Dakar 18 is a rally raid simulation racing game that recreates the 2018 edition of the famous cross-country event across Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina. The title places players in control of officially licensed vehicles from five categories, including cars, motorcycles, quads, trucks, and UTVs, with real drivers and teams represented. It emphasizes navigation through a vast open environment rather than simple lap racing, drawing directly from the event's road book system and variable terrain conditions.
Gameplay
The core loop revolves around traversing a massive open world built from satellite imagery. Players follow the official road books of the 2018 rally to locate waypoints across more than 12,000 square kilometers of explorable terrain. Navigation demands constant attention to distance markers, compass bearings, and landmark references because no GPS assistance appears outside of easier settings. Vehicle handling varies by category, with motorcycles offering agility on dunes while trucks require careful throttle control on loose surfaces.
Weather and time of day affect traction and visibility. Sand becomes loose under intense sun, while rain turns sections into deep mud or flooded riverbeds that demand different driving lines. Mechanical damage accumulates from impacts and rough driving, requiring on-the-spot repairs or assistance from other competitors. Towing a stranded vehicle grants extra repair points that can be spent later, adding a cooperative element even during solo runs. The simulation includes full control over throttle, brakes, gears, and differential settings for each vehicle type.
Game Modes
Single-player adventure career recreates the full 14-stage Dakar Rally 2018. Participants register in one of the five vehicle categories and start each stage at the scheduled time, using the provided road book to reach the finish while managing fuel, repairs, and penalties for missed waypoints. Progress carries across stages with accumulated points influencing overall standings.
Offline multiplayer supports split-screen play for two participants on the same screen. Online multiplayer allows up to eight competitors to race individual stages together, with results tracked across sessions. Treasure Hunt serves as the freeplay option available in both single-player and multiplayer sessions. In this mode participants explore the open world freely to locate cultural artifacts tied to the host countries, without the pressure of timed stages or road book constraints.
Vehicle Categories and Realism
Each category features distinct performance characteristics and official liveries. Cars include models from Peugeot, Mini, Toyota, Renault, and Mitsubishi driven by competitors such as Carlos Sainz and Sebastien Loeb. Motorcycles cover KTM, Honda, Yamaha, and Husqvarna entries with riders including Mathias Walkner and Sam Sunderland. Quads center on Yamaha Raptors piloted by Ignacio Casale and others. Trucks draw from Kamaz, Maz, Tatra, and MAN fleets, while UTVs feature Polaris machines. The game supplies realistic damage models and repair mechanics that force strategic decisions about when to push for speed versus when to conserve the machine.
Is It Worth Playing?
Dakar 18 suits players who seek a demanding navigation-focused rally experience over arcade-style handling. The large open world and road book system deliver the closest digital approximation of the real event's challenges, particularly after the developer released eleven updates that addressed several launch issues. Reception remains mixed overall, with praise for the scale and authenticity balanced against criticism of vehicle physics and occasional technical hiccups. Steam user reviews sit at mostly positive following those patches. Those who enjoy methodical route planning and adapting to changing conditions will find repeated value in the career mode and Treasure Hunt exploration. Players preferring responsive controls and immediate feedback may find the simulation too punishing. The title remains available on PC with no further seasonal content or major updates confirmed in recent years, making it a niche choice best suited to dedicated rally enthusiasts.
