rFactor 2
- November 12, 2015
- Studio 397
- 7h median play time
Get on Steam"rFactor 2 is a highly customizable racing simulation with a focus on realism, featuring mixed class road racing, advanced vehicle and race customization, and realistic dynamics. It offers support for both single-player and multiplayer modes, with dynamic day-night cycles and weather conditions. The game also allows for real-road technology, endurance events, and driver swaps in multiplayer mode. A variety of add-ons and customizations are available through the community."
PC
Reviews
- Incredible physics and force feedback, providing a realistic driving experience.
- Extensive modding community with a variety of free and paid content available.
- Recent updates have improved the user interface and loading times significantly.
- The user interface is clunky and unintuitive, making navigation difficult for new players.
- High cost of additional content (DLC) can be prohibitive, with many essential cars and tracks locked behind paywalls.
- Frequent crashes and technical issues, particularly with controller compatibility and loading times.
- graphics476 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 54 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The graphics in rFactor 2 are widely regarded as outdated, with many users noting that they fall short compared to contemporary racing simulations like Assetto Corsa and Project Cars. While some tracks and DLC content showcase improved visuals, the overall graphical fidelity is inconsistent, often described as clunky or reminiscent of older titles. Despite these shortcomings, many players emphasize that the game's exceptional physics and driving experience can overshadow the visual limitations, making it a worthwhile choice for serious sim racing enthusiasts.
“The graphics, physics, and sounds are so much better than the rest.”
“The realistic physics, gorgeous graphics, and vast amount of content make it a must-play for any racing fan.”
“The graphics have improved a lot.”
“Rfactor 2 probably has the worst graphics out of all the sims I have tried.”
“The graphics are the most inconsistent part of this game, and I suspect that is one of the main things that puts a number of people off.”
“The graphics look outdated, the car selection might not feel very exciting, and the tracks not that many either.”
- optimization86 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 31 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with many users reporting significant performance issues, particularly on older hardware and in VR setups. While some players have noted improvements in performance and graphics after updates, others have experienced persistent stuttering, long loading times, and a need for extensive tweaking to achieve stable frame rates. Overall, while the game excels in physics and realism, its optimization remains a significant concern for many users.
“I find rFactor 2 to be one of the best sims for VR gaming, realism, force feedback detail, and rendering performance.”
“Performance and graphics-wise, the game runs smoothly and really gives me the feeling of being behind the wheel.”
“It's not the prettiest at all, but it's highly optimized, runs beautifully smoothly, and again, the feel - especially the force feedback - is incredible.”
“Performance isn't great; I have to turn the graphics settings almost all the way down in order to hit a stable 60 fps.”
“Game is poorly optimized and tracks load very slowly.”
“Optimization is a joke -- it looks terrible and runs worse.”
- stability68 mentions
- 6 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 94 % negative mentions
The stability of the game is widely criticized, with users reporting numerous bugs, glitches, and crashes that severely hinder gameplay. Many players experience frequent screen freezes, connection issues, and a frustratingly buggy user interface, leading to extensive troubleshooting and maintenance. While some appreciate the driving mechanics, the overall consensus is that the game's stability issues overshadow its potential, making it difficult to recommend.
“Runs great, Steam Workshop support is a big plus. Technically, I've never had issues and I'm running with really high FPS on Linux.”
“Runs great in VR also!”
“Runs great.”
“The game is full of various glitches; I can't get it to work properly no matter what I try.”
“The 24-hour Le Mans demonstrated how much screen freezes, disconnects, and the level of incompetence this game's multiplayer displays.”
“You will spend hours troubleshooting, following tips from Reddit or Discord forums, deleting your shaders cache, repairing your installation, but most probably none of it will work.”
- gameplay43 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The gameplay in rFactor 2 is praised for its realistic physics, detailed car mechanics, and immersive simulation experience, making it a favorite among racing enthusiasts. However, players have noted significant issues with the user interface, lack of base content, and occasional technical problems that can detract from the overall experience. While the game excels in providing a deep and rewarding simulation, it requires a powerful PC and can be frustrating for newcomers due to its complex mechanics and AI challenges.
“Great simulator gameplay... can really feel the raw power of the car when using a full simulator.”
“The physics seem very realistic; the graphics and gameplay might not be awesome, but if you are looking for a realistic simulator, it works well.”
“Brilliant gameplay, lots of tracks and cars, and seems so realistic (so I'm told)!”
“Some of the game mechanics are such garbage it really takes away from that.”
“The gameplay is just appalling.”
“No part of this game ever has me coming back to it purely for the gameplay and instead I only ever play it when I accidentally see it on my desktop and feel guilty for buying it and not playing.”
- story15 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 47 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The reviews consistently highlight that the game lacks a traditional story or career mode, which some players find disappointing compared to other racing titles like Assetto Corsa Competizione. While the focus is on authentic driving simulation rather than narrative, players acknowledge that the intense and realistic experience can still be rewarding with practice. Overall, the absence of a story element is a notable drawback for many users.
“I came in contact with rFactor 2 coming from ACC - which is an amazing GTR game, but after installing the two rFactor 2 GT bundles and going out on Sebring, I was petrified by how authentic the cars react. The stability you expect from a GT car, the sensation of weight transfer, the reaction of the tires on the braking spaces and on corners, incredible FFB... long story short, rFactor 2 is an intense experience for a guy like me - a former professional rally driver for more than a decade who now has the pleasure to experience sim racing at a level as authentic as possible regarding the car's handling.”
“It may lack the story and drama of some racing games, but you'll find it far more enjoyable and rewarding to drive after you put in the practice time.”
“This was a different story in iRacing.”
“But it is dated, lacks a story/career/guide the way Assetto Corsa Competizione delivers it.”
“I should say it is not a game; first, it takes a long time to set up and properly calibrate to each system, second, there is no story. It is not a car driving role-playing game; it's a simulator, which brings me to point three: it is hard.”
“Yes, there is no career mode, or story behind it.”
- monetization9 mentions
- 22 % positive mentions
- 44 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The monetization model of the game is criticized for being aggressive and unfriendly to new players, relying heavily on expensive DLC packs and in-game purchases that many users find unprofitable. While some appreciate the potential for improvement in bundling and regional pricing, the overall sentiment is that the current system is excessively costly and detracts from the gaming experience.
“Rf2's monetization model is currently based on one-time purchases of DLC packs and the sale of the game itself.”
“I still think they should offer better bundles with discounts on items you already own, regional pricing, and a more consumer-friendly monetization system overall, but it is cool to see that they can change this stuff.”
“Very realistic sim with a very aggressive monetization model and unfriendly UX for new players.”
“If you're not yet aware, in-game purchases for maps and cars are ridiculously expensive.”
“So rFactor 2 is an interesting case; online racing, while improved, isn't that good and the monetization is the worst I have ever seen. You need to buy all cars to race in events that require multiple DLC cars, and it's a lot of money.”
- grinding5 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be extremely tedious, often requiring significant time and effort to set up controls, particularly with certain hardware like direct drive wheels. While the end result can lead to excellent force feedback, the initial setup process can feel overwhelming and frustrating.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“Extremely tedious to set up (especially with a direct drive wheel), but when it's done right... my lord, is the force feedback excellent.”
“Setting up the controls is very tedious.”
- humor5 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is described as hit-or-miss, with some players finding it amusing while others feel it falls flat, particularly in relation to technical issues. Additionally, the presence of creative mods, ranging from serious to whimsical, adds a layer of humor that some players appreciate, such as a Santa driving a delivery van. Overall, the humor seems to be subjective, with mixed reactions from the community.
“This game has amazing mods, like an F1 mod and funny ones that involve Santa driving a delivery van.”
“You may think it's funny that I'm saying the DLC is pricey when I play iRacing, where every track or car is around $15.”
“Funny, really.”
- music2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highly praised, with users describing it as awesome and inspiring, particularly in the main menu. The combination of engaging music and visually appealing graphics enhances the overall experience, making navigation enjoyable.
“The main menu music is fantastic!”
“When you launch the game, the music is awesome and inspiring. You see in-game engine animations of cars and tracks, the menu is simple and easy to use, and the visuals for each section really showcase how beautiful yet simple the graphics are.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional response from users indicates a strong dissatisfaction with the game, leading some to seek refunds and express a reluctance to engage with it further.
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 200 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere is praised for its realistic depiction of sunlight, contributing to a grounded and authentic experience that many players appreciate for its simplicity.
“The realistic sunlight atmosphere creates an immersive experience that feels genuine and relatable.”
“I appreciate the simplicity of the atmosphere; it's not overly fancy, which adds to its charm.”
