll soon realize you need to slam on the brakes on steep downhill sections.
Upgrades cost more for the S34 (750 coins for engine level 1, 1,500 for control level 1). It’s worth prioritizing the control upgrades first for this, given how quick it is (even in stock form).
While the simple three-car roster is limited compared to most other car games, each vehicle serves a clear purpose. The pickup is a tank, the S34 is a rocket, and PG86 offers an all-around balance. Be aware that the ‘Height’ level has height restrictions; the GMS 4X4’s roof is too tall, so you’ll need to pick wisely.
Deadly Descent upgrades
Unlike in-depth tuning games such as Force Drift Racing: Aussie Burnout, which offers the most advanced tuning system in any browser game, from suspension geometry to forced induction, the upgrades are super simple here.
You only need to consider Engine (power) and Control (handling). The Engine has 3 tiers to unlock, while Control has 4.
Not enough? If you’re after the ultimate browser-game package with realistic drifting physics, stunning graphics, a massive car and track selection (39 vehicles, 13 tracks), AI traffic, Drift Attack challenge mode, and in-depth tuning, then Drift Hunters MAX undoubtedly sets the benchmark. Just be warned, it requires a decent device to run smoothly.
Deadly Descent customization
There’s no customization available here. If this is what you’re after, especially if you’re on a lower-spec device, give Drift Hunters a try.
Not only do you get great physics and a huge selection of upgrades for the 26 cars on offer. There’s also a full-color palette that lets you change the body and rims to any color you can think of, along with gloss, matte, metallic, and chrome finishes.
Advanced tips & tricks
Upgrade the starter car first
Don’t save for new vehicles immediately. Upgrade the PG86 engine and control to make the early levels easier and earn coins faster. Then upgrade to the next vehicle when the game recommends doing so.
Make sure you go full-attack on the jumps
If you don’t have enough speed when you fly off the ramp, you’ll smash into jumps instead of clearing them. Accelerate fully before takeoff.
Sometimes you’ll need to hit the brakes
The downhill momentum gets insane, so braking to control speed isn’t slow – it’s smart. This is especially the case when the crushers are active, where you’ll need to patiently wait for them to open, since rushing through them will undoubtedly get you flattened. Let the impatient AI opponents get destroyed while you time it right.
Use the handbrake when necessary
Although it’s not listed in the in-game controls, the space bar aggressively sends the back end flying out. Use it for tight corners when needed, but expect oversteer.
Assess your damage carefully
Sometimes, you’ll notice your wheels start to wobble, indicating you need to drive more carefully to ensure you finish. However, you can finish levels with missing wheels while dragging the chassis and suspension along the ground. Roll, crawl, or limp to the finish line if needed.
Save for the S34 Race ASAP
If you’re struggling to progress through specific stages, try to save for the S34 Race by repeating levels and building your earnings. The speed advantage is game-changing.
Choose your upgrades wisely
For example, the S34 Race is ridiculously fast, even when it’s stock. Therefore, it’s wise to upgrade handling on the first so you can control it, as the last thing you need on a steep downhill is more speed!
Deadly Descent FAQ
What’s the main objective?
You’ll need to race down 20 progressively harder downhill courses, avoid the (many) obstacles, and reach the finish line first without destroying your car. Earn coins to unlock three vehicles and upgrade them.
How do I earn coins faster?
Finish the levels as quickly as possible while collecting as much damage along the way for maximum bonuses. Replay the easier levels if you need quick cash.
Why can’t I get past certain levels with the starter car?
Some levels (like Curve) are designed for the more expensive vehicles you’ll need to unlock, and you’ll fail to win even with the fully-upgraded PG86 starter car.
What’s the best car?
The S34 Race (Skyline R34) is best for speed and overall performance, while the GMS 4X4 (pickup) is better suited for durability over big jumps and obstacle-heavy levels.
Can I customize my car’s appearance?
No. You get performance upgrades, but no visual customization options.
Is there multiplayer?
There are online or multiplayer modes, just a single-player mode with AI opponents, and a basic leaderboard.
What happens if my wheels fall off?
Sometimes you can still crawl or roll to the finish line, and you’ve got a better chance with the GMS 4X4’s four-wheel-drive ability. However, if your car becomes completely stuck, press the Finish button to restart the level.
Should I upgrade ‘Engine’ or ‘Control’ first?
Engine upgrades are recommended to maximize performance in the PG86 and GMS 4X4. However, prioritize control for the S34 Race since it’s already crazy fast, unless the level calls for maximum speed.
How do I unlock all levels?
Complete them in order. Each successful finish unlocks the next level.
Written by:
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Bill is a writer and photographer who has been part of the Drifted team since 2015. His work extends to various print and online publications, including Wangan Warriors.
As part of the King of Nations team, he traveled extensively for several years, capturing top-tier international drift events worldwide. His hands-on experience, including rebuilding his own Nissan Silvia S15 drift car, gives him unique insights into drift car building and global drift culture.
When not behind the lens or keyboard, Bill can be found browsing classifieds for his next JDM project or shredding virtual tires on popular simulators like Assetto Corsa, CarX, and Forza.
You can learn more about Bill’s story here or follow his socials on X (formerly Twitter), Flickr, Facebook, and Instagram.
