Dirt 3 returns to the rally heart with a wild Ken Block flavoured Gymkhana. The snow and gravel feel are stunning, multiplayer is snappy, and replay editing brings a unique amateur director's high.
Your verdict
Category
Racing1 player3+
Description
Off-road game by Codemasters, August 2011. Rally and Gymkhana drivers race on circuits and arenas worldwide. Impressive Ken Block-inspired Gymkhana mode for drifts and acrobatic figures, cutting-edge graphics and Racenet community. Third Dirt bringing Gymkhana as the main innovation.
A Codemasters sequel widening rally to snow and spectacular gymkhana, a peak of the brand's off-road driving on the console. Widely distributed in the West, its appeal stays low and rests on this content generosity and polished production rather than scarcity. An affordable piece for fans of off-road racing and car stunts.
Is Dirt 3 still worth playing in 2026?
Released in 2011 on Xbox 360, Codemasters' Dirt 3 refines the rally formula with a welcome return toward pure rally events, in varied weather and settings, from Finnish snow to Kenya. The driving model, perfectly calibrated between demand and accessibility, stays a genre model. The Gymkhana mode, devoted to motorised acrobatics, brings a delightful playfulness. The presentation gains restraint over the predecessor. The driving pleasure on loose surfaces stays excellent. For fans of off road racing and accessible rally, this entry remains one of the series' peaks today.
