User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 307 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 34 out of 307
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  1. Apr 6, 2016
    10
    This game absolutely rocks! I like racers, first off...but am by no means an aficionado. I don't own a racing wheel and can't tune a one stringed guitar, much less a complicated, high performance race car. I typically enjoy the arcade racers ranging from NFS to Drive Club. I tend to shy away from sims because of the inherent frustration factor.

    All that in consideration, I have no
    This game absolutely rocks! I like racers, first off...but am by no means an aficionado. I don't own a racing wheel and can't tune a one stringed guitar, much less a complicated, high performance race car. I typically enjoy the arcade racers ranging from NFS to Drive Club. I tend to shy away from sims because of the inherent frustration factor.

    All that in consideration, I have no idea why the hell I bought this game yesterday. In part, I found the reviews intriguing...and the gameplay vids just looked incredible. I enjoyed Dirt 3 but understand it leaned more heavily on style-over-substance side of things, drawing in us more casual gamers. Great game with fun driving gameply but, by comparison, Dirt Rally is not the same. The menus are almost spartan...minimalist compared to the NFS-like flash of Dirt 3. The graphics are not nearly as gorgeous as Drive Club. But, once I put in a few hours and got the hang of the extremely challenging, yet intensely rewarding drive physics....I was in heaven. I don't even know how to describe it....it just feels pure. All the graphical fidelity of this game is siphoned away from peripheral nonsense and focused right there where it should be in a game like this.....on the car and the dirt beneath it's wheels.

    For all you sim racer pro's, it's a no brainer, unless you just don't like rally racing at all. For you racing casual gamers, I'd say if you like thrill of racers and have been craving something a little more nourishing than the what the arcade racers deliver...give this one a go. No expensive racing wheel? Don't let that stop you. I just finished the first 60's championship series, finishing in 1st place....all with the dual shock 4 controller. And, when I unlocked the advanced settings for tuning...I didn't touch a thing, leaving everything on default settings. I'm sure I'll have to do some tuning down the road to stay competitive (thank heaven for YouTube gamer tips/tutorials!), but for now am doing just fine leaving the hardcore settings alone.
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  2. Mar 2, 2018
    9
    this game is the one of best car simiulation ever very hard and breath taking roads, nice graphic, nice cars, dont miss it.
  3. Nov 29, 2018
    8
    This is the most realistic and difficult driving simulator i have ever played. The physics and behaviour of the cars are absolutely stunning. U really have to be a pro driver to compete at the highest difficulty levels of the game. There are a lot of instruction videos made by the developers, so you can really educate yourself in terms of racing mechanics.

    I do not say this about games
    This is the most realistic and difficult driving simulator i have ever played. The physics and behaviour of the cars are absolutely stunning. U really have to be a pro driver to compete at the highest difficulty levels of the game. There are a lot of instruction videos made by the developers, so you can really educate yourself in terms of racing mechanics.

    I do not say this about games normally because i really like a challenge, but this game was just too hard for me to progress to higher racing levels. But i do not blame the developers for this at all. I'm just a solid gamer and a good driver, but absolutely no pro so this game is not for me. But if u are a pro driver and u wanna compete at an insane level of difficulty, u must pick this one up most def.

    This is called the Dark Souls of racing games for a very good reason. And if u will play this game, u will realize dark souls is actually a cakewalk ;)
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  4. Apr 10, 2016
    10
    i love this game because it is so original rally game . it so realistic the physics the sound effects the graphics the stages . it is challenging perfect for a person who like to play like a pro . it is take you from the history of the first rally cars till now . you upgrade your car your crew . cars takes real damage so always have to play perfectly . it is the best new generation gamei love this game because it is so original rally game . it so realistic the physics the sound effects the graphics the stages . it is challenging perfect for a person who like to play like a pro . it is take you from the history of the first rally cars till now . you upgrade your car your crew . cars takes real damage so always have to play perfectly . it is the best new generation game with cars in ps4 . Expand
  5. Apr 9, 2016
    10
    Firstly, I'm giving the game a 9.5/10, but I'll round up for the pure joy factor.

    This game is truly an achievement. The blend of sound design, car models, and incredible physics make this quite possibly the best racing sim of this generation. I can't remember the last time a racing game got my adrenaline pumping as fast this one. It's really refreshing to be battling something than
    Firstly, I'm giving the game a 9.5/10, but I'll round up for the pure joy factor.

    This game is truly an achievement. The blend of sound design, car models, and incredible physics make this quite possibly the best racing sim of this generation. I can't remember the last time a racing game got my adrenaline pumping as fast this one. It's really refreshing to be battling something than poorly programmed AI and/or frustrating physics engines. Instead, it's you, your co-driver (quite important without a minimap) and an extremely narrow road. The outcome of the race is entirely in your hands, and mistakes always feel like your fault. This game doesn't take the wheel (or game pad) out of your hands at any point. Even if you are a casual driving fan, I'd encourage you to try this out. It takes discipline, but it's worth it. If you like sims, it's a must-have.

    Only complaint so far is the lack of visual hierarchy in the menus. They all look kinda similar and I feel the visuals are too detached from the content. For example, the cars you're buying are just listed on cards with a rendering of the car from one angle. Would have been nice to see some more flash when it came to the presentation of everything outside of the races.

    But really, this game is a masterpiece in racing titles. It has a soul, which is something you see less and less in the oversaturated gaming/racing market. Be brave.
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  6. Apr 11, 2016
    10
    Excellent gameplay you have to race to win better and different cars to compete other stages, it makes you play to unlock no to pay a DLC later. Also works perfectly with my racing wheel the feedback is real.
    I think Driveclub or Project cars are good but this is the game I was waiting with a good career to animate you to keep racing.
  7. Apr 8, 2016
    10
    Simply outstanding, finally a rally where the cars are responsive, the settings are everything you would expect, theres no lag, this leaves SLR and WRC for dead and is an absolute must if your into any type of racing SIM, its a little low on content but the driving makes up for that big time, if you are going to choose one racing or rally game for 2016, make this be it,
    Cheers
  8. Apr 6, 2016
    10
    This is Rally! If you have enough patience to learn the unique physics, there is really no way around this gem that reminds why the series got popular in the first place! Colin McRae would certainly like this game.
  9. Apr 5, 2016
    10
    Hands down the most enjoyable racing game I've played this gen. It is very challenging and super easy to crash in, but it is super satisfying when you drive through a section at speed just inches away from certain death (or a 15 second penalty and a puncture)
  10. Apr 6, 2016
    10
    Codemasters aplicó sabiamente el freno de mano a Dirt antes de perder el rumbo y no sólo ha vuelto a las raíces de la disciplina, sino que lo ha hecho mejor que en cualquier entrega de la franquicia. Esto conlleva un precio: no es para todo el mundo; las pocas ayudas que contiene sólo varían el juego de difícil a extremadamente duro. No es para cualquiera. Pero si lo es para ti, vas aCodemasters aplicó sabiamente el freno de mano a Dirt antes de perder el rumbo y no sólo ha vuelto a las raíces de la disciplina, sino que lo ha hecho mejor que en cualquier entrega de la franquicia. Esto conlleva un precio: no es para todo el mundo; las pocas ayudas que contiene sólo varían el juego de difícil a extremadamente duro. No es para cualquiera. Pero si lo es para ti, vas a disfrutar como hace mucho no lo haces con un juego de Rally. Expand
  11. Apr 6, 2016
    10
    Absolutely perfect. That's the game I've been waiting for!! The best rally sim since 2005. The game looks and sounds perfect, and the handling of the cars are totally sim. For me it's a perfect game, because I'm a huge fan of rally and cars. If you love cars and the most amazing motorsport, you have to give it a change. You won't regret it.
  12. Apr 8, 2016
    9
    Unkind, Punisher, Ruthless, all of these things is Dirt Rally, but also they do translate into joy and pride once you managed to pull out that right acute turn in 2 that tightens with a combination of brake and gas pedal off with a such an iconic car as the Subaru Impreza. After that the smile on your face is just inevitable.
  13. Apr 9, 2016
    9
    The best game Codemasters have made since the original Colin McRae, Codemasters have a very poor record making racers like the horrible Grid series but this is an improvement.
  14. Apr 7, 2016
    9
    The best racing game on PS4 for now on!!!!

    It feel like the best of both of world, if your a fan of rally or a fan of great handling racing game , that s for you, but if your a arcade type of race driver it s not for you!!!! This game is realy hard, but with a lot miles under the hood you will get better and better and....... Gave it a 9 ! ...and thank you Codemasters to
    The best racing game on PS4 for now on!!!!

    It feel like the best of both of world, if your a fan of rally or a fan of great handling racing game , that s for you, but if your a arcade type of race driver it s not for you!!!!

    This game is realy hard, but with a lot miles under the hood you will get better and better and.......

    Gave it a 9 !

    ...and thank you Codemasters to recreate what you were born for,...........that kind of pissoff hard and realistic game you deliver us!!!

    RICKY
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  15. Apr 13, 2016
    9
    For anyone remotely interested in driving games, this is a must own, even if you consider the idea of a racing sim unappealing. Codemasters have distilled all that they have learned over the last 20 years and galvanised it into a pure and visceral Rally game. The only times I can remember getting thrills like this from a racing game was with the original Colin McRae games and also HotFor anyone remotely interested in driving games, this is a must own, even if you consider the idea of a racing sim unappealing. Codemasters have distilled all that they have learned over the last 20 years and galvanised it into a pure and visceral Rally game. The only times I can remember getting thrills like this from a racing game was with the original Colin McRae games and also Hot Pursuit (although, those were much easier earned than what we have here). When you do fire it up, expect to spend at least the first couple of hours wrestling with the physics. I haven't played any true racing sims before (Assetto Corsa, rFactor, Richard Burns Rally) so this is a revelation for me. I'm astounded how well Codemasters have fine tuned the feeling of momentum, speed, friction and mechanics in this game....Hats off. Oh, and the Pikes Peak hill climb is superb. Bring on the DLC!!! Expand
  16. Apr 9, 2016
    9
    Superb game. When I played DiRT Rally on my brother's PC a few months back I knew that it would be a definite Day 1 purchase for me on the PS4. I've always been a huge fan racing simulators ever since playing Gran Turismo on the PS1, and DiRT scratches that itch on the PS4.

    Granted I'm a bit of a sucker for punishingly hard games; you have to remember that DiRT's a very accurate rally
    Superb game. When I played DiRT Rally on my brother's PC a few months back I knew that it would be a definite Day 1 purchase for me on the PS4. I've always been a huge fan racing simulators ever since playing Gran Turismo on the PS1, and DiRT scratches that itch on the PS4.

    Granted I'm a bit of a sucker for punishingly hard games; you have to remember that DiRT's a very accurate rally racing simulator; it's not unfair in its difficulty – you just have to treat whatever you're driving like a real car. (ie, Keeping the gas pedal to the floor will surely see you flying off the road.) It's hard but incredibly satisfying.

    Visually it's a stunning game with an excellent attention to detail that makes me feel I'm really "there." Sound is top notch too. Oh, and it's a great pick-up-and-play sort of game. Only have 30 mins? Play a couple quick stages, or hop into the daily challenges and do your best!

    Good luck.
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  17. Apr 9, 2016
    10
    This is a game where the mere act of keeping the car on the road is an achievement. One of the best Rally sims ever made and make no mistake this is a sim. There are no rewinds, no flashy menus, just you, a car and some of the most brutal and sadistic tracks ever designed in a game. You may find yourself teetering on the edge of a cliff in Greece or driving in almost complete darkness inThis is a game where the mere act of keeping the car on the road is an achievement. One of the best Rally sims ever made and make no mistake this is a sim. There are no rewinds, no flashy menus, just you, a car and some of the most brutal and sadistic tracks ever designed in a game. You may find yourself teetering on the edge of a cliff in Greece or driving in almost complete darkness in Wales after you smash your lights....oh, and it's raining. But when you nail a Scandinavian flick or manage to keep the car inches from certain doom there is no feeling quite like it. Sublime. Expand
  18. May 19, 2016
    8
    The rally stages are a lot of fun and really force you to improve your driving. The game runs at a butter smooth frame rate and the cars really bounce and slide around in a realistic feeling fashion. The rally stages can get quite long so it's not unusual to have a rally stretch over 6 minutes of real time. That means driving flat out for six minutes with no mistakes. This is where theThe rally stages are a lot of fun and really force you to improve your driving. The game runs at a butter smooth frame rate and the cars really bounce and slide around in a realistic feeling fashion. The rally stages can get quite long so it's not unusual to have a rally stretch over 6 minutes of real time. That means driving flat out for six minutes with no mistakes. This is where the game truly shines. It's not perfect by any means but it's close. For example, you can still win or get second in a race where you flipped your car. It's real, but not real at the same time.

    Unfortunately the game is very spartan when it comes to features for the single player. Win a championship (that might have taken hours to complete) and nothing happens aside from getting credits. The game design behind progressing is also a bit annoying. You start out with a slightly gimped car and as your engineers get more experience with the car, the cars stats improve. I suppose this is realistic but it kind of puts you in a box where you have to be perfect to proceed because your competition has been fully upgraded. In rally or hill climb it's not a big deal but in Rally cross... it's kind of a deal breaker.

    Rally cross for me is kind of boring and a chore to get through. The tracks themselves are not that fun to drive around and seem to lack variety. Aside from that, the AI drivers smash into you all the time and cause spin outs, yet when you crash into them they recover perfectly. I have never seen the AI crash or mess up in any significant way.

    In summation this game is like a race car itself. All racing and no bells and whistles. I would suspect Dirt Rally was designed for the hardcore and probably excels online. Which is a shame that more effort wasn't put towards customizing liveries. It's also a head scratcher that tires and tire types play absolutely no roll what-so-ever.
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  19. Apr 11, 2016
    9
    Simply outstanding, finally a rally where the cars are responsive, the settings are everything you would expect, theres no lag, this leaves SLR and WRC for dead and is an absolute must if your into any type of racing SIM, its a little low on content but the driving makes up for that big time, if you are going to choose one racing or rally game for 2016, make this be it,
    Cheers
  20. Apr 8, 2016
    10
    The reviews were so positive, I caved in and bought the game. I didn't like the other Rally titles on PS4, so I was a bit wary. I can only say that this is my most enjoyable race experience yet on the PS4. I'm a very average driver, so the difficulty sacred me at first. Yes, the first event are the tracks in Greece which are very difficult. What keeps me playing is the fact that theThe reviews were so positive, I caved in and bought the game. I didn't like the other Rally titles on PS4, so I was a bit wary. I can only say that this is my most enjoyable race experience yet on the PS4. I'm a very average driver, so the difficulty sacred me at first. Yes, the first event are the tracks in Greece which are very difficult. What keeps me playing is the fact that the handling physics are so good. I play with a controller, and never have I felt so much master of my car with the DS4. It feels responsive, it's rewarding. I'm actually surprised at my driving talent sometimes, that's because the controller responds so well.I can recommend this for the sim fans, but also for the casual arcade fans as the handling/difficulty balance makes you want to master each car and track. I've only used the Fulvia and Mini until now, I can't wait for the other cars.
    Graphics are great, 60 FPS the whole time. When the processor is finding life difficult, it will slightly decrease the resolution, keeping 60 FPS. Haven't noticed and graphic problems yet, I'm too concerned trying to drive as fast as possible.
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  21. Apr 21, 2016
    10
    Unbelievable how Codemasters nailed it... It is simply the best rally game since Richard Burns Rally! Do you like racing games? Go and buy it NOW!

    But remember: this is not a game for casual racers...
  22. Apr 9, 2016
    10
    The best rally game since dirt 3 i think,everything from visuals to gameplay absolute must buy for rally fans good to have more cars but should get more on update.
  23. Apr 10, 2016
    9
    very very good game. lacks major amounts of cars and content. its also just too easy without realistic damage. while it is still not a sim and not ultra realistic, the mechanical damage the handling and physics are very good. the actual impact damage is not realistic. I need that realstic damage, with or without a wheel I just keep coming in first after terminal crashes. no option forvery very good game. lacks major amounts of cars and content. its also just too easy without realistic damage. while it is still not a sim and not ultra realistic, the mechanical damage the handling and physics are very good. the actual impact damage is not realistic. I need that realstic damage, with or without a wheel I just keep coming in first after terminal crashes. no option for clutch stall. the graphics are solid, but they're 10 years old. I hope there is a next one, there is alot to improve on. its not for everyone they dropped everything in old dirt titles, dirt was never a sim, this captures the realistic bland euopean rally atmosphere. theres no other offroad vehicles. and I dont think they'll have a dirt 4 with baja trophy trucks and rock crawlers, which I still want. I would most like really to mod it like pc 's damage and crashes, which makes the game almost perfect and a true simulator. I cant believe they put it out on ps4, but it should be on ultra graphics my pcs video card thwt died was running on the oldest pc and cheapest card. Expand
  24. Apr 16, 2016
    9
    This game is near perfect. The graphics are rally good, the weather conditions are sublime, the driving mechanics work smooth and it feels so real. I play it with the game-pad and it takes some hours to drive straight, but after that you can really manage the car and I love to take those hairpins. The only CON is the CONtent, there are not many locations and limited cars to choose from,This game is near perfect. The graphics are rally good, the weather conditions are sublime, the driving mechanics work smooth and it feels so real. I play it with the game-pad and it takes some hours to drive straight, but after that you can really manage the car and I love to take those hairpins. The only CON is the CONtent, there are not many locations and limited cars to choose from, but I must say i already played this game over 50 hours and I am far from getting bored, but i really hope they would at like two new locations and a new hill climb or something. Oh yeah and don't pay attention to the gives who give this game a zero, they just are frustrated they cant handle this game. Expand
  25. Mar 4, 2017
    10
    You really have to focus to decently play this game, but when you get in the zone, boy does it reward you. The cars handle great and there are just enough stages to keep it fresh. The collection of cars is really complete. The graphics are ok, not great but not bad either. But it's the physics and feel that make the game excel. The handling is pretty realistic without being boring. YouYou really have to focus to decently play this game, but when you get in the zone, boy does it reward you. The cars handle great and there are just enough stages to keep it fresh. The collection of cars is really complete. The graphics are ok, not great but not bad either. But it's the physics and feel that make the game excel. The handling is pretty realistic without being boring. You have to learn how different surfaces (gravel, snow, asphalt etc.) change the cars driveability. It's not the easiest game if you never played racing games, but if you really sink your teeth in it, it rewards you a lot. Expand
  26. Apr 16, 2016
    8
    Very surprised by this game. Both the graphics and the gameplay are top notch. DiRT has returned and it's better than ever. Great job, Codemasters. Love this game!
  27. Feb 18, 2017
    10
    Got this game around release, and even though I enjoyed it quite a bit in the beginning, I ended up trading it away long before I was done with it. Maybe its also relevant to mention that I am by no means a racing game fan - I rarely play them.
    Anyway, with the release of the PSVR version I had to buy it once again, which I did yesterday and I must say this this is one of the most
    Got this game around release, and even though I enjoyed it quite a bit in the beginning, I ended up trading it away long before I was done with it. Maybe its also relevant to mention that I am by no means a racing game fan - I rarely play them.
    Anyway, with the release of the PSVR version I had to buy it once again, which I did yesterday and I must say this this is one of the most incredible gaming experiences Ive ever had. Wow! It really feels like you are inside the car.
    Non VR: 8/10
    VR: 10/10
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  28. Jun 9, 2016
    10
    One of the best racing game I ever played. I would like to give it 9.5/10 since there are few things that I don't like, however they do not affect the main quality of the game.

    First of all, the driving system is so great. The car goes as what it should do. The car customization and team management feel real. Co-Driver plays the crucial role in this game. I NEVER EVER listened or
    One of the best racing game I ever played. I would like to give it 9.5/10 since there are few things that I don't like, however they do not affect the main quality of the game.

    First of all, the driving system is so great. The car goes as what it should do. The car customization and team management feel real. Co-Driver plays the crucial role in this game. I NEVER EVER listened or cared about co-driver at all in other games, but in this game you really need his information about the course or risk yourself flying off the cliff. The light and damage system seems realistic. You will notice them when you drive in the night. It is really dark and if you damage your front light then you have screw up. I have to change my view from 3rd person to 1st person specially for this game. I never did that when I played Dirt 2 or 3.

    Second, Map design is top notch. We have asphalt, ice, snow, gravel maps. All of these surfaces play differently to the traction of the car. There are dangerous everywhere. You can easily crash if you do not play attention to the road ahead and Co driver. I never liked rally this much before. In previous Dirt games, I always play Rally cross more.

    Third, it has "Dark Soul" difficulty. If you are familiar with Dark Soul title, it is the game that is considered one of the hardest games in the world. Why is it Dark Soul ? that is because Dirt Rally removes many features in their previous games that help players. For example, you can't rewind the time when you make mistake, you can let the game to recover the car from crash but you will get 10-15 second penalty (which is huge), every damage the car getting will be transfer to the next run and you have limited time to repair with your crews, you can still restart the race but your reward will decrease every time you do, you can get demoted if you do bad. These are what make the game so intense + challenging. Moreover, AI is strong, very strong for casual players even on the easiest difficulty (Open Championship).

    Other points
    - Graphic is OK for the current genre, not the best, not bad
    - Rally Cross Multiplayer is doing OK
    - High Peak mode is not that interesting but I considered it a free plus.
    - Very few BGM (but it is not needed anyway)

    Bad parts
    -Need more maps, especially in Rally cross ( Rally cross mode is bare bone)
    -Racenet is sometimes not stable.
    -Replay view is below average.
    -Cannot save replay, why ?
    -Too difficult for casual gamers.
    - AI in Rally Cross sometimes hit you in the back. They are brutal

    In sum, I have to say this game quality is beyond what I expected. I have spent more than 50 hours, still playing and considering to buy a wheel controller. I have reached Master Championship in both Rally and Rally cross. However, because of the difficulty, I would suggest only for veterans to buy the game. If you are casual and have no patient, I suggest you stay away. This game needs a lot of practices to win. You gonna keep going off the cliff, crash, restart -> repeat. Furthermore, If you are a fan of Rally Cross, you might not like the game because it focuses more on Rally.
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  29. May 30, 2016
    8
    An authentic rally driving simulation. Great graphics with no technical failures, solid 60 fps. Perhaps the biggest problem is the excessive realism for the common players. Should have more locations.

    Graphics: 9.0 Sound: 9.0 Gameplay: 8.8 Fun/Story: 8.0
  30. May 2, 2017
    9
    Incredibly thrilling, heart-pounding, exciting and realistic rally sim. Also very demanding and requires you to fully commit to the game, but it's so rewarding as your skills gradually improve. You kind of feel like becoming a real rally driver as time goes by. One of the most intense racing games ever.
Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 46 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 45 out of 46
  2. Negative: 0 out of 46
  1. May 19, 2016
    80
    Excellent simulation didn´t lose anything of its charm with the console conversion – it plays great with steady fps and offers hours and hours of sheer fun. Only a slight impersonality of singleplayer and not very functional link to the RaceNet network prevents a higher score.
  2. Playstation Official Magazine Australia
    May 18, 2016
    90
    This is a game for those unafraid of a steep challenge (or investing in a good driving wheel setup). [June 2016, p73]
  3. Play UK
    May 16, 2016
    90
    Brutal, yet hugely rewarding, Dirt Rally both understands and respects its eponymous sport. It doesn't patronise with gimmicky mechanics, nor is it a dry, joyless simulation. [Issue#269, p.76]