Art of Rally Deluxe Edition is a stylized racing experience that celebrates the "golden era" of rallying with a minimalist, top-down aesthetic and surprisingly deep simulation-style physics. Developed by Funselektor Labs (creators of Absolute Drift ), the game challenges players to master legendary cars from the 1960s to the 1980s across 72 vibrant stages in locations like Finland, Japan, and Norway. Games Press What’s Included in the Deluxe Edition? The "Deluxe" naming typically refers to two different versions depending on whether you are buying a digital bundle or a physical boxed set: Special Boxed art of rally Deluxe Edition Now ... - Games Press Sep 29, 2566 BE —
Mastering the Apex: Why the Art of Rally Deluxe Edition is the Ultimate Love Letter to Motorsport In an era of hyper-realistic racing simulators demanding hundred-button steering wheel setups and frame-perfect braking points, a quiet revolution has been taking place in the world of indie gaming. That revolution is Art of Rally , developed by Funselektor Labs. But for the dedicated fan, the standard version is merely the opening lap. The definitive experience—the one that belongs in every racing enthusiast’s digital library—is the Art of Rally Deluxe Edition . Whether you are a veteran of the Group B era or a newcomer seduced by the game’s stunning low-poly aesthetic, this guide will break down everything you need to know about the Deluxe Edition, from its exclusive DLC (Downloadable Content) to why this specific version represents the best value in racing games today. What is Art of Rally? A Brief History of the Scenic Safari Before diving into the Deluxe Edition specifics, we must appreciate the base game. Released to critical acclaim in 2020 (following a successful PC launch in 2019), Art of Rally distills the golden era of rally racing into a zen-like, top-down driving experience. Unlike the punishing physics of DiRT Rally 2.0 , Art of Rally sits in a unique pocket between arcade accessibility and simulation depth. You will slide a Lancia Stratos through the forests of Finland, drift a Audi Quattro along the cliffs of Sardinia, and all the while, a mellow, lo-fi soundtrack plays over the crackle of gravel hitting the undercarriage. The base game includes:
Over 50 iconic cars from the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s (with fictionalized names, but obvious real-world inspirations). 60+ stages across Finland, Sardinia, Norway, Japan, Germany, and Indonesia. Daily and weekly leaderboards for the competitive spirit.
However, the base game left some players wanting more stages, more cars, and a deeper dive into the most dangerous era of the sport. That is where the Art of Rally Deluxe Edition comes into play. The Deluxe Edition Breakdown: What’s Inside the Box (Digitally) The Art of Rally Deluxe Edition is not merely a base game with a soundtrack folder thrown in. It is a complete package that bundles the main game with the Kenya Expansion Pack . In many storefronts (Steam, PlayStation Store, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and Epic Games), this is marketed as the "Game + DLC" bundle. Here is exactly what you get when you purchase the Deluxe Edition: 1. The Base Game (Full Access) All the standard locations, career mode, and the "Car Selector" museum mode where you can view stunningly rendered vehicles. 2. The Kenya Expansion Pack (The Crown Jewel) This is the headline act. The Kenya pack is arguably the best piece of post-launch content ever released for a racing indie game. Art of Rally Deluxe Edition
New Location: Kenya. This isn't just a reskin of previous stages. Kenya introduces the unique terrain of Ngong Hills . It features wide, sweeping, dusty tracks with distinct high-altitude physics. The Rhythm of Africa: Unlike the tight technical sections of Japan or the flat-out jumps of Finland, Kenya is about flow. Constant, undulating corners with zero room for error. New Cars: The DLC adds four legendary vehicles from the African rally scene, including the formidable Lancia 037 (known in-game as the Fiamma) and the iconic Nissan 240RS (Roku). Visual Filters: The Kenya expansion adds a vintage "80s broadcast" visual filter, making your replays look like found footage from a forgotten VHS tape.
3. The Soundtrack (Digital Version) While the base game features a stellar lo-fi playlist from artist Uppermost , the Deluxe Edition often includes the full OST (Original Soundtrack) files, allowing you to listen to the driving beats while working or studying. Art of Rally Deluxe Edition vs. Standard: Is It Worth the Upgrade? This is the most common question. The price difference between the Standard and Art of Rally Deluxe Edition is usually between $10 to $15 USD. Here is a quick comparison checklist: | Feature | Standard Edition | Deluxe Edition | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Career Mode | Yes | Yes | | Original 50+ Cars | Yes | Yes | | Finland, Sardinia, Japan, etc. | Yes | Yes | | Kenya Location | No | Yes | | 4 Extra Rally Cars | No | Yes | | Exclusive Liveries | No | Yes (Season Pass content) | | Digital Soundtrack | No | Yes | The Verdict: If you finish the career mode and think, "I wish there was just one more location," the Deluxe Edition is mandatory. Kenya is not filler; it is a top-3 location in the entire game. Furthermore, the Deluxe Edition supports the solo developer, Funselektor, allowing them to continue patching and supporting the game. Gameplay Deep Dive: Why the "Art" Matters To understand why the Deluxe Edition is so satisfying, you must understand the "Golden Rule" of Art of Rally : Drifting is faster. Most racing games punish sliding. Art of Rally celebrates it. The physics engine is designed around the "flick" maneuver. You approach a hairpin on the opposite side of the road, flick the analog stick, tap the handbrake, and feather the throttle. The Deluxe Edition enhances this via the Kenya stages. Because the Kenyan roads are looser (more like deep sand than packed gravel), the drift angles are wider and more forgiving. It is the perfect "flow state" environment. You will find yourself losing hours not trying to beat your best time, but just trying to link one perfect drift into the next corner while the sun sets in the low-poly horizon. Visual Aesthetics: The Low-Poly Masterpiece One common misconception is that "low-poly" means "ugly." Art of Rally shatters this notion. The game uses a stylized, minimalist art style where foliage pops in as blocks and cars are geometric shapes with detailed textures. The Art of Rally Deluxe Edition takes this visual identity and sharpens it.
The Replay Editor: Deluxe owners often get early access to replay camera angles. You can watch your run from a helicopter view, a bumper cam, or a cinematic tracking shot that makes your little blocky car look like a toy speeding across a diorama. Weather Variety: The Kenya DLC introduced dust storms and harsh sun glare that are visually distinct from the foggy Finnish mornings. Art of Rally Deluxe Edition is a stylized
The Soundtrack: A Lo-Fi Journey The marriage of music and driving is critical in Art of Rally . The standard game has great music. The Deluxe Edition gives you ownership of it. Composed by Uppermost (a French electronic artist), the soundtrack evolves as you progress through rally eras. Early 60s music is softer and jazzier; by the time you hit Group B (the 80s), the beats are aggressive, synth-heavy, and pulse-pounding. Having the digital soundtrack allows you to experience this amazing audio work in your car or on your commute, which reinforces the game's brand in your mind. Platform Specifics: Where to Buy the Deluxe Edition The Art of Rally Deluxe Edition is available across all major platforms, but there are minor differences:
PC (Steam/Epic): The definitive way to play. You can use mods (skin packs, new UI), and the keyboard controls are surprisingly good, though a controller is recommended. Look for sales during seasonal Steam Sales where the Deluxe Edition drops by 40-50%. PlayStation 4/5 & Xbox Series X: The console versions support 4K/60FPS. The Deluxe Edition is often bundled with the "Art of Rally - Season Pass." Nintendo Switch: The portable nature of the Switch is perfect for Art of Rally 's "one more run" gameplay. The Deluxe Edition runs at a smooth 30FPS (dialed down visuals, but identical gameplay). iOS (Netflix Games): Interestingly, a mobile version exists via Netflix, but note: The mobile version is usually the Standard edition. The full Deluxe experience with the Kenya DLC is best on PC/Console.
Tips for New Deluxe Edition Owners If you just bought the Art of Rally Deluxe Edition , do not immediately jump into the fastest car. You will crash. Here is a 3-step onboarding plan. Step 1: Master the Group 2 Cars Start with the Kadett (Opel Kadett). It is slow, fwd, and teaches you throttle control. Complete the first two career tiers before touching the Kenya DLC. Step 2: Use the "Restart" Feature Liberally Art of Rally is brutal. If you crash, you lose your radiator. The game allows infinite restarts. Use them. Every corner is a puzzle. Step 3: Unlock the Kenya Stages in Career The Kenya DLC is integrated into the career mode as a "Special Event" that triggers after you beat the Sardinia region. Alternatively, you can go straight to "Quick Race" to select the Ngong Hills track. Step 4: Turn off the UI (Just for fun) The Deluxe Edition’s visual filters shine best when you turn off the time counter and speedometer. Just drive for the art of it. The Community and Longevity Buying the Deluxe Edition also integrates you into the hardcore community. The leaderboards for the Kenya stages are highly competitive because the track is newer, meaning records are still being broken. Furthermore, Funselektor has hinted at potential future updates. While the Art of Rally Deluxe Edition is currently "complete," the developer’s previous game ( Absolute Drift ) received updates for years after release. Owning the Deluxe Edition ensures you have the "season pass" equivalent, so if a hypothetical "Greece" or "Wales" DLC drops, you might get a discount. Final Verdict: A Must-Own for Racing Romantics In a gaming landscape bloated with microtransactions and live-service grind boxes, Art of Rally is a breath of fresh air. The Art of Rally Deluxe Edition is the definitive, archival version of a modern classic. Pros: But for the dedicated fan, the standard version
Kenya is a game-changing biome. Incredible value for money (Base game + DLC + OST). Perfect "pick up and play" loop. Stunning visual design.
Cons: