In the first newsletter update since July, Nacon has shared details of the next Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown closed beta test. With the open-world racer delayed until 2024, eager fans will have a chance to take Solar Crown for a spin early, months before the final release.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown closed beta.
Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown closed beta date confirmed
In the fifth newsletter update, Nacon confirmed that the next Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown playtest will start on 27 October. Nacon hasn’t confirmed how long the playtest will last, but the first playtest only lasted three days from 24 - 26 July this year.
As such, the second closed beta will likely only last a few days, giving fans a small taste of what to expect in the final game.
Like the first playtest, the next playtest will be PC-only and is designed to test the game servers “especially for simultaneous connection peaks.”
How to play Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown closed playtest
For a chance to play the Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown closed playtest, you need to sign up for the newsletter on the official website here. Player numbers are limited and those who are accepted into the playtest will need to sign an NDA. Sharing and streaming of the playtest is not allowed.
Every car will feel unique
Alongside the playtest start date, the newsletter update provides more details about TDUSC’s most important aspect: the driving experience.
Every vehicle has its own physics across different categories from classics and hypercars to off-roaders to supercars. Attributes such as combustion, hybrid or electric engines, traction, propulsion or 4-wheel drive, turbochargers, and the number of cylinders will affect how the cars handle, making them unique to drive.
KT Racing acknowledges that Test Drive Unlimited 2’s driving physics were “too arcade-like” and “unpredictable.” TDUSC will have a greater focus on realism – don’t expect driving a supercar off-road to be easy.
Audio for each car was recorded in different conditions, with sounds “integrated and linked to the car physics, so they react perfectly to what the player does.” For maximum immersion, you can even hear the hazard and indicator lights when driving in the interior view.
Six themed radio stations are in TDUSC (Hip Hop Planet, Absolut Club, Indie Rock, Classic Era, World Music and Retro FM), each with their own DJs and over ten hours of music. Or you can turn the radio off and use the car engine as a soundtrack instead.
Addressing criticisms of the static external camera shown in preview footage, Nacon confirmed this is one of two chase cameras. TDUSC will also have a dynamic chase camera along with immersive interior and dashboard views.
New F.R.I.M. system
TDU2’s Free Ride Instant Money system is also back and improved. While driving, you can earn cash for driving at high speed, going the wrong way, and drifting among other activities. This increases your F.R.I.M. bar. Credits earned in the jackpot can be cashed in but are lost if you stop or crash.
New screenshots released by Nacon also showcase the BMW i8 cruising and improved lighting effects with coloured lights on a toll booth illuminating the road.
Following a delay, Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown is set for release in early 2024 for PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. A Nintendo Switch version was in development but is no longer listed after PS4 and Xbox One versions were cancelled.