FlatOut 4 VR smashes into Steam Early Access in April

FlatOut’s surprise VR spin-off was unveiled in 2024, initially known simply as FlatOut. Now, developer Flat2VR Studios has announced it will launch on Steam Early Access on 23^rd April. Renamed as FlatOut 4: Total Insanity VR, the spin-off to the frenetic racing series is “nearly ready to go.”

During the VR Games Showcase presentation, the developer explained that FlatOut 4 has been “completely rebuilt” for VR in close collaboration with modder Sergii Permiakov, also known as Mutar.

Since the original game was designed to be played in third person and didn’t feature a cockpit camera, the interiors were rebuilt for VR with new cockpit geometry, upgraded dashboards and improved textures, with full six degrees of freedom. DLSS support will also bring sharper visuals and smoother performance.

With an emphasis on vehicular destruction, it promises to be a visceral VR driving experience. “You are right there in the cockpit for every crazy bone-rattling hit, every near-miss, every massive pile-up,” said Flat2VR Studios’ Chief Creative Officer Elliot Tate.

As the name suggests, the VR game is based on FlatOut 4: Total Insanity, originally released in 2017. While the original two games were developed by Bugbear Entertainment, which went on to helm the Wreckfest series, the fourth entry was handled by KT Racing, the French studio behind Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown.

The entire game will be playable in VR, including classic racing, arena demolition derby and stunt modes, as well as online multiplayer.

Meta Quest and PSVR 2 versions are also in development, but a release window has yet to be confirmed.