Wreckfest 2 update adds cars, tracks and multiplayer invites

You have to hand it to Bugbear Entertainment, the developers of Wreckfest 2. It’s simply gone about its business, quietly and diligently, as early access should be.

The initial release, then a spate of bug fixes and improvements. Then a telegraphed pause, then two new cars, a new track and more features. No pre-release hype for the update either. It has just appeared via a Steam update today, 13th May.

New content

The cars are called the ‘Bravion’ and the ‘Rammer’ – what you need to know is that the former looks like a BMW 3-Series (E46) and is extremely oversteer-prone, while the latter is akin to a 1980s Plymouth or Chevrolet three-box saloon.

As for the tracks – well, popular venue Finncross for the first game returns with a makeover, but perhaps the most notable addition is “new European rallycross track.”

It’s hard not to love that understated name, but what’s not understated is the track layout – narrow barriers paired with serious undulation and a reddish surface (and surface alone) which reminds us of Hungary’s real-world Nyirád track.

New features

We experienced some challenges trying to race online with friends during the initial release phase, but thankfully, there is now the option of inviting Steam friends to a lobby and further server sorting options.

For those using a wheel and cockpit cam, the field of view can now be adjusted, and the virtual wheel can be hidden if you’d like. For those using a gamepad, it now vibrates.

There is a host of technical changes too (all listed below), all with the aim of smoother performance and higher frame rates.

The next update is expected in June, with two more cars and two more tracks.

Mainly, the takeaway here is that of promising little and delivering when it matters. It’s time to download the update and join a multiplayer server…

Wreckfest 2 content update #1 patch notes

TRACKS

• New European rallycross track.
• New folk racing track: Finncross.

CARS

• New European sports sedan: Bravion.
• New American large sedan: Rammer.
• American 1 is now called Crusader.
• European 1 is now called Gizmo.

SYSTEM

• Reduced VRAM consumption.
• Fixed various memory leaks.
• Added vendor-specific support for NVIDIA DLSS, AMD FidelityFX and Intel XeSS Super Resolution and Frame Generation (Note: Need to be in the main menu to enable).
• Resolution can be now changed directly in-game in the Settings menu (Note: Need to be in the main menu to change).
• V-Sync can be now enabled/disabled in-game in the Settings menu (Note: Need to be in the main menu to change).
• An estimation of the VRAM (video memory) consumption is now shown in the Graphics Settings menu.
• Fixed an issue which resulted in pixelated user interface textures.
• Fixed an issue which caused the game to crash when changing car and entering Car Paint.
• Fixed an issue which caused Car Texture Quality settings to be disrespected, resulting in the game using more than 6GB of VRAM even when Low setting was used.
• Data Cleaner now checks for corrupted files when launching the game first time after an update.

ONLINE

• You can now invite friends from the Steam Friends List to join the server.
• Servers can be now sorted in the Server Browser based on their name and player count.
• Servers can be searched for in the Server Browser by using a name search.
• Added support for uPnP port forwarding for devices which support it.
• Player hand gestures are now synced in multiplayer (and played back in replay as well).

CONTROLLERS

• Implemented support for gamepad rumble.
• Fixed an issue when binding buttons to axis actions.
• Fixed an issue which made it impossible to rebind certain actions.
• For ease of use, actions are now all listed on the same page on the Bindings tab.

GAMEPLAY

• Added player list showing the leader and players nearby to HUD.
• Polished HUD and improved scaling across differerent resolutions.
• Added separate FOV offset settings for chase and 1st person cameras.
• Added setting for hiding driver and steering wheel in 1st person cameras.
• Fixed overlapping text when going back to event selection screen.
• Added driveline flex and minor improvement to automatic upshift logic with driveline flex.
• Improved manual gearbox and clutch logic, added minimum time to shift for balancing vs automatic clutch.
• Added over-rev engine damage in realistic damage mode if downshifting too soon.
• Added gearbox damage from bad shifts in realistic damage mode.
• Fixed an issue which caused exhaust to emit smoke when engine should be off.
• Fixed engine damage in realistic damage mode.
• Added backfire visual and audio effects.
• Added subtle radiator leak steam effect.
• Improved misfire damage effects.

AI

• Improved AI racing line computation.
• Improved AI drifting mechanic.
• Improved AI stability before and during jumps.
• Improved AI awareness of other cars.
• Fixed noise in driver steering animation.

AUDIO

• New exhaust sound mixdown with more bass-centric sound for Crusader.
• Better audio memory handling to address sound cutting out, plus other under-the-hood improvements.
• Lower rev limiter repeat interval & new limiter sound effect for more beating effect.
• Implemented asphalt tire roll & skid sounds for AI/remote cars.
• Implemented gravel roll sounds for AI/remote cars.
• Using manual & clutch, reverse gear whine of gearbox will no longer play when revving while clutch is disengaged.