Dirt 5 was one of the first games people could check out on their next-generation Xbox Series Xs and PlayStation 5s, though it also came out on the older consoles too, ensuring a large player base. The racing game was recently featured as one of the free PlayStation Plus games for January 2022, meaning many newcomers are likely to jump in.
Dirt 5 rides the line between simulation and arcade racer, so players might need a little help to get started. Fortunately, one does not need an understanding of driving that Gran Turismo or Forza Motorsport requires, but it is also not as loose and smooth as Burnout or Forza Horizon. Many of these tips are things players should keep in mind when it comes to any racing game, and a few of them are specific to Dirt 5.
7 What Is Slipstreaming And How To Do It
If players are lagging behind another driver, the best thing to do is to stay directly behind the car in front of them. This is called slipstreaming and is a feature of most realistic driving games. The car behind actually drives faster than the one in front because there is no wind resistance.
Players just need to be careful not to bump the car once they get close, or else the advantage will be lost. They need to get just close enough and then pull ahead quickly. Also keep this in mind when in front, because other cars, either human or computer-controlled, will try the same strategy.
6 How To Play Split-Screen Multiplayer
Some players have reported issues activating split-screen mode in Dirt 5. The instructions are clearly displayed on the menu, but it does not work for everybody when they follow the instructions. On the PS5 version, the game will tell players to press the touchpad button to activate split-screen multiplayer, but it won't necessarily work.
To ensure it activates properly, every player logged in must have already completed the first tutorial race. It only takes a few minutes for each player, fortunately. Players can play almost every mode in local multiplayer, including career mode. Unfortunately, progress in career mode does not carry over for the second player's own profile. The big advantage to split-screen career mode is only one player needs to win for progress to be made.
5 How To Drift
Drifting works differently than other racing games based on it. Don't expect a boost from it like in Crash Team Racing. Instead, it is a good way to take turns without losing too much speed. Make the turn as wide as possible and then let go of the gas before turning the wheel.
Hit the e-brake while on the turn to smoothly cruise around the bend. It is not something most players are likely to get on their first try so practice is mandatory.
4 Save Up Currency For The Best Vehicles
Players can buy vehicles using cash earned through the game. For the most part, the default vehicles provided for each class should be enough to get through most of the events.
With this in mind, it is recommended to save up most of the currency for the vehicles with the best handling and top speed for each class. Buy the car only when the events become brutally difficult and an extra advantage is needed.
3 The Difficulty Can Be Changed At Any Time, Along With Numerous Other Options
A lot of the Dirt 5 experience is customizable, including the difficulty. These options are presented to players when booting up the game for the first time and they can be changed in the menus later. In addition to the difficulty, several other things can be modified to make the driving either easier or harder. Feel free to play around with these to make the most comfortable gameplay experience possible.
2 Know When To Let Go Of The Gas
This was already touched upon when talking about drifting, but it deserves reiteration. Even though Dirt 5 is a racing game based upon reaching the finish line as fast as possible, it is not always advantageous to keep the foot on the pedal 100% of the time. Even if players are not drifting, letting go of the gas on turns makes them way easier and prevents crashes.
There are also times when the car might start spinning out of control. In situations like this, letting go of the gas will help players regain control of the car. The last thing players want during a race is to get turned around, and just keeping the foot on the pedal is a sure way to end up this way or even worse, off the track.
1 Different Terrain Has Different Effects On The Vehicles
Dirt 5's main focus is offroad racing. However, players will be driving on more than just mud. Certain events have players driving on the ice, while others have traditional asphalt. Certain, more challenging races even combine them.
With this in mind, players have to know how their car handles on all the surfaces players drive on throughout the career mode. Ice makes turns particularly difficult, while asphalt is tricky for cars designed for offroad racing. Once the handling is mastered, it prevents spinning out and getting turned around.
Dirt 5 is out now for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and PC.
