MX Bikes is PiBoSo's motocross simulator, running on a scratch written physics engine with an automotive industry tyre model, chassis flex and terrain that deforms as you ride it. It arrived on Steam Early Access on October 7, 2019 and still ships with no AI opponents and no career mode, which leaves online servers and hotlapping as the whole game. Five MSM bikes and a short official track list come in the box; everything beyond that comes from the modding community.
Combat in MX Bikes rewards knowledge over reflexes. Understanding how each mechanic works (and how they interact) is what turns a struggling player into a dominant one. New here? Start with our beginner's guide for the basics.
Core Combat Mechanics
1. Scratch built physics engine
PiBoSo wrote the tyre model, chassis flex and suspension simulation from the ground up rather than licensing an engine. The result punishes throttle and brake inputs that arcade motocross games forgive completely.
Why it matters: This is the foundation of all combat. Everything else builds on this.
2. Bike setup tuning
Suspension, gearing, engine maps, swingarm position and tyres are all adjustable. Setups save per bike and per track, because a configuration that works on Practice Track will feel wrong at Winchester.
Why it matters: The most underrated mechanic. Players who master this early have a massive advantage.
3. Dynamic terrain deformation
Ruts and braking bumps form during a session as bikes cut the same lines. Late in a long race the surface you learned on lap one no longer exists, so line choice has to keep adapting.
Why it matters: Unlocks a new layer of gameplay depth once understood.
4. Rider body position
The rider is simulated separately from the bike and you control lean plus fore and aft weight. Body position changes traction, jump attitude and landing behaviour, and it is the single biggest skill gap between new and experienced riders.
Why it matters: The tactical edge that separates average players from advanced ones.
5. Dedicated server racing
With no AI, all racing happens over LAN or online on dedicated servers. The game records performance data during events so riders can compare lap and sector times afterwards.
Why it matters: The endgame optimization mechanic. Small improvements here compound into massive gains.
How These Mechanics Combine
Understanding how mechanics interact is where real optimization happens:
Scratch built physics engine + Bike setup tuning
PiBoSo wrote the tyre model, chassis flex and suspension simulation from the ground up rather than licensing an engine. When combined with Bike setup tuning, suspension, gearing, engine maps, swingarm position and tyres are all adjustable. This combination is the core of every effective build.
Dynamic terrain deformation + Rider body position
Ruts and braking bumps form during a session as bikes cut the same lines. Paired with Rider body position, the rider is simulated separately from the bike and you control lean plus fore and aft weight. This is why the tier list favors builds that leverage both.
Dedicated server racing as a Multiplier
With no AI, all racing happens over LAN or online on dedicated servers. The game records performance data during events so riders can compare lap and sector times afterwards. This system amplifies everything else. The better your Dedicated server racing optimization, the more your other mechanics pay off.
Combat by Build
Each build approaches combat differently:
Motocross (A-Tier)
Combat approach: Balanced combat style. Key equipment: MSM 250XF Primary mechanic: Scratch built physics engine
Motocross offers a solid combat experience. Full setup in our builds guide.
Supercross (A-Tier)
Combat approach: Balanced combat style. Key equipment: MSM 350XF Primary mechanic: Bike setup tuning
Supercross offers a solid combat experience. Full setup in our builds guide.
Supermoto (A-Tier)
Combat approach: Balanced combat style. Key equipment: MSM 450XF Primary mechanic: Dynamic terrain deformation
Supermoto offers a solid combat experience. Full setup in our builds guide.
Enduro (A-Tier)
Combat approach: Balanced combat style. Key equipment: MSM 250X Primary mechanic: Rider body position
Enduro offers a solid combat experience. Full setup in our builds guide.
Free riding (A-Tier)
Combat approach: Balanced combat style. Key equipment: MSM 450SM Primary mechanic: Dedicated server racing
Free riding offers a solid combat experience. Full setup in our builds guide.
Advanced Combat Techniques
Damage Optimization
- Match your equipment to your build's stat priorities
- Exploit Scratch built physics engine for maximum damage windows
- Chain Bike setup tuning and Dynamic terrain deformation for combo damage
- Use Rider body position to create openings
Survivability
- Learn enemy patterns before committing to attacks
- Body position is the skill that separates riders here, not throttle. Weight forward on corner entry to load the front tyre, weight back on landings and acceleration, and the bike starts doing what you expect instead of tucking or looping.
- Position using Scratch built physics engine to control spacing
- Save defensive options for guaranteed survival, not comfort
Boss Combat
Bosses test your understanding of every mechanic. See our boss guide for fight-specific strategies.
- Phase awareness: Most bosses change behavior at health thresholds
- Patience over aggression: One extra hit per opening beats dying to greed
- Build preparation: Swap gear and equipment for specific fights when needed
Common Combat Mistakes
- Button mashing: Committed attacks have recovery frames. Mashing locks you into animations.
- Ignoring Bike setup tuning: This mechanic exists for a reason. Players who use it take significantly less damage.
- Wrong equipment for the situation: Check our weapons guide for situational picks.
- Not learning from deaths: Every death teaches something. If you don't know why you died, you'll die the same way again.
- Overcommitting: Trading hits works in Practice Track but will get you killed in Straight Rhythm.
More MX Bikes Guides
- MX Bikes MX Bikes Overview
- MX Bikes Best Builds
- MX Bikes Tier List
- MX Bikes Walkthrough
- MX Bikes Beginner's Guide
- MX Bikes Tips & Tricks
- MX Bikes Weapons Guide
- MX Bikes Boss Guide
- MX Bikes Maps & Locations
- MX Bikes Crafting Guide
- MX Bikes Classes & Characters
Similar Games
If you enjoy MX Bikes, check out these related guides:
- Stardew Valley Combat Guide: simulation game with similar mechanics
- Satisfactory Combat Guide: simulation game with similar mechanics
- The Sims 4 Combat Guide: simulation game with similar mechanics
