Racing a Skimmer across Mars
Vector 36 is a physics-based racer set on the terraformed surface of Mars. You pilot a Skimmer, a surface-skimming hover vehicle that you build and adjust yourself. Every component obeys the laws of physics: moving internal parts shifts the center of gravity, and changing the angle of a thruster changes how the vehicle flies. Races take place on various tracks across Mars, and the modes on offer are Sprint, Circuit, and Tournament. Winning earns credits, parts, or new Skimmers, which feed straight back into your next build.
Building and tuning your machine
Engineering matters as much as driving. You get total control over every component, choosing from a wide selection of parts, accessories, passive weapons, and support gear to suit the task at hand. A quick sprint at full boost asks for a different setup than an endurance race with hardened parts, and a hill climb rewards lift over thrust. Fine tuning is where races are won or lost, so expect to spend time adjusting rather than only driving. The game also grows over time, with new Skimmers, tracks, obstacles, support bots, parts, weapons, opponents, and game modes arriving as it develops.
Playing with friends and against the world
Online PvP lets you race other pilots through the tracks on Mars. Beyond direct competition, the ghost replay system lets you race your friends' recorded runs, and Global Leaderboards let you measure yourself against players worldwide. The goal is simple: push your machine until you are the fastest settler on Mars.
Before you start
The game is built around both piloting skill and engineering, and it carries a reputation for being difficult, so a first session is as much about learning how the Skimmer behaves as about winning. VR and HOTAS are supported but not required — Vector 36 plays seamlessly on a PC monitor without them. Expect a first-person perspective and a heavy emphasis on simulation and physics rather than arcade handling.