8 /10 23

Dirt 5 steps away from Codemasters’ rally roots to chase bold, high-energy off-road racing that feels closer to MotorStorm than Dirt Rally. Critics generally score it in the low 80s, praising its track variety, visuals, and Playgrounds creator, while noting shallow handling and uneven progression. This review explains how Dirt 5 plays, how it performs on each platform, and whether its arcade focus still earns a place in your racing library.

How to Play Dirt 5

Dirt 5 is designed for fast, low-stress races across ice, mud, and gravel. You pick event types in a career grid, slide powerful off-road machines around corners, and bank on generous assists that keep you competitive without tuning headaches.

1. Controls – Basic throttle, brake, and handbrake with optional assists that make cornering forgiving even on a gamepad.
2. Progression – Career mode branches through multiple paths, unlocking events, sponsors, and cars as you complete objectives.
3. Combat/Mechanics – Contact is encouraged, but damage is mostly cosmetic, and the driving model emphasizes big drifts more than precise lines.
4. Tips – Lower assists once you are comfortable, use the racing line to learn braking points, and take advantage of dynamic weather to outbrake rivals.

Who Should Play Dirt 5

Dirt 5 suits players who want bright, energetic off-road racing without complex tuning. It rewards those who enjoy spectacle, accessible handling, and couch co-op more than those seeking sim-depth or authentic rally stages.

• Player 1 – Arcade racing fans who like fast progress, wild tracks, and minimal setup work.
• Player 2 – Families or groups using split-screen, looking for straightforward fun across varied locations.
• Player 3 – Players who enjoy building and sharing custom stunt arenas in Playgrounds.
• Skip if – You want deep car setups, serious rally stages, or a demanding physics model like Dirt Rally 2.0.

Dirt 5 Platform Performance

Dirt 5 shipped as a cross-generation showpiece, particularly on PS5 and Xbox Series X, where multiple visual modes and smooth framerates highlight its lighting and weather systems. PC performance is strong on modern rigs but can stumble on older hardware.

Dirt 5 System Requirements

Dirt 5’s official PC specs reflect its heavy use of dynamic weather and lighting. Minimum hardware targets 1080p at modest settings, while recommended specs aim for smooth 60 fps with most visual options enabled.

Similar Games to Dirt 5

If Dirt 5 clicks, several other racers deliver adjacent experiences, from pure simcade off-road racing to open-world exploration. Each alternative pushes either handling realism, structure, or long-term progression further.

• Dirt Rally 2.0 – Same publisher, but focused on serious stage rallies with punishing physics and minimal forgiveness.
• Forza Horizon 5 – Open-world racing with off-road events, car collecting, and a more expansive progression system.
• Wreckfest – Heavier physics and stronger damage model, with demolition derby events instead of pure race spectacle.
• Grid Legends – Circuit-based contact racing with story elements, looser handling, and a broad car roster.

Dirt 5 vs Competitors

Against its rivals, Dirt 5 leans on its presentation and accessibility rather than depth. It often retails at budget prices, making it an appealing pick for players who care more about track variety than tuning.

Dirt 5 Story & World

Instead of a traditional narrative, Dirt 5 frames its career through podcast-style chatter, sponsor deals, and a loose rivalry. The world is expressed through dramatic global locations, from frozen New York harbors to Brazilian favelas and Italian marble quarries. Vivid lighting, neon color palettes, and dynamic weather sell a stylized, festival-inspired atmosphere that fits the game’s high-energy tone even when the storytelling itself feels light.

Dirt 5 Multiplayer & Online

Multiplayer in Dirt 5 blends traditional online lobbies with split-screen and community creations. It is built for casual fun rather than esports, with modes that encourage experimentation and social play.

• Online Races – Standard playlists featuring mixed event types and weather conditions for up to a dozen players.
• Split-Screen – Local two-to-four-player support, a standout feature on modern consoles.
• Playgrounds Sharing – Players upload and download custom arenas, adding long-term variety beyond the standard track list.
• Cross-Play – Cross-platform matchmaking is limited; most play happens within the same console or ecosystem.

Dirt 5 DLC & Expansions

Dirt 5 expanded with car packs, additional career content, and cosmetic bundles. These add new vehicles and events but maintain the same core handling and visual style, so they mainly benefit committed players.

• Energy Content Packs – Themed bundles that provide extra cars, liveries, and sponsor events for career mode.
• Premium Car Packs – Focused vehicle sets that broaden your garage and open fresh event options.
• Season-Based Bundles – Collections that wrap several content drops into a discounted package.
• Free Updates – Bug fixes, handling tweaks, and occasional new Playgrounds elements.

Dirt 5 Community & Support

Dirt 5 maintains a modest but active player base, especially among arcade racing fans and creator communities. Post-launch patches stabilized performance, while Playgrounds and split-screen keep the game relevant for social sessions.

• Official Forums – Central location for patch notes, bug reporting, and developer announcements.
• Reddit/Discord – Communities share Playgrounds codes, photo mode shots, and difficulty recommendations.
• Mod Support – Limited compared with sims; PC players mostly rely on official content and performance tweaks.
• Updates – Support has slowed since launch, but critical fixes and compatibility patches keep the game playable.