| Developer | Publisher | Platforms |
|---|---|---|
| Saber Interactive | Focus Entertainment | Microsoft Windows-Xbox Series X/S-PlayStation 5 |
RoadCraft, developed by Saber Interactive and published by Focus Entertainment, marks a significant evolution in the vehicular simulation genre. Released in May 2025, this title diverges from the familiar terrain of its predecessor SnowRunner and reimagines the off-road experience through the lens of reconstruction rather than survival. Rather than conquering uncharted landscapes for the sake of transportation logistics, players in RoadCraft are tasked with rebuilding the world—one damaged road, collapsed bridge and ruined landscape at a time.
A Thoughtful Shift
The premise is rooted in disaster recovery. Players step into the role of a contractor leading a specialized firm that responds to infrastructure crises. The objective is not to deliver goods to distant outposts but to restore functionality to devastated regions across a series of diverse global maps. These environments—ranging from flood-stricken solar farms to earthquake-damaged valleys—are rendered in intricate detail and present a series of physics-based challenges that require precision, planning, and strategic use of heavy equipment.
At the heart of RoadCraft is a compelling gameplay loop that revolves around operating a wide range of industrial machinery. From cranes and bulldozers to dump trucks and asphalt pavers, the player’s toolkit is extensive. More than forty unique vehicles are available at launch, each designed with distinct mechanical roles and handling characteristics. While the control systems have been simplified compared to SnowRunner—with features like manual gear shifting and complex damage modeling noticeably absent—this streamlining has clear intent. The game sacrifices simulation purity in favor of broader accessibility, opening the door for players who prefer thoughtful planning and execution over high-stakes vehicular survival.
RoadCraft Strategic Automation
One of the most notable innovations in RoadCraft is its supply-chain automation system. Unlike typical driving simulators that rely heavily on manual completion of every task, this title introduces a method of creating AI-controlled delivery convoys. These automated routes allow players to build efficient logistics systems where vehicles follow designated paths to transport materials, dispose of debris, and assist in infrastructure repair.
The system is ambitious and adds a layer of strategic management that elevates RoadCraft beyond its peers. However, it is not without flaws. AI pathfinding is inconsistent, and players frequently encounter scenarios where autonomous vehicles collide with obstacles or fail to follow their assigned routines, necessitating manual intervention. Still, the inclusion of this feature signals a forward-thinking approach to genre design.
The maps in RoadCraft are expansive but not overwhelming. Each of the locations spans approximately four square kilometers, offering enough terrain to challenge the player without sacrificing a sense of direction or purpose. The environments are reactive and grounded in realistic physics, with surfaces like sand, mud, and rubble behaving in a convincing manner. Road surfaces require proper leveling, and improper groundwork results in machinery struggling to perform tasks. These systems are powered by an upgraded physics engine that emphasizes material behavior and terrain deformation. As a result, every action in the game—from placing bridge pylons to laying asphalt—feels weighty and consequential.
Balancing Accessibility and Challenge
Despite those technical strengths, RoadCraft has its limitations. The game omits key survival mechanics found in Saber Interactive’s previous works. There is no fuel management, no visible vehicle damage, and no risk of catastrophic failure. For some, this omission reduces tension and urgency, turning what could have been a test of skill and endurance into a more relaxed, meditative experience. While this direction may be ideal for players seeking a calming and methodical gameplay loop, it may not resonate with those who expect high stakes and punishing consequences from their simulators.
Visually, RoadCraft is a triumph. The environments are richly detailed, and the machinery animations are fluid and believable. Weather effects and lighting contribute to a grounded atmosphere that enhances immersion. The visual clarity is matched by mostly stable technical performance, with only minor bugs such as vehicles clipping into terrain or occasional graphical glitches during terrain manipulation. These issues are relatively minor in the grand scheme and do not significantly detract from the overall experience.
RoadCraft Multiplayer Features
The multiplayer component adds additional depth, allowing up to four players to collaborate on complex projects. Working together to rebuild bridges or coordinate vehicle convoys can transform the experience from a solitary construction effort into a communal venture. However, the multiplayer system isn’t flawless. Resource sharing and synchronization sometimes lead to inconsistent gameplay moments, particularly when players attempt to automate tasks simultaneously or depend on shared materials. Even so, the cooperative mode reinforces the game’s central theme: rebuilding the world is easier, and more rewarding when done together.
In summary, RoadCraft represents a well-executed shift in design philosophy for Saber Interactive. Rather than build on the tension and risk of SnowRunner, it chooses to emphasize thoughtful planning, environmental restoration, and logistical problem-solving. Its simplified simulation mechanics, combined with detailed environments and expansive vehicle options, make it accessible to a broader audience without completely abandoning its roots in vehicular realism. While it may not satisfy purists looking for a high-fidelity simulation, it excels in delivering a novel, engaging experience that highlights the satisfaction of rebuilding rather than merely surviving. For those who enjoy construction, coordination, and calm, RoadCraft carves out a welcome niche in the modern simulation landscape.
The review code was provided by the publisher
| GAMEPLAY | ART | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| 90% | 85% | 90% |