Definitive Real Racing 3 guide: How to get the best cars, smartest upgrades, and otherwise get on the top step of the podium!
Real Racing 3
by Firemonkeys and EA is one of the best racing games out there for
iOS. The fact it comes as a free download with in-app purchases
frustrates some – myself included – but it has at least opened up the
opportunity to play to many, many more. That aside, it's a fantastic
game, and if you're looking to get a little better, or learn some tricks
to mastering the in-app purchases, then look no further. Here's our
guide to getting the best from Real Racing 3.
1. Always have the best car you can
Seems an odd statement, but it's the best way to progress through the
game well. The game structure recently changed into a progress driven
career mode, so getting the best car possible at the right time is even
more crucial. Don't think about conserving credits – either pre-loaded
or something you've bought – go for the best you can afford. At the
beginning of the game you don't want to be thinking about upgrades, you
need to hit the track, and the initial choice of car won't matter too
much. I started out with the Ford Focus RS, which has proved to be
highly upgradeable and an excellent all-rounder as the game has
progressed. But as you progress now, you need to have certain
performance ratings on your car to enter certain races. So if you can
get something faster, then do.
2. Be smart with your upgrades
An increase in top speed isn't going to help on most tracks and
challenges. Engine upgrades tend to offer better results in top speed,
but less in terms of acceleration. In a lot of the races in RR3, lower
0-60 times will benefit much more than being able to go 195mph. The
start is crucial, and getting away from the line and up to racing speed
quicker will ultimately gain you more places in the early part of the
race, and being able to pull away from corners quicker than your
opponents will help you consolidate your position once you've passed
them. So, look to upgrading the drivetrain before the engine, get that
0-60 time down. Also look at combining this with reducing the weight of
your car.
3. Likewise, be smart with in-app purchases
It truly is possible to play RR3 without spending a penny, but you'll
spend more time waiting around for things to happen. If you should feel
you want to spend some money to help you out, be smart. Look at the
packages you can purchase that combine gold and R$, and also the
specific car related packages too. Don't blindly tap away to increase
just your R$ or your gold, strike a good balance. And, if you have the
currency available and a deal flashes up on a car such as 40% off, buy
it. If you're in a position to buy it, and to use it at your current
level of progression, then do it. I picked up a BMW Z4 GT3 for 40% below
it's regular in-game price, which otherwise I probably wouldn't have
done.
4. Know your circuits, and the different layouts of each
This comes with playing time, but as you become familiar with the
circuits make sure you take note as to which layout you're racing on.
This will affect your mindset, and possibly even your choice of car
going into a race. For example, all Cup races at Laguna Seca will see
you starting 22nd on the grid, which puts you the other side of the
final turn. So you're already at a disadvantage, with a slow corner to
negotiate before even hitting the start/finish straight. Here you'll
want to be in the absolute fastest car you have for the race. Likewise
at Silverstone, there are three different configurations, with two
different start lines. Both see you starting a cup race on a turn, but
the National layout sees you use a completely different part of the
circuit to the International layout, while the Grand Prix layout
combines both. Considering the track before the race is almost as
important to success as the car you choose.
5. Horsepower isn't everything in a drag race
It isn't everything, but naturally it is important. What's going to
win you drag races is timing. Since RR3 uses Time Shifted Multiplayer,
your opponent is a real person who went down that same strip. You time
your run to perfection and you stand a solid chance even if you're
lacking a few horses over them. The launch is key, but remember that the
delay between the red and green lights varies through rounds, so don't
get caught out and false start. Once you're off the line, glue your eyes
to the rev counter. Hit the sweet spot for each gear change just below
the red line, and you're on for a good run. The counter will stop or
bounce around just at the top of the red line depending on the car, but
hit the gear changes at the right spot and you won't be caught. Well,
not always, anyway.
6. Run wide (but not too wide), don't slide
Hitting the grass kills your momentum, a lot, but equally so does
sliding round corners. While it looks cool, it isn't going to help you
win your races one bit. If you go in a bit hot and you're not going to
make your turn in for the apex of the corner, let it run wide and use
all the track. It may cost you some lap time, but it's going to cost you
a lot less than if you overcook it and get the tail out. If you're too
late on the brakes, keep your turn in as smooth as you can, and you'll
come out better in the long run.
7. Use the bonuses to your advantage
The latest update brought some additional ways to earn extra R$.
Playing every day is one of those, so even if you don't feel like
playing, fire it up, claim the reward, then close it again. Also, as
hard as it is not to use brute force to knock your opponents out of the
way some times, do whatever it takes to avoid them and claim that clean
race cash. Also, stick at one particular series, and complete as much
of it as you can before moving on. The new career style progression
ladder will help, but hitting 25% complete in a series for example nets
you free currency. And currency is good.
8. Spam your Facebook friends
OK, that's not really what you need to do, but you can earn extra
gold by sharing your results with your friends on Facebook. You can also
share to Sina Weibo if you're in a supported region. But, for five free
gold, who cares what your friends think, right? Such a shame I don't
use Facebook...
9. Get all over those kerbs
When I completed my race license test here in the UK, I was told that
kerbs are generally bad, and that the fastest line around the track
isn't to drive all over them. That doesn't apply at all in Real Racing
3, in fact some of the quickest lines I've found involve getting plenty
of kerb into some of the turns. Take the image above, taken from the
Brand Hatch track. Follow this line through this turn and you can carry a
little extra speed, which ultimately works out as you hammer round the
final turn and off down the start finish straight. I've also found a lot
of the other cars generally stay away from them, so if you can keep
that line tight and use the kerbs, you can often sneak up the inside.
But only do this when you're confident you can get a good exit speed or
you'll get burned on the other side.
10. Your best tips and tricks?
So, that's a few of my own tips and tricks to getting the most out of
Real Racing 3, but I've only really scratched the surface. If you've
got any others, be sure to drop into the comments below. I know I'm
always trying to make my game better, as I'm sure a lot of you guys are!
heheh..
