The Expeditions: A MudRunner Game preview is better than I expected

In my Expeditions: A MudRunner Game preview, I play the SnowRunner spin-off where frosty precipitation has been replaced by sand and rock crawling is king.

Before Mr and Mrs Santa Claus delivered presents to the world, I was asked if I wanted to play Expeditions: A MudRunner Game on PC via Steam. Naturally, I said yes given the fact it is from the same developer as SnowRunner and that SnowRunner is most popular on my YouTube channel.

So here we are, going live with my thoughts and insights into this SnowRunner spin-off. At least, based on a preview version with relatively few tasks available and the proviso that I had to use footage given to me and not record my own. Hence why you will see other YouTubers using the same gameplay.

Please note: This is the script from my YouTube video, click play above to watch or click here.

When is the release date?

A spot of housekeeping first. Expeditions: A MudRunner Game has a release date of the 5th of March 2024 on Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PS5 and PC. Bear in mind that what you see may not be finished, so stuff could well change as we head towards the launch. I shall keep you posted.

The controls

Our journey begins with a trusty tutorial. Because things are somewhat different to SnowRunner yet not so different you rarely feel lost. Although I did find all the different menus a bit clunky and confusing at times.

Gears are, for instance, now handled by holding RB on an Xbox controller as opposed to LB, while LB deals with accessing spare fuel and repairing specific parts. If this boggles the mind, there is an option to swap LB and RB within the control menu. You will, however, have to get used to the now absent function menu. Rest in piece, old friend.

What are the new locations?

In the preview, Little Colorado is the starter area with six expeditions. The last of which is free roam for finding all hidden stuff using either the drone, goggles or metal detector addon, where you can also complete tasks and contracts in SnowRunner style.

Arizona, which looks a little similar to Little Colorado, is the second area. It has 41 expeditions though only one was playable in the preview. Expect rocks, huge drops and glowing sunsets.

Lastly, we have the greener, leafier, woodier Carpathians, with another 41 expeditions though, again, only one was playable.

Most challenges involve going from one place to another, either scouting or picking up and delivering equipment. There was also a truck rescue operation, which sadly did not reward me with the Step 310E but it was enjoyable dragging it across a rocky and largely inhospitable map.

How does it work?

Unlike in SnowRunner, where progress is relatively non-linear, Expeditions: A MudRunner Game relies on working your way through tasks to unlock the next. Think of it as more mission based and structured.

A pre-payment is necessary to begin each expedition that it is not refunded if you fail. Meanwhile, some tasks also require specific team members and items to play. Meaning you have to invest even more money before you can even think about switching the engine on.

With side bonuses and rewards available for those who go the extra mile – not just physically – your final payout can be greater. Especially if you choose to continue after an expedition is complete and, pro tip, sell any acquired items at a base.

The new trucks

The Expeditions: A MudRunner Game preview also showcased three different truck categories. These are scout, off-road and heavy, with on-highway and special mentioned elsewhere. A mostly familiar roster, then, for SnowRunner truckers.

Familiar is also a good description for the trucks themselves. There is the Don 71, Loadstar 1700, TUZ 16 ‘Actaeon’, Cotco Canyon SR, AFIM S1960, ANK MK 38 Civilian, Collie 293M “Pug”, Khan 39 Marshall, Khan L04F, KRS 58 ‘Bandit’, Step 310E, Tatra 805, Tatra Force T815-7, TUZ 108 ‘Warthog’ and Yar 87.

The Don, Loady, TUZ 16 and Step 310E get slightly more expensive ‘SE’ versions, some of which have improved stats. Unfortunately, when I tried to purchase them the game says you need a DLC. More on that stuff later. Most trucks were also locked behind inaccessible expeditions, meaning no in-depth truck analysis just yet.

Staff members?

Then there are staff members to help you with each expedition. These are mechanics for improving vehicle performance, logisticians for supply and resource efficiency, hydrologists for making it easier to traverse water, jaegers for general terrain traversal, operators for drone abilities and improvements and, lastly, managers for making expeditions more profitable.

Just one specialist from each category can be hired for in-game money per expedition. Staff members with better or more useful bonuses can be unlocked by doing particular expeditions, further incentivising progression.

What else is new?

Not-so-new is the garage, which returns from SnowRunner in much the same form. Firstly, it provides vehicle storage and servicing, as well as upgrade fitment and other customisation. It is here you can also buy new vehicles.

Unlike SnowRunner, however, we have something called a base. Known as the FOB – not FAB from Thunderbirds – Expeditions: A MudRunner Game lets you add up to four structures to your base and two for an outpost.

Said building modules are pricey, at least in the preview, but, in the case of the ‘essentials storage’ option, they do significantly bolster the amount of fuel, repair points and spare tyres you have access to. Useful becase, based on the three maps in the preview, you will not roll into a gas/petrol station.

One thing I particularly like about Expeditions: A MudRunner Game is that when you add a rack it does not give you a preset amount of fuel and repair points. Instead, you get a certain number of slots that you can use as you see fit. Maximise fuel, sir? No problem. Want some repair points too? As you wish.

This extends beyond racks, making what would otherwise be mostly or totally aesthetic upgrades more useful. A more expensive bumper, for example, has an inventory slot on the Don 71. This plus more customisation options overall means you end up being more invested in each truck that you purchase.

There is also the ability to both push and pull the winch, allowing you to loosen the line if you need some wriggle room when manoeuvring but not fully let go and plummet back down a steep rocky ascent.

There really is a greater emphasis on driving, pre-planning and rock crawling. Especially as the new ability to lower your tyre pressure (to one of three levels) really can be the difference being totally stuck and escaping the mud or getting over steep rocks. Just remember to up the pressure when at speed or risk damage.

Is Expeditions: A MudRunner Game any good?

What do I think about Expeditions: A MudRunner Game so far? To be honest, the preview was not expansive enough to get particularly critical but it did leave me wanting more.

Yes, it made me miss big cargo deliveries and it is reminiscient of those no-longer-updated SnowRunner trials. There is, however, something fresh about the expedition-based approach and all the new equipment. Balancing between taking enough equipment to ensure success without killing your profit is rewarding.

I also love that the physics seems less unpredictable and that rock crawling is possible. Even trucks like the Don 71, a mostly weak offering in SnowRunner, can be an off-roading beast if you drive it well.

That does not just mean steering and not tipping over though both are essential. I mean that the ability to adjust your tyre pressures for added traction really can help you out of a jam while most gadgets are essential for route finding and survival.

A combination of those, the push-and-pull winch system and the generally slower pace really does make driving as satisfying as in SnowRunner but not in quite the same way. Despite that random damange is still a thing sometimes and I did get stuck on a bush.

With plenty of stuff to unlock, plenty of places to explore and plenty of new ways to tip over – all without a single snowflake in sight – maybe Expeditions: A MudRunner Game can co-exist alongside that increasingly likely SnowRunner Year 4 Pass after all. Though I do wish there was less overlap in terms of truck customisation and presentation.

Suffice to say, I went in worrying it would be a shallow cash grab. After nearly ten hours, however, I am now thinking we should not write it off just yet. At least, not until I can play the full game and give you the lowdown in due course. I still have some longevity and familiarity concerns, but so far the expeditions vibe is a likeable one.

How can I buy Expeditions: A MudRunner Game?

Expeditions: A MudRunner Game will be available in three versions. There is the standard game, which includes the base game and, if you pre-order, the ‘Great Don 71’ cosmetic item. Then we have the Year 1 Edition, which includes 96-hour-early access, the Year 1 Pass for extra, as-yet-announced content and the Cotco Canyon truck plus the standard game stuff.

Last and most expensive is the Supreme Edition, which includes everything I just listed plus the Pioneer Pack. This gives you alternative versions of four different trucks though specifics are unknown. I suspect this is what the aforementioned ‘SE’ is all about.

Supported consoles are the Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PS5 and PC via Steam and possibly Epic though this has not been confirmed. Pre-orders are open now – link in the description.

And on that note, I really hope this has given you a decent look at Expeditions: A MudRunner Game. I would love to know your thoughts in the comments or ask me questions. I can always include answers in the next video. Subscribe and like.