Embrace the Danger in DiRT 4
Motorsport is inherently dangerous, and DiRT 4 is designed to celebrate that very risk. Developed by Codemasters, this racing title captures the raw adrenaline of off-road racing, where victory often requires pushing vehicles to the absolute limit—whether that means flying through the air in a truck or navigating a tight gap alongside a sheer cliff drop. Combining the hardcore simulation elements found in DiRT Rally with the high-octane accessibility of its predecessors like DiRT 2 and DiRT 3, this entry delivers a polished, intense racing experience.
Revolutionary Gameplay and "Your Stage" Technology
The standout feature of DiRT 4 is the innovative Your Stage system. This procedural generation tool acts as a rally route creation engine, allowing players to produce an almost infinite number of unique racing stages at the press of a button. By selecting a specific location and setting route parameters, the game constructs custom tracks that feel organic rather than algorithmic; segments are seamlessly blended, and trackside details remain varied.
This system offers immense replayability and scales with player skill:
- For Newcomers: Create shorter, simpler routes to hone driving skills and master the basics of rally racing.
- For Veterans: Design longer, more technical, and punishingly difficult routes to challenge yourself and your peers.
- Social Connectivity: Players can save their favorite custom stages and share them with friends to see who can claim the fastest time.
Global Racing and Diverse Disciplines
DiRT 4 takes players across three continents, offering five incredible rally locations that provide a massive variety of terrain: Australia, Spain, Michigan, Sweden, and Wales. Each environment brings unique challenges, from the heat haze of stadium-based Landrush events to the thick fog and heavy rain that can drastically impact visibility and driving complexity.
The game features a wide array of racing disciplines, ensuring no two sessions feel the same:
- Classic Rally: Traditional off-road racing built on the foundations of the legendary Colin McRae Rally series.
- FIA World Rallycross Championship: Official competition featuring iconic tracks such as Montalegre, Lohéac Bretagne, Hell, Holjes, and Lydden Hill.
- Rallycross & Buggies: Brutal contests involving racing trucks and agile buggies.
- Joyride: An open event mode designed for pure, outrageous fun.
Visuals, Sound, and Performance
Visually, DiRT 4 represents a significant leap for the Codemasters Ego engine. The lighting effects are particularly noteworthy, showcasing how sunlight interacts with different paint types, car surfaces, and thick atmospheric fog. The game excels in its environmental details, such as realistic water splash effects, mud caking onto vehicles during heats, and the way leaf litter churns up in a car's slipstream. This visual fidelity is paired with an impressive soundscape and accurate pace notes provided by professional co-drivers Nicky Grist and Jen Horsey.
Who is DiRT 4 For?
This title appeals to a broad spectrum of racing enthusiasts. Hardcore simulation fans will appreciate the technicality of the tracks and the punishing nature of the terrain, while arcade fans will enjoy the accessibility and high-speed thrills of the Rallycross and Joyride modes. With over 50 breathtaking off-road cars—including legends like the Ford Fiesta R5, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI, and Subaru WRX STI NR4—there is a vehicle for every type of driver looking to test their mettle on the dirt.
Technical Specifications
- Genre: Racing, Sports
- Platforms: PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4
- Release Date: June 6, 2017
