{{Short description|2017 video game}} {{Use mdy dates|date=October 2020}} {{Infobox video game | title = Car Mechanic Simulator 2018 | image = Car Mechanic Simulator 2018 Box Art Logo.webp | alt = | caption = | developer = Red Dot Games | publisher = PlayWay S.A. | series = ''Car Mechanic Simulator'' | engine = [[Unity (game engine)|Unity]] | platforms = {{Unbulleted list | [[Microsoft Windows]] | [[Xbox One]] | [[PlayStation 4]] | [[Nintendo Switch]] | [[iOS]] | [[Android (operating system)|Android]] }} | released = {{Collapsible list|title={{nobold|July 28, 2017}}|'''Microsoft Windows'''{{Video game release|WW|July 28, 2017}}'''iOS''', '''Android'''{{Video game release|WW|June 22, 2018}}'''Nintendo Switch'''{{Video game release|WW|February 15, 2019}}'''PlayStation 4''', '''Xbox One'''{{Video game release|WW|June 25, 2019}}}} | genre = [[Vehicle simulation game|Vehicle simulation]] | modes = [[Single-player]] }}

'''''Car Mechanic Simulator 2018''''' is a [[simulation video game]] developed by Polish studio Red Dot Games depicting the work of an [[automotive mechanic]]. It was released on July 28, 2017, for [[Microsoft Windows]]; in 2019 on February 15 for [[Nintendo Switch]] and June 25 for [[PlayStation 4]] and [[Xbox One]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/car-mechanic-simulator-switch/#game-info|title=Car Mechanic Simulator|website=Nintendo|access-date=July 17, 2019|archive-date=June 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614151912/https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/car-mechanic-simulator-switch/#game-info|url-status=dead}}</ref> A simplified version for mobile platforms was released in June 2018. It is the third game in the ''Car Mechanic Simulator'' series and was followed up by ''Car Mechanic Simulator 2021'' in August 2021.

==Gameplay== The game is played from a [[first-person (video games)|first-person]] perspective, with the player able to walk freely around the [[auto shop|shop]], showrooms and barns where damaged cars can be purchased to be repaired and/or resold. The player has access to a wide variety of tools, most of which are unlocked by completing jobs and earning experience. Over the course of the game, the player expands their workshop, allowing them to complete increasingly complex repair work as well as the restoration of classic cars.

Gameplay involves examining the various components of the vehicles engine, suspension and chassis, identifying damaged components and replacing them. This can be done by purchasing a replacement component or, at higher levels, repairing the existing one. Engines are rendered in a great deal of detail, requiring the player to remove parts in a realistic manner in order to access the relevant component. In order to complete the required task, the player must use realistic hardware like a tire balancer, spring puller, [[Auto detailing|detailing]] kit and engine mount.

Further sections of the workroom become unlocked over the course of the game. These include a test track which can identify issues with a car's brakes and suspension and a paintshop which is used to paint and customize the car's body.

==Reception== {{Video game reviews | MC = NS: 41/100<ref name="MCNS">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/car-mechanic-simulator/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch |title=Car Mechanic Simulator for Switch Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=June 16, 2022}}</ref><br>XONE: 75/100<ref name="MCXONE">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/car-mechanic-simulator/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-one |title=Car Mechanic Simulator for Xbox One Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=June 16, 2022 |archive-date=February 7, 2026 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20260207210826/https://www.metacritic.com/game/car-mechanic-simulator/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-one |url-status=live }}</ref> }}

The Switch version of ''Car Mechanic Simulator'' received "generally unfavorable reviews" and the Xbox One received "generally favorable reviews" on [[Metacritic]].<ref name="MCNS" /><ref name="MCXONE" />

''[[Rock Paper Shotgun]]'' called the game "singularly captivating and cathartic" while criticising a large number of bugs present in the initial release, as well as a number of the design decisions.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/08/02/car-mechanic-simulator-2018-review-in-progress/|title=Car Mechanic Sim 18: a truly lovely game that you must avoid for now|website=Rock Paper Shotgun|date=August 2, 2017|access-date=July 17, 2019|last=Meer|first=Alec}}</ref> A follow-up review after patching was complete indicated that the technical issues had been resolved.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/08/16/car-mechanic-simulator-2018-patch-review/|title=Car Mechanic Simulator 2018 passes its MOT|website=Rock Paper Shotgun|date=August 16, 2017|access-date=July 17, 2019|last=Meer|first=Alec|archive-date=July 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717005541/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/08/16/car-mechanic-simulator-2018-patch-review/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[Nintendo Switch]] version of the game was heavily criticised by ''Nintendo Enthusiast'', who criticised it for being a port of the mobile release, calling it "a really sad attempt at making a quick buck off of unsuspecting buyers".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendoenthusiast.com/car-mechanic-simulator-switch-review/|title=Car Mechanic Simulator review for Nintendo Switch: Leave it in the scrapyard|website=Nintendo Enthusiast|date=February 28, 2019|access-date=July 17, 2019|archive-date=June 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210618123200/https://www.nintendoenthusiast.com/car-mechanic-simulator-switch-review/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Downloadable content== A variety of [[downloadable content]] is available for ''Car Mechanic Simulator 2018''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Steam DLC Page: Car Mechanic Simulator 2018 |url=https://store.steampowered.com/dlc/645630/Car_Mechanic_Simulator_2018/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-12-30 |website=Steam store page |language=en |archive-date=November 2, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251102154951/https://store.steampowered.com/dlc/645630/Car_Mechanic_Simulator_2018/ }}</ref>, the majority of which expands the range of cars available. Unlike the cars in the base game, which are fictional analogues for real cars, DLC cars are officially licensed replicas. These cars are integrated into the existing game, marked with a "DLC" banner in their description.

In addition to the cars, on October 30, a free ''Tuning'' DLC was released. This expands the number of cosmetic upgrades and high performance parts that can be used to improve the vehicles the player builds. The player can also unlock a ''Dyno'' that can be used to check how much the vehicle has improved compared to its previous state.

{| class="wikitable" style="width: 100%;" |- ! style="width: 15%;height:50px;" |Name ! style="width: 15%;" |Release date !Cars Included |- |'''Mazda''' |July 28, 2017 |[[Mazda RX-7#Third generation (FD3S)|Mazda RX-7 (FD3S)]] and [[Mazda Grand Familia#Series II & III S102A & 124A (1973–1978)|1978 Mazda Savanna RX-3]] |- |'''Dodge''' |July 28, 2017 |[[Dodge Charger (B-body)#Second generation|1968 Dodge Charger]] and [[Dodge Challenger#First generation (1970–1974)|1970 Dodge Challenger R/T]]. |- |'''Jeep''' |October 20, 2017 |[[Jeep Grand Cherokee#Fourth generation (WK2; 2011)|Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT]], [[Willys MB|Jeep Willys Military]], [[Willys MB|Jeep Willys Civilian]], [[Jeep Wrangler (JK)|Jeep Wrangler]]. This DLC also unlocks the [[off-roading]] track. |- |'''Plymouth''' |December 11, 2017 |[[Plymouth Road Runner#First generation (1968 to 1970)|1970 Plymouth Roadrunner]], [[Plymouth Barracuda#Third generation (1970–1974)|1971 Plymouth HEMI Cuda]]. This DLC also unlocks the [[Dragstrip|drag strip]]. |- |'''Bentley''' |January 29, 2018 |[[Bentley Continental GT#Second generation (2011–2018)|2016 Bentley Continental GT Speed]], [[Bentley T-series|1970 Bentley T-Series T1 Four Door Saloon]] |- |'''Lotus''' |March 5, 2018 |[[Lotus Esprit#S1 (1976)|Lotus Esprit S1]], [[Lotus Elise#Series 1|Lotus Elise S1]] |- |'''Pagani''' |April 2, 2018 |[[Pagani Zonda R#Zonda Revolución|Pagani Zonda Revolucion]], [[Pagani Huayra]] |- |'''Ford''' |June 4, 2018 |[[Ford Mustang Mach 1#First generation Mustang Facelift (1971–1973)|1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1]], [[Ford Super Duty#Fourth generation (2017–2022)|2017 Ford F-350 Super Duty]], [[Ford Mustang#Sixth generation (2015–2023)|2017 Ford Mustang]], [[Ford GT40|1964 Ford GT40]] |- |'''Porsche''' |October 8, 2018 |[[Porsche 964#Turbo|1993 Porsche 911 Turbo S (964) 3.6]], [[Porsche 964#Carrera RS variants|1993 Porsche 911 RS America (964) 3.6]], [[Porsche 991#Second phase (2016–2019) (991.2)|2016 Porsche 911 Carrera S (991.2)]], [[Porsche Carrera GT|2003 Porsche Carrera GT]] |- |'''Dodge Modern''' |December 20, 2018 |[[Dodge Challenger#SRT Hellcat|2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat]] and [[Dodge Viper (VX I)|2015 Dodge SRT Viper GTS]] |- |'''Maserati Remastered''' |March 2, 2019 |[[Maserati GranTurismo#GranTurismo MC Stradale (2011–2015)|Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale]], [[Maserati Sebring]] and [[Maserati Quattroporte#Quattroporte VI (M156, 2013–present)|Maserati Quattroporte]] |- |'''RAM''' |May 10, 2019 |[[Dodge Ram SRT-10]] and [[Ram pickup#Fourth generation (2009; DS/DJ/D2)|Dodge Ram 3500]] |- |'''Mercedes-Benz''' |January 15, 2020 |[[Mercedes-Benz 300 SL|Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing (W198)]], [[Mercedes-Benz W126|Mercedes-Benz 560 SEC (W126)]], [[Mercedes-Benz 500 E|Mercedes-Benz 500E (W124)]], [[Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG|Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG (C197)]] and [[Mercedes-Benz W113#280 SL (1967–1971)|Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Pagoda (W113)]] |- |'''Chrysler''' |March 25, 2020 |[[Chrysler 300#First generation (2005–2010)|2008 Chrysler 300C SRT8]] and [[Chrysler Cordoba#First generation (1975–1979)|1975 Chrysler Cordoba]] |- |}

== Sequel == ''Car Mechanic Simulator 2021'' was released on August 11, 2021 for Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S. On May 2, 2022, it also released on PlayStation 5. Games.cz called it akin to a remaster with minor added features, but not enough to justify an upgrade if one already owned all DLC for the previous game.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 – recenze |url=https://games.tiscali.cz/recenze/car-mechanic-simulator-2021-recenze-518655 |access-date=2024-12-04 |website=Games.cz |language=cs |archive-date=November 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241111171714/https://games.tiscali.cz/recenze/car-mechanic-simulator-2021-recenze-518655 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==References== {{reflist}}

[[Category:2017 video games]] [[Category:Android (operating system) games]] [[Category:IOS games]] [[Category:Nintendo Switch games]] [[Category:PlayStation 4 games]] [[Category:PlayWay games]] [[Category:Red Dot Games games]] [[Category:Single-player video games]] [[Category:Vehicle simulation games]] [[Category:Video games developed in Poland]] [[Category:Windows games]] [[Category:Xbox One games]]