Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown: Everything we know so far

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 - Second closed beta date announced

Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown may be delayed until 2024, but Nacon is giving some lucky players a chance to explore Hong Kong Island early. In the latest newsletter update, Nacon confirmed the next closed beta test will start on 27 October.

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You can find more details about the next Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown closed beta test here.

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.

Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown delayed until 2024

Sadly, the rumours were right. During TDU Connect, Nacon confirmed that Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown has been hit with a delay.

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Previously set to release later this year, Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown is now set to arrive in early 2024.

No specific release date was announced. However, a Nacon financial document lists TDUSC as releasing in Q1 2024 with a February/March release window.

The delay is frustrating for fans, but a 2024 release will give TDUSC a better chance of succeeding with The Crew Motorfest arriving in September as a direct competitor.

Solar Hotel hub revealed

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.

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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.

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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 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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Release date

TDUSC was originally set to release on 22 September 2022 but there have been multiple delays since then.

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Previously scheduled to release in late 2023, Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown is now set to release sometime in early 2024.

An exact release date is yet to be confirmed, but a Nacon financial document lists TDUSC as releasing in Q1 2024 with a February/March 2024 release window. This suggests TDUSC is targeting a 2023 financial year release, which ends in March 2024, but will no longer arrive this year.

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.