As another review said, good ideas poorly implemented.

A game about exploration, but which the developers did their best to limit exploration as much as possible. You can't go off and explore that thing in the distance which looks interesting, because you'll likely run out of fuel (vehicles in this game use a LOT of fuel). And -- unlike Snowrunner -- unless you plan ahead of time how much fuel you will need, you'll have no way to refuel your trucks. Planning ahead can be sort of difficult, since the very definition of exploration is going out on the unknown to find out cool things.

There's no option to mount a "rescue expedition" like you could in Snowrunner, because in this game, once you leave a map, all of your progress is reset -- your mission goals, your trucks, your hooks, etc. The only persistent things are the paid bases upgrades.

This, ironically, makes this exploration game less about exploration than its predecessor. If you really want to scratch that exploration itch, I'd still recommend Snowrunner and its DLCs.

Expeditions: A MudRunner Game builds on the rugged foundation of its predecessors by blending off-road simulation with a more structured and goal-oriented approach. At its core, it remains a game about navigating extreme terrain with heavy vehicles, but it adds a layer of purpose beyond just reaching a destination. From the moment you enter the dusty canyons of Arizona or the dense forests of the Carpathians, the game immerses you in visually dynamic environments. The way the ground reacts to your tires, the shifting mud, and the weather effects all contribute to a feeling of realism that makes each route feel like a genuine challenge. The terrain isn't just a backdrop—it's the main obstacle, and overcoming it offers a distinct kind of satisfaction.

What sets this game apart from previous entries is its shift in focus. Expeditions isn’t just about hauling cargo—it’s about discovery. Each mission has a scientific purpose, whether it’s setting up weather stations, using metal detectors to find hidden artifacts, or deploying drones to scout ahead. These additions give a sense of narrative and progression that’s been missing from earlier titles. The gadgets and tools provided aren’t just gimmicks—they actively change how you approach each challenge. Anchors let you secure your winch in difficult spots, drones reveal alternate paths, and the echo sounder helps when you’re navigating shallow waters or unstable ice. Planning becomes just as important as execution, and success often depends on how well you adapt your loadout and vehicle choice to the mission at hand.

Between expeditions, players manage a base camp that serves as both a logistical hub and a strategic layer. Here you can repair vehicles, manage resources, and hire specialists who provide passive bonuses or unlock new capabilities. Choosing the right upgrades and vehicle modifications becomes a mini-game of its own—do you prioritize fuel efficiency, cargo space, or raw engine power? This layer of management adds depth without overwhelming the core experience. The outposts you establish mid-expedition are especially valuable, offering resupply and repair opportunities during longer missions, and make you feel like you’re truly laying the groundwork for future success in hostile terrain.

However, the game is not without its shortcomings. While the environments are beautiful and the gameplay systems thoughtfully designed, technical issues frequently break immersion. Players have reported bugs ranging from graphical hiccups and texture pop-ins to strange physics interactions, such as vehicles bouncing unnaturally or winch anchors behaving unpredictably. On PC, performance tends to be more stable, but even there, minor glitches and UI frustrations persist. The map interface, for instance, can be clunky to navigate, and not all tools are clearly labeled or explained. These issues don’t ruin the experience, but they do add an extra layer of friction to a game that’s already slow-paced by design.

Mission design walks a fine line between challenge and repetition. While the varied objectives give structure to your journey, many missions feel similar after a few hours. You’re often tracing predetermined routes rather than finding your own way through the wilderness, which can limit the sense of exploration. Some missions rely on precise triggers to advance, breaking up the flow and forcing retries for minor missteps. The lack of creative freedom in traversal may frustrate players who enjoyed the open-ended problem-solving of previous games like SnowRunner.

Perhaps the biggest disappointment for returning fans is the lack of co-op play at launch, especially on consoles. While it’s since been added for PC players, the omission of multiplayer from the console version at release felt like a step backward. Much of the fun in past MudRunner games came from sharing the struggle with friends, coordinating recovery efforts, or just exploring together. Without that option, the game feels more isolated and methodical, which may not appeal to everyone.

Despite its flaws, Expeditions: A MudRunner Game succeeds in pushing the franchise forward. It retains the tactile satisfaction of overcoming terrain while introducing meaningful new systems that reward planning and adaptability. For players who enjoy methodical gameplay, vehicle tinkering, and solving logistical puzzles, it offers a fresh take on the off-road sim formula. It's not as immediately accessible or freeform as SnowRunner, and its rough edges may deter some, but for those willing to invest time and patience, it delivers a rewarding, deeply atmospheric journey into the wild.

Rating: 7/10

Fun game to start off if you are a mudrunner series newbie.