A Beginners Guide To BeamNG.drive

BeamNG is one of those simulation titles that requires some settings changes and setup before you can get fully stuck in, but do not fear—it is far easier than it may seem to get the sim to a standard where the feedback is as good as possible and the game modes are the most enjoyable!

Hirochi Sunburst wagon. Image: BeamNG

Force Feedback ​

This section will undoubtedly be one of the more controversial and discussed. BeamNG’s force feedback and tyre model are certainly not perfect, nor are they particularly polished compared to other driving sims. However, they are certainly malleable enough to fine-tune to your wheelbase.

We have an entire deep-dive guide on how to get the most out of BeamNGs force feedback, but a quick overview here can’t hurt!

Having accurate force feedback in BeamNG’s new Rally mode is vital.

Testing your feedback off-road is a great way to dial in your force feedback, but also make sure to test it on circuits and roads across Beamng’s various maps. If circuit racing is your main activity, Hirochi Raceway is a great place to start for smooth tarmac and rumble strip kerbs. In contrast, the variety of roads around Jungle Rock Island is fantastic for testing how your wheel reacts to the varying quality of paved roads.

We recommend binding temporary FFB strength and smoothing buttons to adjust these settings. Type ‘FFB’ into the vehicle controls search bar in the settings menu and assign buttons to increase and decrease FFB strength and FFB smoothing.

Vehicle Roster ​

Regardless of whether you want to drive a semi-truck with three trailers, or dial in fitment on a stanced Ibishu Covet to terrorise the AI of West Coast USA, the vehicle roster of BeamNG is broad and can offer a solution to almost any problem, especially once you discover the thousands of free mods available on the official mod repository.

NASCAR-inspired Gavril Bluebuck finds the outside wall

BeamNG.drive features a diverse lineup of vehicles, each meticulously designed with unique handling characteristics, performance specs, and design inspirations. Here’s an overview of the official vehicles available as of version 0.33.3.0:

Autobello​

• Piccolina: A classic Italian compact car (1957–2022) with rear-wheel drive, reminiscent of the Fiat 600. It offers a range of trims from modest economy versions to high-performance rally variants.
• Stambecco: A rugged Italian off-road van (1971–2007) available in 4WD and 6×6 configurations, designed for utility and durability in challenging terrains.

The Autobello Stambecco tackling sand dunes in Johnson Valley

Bruckell​

• Bastion: A modern American muscle sedan (2016–2022) featuring aggressive styling and available in RWD and AWD setups.
• LeGran: A mid-size sedan/wagon (1984–1993) with FWD or AWD options, evoking the design of 1980s American family cars.
• Moonhawk: A classic coupe (1973–1978) inspired by 1970s American muscle cars, offering powerful V8 engines and rear-wheel drive.
• Nine: The most recent addition to the roster, this pre-war car (1933 – 1934) features nine factory body styles and is a fantastic hotrod when built correctly.

Bruckell Nine hotrod

Burnside​

• Special: A vintage luxury sedan (1953–1954) with elegant styling and a powerful V8 engine, capturing the essence of 1950s American automobiles.

Burnside Special Ute. Image: Car_Killer

Cherrier​

• FCV: A modern French compact car (2020–2024) available in hatchback and crossover forms, offering a variety of powertrains including electric options.

The FCV is a fantastic hillclimb and racing car

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Civetta​

• Bolide: An Italian sports car (1981–1988) with a mid-engine layout and sleek design, delivering high performance and agility.
• Scintilla: A contemporary Italian supercar (2020–2022) featuring advanced aerodynamics and cutting-edge technology for exceptional speed and handling.

Civetta Bolide in full group B rally-spec! Image: BeamNG

ETK​

• 800-Series: A German executive sedan/wagon (2013–2018) offering luxury and performance with various engines and drivetrain options.
• I-Series: A classic German sedan (1985–1993) known for its balanced handling and timeless design.
• K-Series: A modern German coupe (2015–2021) combining sporty dynamics with refined comfort.

The I-series makes for a great mountain cruiser, just be careful of the snap oversteer.

FPU​

• Wydra: A Polish amphibious ATV (2008–2023) designed for versatility, capable of traversing land and water terrains.

The variety of Wydras on offer in BeamNG. Image: BeamNG

Gavril​

• Barstow: A classic American muscle car (1969–1971) with powerful engine options and aggressive styling.
• Bluebuck: A full-size sedan (1962–1963) reflecting the design of early 1960s American cars, offering a comfortable ride.
• D-Series: A versatile pickup truck (1986–2003) available in various configurations, suitable for work and off-road adventures.
• Grand Marshal: A full-size sedan (1990–1997) often used in fleet services, known for its durability and spacious interior.
• H-Series: A full-size van (1993–2017) adaptable for cargo or passenger transport, with multiple drivetrain options.
• MD-Series: A medium-duty truck (1986–1998) designed for commercial use, offering various body styles and configurations.
• Roamer: An SUV (1992–2005) built on a truck platform, providing off-road capability and family-friendly features.
• T-Series: A heavy-duty semi-truck (1971–1986) suitable for hauling large loads, with multiple engine and axle configurations.

Duel trailers and dolly hitches allow players to connect multiple trailers. Make sure you have a powerful truck to pull these cumbersome loads!

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Hirochi​

• Aurata: A lightweight off-road buggy (2016–2022) designed for agility and performance in rugged environments.
• SBR4: A modern shooting brake (2013–2020) offering a blend of practicality and sporty performance, with both gasoline and electric variants.
• Sunburst: A compact sedan (2009–2014) with a range of trims from economical to high-performance, featuring advanced safety and tech features.

Hirochi Sunburst rally car. Image: BeamNG

Ibishu​

• BX-Series: A sporty coupe/liftback (1990–1994) known for its balanced handling and rear-wheel-drive dynamics.
• Covet: A compact hatchback (1986–1992) offering simplicity and efficiency, popular among enthusiasts for modifications.
• Hopper: A compact SUV (1989–2001) with off-road capabilities, reminiscent of classic 4×4 vehicles.
• Miramar: A vintage sedan (1963–1968) reflecting Japanese automotive design of the 1960s, offering a lightweight and nimble driving experience.
• Pessima: Available in two generations (1988–1991, 1996–2000), this mid-size sedan offers a range of trims and drivetrain options, balancing comfort and performance.
• Pigeon: A unique three-wheeled microvan (1982–1989) designed for urban utility and efficiency.

A race spec, rear-engined Ibishu Covet. Image: BeamNG

Soliad​

• Lansdale: A family minivan (1996–2007) offering practicality and comfort, with options for various seating and cargo configurations.
• Wendover: A personal luxury coupe (1987–1995) combining comfort with performance, featuring distinctive styling cues.

Drift missile spec Soliad Wendover.

Wentward​

• DT40L: A city transit bus (1987–1996) designed for urban passenger transport, featuring a spacious interior and durable construction.

The official BeamNG bus, the Wentward DT40L​

Mods ​

One aspect of BeamNG that benefits immensely from the passionate fanbase is the deep mod repository. There is something in that repository for everyone, from add-ons for base game content to brand vehicles and maps to explore.

There are plenty of external sites where other mods are available, but be aware that there is a lot of ripped and stolen content out there. This caution especially goes out to those looking for real-life circuits and cars, such as Spa or Imola, which are often ripped from the original Assetto Corsa or Assetto Corsa Competizione.

The modern MX-5 challenger, the Hirochi CCF. Image: Theo Wilkinson

The other fantastic reason to use the built-in mod repository is that there is developer support, meaning that all you have to do is navigate to the repository section in the main menu of BeamNG and click the ‘Install’ button to add the mod to your game with no folder navigating or hassle.

In theory, you could have 500+ mods installed if you want to, but the more you have installed, the more your game performance will suffer, especially if you load into a custom map that is full of lots of unnecessary polygons and Jbeam files.

Career Mode ​

Another mode that, if you are new to the game, might be a bit confusing is the career mode. In the menu, the icon is blurred out…. Do not be fooled; a work-in-progress version of the career mode is available to play and is a lot of fun. Click the greyed-out button, accept the two pop-ups, and you are in!

Similar to the Force Feedback section of this beginner’s guide, we also have a standalone guide on the career mode that is thoroughly overhauled and updated with each major Beamng update. Check it out for all the small details of career mode.

Career Mode home page.

Within Career mode, you can explore four main routes: APM, Belasco Motorsports Racing Authority (BMRA), Logistics, and Freestyle. Each career path has several options; for example, if you love racing against AI and setting fast times on rally stages and time trials, the BMRA section offers Grid Racing, Time Trials, Drag Racing, and Drifting.

Logistics may be more your speed if you are a keen van or truck driver. Hook up a trailer or load your flatbed full of stock to deliver it to the other side of the West Coast for cash. Use your own customizable rig or complete contracts to build your reputation with the many businesses and logistics centres around the West Coast of the USA.

My personal delivery vehicle in BeamNG career mode. A 700 hp Gavril MD-series with a tri-axle tanker trailer in tow.

Customising and adapting your vehicle, especially for logistics and haulage, is fantastic fun. Getting your truck or van to your exact specification and earning money whilst doing it is what makes this arm of career mode so much fun.

Editors Note: Driving with a trailer in BeamNG, and reversing it especially, taught me how to drive with a trailer on. This is something that I actually used in real life and genuinely helped me manover a car trailer when picking up my next project car!

Dual trailers are also present in BeamNG if you want a real challenge!

The APM is a selection of challenges spanning all career path disciplines. They act as training, think about them as Gran Turismo license tests, but in BeamNG. In version 0.35, the only sections available are Motorsports and Logistics. The Special, Apex Racing League, and Experimental sections are being developed.

APM Logistics challenges

Multiplayer​

The developers do not officially support multiplayer in BeamNG, but it is included in the main menu, and the devs have said they are not developing their own multiplayer system. BeamMP is the free multiplayer mod designed to bring BeamNG online! The mod enables players to join online servers and interact with others in real time, transforming the traditionally single-player experience.

To use BeamMP, download the launcher from the official website and install it on the same drive where you have BeamNG installed. Launch BeamNG through the BeamMP launcher once it has been installed, and you will have instant access to servers varying in themes and rules, offering lots of games and themes, including racing, role-playing, casual driving, or even escaping the flood!

BeamMP maintains the core physics and modding capabilities of BeamNG, allowing players to use custom vehicles and maps in multiplayer sessions. However, all participants must have the same mods installed to ensure compatibility. The mod also includes features like chat functionality and server browsing to enhance the multiplayer experience.

BeamMP online racing is fantastic fun, as long as all players have good internet.

By introducing multiplayer capabilities, BeamMP significantly expands the possibilities within BeamNG, fostering community interaction and collaborative gameplay.

Rally / Time Trial ​

The newest mode to be revamped and introduced to BeamNG, Rally mode, is the place to go for accurate off-road adventures with the new audible and visual pace notes that arrived in version 0.35.

The rally mode is currently under heavy construction, but if you have played other rally simulators like EA Sports WRC, Richard Burns Rally or Dirt Rally 2.0, then trying this mode will undoubtedly give you a good few hours of fun.

The facelifted Hirochi Sunburst. Image: BeamNG

Initially introduced in the 0.34 update, the Rally mode was a bare-bones time-trial mode with no pace notes or directions. The mode resembled a hill climb more than a rally mode. However, the BeamNG developers took that feedback and transformed the mode into something that could take BeamNG to the next level.

Audio pacenotes for all six rally stages are now available, providing the player with a realistic and confidence-inspiring rally experience. The voice communicating the notes is accurate and customizable regarding when they are spoken. The notes are visual and audible, so if you prefer to listen to them or if you prefer to see them, you can make that choice!

Be warned, some of the new stages in 0.35 are especially difficult to get three stars on. A clean run with no mistakes still left me over ten seconds off the three-star time on the SS Rockwood stage! We want to know how you get on with these stages, so feel free to attach some screenshots of your time in the comments below!

Cherrier Vivace sideways on the icy tarmac stage, SS Clyde Peak

BeamNG’s physics feel most at home on loose surfaces like gravel and mud. The big off-road rally tyres equipped to all vehicles for the off-road rally stages can tell you a lot through the feedback in your wheel, but just be careful of sudden impacts or inputs of force. BeamNG is very sensitive, and your direct-drive wheelbase could hurt your hands if you are not careful!

Overall​

BeamNG can be a hard title to get to grips with, especially with the primary mode, freeroam, lacking gamification elements. However, the career mode is moving along nicely, the Rally Mode is fantastic, and the scenarios are engaging and offer a lot for new and experienced players.

BeamNG is atop the most popular list of racing and driving games for April, so with the momentum in it’s favour and another big update on the horizon, there has never been a better time to get into the sim!

Are you a new player just getting used to BeamNG? Or perhaps you are a seasoned veteran? Let us know what you love most about BeamNG in the comments down below!