"Impressive that this game is free": Racing sandbox climbs Steam charts

CPM stands for Car Parking Multiplayer. But the name is misleading: CPM 2 is a car sandbox where there's much more to do than simply maneuver vehicles neatly into parking spaces. Like its predecessor, which originally launched as a mobile game for Android and iOS in 2017 before eventually being ported to the Nintendo Switch, the game features an open automotive world where racing, vehicle tuning and cruising with other players are all part of the experience. The sequel entered Early Access on October 8, 2026, and has been very well received by players so far. Alongside a top-five position on Steam's “Trending Free” chart, the title from OGames has already attracted around 200 reviews, with a solid 88% positive rating.

Reading through the reviews so far, one thing becomes clear: What players particularly appreciate about CPM 2 is that it's free to play. “Impressive that this game is free,” writes one player, for example. For a free-to-play title, CPM 2 seems to offer a surprising amount of content – and it doesn't look bad either. It's also expected to remain free permanently. As developer OGames has confirmed on Steam, there are no plans to introduce a purchase price after Early Access, which is expected to last around one to two years.

However, being free to play isn't the only thing players like about CPM 2. The extensive tuning options have received particular praise. Players can not only customize their vehicles' appearance but also make substantial mechanical modifications under the hood – such as swapping engines, installing turbochargers or adjusting the suspension. The detailed vehicle models, varied game world and ability to cruise with friends or show off custom builds at car meets have also been well received. Some players also point out that CPM 2 runs surprisingly smoothly even on older PCs. However, Steam Deck compatibility is still unknown.

One downside: The handling still seems to need some work. Some players describe the driving physics as floaty and not particularly realistic. Steering wheel support also doesn't always seem to work as intended. In addition, some players report bugs, occasional FPS drops and disappearing vehicle designs. Monetization has also drawn criticism at times, as particularly desirable vehicles cost large amounts of in-game currency, which can also be purchased with real money. Overall, though, CPM 2 already seems to be getting a lot right, making its free Early Access version worth checking out for racing fans.