DIRT 5: Year 1 Upgrade

The Year 1 Upgrade DLC for DIRT 5 was developed by Codemasters Cheshire and published by Codemasters. It was released in conjunction with the base game’s launch in November 2020, serving as a content expansion roadmap for the first year of the game’s lifecycle. Available across all major platforms including PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S, the DLC bundled together multiple post-launch content packs, offering players access to a wide array of new vehicles, career events, customization items, and more.

This upgrade included four major content drops: the Energy Content Pack, Uproar Content Pack, Super Size Content Pack, and the Wild Spirits Content Pack. Each pack introduced new cars, career mode events, liveries, sponsor options, and player customization items. The Year 1 Upgrade also granted access to the Amplified Edition bonuses, which featured exclusive cars and early access perks. These additions expanded the game’s replayability and gave players more variety in both single-player and multiplayer modes, reinforcing DIRT 5’s arcade-style racing appeal.

Promotion for the Year 1 Upgrade focused on its value as a comprehensive content bundle. Codemasters highlighted the DLC’s role in extending the game’s longevity, with trailers and blog posts detailing each upcoming content pack. Social media campaigns and platform storefronts emphasized the breadth of new vehicles and events, while showcasing the vibrant art style and energetic tone of the game. The developers also engaged with the community through updates and feedback channels, ensuring that the DLC aligned with player expectations and preferences.

Reception to the Year 1 Upgrade was generally positive, especially among players who enjoyed the base game’s accessible and high-octane racing experience. The new cars and career events were praised for adding variety and keeping the gameplay fresh. While some critics noted that the DLC leaned more toward cosmetic and incremental additions rather than transformative changes, the overall sentiment was that it delivered solid value for fans of the series. The Year 1 Upgrade helped maintain interest in DIRT 5 post-launch and demonstrated Codemasters’ commitment to supporting the game with regular content updates.