If you’ve spent any time in the virtual peloton over the last decade, you know the drill. You manage your blue bar, you manage your red bar, and you try not to blow up before the final 500 meters. But Tour de France 2025: Deluxe Edition feels... different. It’s not just the fancy name or the extra jerseys. Cyanide Studio basically threw out the old playbook when they migrated to Unreal Engine 5.
Honestly, it’s a lot to take in at first.
The lighting hits the tarmac differently. The way the riders lean into a hairpin turn at 70km/h feels weightier, more dangerous. If you’re like me, you probably expected a roster update and some crisper textures. Instead, we got a game that actually demands you pay attention to the road surface.
What is Tour de France 2025 Deluxe Edition?
Basically, it's the premium version of the official cycling simulation that dropped on June 5, 2025. While the standard game gives you the 21 official stages of the 2025 route—starting in Lille and hitting monsters like Mont Ventoux and the Col de la Loze—the Deluxe Edition adds some specific "legacy" flair.
You get a historic stage: Bourg d’Oisans to La Toussuire. This is a callback to the 2006 Tour. If you remember that era, you know it was chaotic. Playing it with the new physics engine is a trip. Beyond the extra stage, the Deluxe Edition includes 10 exclusive jerseys that you won't find in the base game. It’s mostly cosmetic, yeah, but for the Pro Team mode enthusiasts, having unique kits matters.
The Unreal Engine 5 Shift
Most people focus on the graphics, but the real change is in the "feel." UE5 allowed the devs to implement a much more sophisticated lighting system. When you're climbing the Alpe d'Huez in the game, the shadows of the mountains move realistically across the road. It’s immersive.
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But the tech upgrade also tweaked the AI.
In previous years, the computer-controlled riders felt like they were on rails. Now? They’re aggressive. They’ll notice if you’re dangling at the back of the group. If the wind picks up and you aren't tucked in behind a teammate, the AI teams will actively try to form echelons to drop you. It’s brutal.
That New Refueling System (The Learning Curve)
This is where most players get frustrated. The old "click a button and recover energy" system is gone. It's been replaced by a two-tier strategy involving EnerGel and TurboGel.
- EnerGel: This is your bread and butter. It slowly refills your stamina and attack bars.
- TurboGel: This is the game-changer. It gives you a few seconds of "energy immunity." You can sprint or attack without your bars moving at all.
The catch? You can’t just spam them. You start a stage with limited options and have to wait for specific "feed zones" to restock. If you burn your TurboGel too early on a category 4 climb because you were impatient, you’re going to get absolutely cooked when the real specialists start moving on the final ascent.
Comparing the Editions: Is it Worth the Extra Cash?
I get asked this a lot. The price gap between the Standard and Deluxe versions usually sits around ten or fifteen bucks depending on where you're buying it (Steam, PS5, or Xbox Series X).
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The Deluxe Edition includes:
- The 2006 historic stage (Bourg d’Oisans -> La Toussuire).
- 10 "never-before-seen" cycling kits.
- Earlier access in some regions (though that mostly applied to the launch window).
If you’re a casual fan who just wants to ride a few stages as Tadej Pogačar, the standard version is fine. But if you’re the type of person who plays Pro Leader mode for 200 hours a year, the extra stage adds significant variety to your calendar. Plus, the 2006 stage is a legendary climb that tests the new "Smoother Navigation" mechanic—which basically means you won't get stuck behind a "wall" of riders as often as you used to.
Multiplayer and the Criterium Mode
One thing Cyanide really pushed this year is the private multiplayer. You can finally set up custom lobbies with friends. You pick the stage, the length, and the conditions. It sounds simple, but the netcode is actually stable this time around.
The Criterium mode also got five new online rankings. It’s a shorter, punchier way to play. You aren't riding 200km; you're doing short, high-intensity loops. It’s perfect for people who don't have three hours to spend on a single mountain stage.
Technical Realities and System Requirements
You’re going to need a decent rig if you're on PC. Because of the move to Unreal Engine 5, the "minimum" specs have crept up. You’ll want at least an Intel Core i5-3470 or an AMD Ryzen 3 1200, paired with something like a GTX 960. But honestly? To see the lighting effects that actually make the Deluxe Edition look "Deluxe," you really need an RTX 2080 Super or higher.
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The game takes up about 30 GB of space. It’s surprisingly lean for a modern title, but the textures are sharp.
Actionable Tips for New Riders
If you're just starting your 2025 season, don't jump straight into the hardest difficulty. The AI will embarrass you.
- Practice the TurboGel timing. Don't use it the second you start an attack. Wait until you're halfway through the effort to extend your peak power.
- Watch the wind. The new UI shows wind direction more clearly. Use it. If the wind is coming from the left, stay on the right side of the rider in front of you.
- Customize your Pro Team. Use those 10 exclusive jerseys from the Deluxe Edition to make your team stand out in the peloton. It makes it much easier to find your teammates when the pack gets messy during a sprint finish.
- Check the Stage Editor. Even if you aren't "creative," the community-made stages are already popping up. Some people have recreated classic Giro d'Italia climbs that work perfectly with the new physics.
The learning curve in Tour de France 2025: Deluxe Edition is steeper than the Galibier, but once you figure out the refueling rhythm, it’s easily the most rewarding cycling game ever made. Just don't expect the AI to give you a free ride to Paris. They won't.
Next Steps for Players
Before you start your first Career mode, head into the "Race of the Moment" section. It’s a great way to test your setup against real-world leaderboards without committing to a full 21-stage tour. Also, make sure your controller drivers are updated—the haptic feedback on the PS5 version is actually useful for feeling when your tires are losing grip on wet descents.