Test Drive is one of the longest-running racing game franchises, originating in 1987 with the first Test Drive game on home computers. Now, the series is making a long awaited comeback with the highly anticipated release of Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown.
In 2006, Test Drive Unlimited pioneered the online MMO open-world racer, allowing players to race together and explore a beautiful open-world version of Hawaii. Sadly, TDU has been on hiatus since 2012 but is making a long-awaited comeback with KT Racing's Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown.
Here's everything we know about Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown so far.
Latest news - Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown console beta coming soon
After PC players enjoyed a surprise demo on Steam, KT Racing and Nacon has confirmed that a Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown console beta is arriving in August, giving PS5 and Xbox Series X|S a chance to sample the open-world racer.
While an open beta will be available for all players, those who preorder the Silver Streets or Silver Sharps Editions will get early access. Gold Edition players will also get access to a special VIP beta.
In addition, it's now confirmed that the console versions will include quality and performance mode options. Quality mode will run at 1400P and 30 FPS, while Performance mode will run at 1080P and 60 FPS.
Release date and platforms
TDUSC was originally set to release on 22 September 2022 but there have been multiple delays since then. Announced in a new trailer shown at Bigben week, the confirmed release date is September 12, 2024. However, those who preorder will get early access from September 5.
As for platforms, KT Racing has confirmed TDUSC is coming to PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC. With the PS4 and Xbox One versions cancelled, TDUSC is a current-gen-only title.
At launch, the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions will feature quality and performance mode options. Quality mode will run at 1400P and 30 FPS, while Performance mode will run at 1080P and 60 FPS. Unfortunately, this means the console versions won't run in 4K, but this perhaps isn't surprising considering the scale of the envionment, with the ability to explore a 1:1 recreation of Hong Kong Island.
Editions and price
Like many modern game releases, there are multiple editions available to preorder with different perks and prices. Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown will be sold in four different editions with different perks and prices: Standard, Silver Streets, Silver Sharps, and Gold.
Priced at £49.99 / $59.99, the Standard Edition includes the 2006 Ford GT as a bonus car.
The Silver Streets Edition is effectively a Deluxe Edition with a few extra perks ncluding the Silver Streets Pack, beta access, plus two days of early access along with the 2006 Ford GT. This edition costs £64.99 / $79.99.
The Silver Sharps Edition includes the same perks as the Silver Streets Edition but replaces the Silver Streets Pack with the Silver Sharps Pack.
Finally, the Gold Edition includes the 2006 Ford GT, Silver Streets Pack, Silver Sharps Pack, Solar Content Pack, and VIP Beta Access. You also get seven days early access from September 5. At £74.99 / $89.99, this is the most expensive edition.
PC system requirements
You'll need a substantial PC setup if you want to run Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown at maximum settings. See if your PC can handle Hong Kong Island in Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown's PC system requirements.
Nacon Connect 2024 brings new TDUSC trailer
Nacon Connect 2024 has been and gone, and with it comes an all-new trailer for Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown.
This trailer, The Explorer, shows off some of the off-road functionality the game offers, including a drive through the jungles of Hong Kong Island. Check out The Explorer trailer below:
With the new trailer comes a narrower release window. Despite a confirmed release date still eluding us, the description of the trailer does confirm a 2024 release, although we're not expecting the game to arrive before the summer now.
Gamescom preview and cruising gameplay
At Gamescom, our colleagues at Gfinity Esports went hands-on with Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown. KT Racing revealed it will take 100 hours to unlock the hypercar class, so you'll be doing a lot of grinding to get the best cars.
It's a different approach to Forza Horizon's instant gratification that will reward dedicated players. In short, Solar Crown isn't just a racing game - it's a driving MMO.
KT Racing has also revealed a new gameplay video showcasing a leisurely cruise around Hong Kong Island. This is a core aspect of Solar Crown that will set it apart from other open-world racing games.
First Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown gameplay revealed
It's been a long wait, but as promised, Nacon has revealed the first Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown gameplay. Shown in an extended TDU Connect presentation, YouTubers and TDU fans Blackpanthaa and Alex VII were among the first to play an early alpha build of TDUSC.
In 30 minutes of gameplay footage presented by Creative Director Alain Jarniou, we get a tour of the Solar Hotel, the Sharps and Streets clan headquarters, and some racing action on the streets of Hong Kong Island.
We also get a first look at TDUSC's social features, with players able to visit hubs and interact with each other. Overall, TDUSC looks very promising and we can't wait to explore Hong Kong Island and live a luxurious lifestyle.
Solar Hotel hub
The third Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown newsletter has dropped, this time revealing the central Solar Hotel. This will be the main social hub in TDUSC where you can meet and interact with other players, buy clothes, and change your avatar's appearance.
Sadly, buyable houses won't be in TDUSC at launch. However, Creative Director Alain Jarniou hints this popular feature may return after launch.
“We know that houses made an impression on TDU players,” he said. “While this feature is not in the game when TDUSC launches, it is part of a long list of features we have already researched for future content in the medium and long term."
Hong Kong deep dive
In a recent newsletter, KT Racing has revealed more info about the world we will be exploring in TDU Solar Crown, Hong Kong. The deep dive on Hong Kong explored the 370 square-mile island that is being accurately recreated at 1:1 scale.
“HKI has a wide variety of locations, and we wanted to reproduce as many of these environments as possible: from small inlets on the coast to mountain peaks to dense urban areas and swamps,” Lead Artist Stéphane Cambier explained.
The new images and details shared show that while KT Racing is trying to be faithful, some tweaks to the narrow side streets and major thoroughfares are required to keep the game fun too!
Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown interview with KT Racing
In our interview with KT Racing, we spoke with Creative Director Alain Jarniou to get the latest on Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown and find out how it will set itself apart from Forza Horizon.
You can read our Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown interview here.
Location
Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown is a game that promises to be an awesome return to what makes the series so unique. Expect exotic cars, unique locations, and speed like you've never seen before.
This doesn't mean that there isn't any innovation, however, as the team behind the new title has promised some exciting new features.
The game is going to be open-world, and features a 1:1 scale replica of a real-world location, which has now been unveiled. We're heading to Hong Kong!
From the dense cityscape to the wild mountains of the interior island, players will get to race and explore the streets of this amazing location.
Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown dealerships and car customisation detailed
After months of silence, KT Racing has revealed a deep dive into Test Drive Unlimited's dealerships and car customisation options in new screenshots and info.
14 dealerships will be located around Hong Kong Island, allowing you to browse official manufacturer options and interact with cars in a social hub with other players.
Workshops will let you personalise your car further, with options to upgrade performance and handling as well as create your own liveries with hundreds of stickers and decals.
Car customisation Workshops
Workshops provide further customisation options, allowing you to upgrade performance, improve handling, and create liveries.
Combustion-powered cars will have 13 customisable performance parts across six categories, while electric cars will have 12 customisable performance parts across six categories. Some modification options will be locked based on your Reputation level, however.
A livery editor lets you take customisation to the next level. Here you can apply custom paint jobs in metallic, matte, pearlescent or chrome, or create unique designs with a choice of hundreds of stickers and decals.
Car list
KT Racing hasn't revealed the full car list yet, but several cars have been shown in the trailers and screenshots, from classic muscle cars to swanky supercars.
You can check out the Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown car list here.
Gameplay
Trailers for Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown have predominately featured CGI footage previewing KT Racing's vision for the game.
A brief snippet of gameplay has been shown in the Together We Drive trailer showing a McLaren 720S and Porsche 911 R cruising the streets, but it only lasted a few seconds.
Since then, Nacon has revealed the first Test Drive Unlimited gameplay footage in a 30-minute TDU Connect presentation. In the footage, we get a first look at the Solar Hotel, racing on the streets of Hong Kong Island, and social features.
Trailer
TDUSC was announced back in 2020 in a cinematic trailer showcasing the setting along with the luxury exotic supercars we'll be driving. However, the trailer was CGI and not representative of gameplay.
Another trailer followed in April 2021. Once again, all the footage is CGI, but the Head to Head trailer showcases the environment's diversity and teases a gambling element.
The next trailer arrived in July 2021, confirming the game will be set in Hong Kong Island.
The latest trailer was released in July 2022, this time showing a brief gameplay snippet. Since it only lasts for a few seconds, fans were left unsatisfied and have been hoping for more extensive gameplay footage.
Are you excited about the return of Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown? Let us know in the comments below.