In the ever-expanding landscape of racing games, Art of Rally remains an outlier—a game that sidesteps the obsession with hyper-realistic graphics and sim-racing precision in favor of something far more evocative. Developed by Funselektor Labs, this indie title is less about chasing lap times and more about celebrating the raw essence of rallying. Now, years after its original 2020 release, it continues to fly under the radar for many enthusiasts, despite its reputation as one of the most visually distinctive and immersive rally games in recent memory. Just as Art of Rally is a tribute to the golden-era of rally heritage, I’ll do my best to honor the game itself as it is unequivocally deserving.

A Rally Experience Stripped to Its Essence

At its core, Art of Rally serves as a love letter to the sport’s most exhilarating and dangerous decades. The game takes players through the 1960s to the 1980s—an era defined by rally legends, before modern regulations tamed the wild machines of Group B and beyond. With over 50 cars inspired by iconic rally heroes, Art of Rally doesn’t rely on official manufacturer licensing to capture the spirit of these machines. Instead, it distills them into their purest minimalist form, retaining the raw power, turbo lag, and unpredictable handling characteristics that made their real-world counterparts both terrifying and exhilarating to drive.

The driving experience is a delicate balance between accessibility and authenticity. While the game avoids the extreme technical depth of traditional sim racing titles, it demands respect from players. The rear end of a Group B monster will not hesitate to step out mid-corner if you’re too eager on the throttle, and weight transfer plays a crucial role in controlling slides. It’s a game that rewards finesse, patience, and a willingness to adapt to varying surface conditions while not requiring too much attention. It’s focused yet minimal approach is refreshing in today’s world of overloaded sim racing HUD. The cars have a distinctive feel, requiring small but noticeable driving adjustments. Combine that with its unparalleled trance-like synthwave soundtrack and you’ve built yourself a masterpiece.

A Minimalist World with Maximum Personality

Where Art of Rally truly sets itself apart is in its presentation. Unlike anything else in the racing genre, the visual approach is a striking blend of minimalist art direction and vibrant, painterly landscapes. The rolling hills of Finland, the vast deserts of Kenya, and the tight mountain passes of Japan are all rendered with an atmospheric warmth that makes every stage feel like a dreamlike homage to rally’s past. Having the on-track fans jump out of the way reminds you that you are still on a rally stage and not just driving through a national park, despite how scenic it may be.

This stylistic choice is more than just aesthetic; it’s immersive. Without the distractions of hyper-detailed environments, the focus remains on the road ahead, on the rhythmic dance between driver and machine. The lack of a traditional cockpit view reinforces this further—Art of Rally is not about recreating what it’s like to sit inside a rally car; it’s about capturing the sensation of pushing one to its absolute limit.

A huge part of rally’s identity is branding; otherwise, they’re just cars, not race cars. Rather creatively, the designers avoided expensive licensing fees by crafting their own fictional brands. But don’t let that make them feel cheap. Loads of time and care were put into the branding, bringing a comedic flair to the game and reminding you not to take it too seriously. From “Six Pack” beer to “Metal Tubing” exhausts and “Stopp” brake pads, there’s always a cheeky banner waiting around the corner.

From a Cult Following to an Expanding Legacy

Since its initial PC release, Art of Rally has gradually expanded to consoles, bringing its unmistakable charm to Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch players. The developers have continued supporting the game with new content, including additional rally stages set in Indonesia and, more recently, Australia, further cementing its position as a game prioritizes longevity over fleeting trends. This isn’t a one-and-done project; it continues to evolve and remains endlessly replayable.

Perhaps most impressively, Art of Rally has fostered a small but fierce community. Custom liveries, user-generated photo modes, and online leaderboards keep engagement high, proving that a game doesn’t need an aggressive esports presence to build a following. It’s an experience that thrives on its own merits—one that continues to be discovered by new players year after year.

Funselektor hasn’t stopped with Art of Rally either. Expanding on their signature aesthetic, they recently released Golden Lap, a strategy-driven motorsport management game themed around classic Formula 1. Additionally, they announced Over the Hill, an upcoming off-road exploration game where you traverse challenging trails in iconic vehicles from the ’60s to ’80s—solo or with friends. While it will launch on PC soon, I’m eagerly awaiting its console release as I am a Playstation guy. You can check out the announcement trailer below and get excited with me.

A Hidden Gem Worthy of Recognition

In a time when racing games are becoming increasingly focused on big-budget visuals, complex licensing agreements, and advanced physics engines, Art of Rally is a refreshing departure. It strips rallying down to its bare essentials, not just in gameplay but in ethos. It doesn’t concern itself with intricate career modes or deep tuning options—it simply places you behind the wheel and invites you to embrace the joy of driving.

Though it remains an underground title compared to the likes of DiRT Rally or WRC, its unapologetic uniqueness is precisely what makes it special. It doesn’t have to compete with major studio releases, because it’s something entirely different. By standing apart from the crowded market, Art of Rally has carved out its own space and continues to capture the hearts of those who stumble upon it.

This is a game built with passion, one that understands why rallying captivates enthusiasts around the world. And that’s something worth celebrating.