It feels like it has been a long time coming, but Le Mans Ultimate finally gets its official 1.0 release marking the end of the early access phase. But what does that mean for the game and its fans?
Apart from a few hotfixes regarding network types restricting player access to the game as well as some smaller custom livery related issues, LMU is bringing two new cars across two classes and a number of livery introductions.
Firstly, we get to see the very exciting addition of the Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR LMH. While it’s only spent a short period of time in the WEC, the car already has a cult following and it will be great to hear the V12 engine screaming around much loved tracks such as Spa or Sao Paulo.
LMU has also released the Mercedes AMG LMGT3. The long awaited return of Mercedes into the sport had WEC fans excited, so being able to jump into the car in the game should send them wild. Both cars have been added into the base game, meaning no need to purchase DLC if you want to drive them.
For owners of the 2024 pack 3 DLC, another surprise, as they will now have access to the BMW M4 EVO LMGT3. The LMU team has added new livery choices representative of the 2025 BMW livery, notably ‘The Bend’ sponsored car.
For tire modelling, the team has made slight adjustments. For instance, the thermals of the tires have been altered (for the better) to increase the performance range as well as the smoothing into the drop off of performance as you race. These changes come off of the back of the July update that saw a heavy shift in the model.
As Motorsport Games CEO Stephen Hood mentioned, “Although we feel like [the previous update] was a step in the right direction in reducing over-reliance on slip angle for speed, we appreciate the cliff-edge of grip felt a bit steep.
In terms of liveries, we see more color being brought onto the grid with some more up to date team decals as well as race positions on the side of the cars where appropriate. LMP2 liveries are still being worked on at this point in time and we should see more of those around the time of the ELMS series being rolled into the game.
V1.0 also brings a number of quality of life changes to the game; the race weekend season select has been updated to include the 2025 calendar, car setup has been massively condensed to make all elements of the car easily accessible. Previously, you would have to scroll through multiple pages to alter small car details, V1.0 will make this a much easier process.
V1.0 also has brought a WEC bundle for those who want full access to all of the content that has been released so far. This will also give you access to a discounted 2024 pack.
We’ve also been given a teaser into what’s to come over the following updates. The development team is working hard on bringing the Euro Le Man series into the game, as well as a Silverstone track release (hopefully soon).
Those of you that have the chance to go watch ELMS at Silverstone will also have access to play a special build of LMU with the track in the game.
