For sim racing enthusiasts, rFactor 2 has been a long-standing favorite since its debut back in 2013.
While it has consistently delivered an outstanding single-player experience, the online multiplayer component has often left players yearning for more. The much-anticipated solution to this issue arrives in the form of the rFactor 2 Race Control Beta.
Table of Contents
Key Concepts In This Article:
- rFactor 2’s Race Control Beta enhances online multiplayer.
- User-friendly UI and tracking features are introduced.
- Online racing returns, despite minor glitches.
- Dynamic car-track combinations provide fresh challenges.
- The modding community is crucial to rFactor 2’s success.
A Fresh and User-Friendly Interface
A remarkable transformation is underway with the Race Control Beta, particularly in the realm of menu and user interface (UI) design.
For the first time in its history, rFactor 2 appears to be shifting towards a more user-friendly approach. The days of navigating through a labyrinth of complex settings hidden behind confusing screens are over.
Instead, everything pertinent to a player’s progression is thoughtfully consolidated within a single tab and spread across only a handful of menus.
This user-centered approach is a significant departure from the convoluted system of the past.
This update introduces several key features, including smooth animations that showcase your Driver Rank (DR) and Safety Rank (SR).
Notably, a progress bar now allows you to monitor changes in your DR and SR after each event. Perhaps the most valuable addition is the race results tracker, empowering you to review and dissect your past performances to your heart’s content.
Revitalizing Online Racing
One of the most pressing questions within the sim racing community has been whether online racing is making a triumphant return to rFactor 2.
The answer is a resounding “yes!” In our testing sessions, we discovered well-populated servers with clearly labeled practice sessions that attracted a diverse mix of drivers with varying skill levels. Crucially, the servers maintained stability throughout. However, it’s not without its challenges.
Our testing experience was generally positive, but we did encounter a rare issue where the software failed to recognize that an account was scheduled to join an official session, particularly as the official practice session was nearing its end.
This hiccup led to the necessity of restarting the entire game, resulting in the user’s deregistration from the race. It also meant losing valuable practice time specific to the car and track combination.
Thankfully, rFactor 2 has been proactive in addressing these issues and deployed a hotfix to enhance the online features.
Dynamic Car and Track Combinations
At the time of this writing, rFactor 2 offers a wide array of car and track combinations, each with its unique flavor.
You won’t find the standard GT3 cars at Spa here; instead, the combinations are refreshingly out-of-the-ordinary. Think Caterhams at Toban Raceway or IndyCars at Donington Park.
The beginner-level combinations, featuring the likes of the Tatuus F4, BMW M2 CS, and Caterham Academy, rotate every hour, ensuring a constantly evolving experience.
The intermediate series, housing BTCC and Porsche Regional Trophy cars, switch things up every two hours. The advanced series, featuring IndyCars, introduces new combos every three hours.
This dynamic diversity underscores rFactor 2’s commitment to delivering fresh and engaging experiences for its players.
Embracing the Modding Community
What truly sets rFactor 2 apart is its unwavering support of the modding community, a cornerstone of its continued success.
Collaborating closely with Studio 397, rFactor 2 offers near-limitless possibilities for car and track combinations, fostering a rich and diverse ecosystem for its players.
Notably, following the rollout of the Race Control Beta, the average player count in rFactor 2’s online multiplayer experiences has witnessed a significant uptick compared to the period immediately preceding the update.
This revamped online multiplayer system appears to be precisely what the title needed and may also serve as a testing ground for the highly-anticipated Le Mans Ultimate, further igniting the enthusiasm of the rFactor 2 community.
