An update releasing 24 September for Le Mans Ultimate will bring co-op mode, mid-race saving and more alongside the second DLC pack completing the Hypercar grid.
Releasing in Early Access earlier this year, Le Mans Ultimate has seen steady improvement both on the feature and content fronts. Back in July, LMU fans received the title's first DLC pack adding Imola and a pair of hypercars to the roster and now, a second pack is launching in just one week.
In an announcement by Studio-397, Le Mans Ultimate's second DLC will release on 24 September featuring the Circuit of the Americas and the missing Alpine 424 and Isotta Fraschini Tipo 6 hypercars. Alongside it will come a major update including the long-awaited Co-op game mode and mid-race saving.
Additionally, Le Mans Ultimate's price is set to increase for the first time - albeit only slightly. Having launched with a reduced €29.99 price tag in Early Access in February of 2024, the game will cost €35 from October 1 onward. Until then, sim racers can still grab the WEC game at the reduced price.
Circuit of the Americas coming to Le Mans Ultimate in DLC 2. Image: Studio 397
But that will all change in just one week's time when the game's second DLC drops featuring the circuit. A controversial layout pairing intense flowing turns with long straights and a twisty final sector, we have previously debated whether or not it is a fun track to drive. But one thing is for certain, in the real world, a tight battle between the privateer #83 Ferrari and Toyota's #7 led to an epic duel all the way until the end of the six hours.
Sadly, COTA was the first time WEC fans in 2024 did not see the plucky Isotta Fraschini Tipo 6 hypercar. In fact, the Michelotto racer will no longer compete in this year's running with budget and management conflicts putting an early end to the programme. But fear not as, thanks to the second DLC, you will be able to race the boutique brand's prototype around the Austin track in Le Mans Ultimate.
The second content drop also completes the 2024 hypercar grid with the new-for-this-year Alpine A424. Many will love it for its ear-ringing if somewhat flammable Mecachrome engine which we hope will sound just as spectacular in LMU. The Alpine team managed an impressive inaugural podium last weekend at Fuji and will no-doubt be a strong contender in online servers.
Alpine A424 and Isotta Fraschini Tipo 6 in Le Mans Ultimate. Image: Studio 397
The second DLC pack launches on 24 September and will cost £9.99/€11.99/$12.99 whilst those opting for the £39.99/€35.99/$48.99 Season Pass will receive the pack for free.
As such, the official FIA WEC game will finally get the long-awaited Asynchronous Co-op mode in which players can band together as a team and compete in longer format races against the AI. Once you have completed your set of stints, simply hand the car over to your teammate who can complete their laps in their own time.
Le Mans Ultimate DLC 2 Releasing 24 September. Image: Studio 397
An intriguing points system tallying positions gained, pace and clean laps comparing your team with others around the world on a leaderboard may sound like extra complication to the system. But if you prefer simply running your race, that will surely also be possible.
The game mode also introduces the ability to save your game mid-way through a race and come back to it later. So if you want to complete a full 24-hour race solo, you will not need to spend all night scratching your eyes. A feature heavily requested in LMU's recent survey, the developers appear to be listening to their players.
More 2024 Liveries coming to Le Mans Ultimate. Image: Studio 397
Plus, more recent special paint schemes such as JOTA's gold and black Mobil1 celebration design from the Circuit of the Americas will also join the fray.
With the new liveries, players will reportedly also be able to select the 2024 season of liveries for a more accurate experience in addition to the 2023 and 'Fill the Grid' options. Until the LMGT3 grid debuts in LMU, the GTE cars already in the game will serve as a stand-in.
Meanwhile, work on VR is still ongoing, with the state of it "still not in a full release state", according to Hood - but those who use the hidden VR option can expect improvements already regardless.
Based on the netcode improvements from the June update, driver swaps are supposedly coming in early 2025.
Will you be picking up the second DLC Pack for Le Mans Ultimate on 24 September? Let us know in the comments below and join the discussion in our Le Mans Ultimate forums!
Releasing in Early Access earlier this year, Le Mans Ultimate has seen steady improvement both on the feature and content fronts. Back in July, LMU fans received the title's first DLC pack adding Imola and a pair of hypercars to the roster and now, a second pack is launching in just one week.
In an announcement by Studio-397, Le Mans Ultimate's second DLC will release on 24 September featuring the Circuit of the Americas and the missing Alpine 424 and Isotta Fraschini Tipo 6 hypercars. Alongside it will come a major update including the long-awaited Co-op game mode and mid-race saving.
Additionally, Le Mans Ultimate's price is set to increase for the first time - albeit only slightly. Having launched with a reduced €29.99 price tag in Early Access in February of 2024, the game will cost €35 from October 1 onward. Until then, sim racers can still grab the WEC game at the reduced price.
Le Mans Ultimate DLC 2: Red, White and Blue
Earlier this month, the FIA World Endurance Championship visited Texas in the United States of America, more precisely the Circuit of the Americas for its sixth round of the 2024 season. One of four new venues for the series this year, the Texan circuit does not currently feature in Le Mans Ultimate.Circuit of the Americas coming to Le Mans Ultimate in DLC 2. Image: Studio 397
But that will all change in just one week's time when the game's second DLC drops featuring the circuit. A controversial layout pairing intense flowing turns with long straights and a twisty final sector, we have previously debated whether or not it is a fun track to drive. But one thing is for certain, in the real world, a tight battle between the privateer #83 Ferrari and Toyota's #7 led to an epic duel all the way until the end of the six hours.
Sadly, COTA was the first time WEC fans in 2024 did not see the plucky Isotta Fraschini Tipo 6 hypercar. In fact, the Michelotto racer will no longer compete in this year's running with budget and management conflicts putting an early end to the programme. But fear not as, thanks to the second DLC, you will be able to race the boutique brand's prototype around the Austin track in Le Mans Ultimate.
The second content drop also completes the 2024 hypercar grid with the new-for-this-year Alpine A424. Many will love it for its ear-ringing if somewhat flammable Mecachrome engine which we hope will sound just as spectacular in LMU. The Alpine team managed an impressive inaugural podium last weekend at Fuji and will no-doubt be a strong contender in online servers.
Alpine A424 and Isotta Fraschini Tipo 6 in Le Mans Ultimate. Image: Studio 397
The second DLC pack launches on 24 September and will cost £9.99/€11.99/$12.99 whilst those opting for the £39.99/€35.99/$48.99 Season Pass will receive the pack for free.
New Le Mans Ultimate Game Mode
Alongside the DLC content release on 24 September, Le Mans Ultimate will also receive a hefty free update bringing numerous fixes in the game's continual development. But bug fixes and quality of life improvements are not quite as sexy as new additions.As such, the official FIA WEC game will finally get the long-awaited Asynchronous Co-op mode in which players can band together as a team and compete in longer format races against the AI. Once you have completed your set of stints, simply hand the car over to your teammate who can complete their laps in their own time.
Le Mans Ultimate DLC 2 Releasing 24 September. Image: Studio 397
An intriguing points system tallying positions gained, pace and clean laps comparing your team with others around the world on a leaderboard may sound like extra complication to the system. But if you prefer simply running your race, that will surely also be possible.
The game mode also introduces the ability to save your game mid-way through a race and come back to it later. So if you want to complete a full 24-hour race solo, you will not need to spend all night scratching your eyes. A feature heavily requested in LMU's recent survey, the developers appear to be listening to their players.
More 2024 Liveries For Free
Whilst the big content news on 24 September will be the addition of COTA and the two hypercars, all Le Mans Ultimate players will also gain access to a new collection of 2024 liveries. The full 2024 Le Mans grid, excluding LMGT3 cars, will now be available including the unique number panels, one-off liveries and LMP2 field.More 2024 Liveries coming to Le Mans Ultimate. Image: Studio 397
Plus, more recent special paint schemes such as JOTA's gold and black Mobil1 celebration design from the Circuit of the Americas will also join the fray.
With the new liveries, players will reportedly also be able to select the 2024 season of liveries for a more accurate experience in addition to the 2023 and 'Fill the Grid' options. Until the LMGT3 grid debuts in LMU, the GTE cars already in the game will serve as a stand-in.
What's Next?
Stated to be available "likely before the end of the year" by Motorsport Games CEO Stephen Hood, private servers are in the works, and with them, a broadcast overlay will come to LMU. Furthermore, the online mode will introduce championships, which will be available for subscribers. Hood knows about the implications of this, stating that "it's up to us to make this a valuable option for those who want to further support Studio 397 and get more from the LMU experience".Meanwhile, work on VR is still ongoing, with the state of it "still not in a full release state", according to Hood - but those who use the hidden VR option can expect improvements already regardless.
Based on the netcode improvements from the June update, driver swaps are supposedly coming in early 2025.
Will you be picking up the second DLC Pack for Le Mans Ultimate on 24 September? Let us know in the comments below and join the discussion in our Le Mans Ultimate forums!
