It’s been five years since Wreckfest crashed onto PC after a long stint in early access, before later being ported to consoles. In all that time, Wreckfest’s genre-defining damage model is unmatched with the exception of BeamNG Drive, which is still in alpha.
It's also still one of the most riotously entertaining online multiplayer experiences. Thanks to an active player base, it's easy to find a server and start smashing into each other.
Wreckfest was a surprise hit for THQ Nordic, so a sequel seemed inevitable. A mysterious teaser from Bugbear last summer implied that a sequel is in the works, and now THQ Nordic has officially announced a sequel simply titled Wreckfest 2.
Wreckfest 2 announced at THQ Nordic Showcase
Announced during the THQ Nordic Digital Showcase 2024 steam, Wreckfest 2’s headline new feature is a car customization mode. Whereas the original’s basic options let you paint your car, the sequel goes further.
New options will let you change the color of body panel from the bumpers, bonnet, and boot, to the body, exhaust, and rims.
The video also showed how you can use a Photoshop-style brush tool to add rust effects, apply logos, and design liveries. These custom liveries can then be shared online with other players and there will also be mod support for creators.
Of course, Wreckfest is renowned for its full-contact racing. Action-packed gameplay footage highlighted the improved visuals, driving physics, and vehicle deformation.
A new iteration of Bugbear’s in-house ROMU engine will provide the “highest possible fidelity” and “maximum accuracy in demolition physics and vehicle dynamics simulation.” Wreckfest 2’s audio design is also touted to be a “game changer” and there will also be split-screen multiplayer for the first time in the series.
After a long hiatus, it’s great to see Bugbear back doing what they do best. Our only worry is that the cars and quarry environment shown in gameplay footage during a media briefing looked very familiar. Even the UI appears to use the same fonts as the original game.
With no release window announced, it’s unclear if Wreckfest 2 will arrive in 2024 or next year. While the original also launched on PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, Wreckfest 2 will only launch on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Where was Wreckreation?
While we’re on the subject of destruction driving games,where was Wreckreation? Three Fields Entertainment’s Burnout successor usually appears at THQ Nordic Showcase events but was absent at this year’s show. Perhaps showing Wreckfest 2 and Wreckreation at the same show would have caused confusion.
Are you happy that Wreckfest is getting a sequel? Let us know in the comments below.
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