BeamNG.drive

Getting Started in BeamNG.drive: Your First Steps

BeamNG.drive offers incredible vehicle physics, but its sandbox nature means you set your own goals. Here’s a quick guide to understanding the basics and getting started:

1. Launch and Choose “Freeroam”:

• When you start the game, the main menu gives you options. Select “Freeroam” to choose a map. This is where you’ll spend most of your time exploring.
• Pick a map (like “West Coast USA” or “Gridmap” for a simple test area).

2. Select and Load a Vehicle:

• Once a map loads, you’ll be in a default car.
• To change vehicles, press Ctrl + E. This opens the vehicle selector. Browse different types (cars, trucks, buses), select one, and click “Spawn New” or “Replace Current.”
• You can also choose different configurations (e.g., a police car version of a civilian car).

3. Basic Controls:

• W, A, S, D: Accelerate, Steer Left, Brake/Reverse, Steer Right.
• Spacebar: Handbrake.
• C: Cycle through camera views (external, internal, chase, etc.).
• Q / E: Shift gears (if using manual transmission).
• R: Reset your vehicle to its starting position.
• J: Toggle physics on/off. Useful for setting up crashes in slow-motion.
• Alt + Up/Down Arrow: Adjust simulation speed (slow-motion).

4. Experiment and Crash!

• The core fun is in the soft-body physics. Drive off cliffs, crash into walls, or create your own obstacles.
• Observe the realistic deformation and damage. Zoom in with your camera to see the details.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment. There are no “fails” in freeroam, just new ways to crash!

5. Customizing Your Vehicle:

• Press Ctrl + W (or hold right-click for the radial menu) to open the Parts Editor.
• Here, you can change individual components like tires, engines, body panels, and more. Each change genuinely affects physics.

BeamNG.drive is a true sandbox. Set your own challenges, create spectacular crashes, and marvel at the incredible realism. Have fun!