ROAD TO EXOTICS keeps its driving controls deliberately simple. This is an arcade racer built around traffic, huge packs of opponents, checkpoint pressure and quick reactions rather than complicated simulation inputs.
On PlayStation 5, you steer with the left stick, accelerate with either Cross or R2, and use L2 for braking and handling. The choice of two acceleration buttons is useful because you can use the traditional face button style or keep acceleration on the trigger while concentrating on steering.
The controls below are based on the in game DualSense control screen. The game is also available on other platforms, but button prompts can differ by system.
ROAD TO EXOTICS PS5 Controls
| Action | PlayStation 5 |
|---|---|
| Steer | Left Stick |
| Accelerate | Cross or R2 |
| Brake / Handling | L2 |
| Select in Menus | Cross |
| Back | Circle |
ROAD TO EXOTICS is designed around these straightforward driving inputs. The official game description specifically emphasizes accelerating, steering and braking as the core control set.
How to Steer
Use the left stick to move your car across the road and position yourself between traffic, opponents and upcoming pickups.
The biggest mistake is making every steering input too large. With hundreds of racers potentially sharing the course, small corrections are usually safer than suddenly moving from one side of the road to the other.
Move One Lane at a Time
When traffic is dense, think about the next open lane rather than immediately steering toward the opposite side of the road.
Start Moving before the Gap Reaches You
At high speed, waiting until an obstacle is directly in front of the car usually leaves too little time to react. Watch several vehicles ahead and begin positioning early.
How to Accelerate
Press Cross or hold R2 to accelerate.
Both inputs perform the same basic driving function, so choose whichever feels more comfortable.
Use R2 for a Familiar Racing Layout
Players coming from modern racing games will probably prefer R2 because it keeps acceleration on the right trigger and leaves the face buttons free.
Use Cross for a Classic Arcade Feel
Cross works well if you prefer the simple button based acceleration common in older arcade racing games.
Brake and Handling
Use L2 when you need to reduce speed or gain more control over the car.
ROAD TO EXOTICS can become extremely crowded, so braking is not only for conventional corners. It can also help when traffic suddenly blocks several lanes or when entering a narrow opening at too much speed.
Brake before You Need to Turn Hard
A short reduction in speed can be faster than crashing into traffic and losing much more momentum.
Do Not Hold the Brake Longer than Necessary
The game rewards maintaining speed. Use L2 to regain control, then return to acceleration as soon as you have a clean route.
Which Accelerate Button Should You Use?
There is no performance advantage to choosing Cross instead of R2. The better option is whichever lets you steer and react comfortably.
For long sessions, R2 usually feels natural because your right index finger can remain on the trigger while your thumb stays relaxed. Players who enjoy classic arcade racers may prefer holding Cross.
Understanding the Arcade Driving Style
ROAD TO EXOTICS is inspired by classic arcade racing games rather than realistic driving simulators. Your main challenge is reading the road quickly enough to maintain speed while navigating a very large field of racers.
That makes positioning more important than learning complicated driving techniques. You should constantly look ahead for open road instead of staring at your own vehicle.
Classic Races
Some events focus on competing directly against other racers. With extremely large fields possible, the opening section can be much more chaotic than a traditional racing game grid.
Do Not Fight Every Car
Your objective is to keep moving forward. A safe gap is usually more valuable than forcing your way through the smallest opening simply to pass one opponent.
Pass Where the Road Is Opening
Watch how several cars ahead are moving. The lane that looks empty now may be blocked by the time you reach it.
Timed Checkpoint Challenges
ROAD TO EXOTICS also includes races built around reaching checkpoints within a time limit.
These events reward consistency. Crashes are especially costly because every second spent recovering reduces the time available for the next checkpoint.
Protect Momentum
A slightly longer clean route through traffic can be faster than aiming for a narrow shortcut and colliding.
Think about the Next Checkpoint
Do not relax immediately after crossing one. Return your attention to the road and begin planning the next section.
Fuel Management
Fuel can become part of the challenge, particularly in checkpoint based racing. Watch the available fuel and collect fuel pickups along the route when necessary.
Do Not Leave Fuel until the Last Moment
A pickup that requires only a small course adjustment is often worth collecting before the gauge becomes critically low.
Balance Fuel against Traffic
Do not force your car through a dangerous group solely for one pickup if another opportunity is likely to appear and you still have enough fuel.
Difficulty and Control Reminders
ROAD TO EXOTICS includes selectable difficulty options and allows you to review the controls while playing.
If you are struggling to learn traffic patterns or reach timed checkpoints consistently, reducing the difficulty can give you room to understand the game's rhythm before increasing the challenge again.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you accelerate in ROAD TO EXOTICS?
Press Cross or use R2 on PlayStation 5.
How do you steer?
Use the left stick.
How do you brake?
Use L2.
What does L2 do?
The in game control screen labels L2 as Brake / Handling.
Can you use R2 to accelerate?
Yes. R2 and Cross can both be used for acceleration on the default PlayStation 5 layout.
Does ROAD TO EXOTICS use complicated racing controls?
No. The driving system is intentionally simple and focuses primarily on steering, acceleration and braking.
Does the game have checkpoint races?
Yes. ROAD TO EXOTICS includes traditional racing and timed checkpoint challenges.
Does fuel matter?
Yes. Fuel management appears during racing, with fuel pickups helping you continue toward the finish.
Can I lower the difficulty?
Yes. The game includes an adjustable difficulty option.
Get Comfortable with Small Steering Inputs
You only need a few buttons to play ROAD TO EXOTICS, but using them cleanly makes a big difference. Keep accelerating whenever the road is clear, steer early instead of sharply, and use L2 whenever slowing slightly can prevent a much more expensive collision.
Once those three actions feel automatic, your attention can move away from the controller and toward what actually matters: reading the traffic several cars ahead and keeping your route toward the next checkpoint as clean as possible.
See our ROAD TO EXOTICS Tips and Tricks Guide for advice on traffic, checkpoints, fuel, overtaking and maintaining speed.
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