rFactor 2 Build 1109 Released - Includes New Rain Features

[Paul Jeffrey]

A new update for rFactor 2 has been deployed today, now featuring enhanced rain visuals amongst a sizeable number of improvements and fixes.

As detailed in the final development roadmap post of 2017 (HERE), Studio 397 have today deployed a fairly sizeable new build release for rFactor 2 that amongst other things offers players the opportunity to sample the first pass of the enhanced rain effects introduced to this venerable racing simulation. Benefitting from significantly improved visual representation over the previous rain simulation, the new build is a major step forward in one of the few remaining areas where rFactor 2 fails to live up to expectations in comparison to other similar simulators available on the marketplace today.

As well as the very visually obvious changes to weather effects, Studio 397 have committed to continue developing the wet stuff in rF2 as they look to improve the overall experience and introduce physics interaction with dynamic puddle formations and other interesting and exciting elements found in wet weather racing.

Due to the nature of the new build and visual improvements brought to the simulation, vanilla and mod content will need to be updated to make best use of the new technology employed by Studio 397. As such the Dutch developers are actively working to update all the base content of the simulation, with the following items already having been given the update treatment, with more to follow in the coming weeks and months;

Cars

• Bentley GT3 - v1.97
• Radical GT3 - v1.993
• Mercedes GT3 - v1.99
• McLaren GT3 - v1.993
• Callaway GT3 - v1.97
• Formula E - v1.993
• Dallara - v1.96
• USF 2000 - v1.94
• Camaro GT3 - v1.94
• Corvette C6R - v1.93
• Nissan 370Z GT4 - v1.93
• Brabham BT44B - v1.95 >>>You need to manually subscribe HERE
• Brabham BT20 - v1.95
• Stock Car - v1.96
• EVE -v1.98
• Spark - v1.98
• Formula Two - v1.95
• Honda Civic BTCC - v1.99 (Physics Update: New tires)
• Kart Cup - v1.92
• Nissan GTR GT1 - v1.93
• Howston G4 - v1.96
• Howston G6 - v1.96
• Megane 2013 - v1.95
• Clio 2010 - v1.93
• Howston Dissenter - v1.94

Tracks

• LimeRock - 2.02
• Mores - v1.82
• Nola - v1.30
• Indianapolis - v2.04
• Silverstone - v1.84
• Brianza - v2.04
• Malaysia - v1.82

Before playing the new update it is also worth noting the following information;

• Important: Make sure to update any SteamCMD servers to get the latest!
• Delete contents of the folders CBash and shaders located in \Steam\steamapps\common\rFactor 2\UserData\Log

Full build 1109 change log (December 21st 2017)

Improved Lighting

• We developed an Image-Based Lighting for Ambient (IBLA) solution that substantially improves lighting in our graphics engine.
• IBLA acts on the colors of the scene, taking into account information from the surrounding environment when drawing each object.
• The resulting lighting system gives the final image a more realistic look and it improves the perception of depth for the driver.
• This new system uses new ambient probes that have been added to most of the tracks. It is recomputed dynamically as weather or time conditions change.
• IBLA does not introduce any noticeable performance penalties and its features have been exposed to Mod Dev. Furthermore, tracks that do not have set IBLA yet will automatically have a default set of probes assigned to them.

Rain Effects

Cars

• Added dynamic drops on the windshield and the body of the car.
• These drops respect gravity, so they will run down the sides, and each single drop will have its own lifespan.
• The drops also respect airflow around the car when driving, making them move in appropriate directions.
• The effect is not scripted but generated in real time, and it varies depending on factors like the amount of rain drops falling from the sky, the speed of the vehicle, or the particles generated from another car in front of you.
• Wipers on cars are now functional and will clear the windscreen in two different user configurable speeds.

Tracks

• Vastly improved reflections of the surroundings that become visible as the track gets wet.
• Added blurred reflections for the “Ultra” Road Reflection setting.
• Improved shaders for the real-road surfaces and added new shaders to match closely the properties of elements like curbs in dry/wet conditions.
• Added highly detailed puddle maps that allow puddles to form in the appropriate places on tracks.

New HUD Options

• Added options to show tire wear and ride height as text parameters.
• Added tire wear percentage to the vehicle status MFD.
• Increased the accuracy of fuel consumption with an extra digit.
• Fixed a bug with TireAverageTemp text parameters, which would not show up in the HUD because of a space in their names.
• Added a “delta best” parameter that you can add to a HUD, showing time lost or gained compared to your fastest lap in milliseconds. Works for all cars (not just player). Included optional text coloring of the text output so positive and negative values can result in different colors.
• Added a more accurate fuel indication as well as one that shows the fuel you used in your last (full) lap, or zero otherwise.
• Added a gauge for showing the “delta best” with a range of -1.0 to +1.0 seconds.
• Added predicted number of laps remaining based on fuel used for last lap.
• Added current rain percentage.
• Added minimum and maximum track water depth.
• Added an option to disable font scaling for the chat and message box (apart from using comic sans, non-linear font scaling is about the biggest sin a designer can commit).
• Added weather info (rain intensity and min/max water depth) into the MFD for HUD and in-car use.
• Designed a new default HUD that takes advantage of the new features. (Coming soon)

Other/Fixes etc.

• The plugin API will no longer invoke callbacks that provide ScreenInfoV01 data that used to allow plugins to render to the screen. Doing this directly has been deprecated with the release of DX11, and alternatives are to either use information that is available in the updated HUD or wait for a new plugable HUD system to be released in 2018.
• We have removed the “cache” folder from our install, so all content will now be downloaded from the workshop. This means the base install is much smaller. Upon first launch you will be automatically subscribed to all Studio 397 content and while that is downloading the Launcher will show a progress dialog window with screenshots of all content items it is downloading for you.
• Generating Mip Maps from reflections, this gives smoother reflections as a result.
• Formula E liveries for TeCheetah, Mahindra and Venturi updated to 2018.
• Formula E driver helmets updated.
• Formula E driver suits updated.

Known Issues/troubleshooting

• Rain effects are visual currently. However, we are working on physics impacts.
• Some content is still to be updated to include the rain effects such as cars and tracks.
• Performance is constantly being reviewed
• Rain drops on external cameras under review
• If you are experiencing strange graphical issues, delete the contents of your cbash and shader folders located in \Steam\steamapps\common\rFactor 2\UserData\Log
• Important: Make sure to update any SteamCMD servers to get the latest!

To help you get the most performance out of the new update Studio 397 have released basic graphics setting guidance that can be found HERE.

rFactor 2 is available from Steam as a PC exclusive title now.

Check out the rFactor 2 sub forum here at RaceDepartment for all the latest news and discussion with regards to the simulation. You can take part in lively debates with fellow rFactor 2 fans and take part in some great Club and League racing events..! Head over to the forum now and share the love this simulation so very much deserves...

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Tried the new build yet? What are your impressions of the new rain effects? Like the new direction of the sim? Let us know in the comments section below!

 

[Will Mazeo]

I love how S397 adds new feature like delta best and searching through all options I still can't figure out where to enable this. Any tips?

What they did was to add that info (and others such as tire % and rain %) to the screen HUD, the HUD that will use this is not done yet, they said it will be soon. It's possible to make one now in mod dev tho

 

[ionONE1]

I bought the GT3 package but cant figure out what S7/9m - P2M tire compounds mean, google search brought up nothing.
Under advanced setup it says TC/ABS available, do i activate these under settings difficulty or is there a separate cockpit button?

 

[Tony]

Tony, I don't have Rfactor 2, but any shimmering/flickering of textures in other games (like Automobilista) are solved by supersampling, specifically transparency supersampling. Try the Sparse Grid Supersampling on Nvidia Control panel, 4x makes it perfect, but beware the performance drop. Also, you can use it combined with normal AA for extra quality.

Thanks, I have tried using inspector but it makes no difference for Me. In AMS inspector works perfectly, no flickering stands and fences. For example even Silverstone fences flicker, doesn't everyone get that???
If someone has inspector working well then I would love your settings

Cheers

 

[Magus]

I bought the GT3 package but cant figure out what S7/9m - P2M tire compounds mean, google search brought up nothing.
Under advanced setup it says TC/ABS available, do i activate these under settings difficulty or is there a separate cockpit button?

S7 = Soft
S8 = Medium
S9 = Hard
P2 = Wet

With regards to TC & ABS, at the moment there are only 3 levels of TC & ABS in the difficulty section but I believe S397 are working to bring these options into the garage setting for cars that have them and whether there will be more than 3 levels, I'm not sure. I think next year, when the new UI releases, we will see the changes.

 

[apex11]

Maybe disrespectful was not the correct wording and disappointed would have been the better choice. English is not my native language. I understand the principle of sale, but normally things don't go on sale shortly after release. At least not for 50%! E.g., the GT3 pack being on sale for 50%, I totally understand and have no issues with (also a day one buy for me against full price). Also for other sims, I waited until the Ferrari pack for AC was on sale a few months after release, before buying it.

I got PCars 2 for £26
AMS cost me £17.99 and thats with season pass
AC cost me abot £30 for all DLC and game
RF2 cost me £11.99

Really you should never be buying game full price as steam sales are regular and always the same reductions..

 

[Rupe Wilson]

Whilst the above is good common sense, I do tend to click and buy, and the following week its half price ..
I am learning though, but being a staffy, im also kind of forced into buying the content (complete fabrication to justify said spend)

but yes the sales are a lovely time.

 

[Gijs van Elderen]

do i activate these under settings difficulty

Yes, The functions can also be toggled incar with the function keys:

• F1 Steering help
• F2 Opposite lock
• F3 Braking help
• F4 Stability control
• F5 Spin Recovery
• F6 Invulnerability
• F7 Auto shifting
• F8 Traction control
• F9 Anti Lock brakes
• F10 Auto Pitlane
• F11 Auto Clutch
• F12 Screenshot

Keep in mind that these aids can be disabled on servers.

cant figure out what S7/9m - P2M tire compounds mean, google search brought up nothing.

@Magus already answered you question.
But: https://www.michelinmotorsport.com/...5144/file/gamme-compet-client-GB+DEC+2013.pdf

If someone has inspector working well then I would love your settings

I believe inspector override has been dissabled since DX11

rF2 doesn’t come with premade shaders, shaders are build when you launche a track/car combo the first time based on your graphic settings. These might go wrong if you force a AA coctail with nvidia inspector.

Those shaders are in your UserData/log/shader folder

From the release notes:

• If you are experiencing strange graphical issues, delete the contents of your cbash and shader folders located in \Steam\steamapps\common\rFactor 2\UserData\Log

Deleting the configDX11.ini and run the video config from the launcher is also an option if you have been overriding things with Nvidia.

Set AA to 3-5 should eliminate jaggies.

 

[Denis Betty]

Deleting the configDX11.ini and run the video config from the launcher is also an option if you have been overriding things with Nvidia.

Thanks Gijs, where would I find the configDX11.ini please? Not that I've been trying to use Inspector, but.... just for information.

 

[Gijs van Elderen]

.... \steamapps\common\rFactor 2\UserData

 

[Keith Joyce]

I bought this game today (on steam sale). I am sad to say the graphics look terrible - Silverstone particularly. Maybe it is early days for DX11. Hopefully future upgrade(s) will rectify.

Edit: It appears that graphic problem relates to Renault - Megane only. When driving any other vehicle, I don't see the "problem". My apologies to rFactor 2.

Further and last edit: Todays hotfix seems to have fixed any perceived problems I had. All graphics, including Renault Megan plus Silverstone track are gorgeous. Also, my XBox one controller is better than ever. I am loving it.

Kudos to rFactor 2!!!

OT but I wonder if you could help me? My Xbox One controller is unuseable in RF2. The steering is either full right or full left - it won't return to centre... Any ideas?

 

[Denis Betty]

.... \steamapps\common\rFactor 2\UserData

Thanks.

 

[Ghoults]

I wonder if there's a bit of Co-Op going on between Reiza and S397? Reiza help them out on physics and they get the rF2 engine for their new sim?

Studio 397 is either part of Luminis or their own separate entity. Luminis has been doing development for ams for long time

Can't add time stamp, go to around 12 minutes

 

[Marc Collins]

I believe inspector override has been dissabled since DX11

rF2 doesn’t come with premade shaders, shaders are build when you launche a track/car combo the first time based on your graphic settings. These might go wrong if you force a AA coctail with nvidia inspector.

Those shaders are in your UserData/log/shader folder

From the release notes:

• If you are experiencing strange graphical issues, delete the contents of your cbash and shader folders located in \Steam\steamapps\common\rFactor 2\UserData\Log

Deleting the configDX11.ini and run the video config from the launcher is also an option if you have been overriding things with Nvidia.

Set AA to 3-5 should eliminate jaggies.

All true, but built-in AA does not eliminate strobing and flickering of shadows and many other selective textures. The majority of the static scene looks wonderful, with a few minor exceptions. Once in motion, things deteriorate quickly unless you deploy supersampling or SGSS if you have that choice (nVIDIA). This kills the already marginal to poor FPS performance for any but the most top of the line system.

 

[aka2k]

This gotta be the ugliest rain I've seen in a game in a very long time. It rivals stuff released on the early PS1 days. There's potential, but that seems to be the motto of rF2: "There's potential in here...".

The windshield rain effect is actually interesting. Still crude, but interesting nonetheless. The rest is so ugly that I can't even call half-baked. If it was half done, it would be something. It's hard to believe this game has been in the wild for almost six years now. Still, since I've paid for the thing, I really hope Studio 397 can deliver something nice in the end of the development cycle - just not sure anybody will live enough to see that.

That's the 2 cents nobody asked for.

 

[Case_]

While I'm not overly thrilled with rF2's look and performance (and most of all with how inconsistent it all is), of you seriously think it looks like a PS1 game, I think you haven't seen PS1 games in quite some time.

 

[Bwana]

This gotta be the ugliest I've seen in a game in a very long time. It rivals stuff released on the early PS1 days. There's potential, but that seems to be the motto of rF2: "There's potential in here...".

The windshield rain effect is actually interesting. Still crude, but interesting nonetheless. The rest is so ugly that I can't even call half-baked. If it was half done, it would be something. It's hard to believe this game has been in the wild for almost six years now. Still, since I've paid for the thing, I really hope Studio 397 can deliver something nice in the end of the development cycle - just not sure anybody will live enough to see that.

That's the 2 cents nobody asked for.

you talk ugly and drive that car

 

[aka2k]

you talk ugly and drive that car

Whoa, don't make it personal by offending the Fury. No other car has such a cool name.

 

[SAcaSoh]

Thanks, I have tried using inspector but it makes no difference for Me. In AMS inspector works perfectly, no flickering stands and fences. For example even Silverstone fences flicker, doesn't everyone get that???
If someone has inspector working well then I would love your settings

Cheers

Have you tried in Borderless windowed mode? Last Windows 10 update messed something up and some games (like automobilista) would only have AA in windowed mode. IF the game don't offer you the change to do a borderless windows fullscreen try to use "borderless gaming" software (free on their github).

 

[Marcel Offermans]

Studio 397 is either part of Luminis or their own separate entity. Luminis has been doing development for ams for long time.

Just to set the record straight:

• Studio 397 is part of Luminis. Luminis consists of several "cores" that are all independent businesses that are fully owned by the parent company. In total there are approximately 150 people working at the company.
• Luminis did contract work for Reiza Studios to help the initial development of Automobilista in 2016 and the video presentation we did contains some of the things we worked on in that period of time. Since then, Automobilista has evolved further until it's final version that is about to be released according to the latest development report from Reiza.

 

[melanieuk]

Reading the constant bashing on this site, Race Department in a nutshell, the Anti Project CARS and rFactor website enough said.

Have a miserable Christmas All.