It is an open-world motorsports racing game that takes players on a nationwide adventure across a scaled-down version of the United States. Developed by Ivory Tower and published by Ubisoft, the game debuted in June 2018 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows.
This article explores every angle of the game, from its expansive design and gameplay modes to expert driving strategies and system requirements.
In this game, you’re not just confined to cars you can switch between planes, boats, bikes, and trucks at any moment. With a seamless vehicle transition system and a massive open world, it redefines freedom in racing games.
Whether you prefer off-road trails, aerial stunt flying, or high-speed street races, this game provides something for every kind of motorsport enthusiast.
Development and Release of The Crew 2
Ubisoft Ivory Tower built upon the foundation laid by the first installment of The Crew, with a strong emphasis on expanding gameplay diversity. Released on June 29, 2018, it was designed as a live service game with frequent content updates, seasonal events, and community challenges.
Ubisoft’s goal was to make a truly cross-country experience players can drive from coast to coast, taking in iconic landmarks from New York to San Francisco, all in one continuous journey. Since its launch, the game has received multiple free and premium updates, introducing new vehicles, gameplay disciplines, and graphical enhancements.
If you enjoyed Forza Horizon 4 for its open-world driving and freedom of movement, The Crew 2 delivers a similar experience with the added twist of air and sea vehicles.
Storyline and Setting of The Crew 2
This game takes places players in a fictionalized version of the United States, where they rise through the ranks of four different motorsports families: Street Racing, Off-Road, Freestyle, and Pro Racing. Each family introduces new vehicle types and challenges, letting you build your reputation across various disciplines.
Unlike story-heavy racers, this game focuses more on your progression as a motorsports legend rather than character-driven plots. You’ll earn followers through events, stunts, and races to unlock new tiers and vehicles. From the skyscrapers of Manhattan to the winding trails of the Rockies, every corner of the map offers unique terrain and racing opportunities.
Game Modes in The Crew 2
The game features a wide variety of modes to keep you engaged, no matter your preferred racing style:
- Solo Career: Advance through multiple racing families by participating in various events. Build your garage, gain followers, and unlock better vehicles.
- Online Multiplayer: Jump into live sessions with other players across the globe. Compete in events or just explore the map together in real time.
- Co-op Mode: Team up with friends to complete missions or challenges, sharing progress and rewards.
- Summit Events: These weekly PvE competitions let you race under specific rules or vehicle constraints for exclusive rewards.
- Live Battle (PvP): Engage in ranked competitive races that test your skills against other top drivers.
Gameplay Mechanics in The Crew 2
This game stands out with its “Fast Fav” system that allows players to instantly switch between land, air, and water vehicles during free exploration. This unique mechanic makes the world feel fluid and immersive.
- Vehicle Switching: Press a button and seamlessly change from a plane soaring above the clouds to a speedboat skimming across a river.
- Dynamic Weather and Day-Night Cycle: Environmental changes affect your visibility and traction, creating realistic challenges for every type of vehicle.
- Performance Tuning: Upgrade engines, brakes, tires, and even aerodynamics. You can equip performance parts earned from races to improve stats.
- Skill Events: Collectibles and mini-games like slalom courses, jumps, and escape events are scattered across the map, rewarding exploration.
For fans of arcade realism, similar to Need for Speed Unbound or Hot Pursuit, this game offers a broad variety of disciplines without sacrificing ease of play.
Beginner Tips and Tricks
If you’re just starting out, follow these beginner-friendly tips to make your early hours smoother:
- Prioritize Event Variety: Play events from all four racing families early on to unlock more types of vehicles and events.
- Use the Fast Travel System: Don’t waste time driving coast to coast unless you want to explore. Fast travel to events and friends to save time.
- Replay Races for Better Loot: Repeat races to farm higher-tier parts and upgrade your vehicles.
- Collect Followers Fast: Perform stunts, near misses, and drift chains to gain followers outside of races.
- Adjust Difficulty Settings: Make use of the game’s scalable difficulty. Easy mode helps build skills, while higher difficulties yield better rewards.
Few Important Features of The Crew 2
This game sets itself apart with a rich variety of features that deliver freedom, variety, and high-speed excitement across land, sea, and sky.
1) Open-World USA Map
The game features a massive, fully accessible map of the United States right from the beginning. Players can travel coast to coast, from Los Angeles to Miami, without interruption. Along the way, you’ll pass through diverse terrains like mountains, rivers, deserts, and urban skylines. Every road trip becomes a journey of discovery and scenery.
2) Multi-Vehicle Gameplay
A defining feature of the game is the ability to instantly switch between vehicles cars, planes, and boats. You can jump from racing on asphalt to flying through clouds or slicing through waves. This freedom adds an incredible layer of variety and fun. It ensures the gameplay never feels repetitive.
3) Weekly Live Events
The Summit Series brings fresh competitive challenges every week, giving players a reason to return regularly. Each event tests different skills and vehicle types, offering unique gameplay each time. Top performers earn exclusive rewards and bragging rights. This system keeps the community active and motivated.
4) Rich Customization Options
Beyond tuning performance, players can deeply personalize their vehicles’ visual identity. From vibrant wraps and detailed decals to custom rims and colored smoke trails, the styling possibilities are nearly endless. Even pilot outfits can be tailored to your liking. Personal expression is front and center in the garage.
5) Cross-Discipline Racing
Some events seamlessly blend different vehicle types, requiring you to race on land, then take off into the air or dive into water all in one race. This dynamic structure keeps you constantly engaged and challenged. The transitions are smooth and thrilling, delivering an unpredictable and exciting experience. It’s a true test of adaptability and skill.
Advanced Driving Techniques
To rise through the ranks faster, use these expert techniques:
- Perfect Launch: Time your acceleration at the countdown to get a better start off the line.
- Drafting: Stay behind opponents to reduce wind resistance and slingshot past them.
- Boost Conservation: Use nitro strategically. Save it for long straights or right after exiting corners for max efficiency.
- Air Control: While airborne in bikes or stunt planes, use the right stick to level out and control landing angles.
- Switch Routes: Don’t always follow the GPS path. Off-road routes and hidden shortcuts can shave seconds off your time.
Why The Crew 2 Stands Out
This is more than just a racing game it’s a sandbox of motion. Its core strength lies in the seamless freedom it offers across multiple motorsport types.
With one of the largest open-world maps ever built in a racing title, endless event types, and continual live service updates, it remains a top pick for players who crave versatility and scale.
Rather than being confined to tracks or disciplines, you have full autonomy to shape your journey. This all-in-one racing simulator sets a benchmark for what open-world motorsports games can offer.
System Requirements
To enjoy this on PC, ensure your system requirements:
- OS: Windows 10 (64-bit)
- Processor: Intel Core i5-3470 or AMD FX-6350
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 760 or AMD R9 270X
- Storage: 30 GB available space
From city streets to remote deserts, and from wild rivers to cloud-piercing skies, The Crew 2 redefines what it means to be a racing champion. With endless variety and deep customization, it invites you to build your legacy across America’s greatest racing arenas.
