BeamNG.drive

BeamNG.Drive is an open-world vehicle simulation video game developed and published by BeamNG GmbH.

The core feature of this ambitious driving game is its reliance on soft-body physics, which can realistically calculate and visually showcase the effects of the road surface and collisions on the bodies of the virtual cars.



While the vast majority of the arcade and simulation driving games rely on rigid body physics, where individual elements inside the car cannot be bent or twisted or in any other way reshaped, this game allows individual car elements to be affected by external forces and dramatically impact their shape during large collisions.

The origin of this title comes from the earlier exploits of the development team who worked on the 2011 title, Rigs of Rods. This work led to the creation of two games, BeamNG.Drive and CryEngine 3-powered “Torque”.



Originally released in its early access form in the summer of 2013, the first public version of the BeamNG Drive game arrived at PC game distribution platform Steam in May of 2015.

Since then, the game has received numerous upgrades and expansions that provided gamers with a wide array of additional driving challenges and online mods.

One of the latest addons is the support for importing cars from “Automation”, a highly competent car company tycoon game developed by Camshaft Software.

The physics engine of this game allows users to experience an unprecedented level of detail in regard to car damage. Vehicles realistically flex and react to the surface, metal and plastic parts can bend and shatter, become dislodged from their positions, and fly away, tires can be bent and completely dislodged, windows shatter, and in the most violent crashes, even fuel tanks can rupture and explode.

The powerful physics engine can be used not only for gaming but also for real-world car physics simulations, such as rehearsing vehicle stunts for movie productions.



Gameplay modes are present inside BeamNG.Drive covers all aspects of the sim-racing genre. The game features comprehensive campaigns (collection of smaller scenarios), time trial mode, and free roam mode where users are free to create fun by racing or colliding their cars with objects in the environment.

The simulator game supports both offline single-player play and several online MP modes with built-in matchmaking with friends. In addition to that, the game also gives players access to advanced editing tools that can not only tweak vehicle physics, but also be used for the creation of new maps, environments, and more.

It is important to note that BeamNG Drive is mostly focused on lighter cars that can be raced on tracks and off-road environments. The simulation of trucks or other big rigs is not supported and can instead be experienced in some other titles that feature soft-body physics, such as Rigs of Rods.



FAQ

What is BeamNG.drive and what makes it unique?
BeamNG.drive is a realistic vehicle simulation game known for its advanced soft-body physics engine, which allows for lifelike vehicle crashes, deformations, and handling. The game simulates each vehicle’s structure in real time, making it highly detailed and widely praised by car enthusiasts and simulation fans.

How much does BeamNG.drive cost?
The standard price of BeamNG.drive on Steam is USD 22.50. While it occasionally goes on sale, this base price is considered a bargain for the amount of content and the realism the game provides.

Is it worth buying at full price?
Yes, most players consider BeamNG.drive a great value even at full price. The game offers unmatched driving physics, regular updates, and an active modding community, making it a long-term investment for fans of realistic driving or crash simulations.

What features does BeamNG.drive include?
BeamNG.drive features multiple game modes like free roam, time trials, scenarios, and a developing career mode. It includes an in-depth vehicle customization system, mod support, a map editor, experimental VR mode, and limited local multiplayer, offering a highly customizable and immersive driving experience.

What are the drawbacks or limitations?
The game does not include official online multiplayer, which must be added through third-party mods like BeamMP. Additionally, the realistic physics and controls can present a steep learning curve for new players unfamiliar with detailed vehicle handling.

System Requirements

While BeamNG.Drive can be played on more modest PC configurations, but the full potential of its soft-body physics engine can only be experienced on more modern gaming PCs that have above-average gaming hardware.

For the ultimate full experience, developers recommend a PC configuration with a modern 8-core CPU, 16 GB of RAM, and a GeForce GTX 970 GPU.

What`s New

BeamNG.drive v0.32.2 Release Notes (2024)

Vehicles

• Autobello Piccolina: Corrected model years, mirror placement.
• Bruckell Bastion: Fixed rear seat strap issues.
• Bruckell LeGran: Resolved trunk issues.
• Civetta Scintilla: Corrected syntax error.
• ETK 800-Series/I-Series: Improved door/mirror stability.
• Gavril D-Series/T-Series: Added log straps, lights; fixed log clipping, mixer controls, ECU issues.
• Hirochi Aurata/SBR4: Added cargo boxes.
• Ibishu BX-Series/Hopper/Pigeon/Wigeon: Various fixes.
• Soliad Lansdale: Fixed lettering, traffic variant.

Common Fixes

• Off-road lights: Corrected inversion.
• Traffic cars: Removed duplicate triangles.
• Trailers: Updated landing gear, fixed weight info, control bindings, stiffened 40ft bogie, resolved warnings, and clipping issues.

Levels

• Johnson Valley/Jungle Rock Island: Fixed material and console warnings.
• Common: Fixed material/mesh bugs, decal positions, and floating objects.

And many more!

PROS

• Realistic Physics: It offers highly detailed and accurate physics simulation, providing a realistic driving experience.
• Extensive Modding Community: There is a vast array of user-created content, including vehicles, maps, and scenarios, enhancing replayability.
• Variety of Vehicles and Maps: The game includes a wide range of vehicles and maps, catering to different driving styles and preferences.
• Destruction Mechanics: The game features impressive soft-body physics, allowing for detailed vehicle damage and destruction.

CONS

• Performance Demands: The realistic physics and graphics can be demanding on hardware, requiring a high-performance PC for optimal gameplay.
• Lack of Structured Gameplay: BeamNG.drive is more of a sandbox game with no set objectives or missions, which may not appeal to players seeking structured gameplay.
• Steep Learning Curve: The realistic driving mechanics can be challenging to master, particularly for those new to simulation games.
• Limited Multiplayer: The game has limited multiplayer options, which may be a downside for players looking for a robust online experience.