RoadCraft’s different gameplay is definitely dividing opinions. It’s got a solid foundation, but it’s still a bit rough around the edges
The shift from hardcore off-roading to sandbox creativity didn’t go super smoothly. RoadCraft isn’t the next SnowRunner, and not everyone’s happy about it.
Saber Interactive didn’t iron out the issues from the beta and the Steam Next Fest demo, as post-launch reviews are mixed. The Steam rating is slowly going up, but it’s hard not to feel like the game have a ton of potential and a solid player base – yet somehow, it still doesn’t deliver.
More construction, less simulation
The from RoadCraft’s beta and demo was pretty clear. A lot of players loved the terrain reshaping and construction tasks – those were definitely standout features. The co-op mode, visuals, and authentic machinery sounds also got a lot of praise. But the driving didn’t have the same depth as games like SnowRunner, missing manual gearboxes, fuel management, and vehicle damage, which made it more arcade-like. And, of course, some performance hiccups popped up too. The devs heard all this and promised they’re working on fixing things before launch.
Source: SteamDB
When RoadCraft launched yesterday, less than 60% of the Steam reviews were positive. It’s slowly picking up now, but a lot of players seemed to expect another SnowRunner – and RoadCraft took things in a different direction. Kind of like what happened with Expeditions: A MudRunner Game, which moved away from big cargo hauls to focus more on exploration and scientific missions.
Source: RoadCraft; Developer: Saber Interactive
RoadCraft shifts the focus too, instead of deep off-road driving and hardcore vehicle sim, it’s more about construction and shaping the terrain. There’s no manual shifting or fuel management, so the driving feels lighter. That’s a big part of why opinions on the game are so divided. Most Gamepressure gave it a 7.5 out of 10.
Here’s what players are saying:
I was really hoping it would be an enhanced version of Snowrunner with terrain modification as an exciting new feature. Instead, it is more like a basic version of Expeditions with terrain editing.
- Sinate
Nothing like snowrunner/mudrunner, more like a guided construction sumulator. refilling sand is just sad and the transport routes are a gameplay aspect simplyfied that takes the fun away. and since there is no damage it’s just way to easy.
- Mlem
It’s not snowrunner it’s not expeditions it’s its own game one where you can build roads and cut trees down. I enjoy the game a whole lot. And it runs terrific on 2K ultra wide at max settings.
- rammer
For a more gameplay oriented perspective, I like the change of pace, and trying something different this time, instead of the carry x material to y place, we are being more creative this time.
The removal of fuel as a mechanic is absolutely understandable, since managing it would become tedious for most, and take away from the main focus of this game.
- Navarone
But one thing everyone seems to agree on: the bugs are still a real problem. finding and recovering the generator) partly because the controls just aren’t that intuitive.
Maybe once the bugs are finally sorted out and people realize that RoadCraft isn’t just SnowRunner with different machinery, it’ll start getting some credit. Sure, Expeditions: A MudRunner Game missed the mark, but this one feels different. RoadCraft has its own style. It just offers a new formula compared to the classic Spintires games.
