Release date, gameplay, cars, tracks, & everything you need to know

A new sim racing game is coming to challenge Assetto Corsa and iRacing this year.

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Here's everything you need to know about Rennsport - the new contender for the sim racing crown.

When you think of the best sim racing games, the likes of iRacing, Assetto Corsa, and rFactor 2 spring to mind. In 2024, though, Rennsport will try to unsettle the established order and join that list

The upcoming ultra-realistic sim racing game boasts cutting-edge Unreal Engine 5 graphics and an emphasis on esports and modding. But can Rennsport stand out in the crowded sim racing market?

We’ve got everything you need to know about Rennsport right here!

Latest news - Daytona joins the track roster

The Daytona International Speedway was added to Rennsport's track list towards the end of 2023. The iconic American circuit made its way to Rennsport in November and is a great addition.

Whether you're screaming around its famous banked corners or tearing up the infield "road course" section, Daytona is a fun and challenging track to compete at.

This also accompanied an announcement that there would be more beta keys dropped for Rennsport ahead of a closed beta test in January 2024. Beta keys are available for the next test after this, but when that will be isn't confirmed yet.

Rennsport August Beta update

The Rennsport closed-beta got another big update in August 2023. More beta keys continue to be dropped by the developers, but the big news was the addition of new cars and tracks.

This included the impeccable Praga R1, which has been added to the already impressive vehicle roster, whilst the 8ETA track plays off the '8 Beta Keys' meme with its figure-of-eight layout.

Some more incredible shots of the game as well as a rundown of August's Beta update are shown in the trailer below:

The most exciting new feature however is the Damage V1 damage model. The first damage model added to Rennsport, this addition will punish players who are used to banging wheels with other cars on track.

There are also new animations, new sounds for existing cars, and an updated car movement algorithm designed to enhance the realistic experience of the game. You can check out the full list of features coming to the update here.

Exclusive Rennsport interview with Competition Company

Ahead of the first round of the ESL R1 tournament, we caught up with Competition Company to find out how Rennsport is revolutionising sim racing.

Rennsport

With state-of-the-art physics, a graphics engine powered by Unreal Engine 5, and a focus on modding and esports, Rennsport (German for “racing”) aims to be “the most realistic racing simulation possible.”

That may sound like a bold claim, but the team’s credentials at the new German developer Competition Company include “professional drivers, racing strategists, programmers and esports experts.”

Cars

Only a few cars have been revealed so far. Confirmed cars include models from Audi, Mercedes, BMW and Porsche:

Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo
BMW M4 GT3
Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo
Porsche 911 GT3 R (991.2)
Porsche 911 GT3 R (992)
Porsche Mission R
Porsche 963 LMDh/GTP
Porsche 911 (992) Cup

With a focus on German GT3 racing cars, Rennsport appears to be aiming to rival Assetto Corsa Competizione.

However, including the electric Porsche Mission R suggests other car types will be added, but the roster seems to predominantly focus on thoroughbred race cars.

Looking ahead, Competition Company told RaceDepartment it aims to have "hundreds of cars and hundreds of race tracks" in "three or four years."

Tracks

Players can race around accurately recreated versions of real-world tracks.

The first two tracks confirmed were Germany’s Hockenheimring and the Goodwood Hill climb made famous by the Festival of Speed in the UK. The last racing game to include the famous Hillclimb was Gran Turismo 6!

Since those first few tracks were confirmed, the following have also joined the list:

Daytona International Speedway
Monza
Nurburgring GP
Road Atlanta
Spa-Francorchamps
8ETA

Gameplay

While we don't have much information to go on, a short Rennsport gameplay video gives us an idea of what to expect from the ambitious new sim racer.

Featuring a Porsche 911 GT3R racing around Hockenheimring, the early gameplay footage looks promising. It showcases realistic vehicle dynamics, authentic engine sounds, and smooth performance - even at this early alpha stage.

Platforms

For now, Rennsport is PC-only. This will allow Compe to make the most realistic racing simulation possible. No system requirements have been revealed yet, but it goes without saying that you’ll need a powerful PC to run Rennsport at maximum settings.

However, in a Tweet from 20222, Competition Company said “console versions are planned for post-release updates.”

Aside from Assetto Corsa Competizione, console sim racing games are rare, but Rennsport could fill this void. Although, we haven't heard anything since on a console version.

ACC’s impressive PS5 and Xbox Series X | S ports have shown that current-gen consoles can deliver an uncompromised sim racing experience on the latest hardware.

Modding

There’s also a focus on user-generated content.

Modding tools will allow the community to expand the game with custom cars, tracks, and liveries. Using a companion app, players can then manage and trade assets with other players on online marketplaces.

As games like the original Assetto Corsa have shown, modding support will help expand Rennsport's lifespan for many years.

Free-to-play

Like Raceroom Racing Experience, Rennsport will be free to play with access to a limited number of cars and tracks. A subscription model will also be offered giving access to all content and features.

VR support is also planned for a more immersive racing experience.

Esports and online multiplayer

As well as modding, Rennsport also has an emphasis on esports. Competition Company has partnered with ESL Gaming, best known for hosting tournaments for games like Battlefield 4, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, and Halo.

Now, ESL Gaming is ready to embrace virtual racing, using Rennsport as a modern platform.

In a Q&A with RaceDepartment, Competition Company confirmed the online multiplayer can be tailored to your racing style, whether you want to compete in endurance races or short sprint races.

Rennsport's online multiplayer will also have ranked races, leagues, and broadcast options for streamers.

Initially, online player counts will be limited to 12 in the beta but will increase in the final game.

Release date

Rennsport doesn't have a firm release date yet, but Competition Company is targeting a release window sometime in 2024.

There's currently a closed beta going on in January 2024 and the aim is to gain feedback from the sim racing community. Players can try Rennsport by signing up for the beta on the official website.

After that, an open beta is due to launch later this year.

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