rFactor 2
Summary
rFactor 2 is a realistic, easily extendable racing simulation from Studio 397. It offers the latest in vehicle and race customization, great graphics, outstanding multiplayer and the height of racing realism. rFactor 2 features mixed class road racing with ultra realistic dynamics, an immersive sound environment and stunning graphics, perfect for top-level esports and a rich single-player experience.
Race against a field of AI cars, or in multi-player mode against others. rFactor 2 supports a full day-night cycle as well as dynamically varying weather conditions such as rain which dynamically builds into puddles. Tracks feature "real-road" technology that changes the grip as more cars drive on it. You can run full 24 hour endurance events and in multi-player mode, driver swaps are also supported. Everything can be customized by the community, including adding new tracks and cars, and a wealth of add-ons are available on-line.Working with several partners, rFactor 2 has been used in hundreds of esport championships all over the world – in particular McLaren’s World’s Fastest Gamer and Formula E.
rFactor 2 is also an evolving product, which will be updated and added to for many years, so the list of features will expand!Features
Physics
- Updated to use multi-core CPU technology
- Advanced physics engine
- Newly updated tyre model
- Driving surface construction, even painted line thickness, affects grip levels
- Engine boost and Turbo modeling
- Complex aerodynamics
- Head physics, cockpit vibrations, detailed bump modeling
Dynamic Racing Experience
- Real-time day/night lighting transitions
- Realistic wet/dry weather transitions
- Dynamically laid rubber increases grip throughout racing session(s)
- Rubber chunks (“marbles”) roll off tyres and can affect grip
- Tyres sustain damage from poor driving (such as "flatspotting" a tyre) or setups, affecting grip immediately and over time
- Dynamically drying racing line after rain
- Environments filled with animated events like planes, flag marshalls and more…
Graphics/Sound
- Real-time day/night lighting transitions
- Projected headlights for night time driving
- Open VR support for multiple headsets
- Look to apex and head motion tracking support
- DX11 advanced graphics engine
- Real-time day/night transitions
- Adjust player and opponent volume ratio
- See the apex with the Look Ahead slider
- Adjust your seat and mirror while in the driver’s seat
- Updating real-time scoring towers
- Expanded and enhanced gauge and LCD features for vehicle cockpits
- Improved loading times
- Updated sound engine
- Changing engine sounds based on upgraded vehicle performance
Gameplay
- New AI who will race for and defend positions
- Define AI opponent types, strength and aggression
- Races can be lap based, time based or both
- Vehicle upgrade system that affects both the appearance and performance of a vehicle
Camera/Replays
- “Resume from Replay” allows you to resume a race from a saved replay
- Full screen monitor and ability to rewind
- Freely move camera from any position including the ever famous exclusive Swingman
- Spectator mode
Multiplayer
- Opponent car skins automatically transmitted
- Completely new multiplayer engine
- Dedicated server
- Native voting system
- Add AI to multiplayer games
- Boot and ban player lists that can be passed around
- Security checks to combat potential cheating
Open Architecture
- Support for modder created car,track and plugin content
- Fully adjustable Showroom, UI and HUD layouts
- More Plugin Interfaces
- Easy to use customizable multi-language support
- Rules to simulate different types of racing
- Completely customize your controller
- Drop in new vehicle liveries
Cars and Tracks
- Over 35 free and paid licensed cars and tracks includiing Silverstone, Renault, Formula E, McLaren, Mercedes, Bentley – the list goes on
- Steam Workshop support for installing cars and tracks
- Steam Item Store for paid content here http://store.steampowered.com/itemstore/365960/browse/?filter=Packs
- For a current list of cars and tracks shipped with the simulation visit this link to the workshop: https://steamcommunity.com/id/studio-397/myworkshopfiles/?appid=365960
Game Discussion
Steam User 14
I played RF1 some 10/12 years ago and used to really enjoy all the different series available. specifically bought a high spec pc just to try out the BTCC content and it did not disappoint. Im a complete noob to sim racing competitively but after 6hours of trials my laptimes are slowly becoming more respectable as i figure out the handling and tweak the set ups.
Steam User 15
I'm revisiting rFactor 2 after a couple of years away, mainly because I;m really enjoying Le Mans Ultimate.
The improvement in the whole experience, especially the front end, is really impressive.
This is back on my list of driving Sims to play
Steam User 16
If you're mildly interested in driving games/sims, you should probably keep on trucking and find something else. rF2 is pure sim territory, with all of the positives and negatives that brings. If you're heavily interested and invested in sim racing, welcome to the end game.
Without a doubt the best tire model, vehicle dynamics, handling and FFB in the market. People will argue about that until they are blue in the face, but nothing touches rF2 in those categories. AC, ACC, iRacing, AMS2...list them all, I enjoy all of them for their own strengths. They do not hold a candle to what is on offer here in the aforementioned categories.
Arguably some of the best AI in the market (barring some modded content). Tons of official content that has proven to be worth every penny. Most accurate official tracks I've come across when it comes to grip, bumps, curbs and similar. Vehicles and tires that were cross referenced with real engineering, performance and race data. Evolving track that responds to weather, temperature and rubbering in.
It's a pain to set up. The UI takes learning. It's a pain to dial in for VR performance. Once you get a handle on everything, it's hard to enjoy other sims as much. Visually the game looks good in VR once you get everything set up and tweaked. You'll want to grab the free "rFactor 2 Settings Widget" app online to open up the real options. There are some tweaks to the player.json files that are probably worth researching as well. After that, the driving experience is as authentic as it gets. New online stuff seems to be working very well. Tons of modded content, some hit and some miss. Official content is excellent.
Game is still under constant stewardship from S397 where content updates, fixes and revisions are concerned.
Steam User 4
I recently had the pleasure of diving into this outstanding racing simulator, and I must say, it has exceeded all my expectations! From the moment I started the game, I was blown away by the stunning graphics. The attention to detail in the car designs and the beautifully rendered environments create an immersive experience that feels almost lifelike.
What truly sets this simulator apart is its realistic physics model. Every turn, every acceleration, and every brake feels authentic, making it a delight for racing enthusiasts. The way the car reacts to different surfaces and road conditions adds an incredible layer of depth to the gameplay, allowing players to truly hone their skills.
Overall, this racing simulator combines breathtaking visuals with a remarkable level of realism. It’s a must-play for anyone who loves racing games! Highly recommended!
Steam User 6
While I recommend the game, it was a difficult decision.
On one hand, driving feel, tyre physics, AI, and FFB are amazing, definitely the best at the time of writing. It makes the old Assetto Corsa feel like simcade in comparison.
On the other hand, there aren't many good free content by 2023 standards - lots of the free stuff looks so dated compared to the newer paid content. The good stuff needs to be purchased separately. They're not cheap too.
Steam User 6
I have tried several driving simulation "games", but I always come back to Rfactor. The FFB is phenomenal, the tires are perfectly simulated and then, very importantly, you don't have to sell a kidney to play it.
I had stopped using it because it needed Windows, but now with Proton it goes great and smooth as silk. Now I'm off and the race is about to start..
Steam User 7
Simply one of the best sim racers. The graphics aren't the best but the feel of the cars is awesome, and one of the main things RF2 has over it's rivals: wet weather.
Great sim racer, a worthy successor to the first.