Starting Cars
Embarking on your Dirt Rally 2.0 journey begins with choosing your first car. This guide introduces the initial vehicles available, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses, and offering advice on which might be the best starting point for new players looking to get a feel for the game's diverse handling characteristics.
When you first start Dirt Rally 2.0, you're presented with a selection of cars to begin your career. These initial vehicles are desed to be relatively forgiving and provide a good introduction to the game's core mechanics and handling. Understanding their characteristics will help you make an informed choice and start your rallying journey on the right foot.
The Opel Kadett GT/E
This is often considered a strong starting point for many players. The Kadett is a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) classic that excels in providing a pure rally experience. It's relatively lightweight and agile, making it a good car to learn the fundamentals of RWD handling, such as throttle control and counter-steering. While it might not be the fastest on tarmac, it can be very rewarding on gravel and dirt stages once you get a feel for its power delivery and tendency to oversteer.
The Lancia Fulvia HF
Another RWD option, the Fulvia HF is a bit more of a challenge than the Kadett. It has a unique engine note and a distinct handling feel. It's a car that requires a bit more finesse and patience to get the most out of. If you're looking to immediately dive into a more demanding RWD experience and learn to manage a car that's prone to snap oversteer, the Fulvia is a good choice. It's a classic for a reason, offering a rewarding driving experience for those who master it.
The Ford Escort Mk II RS
This is a legendary rally car and often a favorite among experienced players. The Escort Mk II is also RWD and offers a fantastic blend of power and handling. It's a bit more potent than the Kadett and Fulvia, and its handling is generally considered more predictable, though still demanding. Learning to drive the Escort well will teach you a lot about managing power and weight transfer in a RWD car. It's a great all-rounder for learning the ropes of RWD rallying.
The Subaru Impreza WRX STI (2001)
For players who prefer all-wheel-drive (AWD) from the start, the Impreza WRX STI is an excellent choice. AWD cars offer sificantly more grip and stability, making them more forgiving for beginners. The Impreza provides a good introduction to how AWD handles different surfaces, allowing you to focus more on braking points and cornering lines without constantly worrying about losing traction. It's a powerful and capable car that can be very effective across various rally disciplines.
Recommendation for Beginners
For players completely new to rally games or sim-style driving, the Subaru Impreza WRX STI (2001) is often the recommended starting car due to its inherent stability and grip from the AWD system. It allows you to learn the tracks and basic driving techniques without the added complexity of managing RWD oversteer. Once you feel comfortable, transitioning to the RWD options like the Opel Kadett GT/E or Ford Escort Mk II RS will be a more manageable step, allowing you to develop crucial RWD skills.
Ultimately, the best starting car is the one you feel most comfortable and confident with. Don't be afraid to experiment with each of them in the Free Practice mode to see which one clicks with your driving style.