Summary

  • Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown's early access launch is facing severe server connection issues that affect the game's Gold Edition buyers.
  • Test Drive Unlimited fans are frustrated as Solar Crown has been rendered inaccessible due to its always-online requirement.
  • Developer KT Racing acknowledged the problems over 20 hours ago and has attempted various fixes, but there's no telling when the game will come back online.

The early access release of Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown has been a bit of a disaster, as server connection timeouts have entirely revoked access to the game for thousands of players. This issue is rather serious and has incited a lot of outrage, as it directly affects those who purchased the priciest $90 Gold Edition of Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown.

The Test Drive Unlimited series is regarded by many as some of the best open-world racing games ever made. The first two installments in the franchise were developed by Lyon-based studio Eden Games, with 2011's Test Drive Unlimited 2 being the studio's last entry. 2016 saw the Test Drive IP being acquired by French publisher Nacon and then handed off to developer KT Racing to work on the third installment of the series, Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown. After several years in development, Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown is finally in early access ahead of its full launch on September 12 for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

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Unfortunately, though, the game's early access period is riddled with major issues. It was announced earlier this year that players will require a persistent internet connection to play Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown, a decision seen by many fans as unnecessary and restrictive. It seems the contention around the always-online requirement was right, as Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown's Gold Edition buyers on all platforms have been facing server connection issues that lock them out of the entire game. KT Racing first acknowledged the issues in a tweet over 20 hours ago, but they have yet to be fully rectified at the time of writing.

Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown Has Been Inaccessible for Over 20 Hours

Almost exactly mirroring the situation Gran Turismo 7 found itself in during its troubled launch, the initial acknowledgment tweet assured players that Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown servers would be accessible again in 30 minutes, but that didn't quite happen. Eight hours later, KT Racing posted a community update on Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown's Steam page, listing a bunch of solutions the developers attempted to get the game back online, such as investigating the root cause behind the connection hitches, implementing server optimizations, and increasing server capacities.

KT Racing says that these issues "partially" helped the situation, but some of them apparently introduced "new technical challenges" as well. The studio confirmed nine hours ago that it's seeing substantial improvements with the fixes it deployed, and the "quality of services" is seemingly improving across all regions too. However, there is still no ETA in sight for Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown's connection issues being resolved fully. The outage has greatly angered fans who purchased the Gold Edition of Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown, and rightfully so.

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Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown Tag Page Cover Art

Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown
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Racing
Open-World
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Systems
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Top Critic Avg: 55 /100 Critics Rec: 6%
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Released
September 12, 2024
ESRB
T For Teen Due To Simulated Gambling, User Interaction
Developer(s)
KT Racing
Publisher(s)
Nacon
Engine
KT Engine
Multiplayer
Online Multiplayer
Franchise
Test Drive Unlimited
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WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
PHYSICAL
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info

(RE-)EXPERIENCE TEST DRIVE UNLIMITED
13 years after the release of Test Drive Unlimited 2, TDUSC reinvents the open-world massively multiplayer racing game genre. Express your passion for cars via innovative gameplay and meticulous attention to detail. Test drive then purchase cars directly from dealerships, customize them in workshops, and display them in the garage of your Solar Hotel suite. Each car offers a unique driving experience and complete immersion (windows, sunroofs, engines, etc.) And it's this exclusive experience that dictates which car you want to choose on any given day.

EXPLORE HONG KONG ISLAND
Drive around a map that has never featured in a racing game before: Hong Kong Island. Fully recreated at 1:1 scale, it is brimming with unique locations to explore. From old narrow streets and major highways to mountain roads and beaches: every cruise will be different from the last. Alone or with friends, set off and search for hundreds of collectible items that offer a variety of rewards.

Genre(s)
Racing, Open-World