Open-world vehicle simulation game
BeamNG is the developer of this open-world vehicle driving simulation game, BeamNG.drive, which saw an initial release in 2013 before entering Early Access in 2015. It followed the success of the off-road truck simulator Rigs of Rods. There are several soft-body physics components at play, granting users great control over car crashes and offering superb design dynamics.
Besides the lifelike driving mechanics, BeamNG.drive also offers top-notch car customization. Players can choose from a plethora of vehicles, from compact cars to massive trucks, and modify their chosen ride’s moving parts accordingly.
Vehicle simulation long in the making
Development of BeamNG.drive began in 2011 when some Rigs of Rods developers moved onto a new project. They were looking to build a new drive physics engine that could handle collisions.
While they started working on the game with CryEngine 3, it eventually moved over to Torque. The latter was better equipped to handle the soft-body physics that was unique to the current project. The cars’ internal design resembled ‘beams,’ which the team derived the name from, followed by ‘NG’ for New Generation.
In 2013, the car driving simulator had a soft release with some Alpha testing, followed by an Early Access launch in 2015, that contained additional features for a new platform. The year 2018 saw a new partnership with Camshaft Software where players can export vehicles crafted in the tycoon game Automation into the driving simulator.
BeamNG.drive gameplay mechanics
There are a few gameplay modes, most notably Campaign and Time Trial. You’ll find various scenarios to play in the former whereby you need to complete different objectives for rewards. Meanwhile, the latter lets you select a map route, vehicle, and level, testing you against the system’s best and your personal best times.
Free roam is also available for players who want to experience the feeling of crashing their cars into anything and everything that comes their way. The soft-body physics doesn’t only apply to your vehicle, but also to any unfortunate object you happen to collide with during your chaotic adventures. Furthermore, this mode lets you manipulate the environment and even change weather conditions.
While the game was ultimately designed to be a single-player experience, players can install mods to enable multiplayer modes. For example, you can install BeamMP to join friends and online gamers. There’s also support in case you need assistance with any issues. Although, while these extra modifications are usually free, you’ll still need to buy the base game before you can download and install any of them.
Top features of BeamNG.drive
One of the top features of the game is that any players who signed up for Alpha and Beta testing will receive the vehicle simulator game free during and after Early Access. Furthermore, these players will also receive all the latest items and cars once they already own the title.
Whether you prefer playing on a keyboard or a gamepad, both are possible. At the moment, 14 vehicles are available to crash and drive anywhere on the map, with more to come through further development. There’s also an option to set your alert preferences for the messaging app.
Aside from having more than ten terrains for you to explore, the game also allows modding so that you can create new maps, vehicles, or scripted gameplay. You’ll also have access to an advanced editing tool where you can refine or adapt any of the design details. The options include 3D modeling, as well as terrain, image, and text editing.
The base game’s single-player mode doesn’t require authentication or an internet connection. You can drive around and cause as much offline chaos as you wish. However, you’ll need the internet if you installed any multiplayer mods and want to play online with your friends.
Will BeamNG.drive be free?
In its Alpha and Beta testing stages, the game was free to download and install. Users who had signed up for those testing stages should have been able to enjoy the game’s earliest version without having to shell out anything. However, since its early access stage, the game must be purchased in order to play. Currently, the developers seem to have no plans of releasing it publicly for free.
What device can I play BeamNG.drive on?
BeamNG.drive can be played on any PC that meets the minimum or recommended requirements. While it can be played with the device’s keyboard, it’s highly suggested that players utilize a gamepad as well. It’s also available on mobile with BeamNG.drive Mobile.
Can I play BeamNG.drive without Steam?
Some users say that it’s possible to play the game even without Steam running in the background. However, it must be acquired through legal means and that can be done so by purchasing it from the game store.
Comparison with similar games
Many gamers compare BeamNG.drive with the original game that featured soft-body physics, which is Rigs of Rods. On the one hand, players love that Rigs is free, whereas, for Beam, you need to pay. Furthermore, Rigs has better handling and mechanics for trucks, while BeamNG.Drive’s design caters to lighter cars.
Another fan favorite is Wreckfest. The top advantage of this racing game is that there’s online multiplayer without the addition of modifications. BeamNG.Drive, however, takes the win here for its physics engine, massive maps, and thrilling car chases.
Finally, you may want to try out SPINTIRES. It has a broader focus on off-road vehicles, with linear objectives that expect you to carry cargo from Point A to B. The game also employs soft-body physics.
Festive Freight in BeamNG.drive v0.31
The Festive Freight in BeamNG.drive's v0.31 update is an elaborate array of enhancements and additions focusing primarily on the Gavril T-Series. It includes a comprehensive overhaul of this iconic truck with new variants, mechanical improvements, and an expanded lineup for a more immersive driving and freight-handling experience. Players can enjoy the new cover variant, advanced aerodynamic sleeper variants, and a more realistic coupling system.
It introduces new trailers like the Container Trailer and the Frameless Dump Trailer, enriching the logistical aspects of the game. These trailers come with innovative features such as extendable chassis, customizable load configurations, and lightweight designs, broadening the gameplay possibilities and challenges. The festive update also extends to the game's environment, with the expansion of the West Coast USA map, new missions, and comprehensive improvements across various vehicles.
It also brings substantial enhancements to the experimental VR mode, aiming to provide a more intuitive and engaging virtual reality experience. With improved vehicle triggers, resolution control, and several other VR-specific tweaks, the festive update ensures a more robust and enjoyable simulation, making the festive freight in BeamNG.drive v0.31 a significant and exciting development for players.
BeamNG.drive system requirements
Determining the specifications for games is crucial. You want as much detail as possible without the software eating at your computer’s resources, specifically the memory and storage space. It helps if you have a good PC for BeamNG.Drive, but you can play it on lower specs or a laptop. The main effect is lower performance and unsatisfactory graphical detail. Even the soft-body physics won’t appear as realistic, and you’ll feel somewhat disappointed.
The minimum requirement is Windows 7. However, for the ultimate experience, you’ll want to play BeamNG.Drive on Windows 10.
Here are the recommended specifications or system requirements for BeamNG.Drive on Windows 10 based on a resolution of 1080p:
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 1700 3.0Ghz / Intel Core i7-6700 3.4Ghz (or better)
- Memory: 32 GB RAM
- Graphics: AMD R9 290 / Nvidia GeForce GTX 970
- Storage: 50 GB available space
If you plan on installing BeamNG.drive mods, you’ll need more resources. Also, the developer recommends using a gamepad.
Drive and crash to your heart’s content
Many players enjoy the exhilarating experience that BeamNG.Drive offers. The soft-body physics gives off a sense of realism as you watch body parts fly everywhere around you. While there are several alternatives to the vehicle simulation game, this one delivers in a way that few others can match.
