Wreckfest 2 Review

Few racing games embrace the art of destruction quite like Wreckfest, Bugbear’s beloved demolition racer that revived the glory days of chaotic, metal-twisting mayhem. Now, with Wreckfest 2, the studio returns to the track with a follow-up that pushes realism, aggression, and destruction to new heights even in its Early Access state.

Though it’s still in development, Wreckfest 2 already shows the makings of something special. With an upgraded physics engine, deeper damage modelling, and beautifully detailed environments, it’s shaping up to be one of the most authentic and satisfying demolition racers ever made. It’s not perfect yet, but the foundation is strong and fans of the original will feel right at home behind the wheel.

Breaking the Rules, Again

From the moment you start your first race, Wreckfest 2 makes one thing clear: this is not your typical racing game. It’s about contact over caution, chaos over control, and the sheer thrill of seeing metal twist and sparks fly.

Bugbear’s upgraded physics simulation engine delivers some of the most realistic crashes in the genre. Every collision has weight and consequence — fenders crumple, hoods tear off, glass shatters dynamically, and debris scatters across the track in beautifully destructive fashion. It’s an evolution of what made the first Wreckfest great, now amplified by modern hardware.

The sense of impact has never been better. Whether you’re trading paint in a tight corner or slamming head-on into a rival, every hit feels brutally authentic. The developers have clearly doubled down on their mastery of crash physics, creating a world where damage isn’t just visual, it affects how your car handles, accelerates, and survives.

Realistic Damage, Real Racing Feel

One of Wreckfest 2’s biggest achievements lies in its armour and damage system. Unlike most arcade racers, damage here isn’t superficial — it’s layered and intricate. Each component, from your bumpers and tires to your suspension and engine, can be individually damaged or destroyed.

The result is a dynamic experience where no two races ever feel the same. A single bad collision can warp your steering, slow your top speed, or even end your run entirely. It forces players to drive aggressively but intelligently, striking that perfect balance between reckless fun and tactical survival.

The AI drivers deserve special mention, too. They’re aggressive and unpredictable, often fighting each other just as much as they fight you. It gives each race a wild, organic energy that feels spontaneous and alive, a welcome reminder of why Wreckfest became a cult favourite in the first place.

Early Access Impressions: Beautiful, Brutal, and Barebones

Let’s make one thing clear, Wreckfest 2 is still in Early Access, and that shows. The visuals and physics are already impressive, but the content offering is limited at this stage. There’s no career mode yet, no menu music, and much of the progression system remains unfinished.

Still, what’s here is fun and functional. The graphics look fantastic, with lifelike lighting and environments that feel tangible. The tracks are filled with small details that enhance immersion dust clouds, skid marks, sparks, and even subtle reflections on metallic debris. The world looks and feels gritty, grounded, and dangerously alive.

The crashing physics are a standout feature. Each collision is visceral and satisfying, enhanced by the game’s refined camera work and destruction fidelity. The damage detail is staggering; you’ll notice dents forming exactly where impacts occur, metal bending dynamically, and even components falling off mid-race.

For an Early Access title, that’s impressive polish. And considering the affordable price point, the value is already strong for players who want to experience the game’s foundation early and watch it evolve.

Customization and Future Potential

Another area that shows promise is vehicle customization. From the start, you can tweak nearly every aspect of your car from paint jobs and rims to engine upgrades and armour plating. It’s satisfying to build your own machine of destruction, knowing that every tweak could mean the difference between survival and scrap.

Bugbear is laying the groundwork for a deeper experience. Once Career Mode arrives, along with expanded tracks, online multiplayer, and more robust customization, Wreckfest 2 could easily surpass its predecessor in both depth and replayability.

For now, the game functions as a sandbox of chaos, a testbed for its incredible physics and a glimpse at what’s to come. It may be limited in content, but what’s there already feels tight, satisfying, and true to the spirit of Wreckfest.

Strengths and Weaknesses

The strengths of Wreckfest 2 are immediately apparent. The graphics look great, the damage system is deeply detailed, and the AI brings a thrilling sense of unpredictability to each race. The crashing physics feel refined, impactful, and immersive, some of the best in the genre. The environments look realistic and alive, and the price point makes it an appealing pickup for fans eager to test the game early.

However, there are clear drawbacks. The lack of menu music and career progression makes the current experience feel incomplete. The game also still suffers from bugs typical of an Early Access build, occasional crashes, texture glitches, and odd physics handling here and there.

These issues don’t undermine the potential, but they do serve as reminders that this is a work in progress. Bugbear’s track record suggests these gaps will be filled in time, and if they can continue polishing the gameplay and content, Wreckfest 2 could become a modern classic in the demolition racing genre.

Final Verdict

Wreckfest 2 is already a blast to play, even in its unfinished form. Its crash realism, damage depth, and aggressive AI deliver an adrenaline-pumping experience that few racers can match. Though it’s currently missing major features like career mode and music, the solid foundation, strong physics engine, and engaging destruction make it worth watching and playing.

If you loved the original Wreckfest, this sequel is shaping up to be everything you hoped for and more. Once the full release arrives, it could easily reclaim its throne as the king of full-contact racing.

Wreckfest 2 delivers spectacular destruction, detailed damage modelling, and aggressive AI that make every race unpredictable and exhilarating. Though still light on content, its technical foundation and visual fidelity show incredible promise for full release.

Reviewed on PC