The desert is not exactly uncharted territory for BeamNG.drive, but the latest update to the vehicle simulator takes things to the next level: Partnering with the Gambler 500, the sim adds no less than eight cars in the spirit of the event as well as new missions for players to enjoy in v0.29.
Image credit: BeamNG
The Gambler 500 and BeamNG.drive feel like a match made in heaven: The event is a low-budget point-to-point race with an emphasis on wacky car modifications and, most of all, fun. Taking place in Redmond, Oregon from July 14th to 16th.
The '500' in the event name refers to the maximum of roughly $500 competitors should spend on their cars, although spending over that is allowed for paint, stickers, and other modifications that do not make vehicles faster or more reliable to "make sure that everyone was in sh*tboxes", states the event's official website in
a post explaining Gambler Cars.
Good, Clean(ing) Fun
Along the way, competitors not only race, but are also "encouraged to leave the wilderness in better shape than when they found it by picking up trash along the route", as
the official BeamNG.drive update post explains. That means that not only is the event a low-budget, fun-focused race, but also includes a commitment to a good cause. The organization has hosted other events with this in mind before, like the 2021 Moab Trash Grab Easter Joop Safari in Utah.
For BeamNG.drive, this means the addition of eight Gambler-ized versions of the sim's car models, such as the aptly-named Poogeon (based on an Ibishu Pigeon), The Incapable or The Unstable (both based on the Ibishu Covet). You can find the full list of Gambler Cars and their descriptions below.
BeamNG.drive - Gambler 500 Vehicles in v0.29
- Ibishu Pigeon - Poogeon
Who doesn't love a wilderness adventure with friends - fresh air, sizzling steaks, and refreshing drinks? Alas, when nature calls in a facility-deprived landscape, problems may soon arise... After ending up in a such predicament, the author of this creation has firmly pledged to never let it repeat! With a rear axle from a truck, a powerful welded bed and a technologically advanced snorkel, this little companion is able to get to any mission-critical location.
- Civetta Bolide - Iron Owl
Once burnt to a crisp, this Bolide was taken apart and reconstructed into a 6-wheel engineering marvel. Fitted with a drivetrain from the Bruckell LeGran Campagne, it channels that power to the four rear wheels for a truly unique driving experience.
- Autobello Piccolina - La Brutta Anatra
This "ugly duckling" with an Italian flair owes its existence to an antique dealer's resourcefulness and ingenuity. This unorthodox blend of salvaged Piccolina parts, a charming Italian bathtub, and agricultural rear wheels is mounted atop an extended suspension from a classic dragster. Talk about Italian practicality! Now, you can haul vast amounts of garbage and enjoy a bath with rubber ducks after a hard day's work!
- Ibishu Covet - The Unstable
This daring abomination's story began with a rear-ended Covet that lay rotting in a farmer's front yard next to a broken tractor. Of course, the only reasonable next step would be to merge the two. The Unstable's drivetrain incorporates an assortment of PTO shafts and 90 angle gearboxes from some old mowers, and a 1.8 engine from a retired Pessima to give it a slight chance of climbing at least something.
- Ibishu Covet - The Incapable
Constructed by a friend of the abovementioned farmer, this truck is designed to accompany the half-tractor on its Gambler adventures. Lacking a spare tractor, the creator of The Incapable opted to simply weld the back of a trailer to the Covet shell instead.
- Gavril Grand Marshal - Grand Scavenger
When confronted with a pile of rusted pipes, beams, and chains, what's a gearhead to do? Surely, install all of it on a Gavril and let it gracefully rust together with the car. Enhanced with thick metal bumpers and a perfectly engineered snorkel, it's capable of tackling the toughest challenges.
- Soliad Wendover - Croco
Surrounded by rumbling vehicles and debris, sometimes it's so refreshing to see something green, alive... with a pair of eyes, a tail and a huge jaw! Its teeth may made of rubber bands, but it's no laughing matter when it bites.
- Soliad Lansdale - Landslide
When its engine blew, this van's owners got big dreams of transforming it into a high-roof off-road camper. While the vision was exciting, it's proven to be expensive. What was not expensive, however, is cutting the roof out, adding an upside-down boat for extra headroom, and installing big tires. With its modifications completed, this little camper can go pretty much anywhere now.
Keen observers may spot a brand-new model on this list, as the Soliad Lansdale makes its debut in the sim as part of the update. The van comes in multiple configurations other than its Gambler 500 guise, like an off-road and even a tuning version.
Best of all: The update is free for all BeamNG.drive owners, so if you always wanted to drive a VW Beetle-like car with a bathtub in place of the boot in the front through the desert, now is your chance. A total of 25 new missions on across multiple maps have been added to enhance the fun, and they even include picking up trash along the way - just like the real Gambler 500.
Your Thoughts
What is your favorite wacky vehicle added in the update? Are you going to give the Gambler 500 missions a try? Let us know in the comments below! And remember: If you have not gotten BeamNG.drive yet, it is currently available at a 20% discount in the
Steam Summer Sale!
