Devs behind most neatly-liked destruction-focused racing game Wreckfest inaugurate the sequel in early rep admission to with a trailer elephantine of physics glitches and deadly error messages

Wreckfest 2 has just properly entered Steam Early Access, and while the developers at Bugbear have previously released the beloved destruction-centric racing game, the accompanying trailer makes it clear that this is, without a doubt, an early access version of the game. A truly early access version.

The launch trailer for Wreckfest 2 showcases some remarkable destruction technology and visually striking gritty vehicles, but it also highlights greyboxes, non-Euclidean neck movement, and even a genuine fatal error message atop a vehicle shaking in physics chaos. It’s genuinely refreshing to see a developer be so transparent about the kind of experience players can expect.

“It’s time for testing, learning… and a lot of fixing,” the voiceover in the trailer states. “We’ve got some significant new technology under the hood, and this is just the beginning. This marks the start of something greater. We’ve constructed the first tracks, the initial cars, and now it’s in your hands. Thus, going forward, we need your feedback. Any ideas on your mind? Share with us. Give it a go. Take it for a spin and enjoy some serious fun. And inform us what’s next.”

The feedback from the Steam reviews – currently standing at 73% positive – indicates that the launch is as described. The foundation of a solid sequel is present, with ample praise for the driving mechanics and damage system, but even the positive reviews are eager to admit that the game is quite minimal in its current state, and a small number of players are reporting significant game-breaking issues including major crashing incidents. The computer type, not the vehicle type.

However, perfecting the core gameplay as the developers introduce additional content is the entire objective of early access. Bugbear anticipates the game will remain in Early Access for “a minimum duration of 12 months,” but considering the realities of game development and the possibility of substantial changes based on community feedback, “the actual timeframe may vary.”

The original Wreckfest also started its journey in early access, launching so early that it was initially titled “Next Car Game.” It took four years for Bugbear to ultimately release it as Wreckfest, but by that time, the studio had discovered a successful formula for one of the top racing games out there. Here’s hoping the follow-up doesn’t take quite so long to reach the finish line.

Cult classic racing series returns 18 years after its last entry on Xbox 360, achieving 95% overwhelmingly positive Steam reviews.