Chilled Off-Road Sim 'over the hill' Drops Playable Demo Ahead of Launch

If you have been looking for something a bit more relaxed to play, the upcoming off-road exploration sim over the hill has launched a playable demo. Coming from Funselektor Labs—the team behind art of rally and Absolute Drift—the title maintains a signature minimalist, colorful aesthetic while focusing on a more chilled-out approach to off-road driving.

What to Expect in the Demo

The demo provides access to Emerald Lake, the first area in the game's Canada region. The environment features a mix of woodlands, lakesides, and mountainous terrain, offering a quiet alpine atmosphere. Mechanically, the game leans into the "chilled" vibe, though it isn't entirely without friction; you will find plenty of opportunities to get stuck in mud or deep water, requiring the use of tools like your trusty winch, repair kits, or planks to navigate tricky sections.

Players have three classic off-road vehicles to choose from in the demo, each with unique handling characteristics. You can also equip specific gear before heading out, including portable winch anchors for recovery and camping kits for longer treks. For those seeking a challenge, the demo includes "Challenge Trails" marked at trail gates, which guide you off the beaten path into more technical driving terrain.

Wildlife enthusiasts will also have something to do; the Emerald Lake area is populated with moose, wolves, black bears, and bald eagles, all of which can be documented using the game's built-in Camera Mode.

Performance and Availability

The game is currently slated for a full release later in 2026. Ahead of Steam Next Fest, the studio reported that over 150,000 players have already jumped into the demo to test their off-road skills.

For those running on Linux, the demo appears to be highly compatible. Reports indicate it works out of the box using Proton 11. However, players should keep an eye on performance; testing on a Ryzen 5800x and Radeon 6800 XT showed frame rates dipping below 60FPS at 1440p on the High preset. As this is currently a demo, there is room for the developers to optimize the experience before the final build hits digital shelves.