Nerds Rejoice: 'BeamNG.drive' Launches On PS5

There's no shortage of amazing racing games available on PlayStation 5, ranging from "The Crew Motorfest" and "Forza Horizon 5", "Gran Turismo 7" with its latest free update, and "Assetto Corsa Competizione". There's now a new addition to this list: "BeamNG.drive". More than a decade after the game first launched on PC, it's now been adapted for PS5, and gamers should be excited. Despite its odd name, car sim "BeamNG.drive" has generated a bit of a cult following over the years. 

It may not be the most advanced automotive video game on the market, but its use of soft-body physics lets it realistically simulate crashes and damage in a way that most other games can't. The secret behind this is that the physics engine runs at 2kHz, meaning every single component of a vehicle is tracked up to 2,000 times per second. In an accident, individual parts dent, crack, or bend in unique ways, including the chassis, engine, and suspension. As the new trailer for the PS5 version shows, collisions are incredibly detailed, adding to the game's authentic feel.

Gamers should note that "BeamNG.drive" isn't trying to be the new Forza or Gran Turismo. Unlike those games, it doesn't license vehicles from manufacturers, so you won't be able to drive around in the latest Ford Bronco or a Lamborghini Revuelto. Much like Grand Theft Auto, "BeamNG.drive" uses vehicles that mimic the look of real cars, but have important styling differences. Additionally, the game never shows a driver behind the wheel, somewhat detracting from the realism.

The game does a good job of rivaling more well-known alternatives in other areas. For example, players can extensively modify their vehicles and explore a wide array of environments. These range from empty deserts where you can drive semi-trucks, through to cities, mountain passes, race tracks, and ports and airports, all perfect for Gymkhana-style events.

The developers behind "BeamNG.drive" also created "Rigs of Rods", an open-source vehicle simulation game released in 2005 that features a similar soft-body physics model to generate realistic damage. "BeamNG.drive" runs on the open-source Torque 3D engine and PS5 owners can purchase a copy through the PlayStation Store for $24.99.