Guide is nearly finished, just needs a couple links and I need to upload my FFB files. The underscores are where I need links.
First thing's first, I would recommend that you check to make sure that you make sure you meet all the minimum system requirements. It's a relatively old game, so it doesn't take much computer power. But it can't hurt to double check.
System Requirements
- 1.4 GHz processor
- Windows 98 SE, ME, 2000, XP, XP 64-bit, Vista, 7 (will NOT run in Windows 95 or Windows 98 first edition)
- 512 MB RAM
- Geforce4 4200 or Radeon 9200
- 128 MB video RAM
- DirectX 9.0c
- 2.0 GB of hard drive space for installation
- Internet connection required for one-time activation
I wouldn't stress too much about those though, if my computer can run it without any issues, yours sure as heck should be able to as well.
So now you are going to try out a sort of demo of rFactor. It is exactly like the full version of rFactor, except you only have access to it for 40 Minutes until you need to activate the full version. This should be plenty of time for you to make sure that your computer can handle it. Never mind the fact that it is titled rFactor Lite. rFactor Lite is just like normal rFactor except it only has one car and one track. This will cut down the file size drastically. Most of the cars included you would never touch anyways.
So go ahead and click on this link:
rFactor Lite Download Link
It should be safe, but it can't hurt to run a quick security scan once you're done downloading.
Now there are two paths you can take for the next step, one for if you have administrator privileges on your computer, and one for if you don't.
If you DO have administrator privileges, double click on the .exe file you just downloaded and follow the steps as instructed.
If you do NOT have administrator privileges, double click on the .exe, follow the steps, but when it asks you where to install it, choose a location that is NOT in the Program Files folder (which is the default). This will allow you to access the folder to (un)install mods and edit files, amongst other things.
That's the most important, but perhaps the least difficult part done!
You now have rFactor installed and hopefully working on your computer.
Find the "rfactor.exe" in the folder you just created when you installed the game. Copy and paste this onto your desktop and then double click on it.
Once the game loads, go to customize, and choose settings, then controls.
Map out controls for throttle, brake, steering left, and steering right on your keyboard (don't bother with a wheel/controller yet).
Now go to customize, and click on vehicle. Purchase the only vehicle that's available.
Next go to Control, Race Weekend, and start a race.
Once you get to the in race monitor, add a bunch of AI. 20-30 should do.
Start a race and make sure the performance of the game (FPS, etc.) is what you expected. If there is a lot of lag or FPS issues, go to settings and turn some of them down.
Try again.
Hopefully you can get that to work. If not, just post and we can work something out.
If you are able to run smoothly without any issues, you can now purchase the game.
Purchase using whatever method you would like, JUST DON'T PIRATE IT! All that does is take away from the quality of rFactor 2!
Alright, now time to download some mods, short for modifications.
We'll start with EnduRacers' Endurance Series mod.
This contains a wide variety of sports cars that have competed in Le Mans, the LMS, the ALMS, the WEC, and a few other series.
You can download it using this link:
ftp://www.gentlemen-racers.org/rFactor/Mods/Enduracers_ES_rF1.exe
This should take awhile, but once it's finished downloading, double click on the .exe.
Follow all the steps and make sure you choose the correct root folder (the location that you initially installed rFactor to) when the installer prompts you.
Now you may spend some time driving and feel that the FFB is too weak and may not feel right at ALL. There are two plug-ins you can install that will improve the FFB dramatically.
One of them is called RealFeel and the other is called leoffb. RealFeel will take inputs from the suspension and chassis while leoffb will take inputs from the tires. The EnduRacers team has optimized these settings for their Endurance Series mod. You can download all the files used for these two plug-ins here:
FFB Files. These are all the settings I use and are optimized for the G27 and G25. They have been tested and work with the DFP and DFGT as well. Fanatec wheels have not been tested nor have any Thrustmaster wheels. They may work but I cannot guarantee it. It's worth a try!
Once you have downloaded it, read the file that says "Read This." It contains further instructions regarding installation.
If you are having any issues or want to go through the set up process yourself, read this
thread .
After all this, I highly recommend reading through
this section of EnduRacers' website.
If you'd like some tracks, you can just Google for them. You can find anything from the legendary Targa Florio to Gran Turismo's own Grand Valley Speedway and Highspeed Ring. Some good places to start are
Virtua_LM and
rfactorcentral.com.
And that's pretty much it!
You're rFactor root folder will constantly increase in size. Your collection of mods and plug-ins will always be expanding. Have fun, and if you have any problems or questions, just post!
Happy racing!
to get them evened out on there. Believe I'll definitely be getting this in the near future.
Any porsche related mods?
