Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown – Everything You Need to Know About It

As someone who’s spent countless hours behind the wheel of digital vehicles, I can’t help but feel a rush of excitement upon reading about “Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown“. The prospect of exploring a vast open world, customizing classic cars to my heart’s content, and engaging in multiplayer events is truly tantalizing.


After more than a decade since the last release of the Test Drive Unlimited game, fans of the series will finally get their long-awaited new instalment soon. The upcoming game, Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown, is nearly here, and as we gear up to explore KT Racing Nacon’s open-world racer, let’s delve into the essential details about it that you should be aware of.

SETTING

In terms of open-world racing games, the setting is crucial to the overall experience, and Solar Crown seems to be shaping up well in this regard. The game takes place in Hong Kong, with KT Racing boasting a precise 1:1 replica of the city, its urban environments, and the real jungles that border it. Notably, since it’s set in Hong Kong, we can expect driving on roads with left-hand traffic, which is a new experience for the Test Drive Unlimited series.

MAP

The original games, Test Drive Unlimited 1 and 2, were renowned for their expansive open-world maps, and it appears that the upcoming game, Solar Crown, intends to maintain this legacy. According to the developers, the game boasts more than 600 kilometers of drivable roads, divided into 14 distinct districts. Each district offers unique events and activities, a specific atmosphere to savor, and varied sights and environments to discover.

OVER 30 CAR MANUFACTURERS

As an enthusiast, I can’t wait to see the vast array of automotive options in Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown at launch! Though KT Racing and Nacon haven’t shared the exact number yet, it’s clear that we’re in for a treat with over 30 renowned car manufacturers joining the fray. From hypercars to off-road vehicles, classics, and beyond, there seems to be something for every kind of driving fanatic!

SOLAR HOTEL

Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown is marketed as a social racing adventure, with the towering structure called the Solar Hotel acting as its central social space. In this environment, players will be able to navigate as their custom-made avatars and even have their own suite for activities such as changing clothes, rejuvenating between races, and more. The lobby area offers various attractions like clothing stores where you can display your in-game fashion sense, car showcases to impress fellow players, and much more.

SOCIAL HUBS

In Test Drive Unlimited: Solar Crown, the Solar Hotel will function as the main community center. However, the game also offers various other spots for players to interact and socialize, such as Clan Headquarters, car dealerships, workshops, and other open-world locations. These smaller hubs provide opportunities for players to connect with each other throughout the expansive game world. And by the way, let’s not forget about clans!

CLANS

In Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown’s rendition of Hong Kong, two prominent gangs are battling for dominance – the Streets and the Sharps. Each of these groups promotes distinct styles and luxury, aiming to spread their influence across the entire city. As you speed through Hong Kong, you’ll be aligning yourself with one of these two clans, helping them grow and continually competing against your rival clan in the Solar Crown contest.

THE SHARPS

Among the two groups, the Sharp clan is noticeably more elegant compared to their rivals, as evidenced by various aspects about them, such as their headquarters. The Sharp clan can typically be found occupying the topmost floors of a skyscraper. For the Sharp clan, elegance and understated luxury are key elements in their lifestyle. If you’re seeking a less pretentious atmosphere…

THE STREETS

At the opposite end of the Solar Crown clans lie the Street faction, whose name accurately reflects their earthbound nature compared to their counterparts. With a preference for underground culture, they are all about parties and nightclubs, making them quite boisterous and flamboyant. Their headquarters is an old structure they’ve fully occupied for the Solar Crown competition.

WEATHER AND TIME OF DAY

In the vein of contemporary open-world racing games, it’s no wonder that Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown is set to feature a living, breathing weather system. Moreover, KT Racing has hinted at incorporating a day and night cycle as well. These elements will not only transform the visual landscape but also subtly impact your driving experience.

MISSION TYPES

Solar Crown’s open-world version of Hong Kong is expected to be filled with an abundance of diverse activities. According to KT Racing, the variety will be quite extensive. Alongside various types of races and events, you can anticipate discovering and unlocking classic cars, participating in multiplayer events and challenges, and much more. Furthermore, additional content is planned for release after launch (we’ll discuss that further later on).

CUSTOMIZATION

What unique customization features can be found in the racing game Solar Crown? At various locations across the map, players will have the opportunity to modify 13 adjustable performance components for conventional vehicles, along with a dozen for electric ones. Additionally, you’ll be able to select from various liveries or personalize specific aspects like your car’s paint, decals, stickers, and many other details. As your reputation within your clan grows, more customization options will become accessible.

ALWAYS ONLINE

KT Racing and Nacon have repeatedly emphasized that Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown is primarily developed as a multiplayer game, essentially functioning like a Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) title. Given this focus, it’s not surprising that the game requires a continuous internet connection to play.

RESOLUTION AND FRAME RATE

In a racing game like Solar Crown, achieving consistent frame rates and resolution is doubly important, and luckily for players, this game offers two distinct settings to suit different preferences. The Quality Mode provides a 1440p resolution at 30 frames per second, while the Performance Mode runs the game at 1080p with a smoother 60 frames per second. Unfortunately, console versions will not offer a 4K option, but KT Racing has expressed plans to further optimize the game, so we might see enhancements in the future.

POST-LAUNCH ROADMAP

Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown is set for growth and expansion post-launch, as confirmed by KT Racing and Nacon. Over its initial year, it’s planned to offer four seasons of additional content. The first season, launching simultaneously, will feature a new map modeled after Ibiza, much to the delight of Test Drive Unlimited 2 fans. Season 2, due in December, will introduce Clan War, a dynamic game mode. Throughout its first year, the game will also include new player and clan levels for progression, with the first two seasons offering complimentary battle passes (known as Solar Passes here).

NOT CROSS-GEN

Initially intended as a cross-generational game, Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown has undergone several postponements, leading to altered plans. Now slated for a September 12 release on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, the original versions for PS4 and Xbox One have been scrapped by KT Racing and Nacon. Interestingly, the game’s Switch version has not been officially cancelled, though it lacks a release date or any recent mention, suggesting that it might be replaced with a future Switch 2 edition (once the console is announced).

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2024-09-09 06:11