A kart race underway in KartKraft

The KartKraft Release Date Is Surprisingly Today

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Published: January 26, 2022 11:07 AM

If you've been holding on for a KartKraft release date, well, your day has apparently come. The karting sim has launched in full after being in Early Access for more than three years, although its developers don't seem to be making much noise about it.

What do we know about this sudden KartKraft release date?

The KartKraft release date being, well, today was announced over on the official Motorsport Games website and via the game's Twitter account. As far as we know, there was no leadup to this announcement; Motorsport Games simply released KartKraft in full today with very little fanfare, neglecting to announce its release on the game's Steam page or via the official KartKraft website. Still, it's here now, and the 1.0 release has brought a whole host of new features.

Two racers in KartKraft
You can't see it through their helmets, but these two are just as shocked about the surprise KartKraft release date as we are.

New features in KartKraft 1.0 include bespoke multiplayer matchmaking, two new circuits, and the new Monster Kart, as well as everything that was available during the Early Access period. You'll also notice a bunch of user interface tweaks to make the game a little more friendly. KartKraft developer Motorsport Games says it'll continue to support the game for an extended period of time after launch, too, so if there are still some features missing, they may well be on the developer's list.

What is KartKraft?

KartKraft is a kart racing simulator in which you can customize your karts, race on licensed tracks, and play in VR. This isn't Mario Kart and its overpriced Gold Pass; it leans more into the hardcore racing sim side of things, allowing you to endlessly tweak your vehicle and emphasizing realistic physics over arcade-style racing. Unlike GTA Online's super thievery kartKartKraft is decidedly more po-faced, but if you love real kart racing, this is definitely a game that should be on your radar.

The back of a racer in KartKraft
As you can see, KartKraft emphasizes realism far more than arcadey thrills.

You can grab KartKraft on Steam right now for $39.99. Of course, KartKraft can only dream of the kind of esports scene enjoyed by games like KartRider: Drift, but maybe we'll be seeing more of this hardcore racing sim on the pro circuit. In the meantime, be sure to grab it on Steam if you're a kart racing fanatic (assuming you haven't already, of course). We'll bring you more on this game as soon as we get it.

Are you excited to check out the full release of KartKraft? Let us know in the comments below!


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Joe has been writing for TechRaptor for several years, and in those years has learned a lot about the gaming industry and its foibles. He’s originally an… More about Joseph