A new main menu button appears within the newly released BeamNG.drive 0.34 version: Rally. Multiple videos and articles have discussed BeamNG's potential to create a rally simulator for the last few years. With this latest 0.34 update, that vision is becoming a reality.
While the mode is still very much in its pre-release 'Experimental' period, it is great to see the developers utilizing and creating racing-based modes for disciplines that sim racers have wanted for years. The world of rally simulators is an ultra-competitive market in 2024. However, it seems that BeamNG is planning to take on the giants of EA Sports WRC and DIRT Rally 2.0 - or at least their racing discipline.
The tarmac variation of the Cherrier Vivace is used in two of the three new rally stages. Image: BeamNG
From this new menu, you can access the three rally stages: SS Clyde Peak, which is classified as medium difficulty and is entirely on Tarmac at the top of the Automation Test Track dam; SS Fastello-Norte, which takes place in the tight, twisty streets of Italy and is classified as 'Hard'; as is the final stage, SS Howlers Pass, a gruelling offroad challenge set deep within Jungle Rock Island.
Bruckell Le Grand catching air. Image: BeamNG.drive
Watch out for the ice and snow at the top of the Automation test track; it is deadly!
Italy's tight streets make the start of this rally stage a real challenge.
With ruts and jumps whilst running inches away from trees, the only gravel stage is undoubtedly challenging.
The most expensive rally car project you can rally and crash in is the offroad Scintilla. Image: BeamNG
In a letter to the community, the 'Rally' mode conceptualiser and BeamNG developer, dirtwheel, reassured the keen modding community of the role they can play in the future of this new addition to BeamNG. Despite the humble beginnings of the mode, modded stages are being encouraged and actively promoted, but not straight away.
The Hirochi Sunburst, sideways within the Hirochi Raceway infield. Image: BeamNG
Despite the mode's early stage of development, the potential for a fantastic rally simulator on both tarmac and gravel is certainly there. Of course, the lack of audible pace notes and drivable stages is currently stopping the progress, but both of these issues are on the way to being solved, so keep your eyes open for an update in the early months of 2025.
What do you think about the potential of the new experimental Rally mode? Let us know in the comments down below!
While the mode is still very much in its pre-release 'Experimental' period, it is great to see the developers utilizing and creating racing-based modes for disciplines that sim racers have wanted for years. The world of rally simulators is an ultra-competitive market in 2024. However, it seems that BeamNG is planning to take on the giants of EA Sports WRC and DIRT Rally 2.0 - or at least their racing discipline.
The tarmac variation of the Cherrier Vivace is used in two of the three new rally stages. Image: BeamNG
Turning BeamNG Into A Rally Simulator
Within Rally Mode, a new menu allows you to select which stage and car you want to drive. Similar to the Scenarios menu, there are filters and a search bar; however, with only the three stages available, those features are currently inept in 0.34.From this new menu, you can access the three rally stages: SS Clyde Peak, which is classified as medium difficulty and is entirely on Tarmac at the top of the Automation Test Track dam; SS Fastello-Norte, which takes place in the tight, twisty streets of Italy and is classified as 'Hard'; as is the final stage, SS Howlers Pass, a gruelling offroad challenge set deep within Jungle Rock Island.
Bruckell Le Grand catching air. Image: BeamNG.drive
SS Clyde Peak
The first stage recommended for all players, Clyde Peak, is an uphill stage that takes you through the mountains above the Automation Test Track. Not many players will have been to this section of the map, and seeing the quality of the road transformed into a rally stage is excellent news for the future of rally mode.Watch out for the ice and snow at the top of the Automation test track; it is deadly!
SS Fastello-Norte
The second stage, and by far the most interesting and realistic, is SS Fastello-Norte. It starts in the city streets of the small village within the Italy map; you then fly through the backroads of the Italian map, with walls and signs closing in on all sides throughout the stage.Italy's tight streets make the start of this rally stage a real challenge.
SS Howler Pass
Unfortunately, the final stage in the BeamNG rally stage trio, SS Howler Pass, is the worst of the three when compared to a real rally stage. Jungle Rock Island is extremely bumpy, to the point that it could be considered a step above the real-life safari rally in the WRC. As an experience in a much more capable car, the stage is great fun. However, the official cars on offer do not match the rough terrain's requirements.With ruts and jumps whilst running inches away from trees, the only gravel stage is undoubtedly challenging.
Pacenotes & Modding Support
With rally mode implemented in 0.34, the pace notes are only available in visual form. Do not lose hope just yet; audible pace notes may well find their way into BeamNG's Rally mode sooner rather than later.The most expensive rally car project you can rally and crash in is the offroad Scintilla. Image: BeamNG
In a letter to the community, the 'Rally' mode conceptualiser and BeamNG developer, dirtwheel, reassured the keen modding community of the role they can play in the future of this new addition to BeamNG. Despite the humble beginnings of the mode, modded stages are being encouraged and actively promoted, but not straight away.
The Hirochi Sunburst, sideways within the Hirochi Raceway infield. Image: BeamNG
Despite the mode's early stage of development, the potential for a fantastic rally simulator on both tarmac and gravel is certainly there. Of course, the lack of audible pace notes and drivable stages is currently stopping the progress, but both of these issues are on the way to being solved, so keep your eyes open for an update in the early months of 2025.
What do you think about the potential of the new experimental Rally mode? Let us know in the comments down below!
