With Rally Sweden coming up in the real world, it is clear that EA Sports WRC does a poor job of representing the snowy event. Here is why we cannot wait for the Hard Chargers DLC.
In about a week's time, the FIA World Rally Championship field will be making its way to the land of blonde hair and snowy forests. Yes, Rally Sweden takes place on 13-16 February, meaning many fans of the sport will get the urge to send it sideways into snowy banks on EA Sports WRC. If that is you, our advice would be don't. Just don't.
In its current state in the official FIA WRC game, we struggle to appreciate Rally Sweden as much as other locations. Here is why we do not enjoy Rally Sweden and how you can get your snow and ice fix before the title's upcoming DLC drops.
Where other EA Sports WRC locations get plenty of venue-specific details like road signs and architecture representing the country, you do not quite get the same unique character in Sweden. Sure, it represents the vast and remote setting that these stages run, but you get the feeling you could be anywhere in the world with a bit of snow on top.
Furthermore, without any major markers or set pieces to break up the forestry, you do not get the impression that you ever get anywhere. The start, middle and end of each stage look nearly exactly the same one another, removing any sense of travel.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Sweden is alongside Monte Carlo as one of the most exciting rallies for spectators, with vast crowds lining the stages in dedicated areas whilst flares light up the skies at night. The whole thing comes together for an absolute celebration of motorsport in its rawest sense. Sadly though, that is far from the truth in EA Sports WRC.
Sweden doesn't have the authenticity of other in-game rallies. Image credit: EA Sports
The official title sets its Swedish stages within tight forests where it would be difficult to set up spectator areas of any sort of substance. As a result, the whole route feels a little devoid of life, with even the start and end of most stages lacking a true mass of fans.
There is one simple explanation for this discrepancy: EA Sports WRC places Rally Sweden in the wrong location. Each of the current stages sits on the border between Sweden and Norway, in the South of the country, level with Oslo. However, in search of deeper snow due to the effects of climate change, the event has since relocated up North to the town of Umea.
Rally Sweden is currently in an incorrect location in EA Sports WRC. Image credit: EA Sports
Just 300km South of the Arctic Circle, there is no doubt that this new location will be buried in snow for a few years to come. As a result, stages here get tall snow banks that will either help bounce your car back on route or swallow your front end whole. Furthermore, its geographic location also means that trees have a tougher time sprouting, leading to a more baron landscape with wide open sections welcoming larger crowds and more buildings.
Factor in these subtle tweaks, and you get a drastically overhauled rally with greater character and an improved sense of immersion as you travel from one point in the world to another. And that is what rallying is about.
Hard Chargers is the second pack expected for the game and is bound for release this Spring. Whilst we are yet to hear word on the cars coming as part of the pack, EA Sports has confirmed that it will include new stages for Rally Greece and, as wished for by the community, Rally Sweden.
Expect large crowds on Umea stages in EA Sports WRC Hard Chargers. Image credit: Toyota UK Media
Bringing it in line with its current real-life form, the latter will get two new stages in the form of Umea and Umea Sprint. One of the most famous scenes from recent years will be the Red Barn Arena's massive influx of crowds to close what is typically used as the event's Power Stage. Well, thankfully, the memorable landmark will finally feature in the game, hopefully tying up all the complaints we currently have with the Rally.
However, with the event taking place in just a week's time and the content drop not hitting stores until later this year, we worry it may be too little too late for Rally Sweden fans.
Are you looking forward to the Hard Chargers DLC later this year? Let us know in the comments.
In about a week's time, the FIA World Rally Championship field will be making its way to the land of blonde hair and snowy forests. Yes, Rally Sweden takes place on 13-16 February, meaning many fans of the sport will get the urge to send it sideways into snowy banks on EA Sports WRC. If that is you, our advice would be don't. Just don't.
In its current state in the official FIA WRC game, we struggle to appreciate Rally Sweden as much as other locations. Here is why we do not enjoy Rally Sweden and how you can get your snow and ice fix before the title's upcoming DLC drops.
EA Sports WRC Soulless Rally Sweden
Take a look at any recent footage of Rally Sweden and compare it with the event's in-game, and you will notice quite a number of differences. But the most prominent among them is the game's lack of atmosphere and personality.Where other EA Sports WRC locations get plenty of venue-specific details like road signs and architecture representing the country, you do not quite get the same unique character in Sweden. Sure, it represents the vast and remote setting that these stages run, but you get the feeling you could be anywhere in the world with a bit of snow on top.
Furthermore, without any major markers or set pieces to break up the forestry, you do not get the impression that you ever get anywhere. The start, middle and end of each stage look nearly exactly the same one another, removing any sense of travel.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Sweden is alongside Monte Carlo as one of the most exciting rallies for spectators, with vast crowds lining the stages in dedicated areas whilst flares light up the skies at night. The whole thing comes together for an absolute celebration of motorsport in its rawest sense. Sadly though, that is far from the truth in EA Sports WRC.
Sweden doesn't have the authenticity of other in-game rallies. Image credit: EA Sports
The official title sets its Swedish stages within tight forests where it would be difficult to set up spectator areas of any sort of substance. As a result, the whole route feels a little devoid of life, with even the start and end of most stages lacking a true mass of fans.
Incorrect Location
Throughout the above complaints, there is one theme that keeps coming back and that is EA Sports WRC's stages sitting nestled in between pine trees. Versus more recent rallies, that is, in actual fact, unlike the real-world event, which tends to speed through wide open fields and clearings. Moreover, the tall snow banks that you typically see in real life are not as potent in the game.There is one simple explanation for this discrepancy: EA Sports WRC places Rally Sweden in the wrong location. Each of the current stages sits on the border between Sweden and Norway, in the South of the country, level with Oslo. However, in search of deeper snow due to the effects of climate change, the event has since relocated up North to the town of Umea.
Rally Sweden is currently in an incorrect location in EA Sports WRC. Image credit: EA Sports
Just 300km South of the Arctic Circle, there is no doubt that this new location will be buried in snow for a few years to come. As a result, stages here get tall snow banks that will either help bounce your car back on route or swallow your front end whole. Furthermore, its geographic location also means that trees have a tougher time sprouting, leading to a more baron landscape with wide open sections welcoming larger crowds and more buildings.
Factor in these subtle tweaks, and you get a drastically overhauled rally with greater character and an improved sense of immersion as you travel from one point in the world to another. And that is what rallying is about.
Hard Chargers DLC to the Rescue
Later this year, EA Sports WRC will complete its 2024 Expansion Pack plans by releasing the second of two themed DLC. Last month saw the French-themed Le Maestros pack bring a selection of Sebastien-driven (Loeb and Ogier) cars alongside new stages for Rallies Monte Carlo and Portugal.Hard Chargers is the second pack expected for the game and is bound for release this Spring. Whilst we are yet to hear word on the cars coming as part of the pack, EA Sports has confirmed that it will include new stages for Rally Greece and, as wished for by the community, Rally Sweden.
Expect large crowds on Umea stages in EA Sports WRC Hard Chargers. Image credit: Toyota UK Media
Bringing it in line with its current real-life form, the latter will get two new stages in the form of Umea and Umea Sprint. One of the most famous scenes from recent years will be the Red Barn Arena's massive influx of crowds to close what is typically used as the event's Power Stage. Well, thankfully, the memorable landmark will finally feature in the game, hopefully tying up all the complaints we currently have with the Rally.
However, with the event taking place in just a week's time and the content drop not hitting stores until later this year, we worry it may be too little too late for Rally Sweden fans.
Are you looking forward to the Hard Chargers DLC later this year? Let us know in the comments.
