What Is Rebels of the Solar Speedway? A Hot Wheels–Inspired Turn-Based Combat Racer Roguelike
Rebels of the Solar Speedway is a turn-based combat racer roguelike set in space, heavily inspired by the chaotic energy of Hot Wheels tracks. Developed by Spain-based studio RetroReactor, this PC title launches via Steam in 2027. A closed beta kicks off in the coming weeks, and interested players can sign up through the official Discord server. Here is everything we know so far, including confirmed features, stock market manipulation mechanics, and a story about fighting oppressive MegaCorps.
Quick Facts: What You Need to Know
– Release window: 2027 on PC via Steam
– Closed beta: Starts within weeks; join the Discord to participate
– Genre: Combat racing, turn-based, roguelite
– Key systems: Turn-based combat, team management, stock market manipulation
– Number of weapons: 30+ unique weapons; 90+ weapon modules
– Player teams: 10+ unlockable; 30+ enemy teams
– Tracks: 18+ split into 3 cups with random events
– Developer: RetroReactor (Spain, founded by Danilo Barbosa in 2015)
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A Galaxy Under Oppression
Humanity conquered the solar system but lost its soul. Earth now suffocates under the Church of the Holy Circuit—a techno-religious regime that rules through fear and mass surveillance. Out in the galaxy, three ruthless MegaCorps—Ares Defense, Helios Genera, and Ceres Sustenance—force billions into brutal labor during a second industrial age.
For years, the Outer Rim Independence Collective fought a quiet war. But shadows alone cannot spark a revolution. To free humanity, the fight had to step into the light. That light is the Solar Speedway, a bloody, high-stakes battle race secretly sponsored by the MegaCorps to distract the population. Players will defeat corporate champions, bankrupt their masters, and ignite a galaxy-wide uprising.
Turn-Based Racing: Think Two Steps Ahead
We tested the core loop in a pre-alpha build, and it feels fresh. This is turn-based combat racing, not a real-time arcade racer. Each race splits into two phases:
Action Phase: You plot your moves using various car systems. Moving isn't just about speed—it's about positioning. You must dodge enemy attacks while lining up shots with your weapons. Each weapon has different range, strength, and ripple effects.
Resolution Phase: Attacks resolve from last place to first place. That means the player in last gets the final say on who takes damage. This creates a tactical puzzle: do you charge ahead or hang back to control the fight?
Based on our experience, this system rewards slow thinking over fast reflexes. It feels closer to a chess match than a typical racer.
Deep Team and Car Management
Between races, you manage your resources like a real racing team. Repair cars, reload ammo, and move systems around. You can equip 30+ unique weapons and install 90+ weapon modules. Modules don't just tweak stats—they can completely change how a weapon works.
Your team structure matters too. There are 10+ unlockable player teams, each with different starting cars and abilities. You'll face 30+ enemy teams, each with its own AI and strategies. The roguelike structure means that the more you play, the more you unlock—new cars, weapons, enemy teams, and even brand-new player teams that change how each run begins.
Weaponize the Economy: Stock Market Manipulation
Here is a wild twist: the MegaCorps and the Cyber Church have invested heavily in the Solar Speedway. Everything that happens in a race affects their stock prices. Kill a champion from Ares Defense? Their stock drops. Use a weapon from Helios Genera? Their stock rises.
But here is the catch—those stocks are also your currency. Every item you buy changes in value based on stock evaluation. You could bankrupt an enemy corporation by targeting their champions, but you might also fuel a rival. It's a double-edged sword that forces you to think beyond the track.
Play a Double Game—Or Get Blown Up
The MegaCorps don't just attack you on the track. They will try to recruit you into their dirty politics. You can play along, taking advantage of their offers. But don't overdo it. The Outer Rim Independence Collective will turn on you if you appear too cozy with the enemy. As the game warns: they put you in the game, and they can blow you up.
This political layer adds a fresh tension to every decision. Do you take a bribe from a MegaCorp to get better parts? Or stay loyal to the revolution and risk being under-equipped?
Roguelike Runs: Replayability Through Unlocks
The game is structured as a roguelike. Each run is different. When you die, you start over—but you keep unlocks. These include:
– 15+ different cars with varied stats and systems
– 30+ unique weapons
– 90+ weapon modules that alter how weapons work
– 18+ tracks split into 3 cups, each with random events
– A Galaxy Map that lets you travel from Earth to the Solar Speedway
The more you play, the more options you have. New enemy teams appear, new player teams unlock, and the track pool grows. This keeps each run feeling fresh.
Visual Style: Hot Wheels Meets Sci-Fi
From the trailer, the game looks like a Hot Wheels track stretched across the solar system. Cars are colorful, exaggerated, and packed with weapons. The tracks loop, twist, and hover in zero-gravity sections. Think F-Zero meets Into the Breach with a dash of Wipeout.
How to Get Involved
The closed beta starts in the coming weeks. To get access, join the official Discord server. The game is currently on Steam for wishlisting. No price has been announced yet, but expect a standard indie title range—likely $19.99 to $29.99 based on similar titles.
Rebels of the Solar Speedway vs. Competitors
How does it compare to other combat racers? Here is a quick breakdown:
– Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Real-time, family-friendly, no roguelike elements
– F-Zero GX – Real-time, high-speed, no turn-based combat
– Road Redemption – Real-time, brutal, no roguelike structure
– Rebels of the Solar Speedway – Turn-based, roguelike, stock market manipulation
No other combat racer combines turn-based strategy with a living economy system. That makes it a unique pitch for fans of both racing and tactical games.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When does Rebels of the Solar Speedway release?
The game launches in 2027 on PC via Steam. A closed beta begins in the coming weeks.
What platforms will Rebels of the Solar Speedway be on?
Only Steam (PC) has been confirmed. No console versions have been announced yet.
How does the turn-based combat work in a racing game?
Races split into an Action Phase where you plan moves and attacks, and a Resolution Phase where attacks resolve from last place to first place. This creates strategic depth similar to chess.
Can I manipulate the stock market in the game?
Yes. Killing corporate champions or using their weapons affects stock prices. Since stocks are your currency, this creates a dynamic economy that changes with every race.
How many weapons and cars are available?
The game includes 30+ unique weapons, 90+ weapon modules, 15+ cars, and 10+ player teams. Enemy teams number 30+.
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