2019-03-28T15:08:46 01:00

Dirt Rally 2.0: Helpful tips for the rally mode

You've enthusiastically jumped into the virtual cockpit and stepped on the gas, but you're seeing the checkered flag far too late or not at all? No problem, we have the right tips for the following areas in Dirt Rally 2.0 in our beginner's guide:

the right vehicle selection
the best driving aids
the successful approach to rally stages

The best car to start with

Dirt Rally 2.0 offers a wide selection of over 50 historic and contemporary rally and rallycross cars to thrash around the track. It's tempting to jump right into a Group B monster from the 1980s. After all, who wouldn't want to immediately follow in the footsteps of the legendary Walter Röhrl and step on the gas in the Audi Sport quattro S1 E2?

However, this is not necessarily the best idea, especially for rally beginners. Why? Quite simply, holding such a car on a narrow gravel track is anything but easy. That's why a car that's not quite as overpowered is recommended for starters.

But less horsepower alone is not enough. It makes a big difference whether you go into the special stage with a four-wheel drive, a rear-wheel drive or a front-wheel drive car. In general, front-wheel drive cars are the easiest to control, while rear-wheel drive cars are the most challenging.

Instead of starting directly in the career mode, we recommend the "Rally through the Ages" mode to get you started. Here you'll initially drive rather weaker models from the 1960s (the Mini Cooper S is particularly good-natured), but as you progress the cars become newer and more biting.

Driving aids and HUD settings

But even with a "slow" rally car, Dirt Rally 2.0 remains a challenging game. Therefore, don't hesitate to take advantage of the driving aids you'll find in the options menu at the beginning. Traction control, brake assist and automatic shifting will make it much easier for you to keep your car on the track in the beginning.

In addition, your HUD offers you additional assistance: In Dirt Rally 2 there is no dynamic racing line as we know it from Forza or GT Sport, but as a substitute you can display arrows that visualize the co-driver's announcements. This is much easier, especially in the beginning, than reacting to what your passenger shouts in your ear while driving.

Don't forget: You have a co-driver

However, in rallying, and thus also in Dirt Rally 2.0, the co-driver is at least as important as your skills at the virtual steering wheel. The co-driver shows you the way through the winding special stages. He or she will tell you how strong the upcoming turns are, whether you have to push hard or whether you can cut the next corner.

This requires some multitasking on your part, but after a short period of getting used to it, it's a lot more fun than relying on HUD displays. In the options menu, you can also set whether the announcements should be made early or late - this gives you the option of adapting the acoustic directions to your preferences.

Hurry up

The fact that Dirt Rally 2.0 is a purebred hardcore racing simulation is also shown by the fact that there is no rewind function. If you overhear an announcement from your co-driver or take a corner too optimistically, you'll quickly fly off the track and damage your car. This not only results in a loss of time, but also handicaps you in the further course of the rally - you can only make repairs every two special stages.

Even more than in other racing games, the old racer wisdom "to finish first, you have to finish first" applies here - so in order to win, you first have to reach the finish line. So if in doubt, go a little harder to keep your car on the track. This is usually more effective than trying to be as fast as possible at all costs.

The worse the grid, the worse the track

However, you shouldn't take it too easy either. In Dirt Rally 2.0, the condition of the track depends on your starting position - just like in real life. If you don't start first, the game simulates the effects of the cars that have raced on the special stage before you. This means that you'll also have to deal with nasty ruts that can pull you off the track.

Dirt Rally 2.0 is therefore quite a ride on the razor's edge: You have to reach the finish safely, but at the same time be fast enough to secure the best possible starting position for the next special stage. But that's exactly what makes rallying so exciting and Codemasters' new game so much fun.

Visit us on Facebook and Instagram and discuss your favorite games with us.