I’ve been testing the new AC Rally sim, and right from the first drive, it just clicked. There’s something immediately intuitive and immersive about the experience, the kind of natural driving feel that’s become increasingly rare. This isn’t just another early-access title thrown into the mix, it’s a high-quality racing sim that landed with serious intent.
A Strong Start and Big Plans Ahead
Officially unveiled at the Sim Racing Expo, AC Rally is now available in early access, with a full release expected within the next 18 months. The roadmap looks ambitious, with plans to expand the game with over 30 cars, new locations, and plenty of post-launch content.
I had the chance to try an early build and spent several days diving deep into its systems. From content and tuning to driving dynamics and physics, there's a lot to explore. Here’s what stood out.
Content Overview: Cars, Tracks, and Modes
The early-access version offers a focused, streamlined experience. While the number of tracks and cars is still limited (10), what’s there feels deliberately crafted. The game encourages players to try every car and every route, something that’s often missing from early racing titles.
There are several main modes:
• Locations, which offer ten events per area
• Cars, with five challenges per vehicle
• Rally Weekends, built around drivetrain types like FWD, RWD, and 4WD
Each mode nudges you to explore how different cars handle under varying conditions, and this design works incredibly well. Despite a modest car roster, every vehicle feels distinct, with clear differences in behavior, responsiveness, and feedback. That individuality is one of AC Rally’s strongest qualities.
Tuning, Settings, and Car Setup
I haven’t driven every car or track yet, but everything I’ve tested so far has delivered a unique driving feel. Default setups work fine for beginners, but the tuning system allows you to get much more out of each car.
For instance, I noticed tire overheating during longer stages, a clear sign something needed adjusting. While tire compound options are still in development, the game already hints at how critical setup changes will be. I stuck with softs, as recommended, but I’m looking forward to trying different compounds once they’re finalized.
Tuning in this sim clearly matters. Whether you’re adjusting suspension, tire pressure, or gearing, these changes will help you extract more performance and adapt the car to your driving style or stage conditions. I expect presets and community-shared setups to become invaluable down the line. The settings also allow for full control over visual preferences like camera angles and field of view, which is essential for immersion and comfort.
The Driving Experience
The driving is where AC Rally truly shines. From the moment you hit the stage, it becomes clear this isn’t a casual rally game. You need to focus, listen to your co-driver, and stay sharp through every corner. One lapse in concentration and you’ll be in a ditch before you know it.
The connection between your inputs, the road, and the car’s feedback is remarkable. Each class of car handles in a completely different way, and adapting to that difference is part of the challenge. Whether you're driving a vintage Lancia or a modern rally machine, you feel the weight transfer, the braking bite, and the limits of grip.
Force feedback is already excellent. You feel every bump, every surface change, and the subtle shifts in traction. It’s not just about steering accuracy, it’s about sensing the car's balance and reacting in real time. This level of tactile feedback makes the sim feel alive.
Mistakes happen, especially in the closing sections of a stage, but that’s part of the experience. There’s a real sense of satisfaction when you piece together a clean run.
Physics and Surface Behavior
AC Rally’s physics are among the most convincing I’ve seen in a sim of this kind. The way each car reacts to terrain changes, bumps, and elevation shifts feels spot on. You can't just switch from one car to another and expect similar results. Each one demands a specific driving approach.
Using the handbrake recklessly will slow you down, but a well-timed pull can make the difference in tight corners. The braking model is another standout. You often feel like the car is about to stop, only to realize you need to manage the slide mid-corner. Mastering these controlled drifts is essential if you want to stay competitive.
Surface grip varies significantly depending on conditions, and when the weather changes, so does everything else. Driving on a damp gravel road is an entirely different challenge than a dry tarmac stage. Slippery conditions are genuinely punishing, and the sim doesn't hesitate to send you off track if you're too aggressive.
While crash physics and car deformation are still being refined, the current system already feels grounded and believable. There’s a satisfying realism to how the cars take damage and how that affects performance.
I spent a good amount of time running stages in Wales, trying to learn the layout and improve my lines. Even after several runs, no two attempts felt exactly the same. A small bump, a late braking point, or a missed pace note would change the rhythm completely.
That unpredictability is the soul of rallying, and AC Rally captures it beautifully. The better you understand the roads and your car, the more confidence you’ll have to push to the limit. The sim rewards precision, patience, and adaptability.
Areas That Still Need Work
This is still an early build, and it shows in some areas. AI performance, event medals, and overall balancing are clearly work-in-progress. Expect adjustments as development continues, especially as more players offer feedback.
One small but welcome detail is the way each car is introduced. There’s a bit of background and context, adding a sense of respect for rally history. It’s a subtle touch, but it gives the whole experience more depth and personality.
Final Thoughts
AC Rally isn’t just a side project or an experimental sim. It’s built by a team with real-world rally experience, and that authenticity comes through in every aspect of the game. From the physics and force feedback to the way each car demands a unique driving style, it’s clear this is a passion project made by people who know what rallying is all about.
Even in early access, AC Rally delivers one of the most rewarding and realistic rally experiences I’ve ever had. With more content and polish, it could easily stand alongside the official WRC titles. The foundation is already that strong.
If you’re into sim racing, especially rally, this is one to watch. And if you’ve tried it already, let me know your thoughts. Drop a comment, ask questions, and don’t forget to like and subscribe for more updates and deep dives.
