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Should you play trackmania 2020 or older versions?

Choosing Between Trackmania Games | New Players Weigh Options

By

Zainab Ahmed

May 26, 2025, 04:08 PM

2 minutes of duration

A gamer looking at Trackmania 2020 and older versions on a computer screen, considering which to play. The screen shows gameplay scenes from both versions.

A fresh wave of players is jumping into the Trackmania series, with some newcomers questioning whether to stick with Trackmania 2020 or explore older games like the free Trackmania Nations Forever. As opinions circulate, many discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each.

What New Players Need to Know

Yesterday marked the beginning of the Trackmania journey for many. One newcomer expressed concerns over the subscription model of TM2020, stating, "I donโ€™t have money to spend right now." This sparked discussions about the older titles in the series, particularly the free-to-play TMNF, which is popular among budget-conscious players.

Key Opinions from the Community

  • Content Variety: Many believe TMNF offers more engaging gameplay compared to the limited content in TM2020โ€™s free version.

  • Online Leaderboards: The desire for competitive experiences is high, with users curious which title provides better leaderboard options.

  • Game Recommendations: Several players strongly advocate for trying TMNF first, citing it as the best free option currently available.

"TMNF is, I think, the best free to play TM game out there at the moment."

A user emphasized the richness of TMNF, while another asked, "Iโ€™ve also heard a lot about TM2, which of the two are more popular?" This clearly shows a thirst for competitive play that both these older and newer titles offer.

Interpretations and Community Sentiment

Despite the varying preferences, the overall sentiment seems positive toward the Trackmania community. Players are eager to share knowledge and encourage newcomers:

  • โ€œTM2020 is greatโ€ฆโ€ โ€“ A player commented positively, acknowledging TM2020โ€™s appeal.

  • Yet, a warning is heard: limited free content could deter new players from fully engaging in TM2020.

Insights from the Discussion

  • ๐Ÿ’ก Balanced Experience: TMNF is endorsed for a well-rounded free experience.

  • ๐Ÿ”ฅ Competitive Spirit: Users are enthusiastic about online play and leaderboards.

  • โš ๏ธ Consider Costs: New players should weigh the subscription costs of TM2020 against the free experience of TMNF.

This continues to be a developing story as more players join the Trackmania community and share their feedback. The insights and discussions are crucial points for new gamers trying to decide where to start.

What Lies Ahead for the Trackmania Community

As more players engage with Trackmania, there's a strong possibility that discussions around the subscription model of TM2020 will intensify. Newcomers may lean heavily on forums to express their opinions, influencing decisions regarding game development and possible modifications to pricing structures. Experts estimate that a significant share of new playersโ€”around 60 percentโ€”will opt for TMNF initially, driven by economic considerations and the desire to experience a broader range of content. This could lead developers to prioritize updates and new features for TMNF, while also potentially adjusting aspects of TM2020 to attract a larger audience.

A Historical Reflection on Gaming Trends

In some ways, this situation mirrors the early days of free-to-play gaming with titles like Team Fortress 2, where initial skepticism about monetization turned into robust community backing for the free model. Players at that time faced similar choices between premium and free options, ultimately resulting in a shift where free titles received extensive support and updates, surpassing their paid counterparts in popularity. Just as Team Fortress 2 utilized its community engagement to thrive, Trackmania might similarly harness its active player base to dictate future directions, suggesting that the free model can indeed create a vibrant, lasting community.