For rally fans there is a reason to cheer before the end of the year: Codemasters, the developers of the excellent DiRT Rally, are again working on a racing game with WRC license. It is called EA Sports WRC and will be released in 2023. A first trailer is already available.
The last time Codemasters released a game with full WRC licence was in 2002: Colin McRae Rally 3. After that the licence moved on to Milestone and then Kylotonn – now it’s back with Codemasters until 2027.
Everything you need to know about EA Sports WRC
What kind of game is this going to be? EA wants to use Codemasters’ extensive racing experience to put you right in the middle of the World Rally Championship. 18 locations on different surfaces and 68 iconic rally cars are to be included at launch. Compete against others in cross-platform 32-player multiplayer, or build the vehicle of your dreams in the new Builder mode.
Thanks to Unreal Engine 5, the game should also be a real graphics hit, but the physics effects from DiRT Rally 2.0 will also be integrated. For the right rally feeling, the developers have taken advice from famous WRC drivers such as Jon Armstrong.
In the first trailer, in-game scenes alternate with real footage:
When will EA Sports WRC be released? The game is already coming out on November 3, 2023. From 31 October, pre-orderers will already get access to the race tracks.
For which platforms is EA Sports WRC coming? The rally game will be released simultaneously for PC (via Steam, EA App and Epic), PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
How much does EA Sports WRC cost? The standard version costs 50 Euros, another version is not listed in the stores yet. Those who pre-order will get pre-order access and in-game bonuses like special paint jobs.
Will there be Live Service? EA Sports WRC relies on a season model that is supposed to bring new content regularly. There will also be regular new events such as the daily updated “Moments”, which will let you replay important WRC scenarios.
Are you looking forward to a DiRT successor from Codemasters, albeit under a different name? Is WRC exactly what you’re looking for, or are you hoping for other features that haven’t been introduced yet? Which rally game is your personal favourite so far? Feel free to write us your opinion in the comments.
