--- title: "Wreckfest 2 Is Coming to Save Us From Boring Racing Games" description: "My Steam library shows 72 hours played in destruction derby-racer *Wreckfest*, which frankly is a lot for me. That's not counting what I put into the [Switch]() port either, primarily on airplanes. And what's more, nearly all of those 72…" date: "2024-08-02" modified: "2024-08-02" authors: - name: "Adam Ismail" job_title: "Senior Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/adam-ismail" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/wreckfest-2-is-coming-to-save-us-from-boring-racing-games" categories: - "Culture" - "News" - "Video Games" --- # Wreckfest 2 Is Coming to Save Us From Boring Racing Games ![Wreckfest 2 press screenshot.]() *\THQ Nordic\* My Steam library shows 72 hours played in destruction derby-racer *Wreckfest*, which frankly is a lot for me. That's not counting what I put into the [Switch]() port either, primarily on airplanes. And what's more, nearly all of those 72 hours were played with friends, because *Wreckfest* delivered among the finest multiplayer experiences I've ever had in a [racing game](). Like many, I've been waiting for a sequel, and it seems that day is finally coming. Publisher THQ Nordic announced *Wreckfest 2* on Friday. Developed once again by the soft-body physics mavens at Finland's Bugbear Entertainment, the sequel touts rebuilt simulation, more intricate crashes, deeper customization, Steam Workshop mod support, and a new skill-based matchmaking system alongside multiplayer server queues. There isn't a ton of information out there at the moment, and the teaser trailer below reveals very little. But the first installment was so good that I feel it's fair to already get excited about the second. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcFycn0BjzE The online improvements are critical, because while my friends and I enjoyed plenty of *Wreckfest* together, that was mostly *despite* its multiplayer server system, not exactly because of it. See, on PC you couldn't create a lobby without [first going deep into your router's config page]() and tweaking various settings, like port forwarding. It was kind of a mess, and it didn't always work. In fact, we only stopped playing *Wreckfest* when we couldn't connect to each other anymore. It was a frankly ridiculous problem to have gaming in this decade, so it's very comforting to see that Bugbear has finally decided to simplify that process for the sequel. If you haven't played *Wreckfest*, it's essentially a continuation of Bugbear's cult-classic *FlatOut* series of games, based around destruction derbies and Nordic folk racing. It's about smashing and bashing, but it's also about finesse, as the game's handling strikes the perfect balance of accessibility and depth. Mastery of wheel-to-wheel combat is essential, though speeding away from opposition certain to try to T-bone you in the next hairpin elicits a rush of a different kind. [![]()]() [![]()]() [![]()]() *Wreckfest* is a great time all around, and its stellar track design, ranging from traditional rallycross circuits to death spirals that would make Evel Knievel blush, ensures there's something for everyone. And no discussion about this game is a fair one without lauding its one-of-a-kind metal soundtrack. [All hail the Oceanhoarse!]() THQ Nordic hasn't yet announced a release date for *Wreckfest 2*, and its [Steam page]() currently lists it as "Coming Soon." When it does launch, it'll be on current- and last-gen PlayStation and Xbox, as well as PC and the Nintendo Switch. *Got tips? Send ’em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Adam is a Senior Editor at The Drive, concentrating on curating and developing the site's slate of daily journalism, from initial pitch to final copy edit. When he's not at his desk researching leads and working with writers, he's testing vehicles or reviewing racing games, new and old. He joined The Drive in 2023, following seven years of covering consumer technology and cars. A car lover and gamer since his earliest memories, Adam came to know the automotive world through video games. First it was Daytona USA, Sega Rally, and Ridge Racer; then came Need For Speed, which inspired an encyclopedic knowledge of '90s supercars, and, of course, Gran Turismo. If not for them, he'd assuredly be doing something else right now. Adam is based in the suburbs outside Philly, where there are ample roads for his hot hatch to stretch its legs. In his car, he's probably listening to indie rock, drum and bass, or Yankees baseball. ### Author social links [Bluesky]() [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()