rFactor Frequently Asked Questions
This
page should help you understand rFactor, and how to use it to have fun
and improve your driving skills!
What
is rFactor?
rFactor
is a computer-based driving simulator.
Some people call it a video game, but it is much more realistic than
just a game.
You can use it on your own computer, practicing on hundreds of real
tracks around the world, or even racing against the computer cars
('AI' cars). You can connect to other real life players across a LAN
or the internet to have true competition.
The physics of Factor are considered among the best in the simulation
and gaming industry.
Race tires must get warm to perform well, you have full control over
car setup (alignment, spring rates, tire pressures, etc), and crashes
can impact the drivability of the car.
Some of the graphics are not as pretty as PlayStation and XBox games,
but the driving experience is more realistic.
A wikipedia article on the simulator is here; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RFactor
Is
it realistic?
Yes
.. very much so.
Here is a YouTube video comparing the simulator to a real F1 car:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nr5zu4bE3jw
I bet you can't tell which is the real one right away!
Here's another video showing multiple cars from multiple angles.
(Check out the physics when they hit curbs or lock up brakes);
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEG1v3bMVSM
How
much does it cost?
rFactor
is $40.
That's it .. no monthly fees, no charge for additional tracks, no
charge for extra cars.
There is even a free trial program you can download to test it out
before you buy.
Where
do I get it?
http://www.rfactor.net
has the program available for download, as
well as links to online sites that have it available on DVD.
The direct link to the download file is; Image Space Incorporated
This
is the complete, full version. It will run for free in demo mode, but
you will need to buy an unlock
code for $40 to get access to all of the extra tracks and cars
that are available.
What
tracks does it have?
Just
about any track you can think of. Really.
Independent developers can create tracks to become available for
rFactor. They can be real tracks, or even fantasy tracks. Road courses
and circle tracks. The list is always growing, and most are available
for download (for no charge again), from here:
http://www.rfactorcentral.com/list.cfm?cat=Tracks
What
cars are available?
There
are currently over 200 cars and styles of cars available, from VWs to
F1 cars to monster trucks.
Like tracks, these can be created by individuals and submitted to
rFactor for distribution.
Some are more realistic than others, but there is a rating system to
help you decide of you want to download them;
http://www.rfactorcentral.com/list.cfm?cat=Cars
How
do I use it?
1)
download it or buy it on DVD
2) install it on your computer
3) run the program and start driving
4) download more tracks, more cars, get better and race online!
What
type of computer do I need?
You
can try out the trial version to see how it works on your computer,
but minimum requirements are;
- 1.4 GHz processor
- Windows 98 SE, ME, 2000, XP, XP 64-bit (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
Any
other gear needed?
Although
you can drive it with your keyboard, you really should have a driving
wheel and pedals to have the best experience.
Many folks use the Logitech Driving Force Pro ($100) or the Logitech
G25 ($300), which also work with the Sony PlayStation. These wheels
have "force feedback", that simulates the resistance of the
wheel to turning and also allows you to 'feel' rumble strips and tires
sliding. You can get these almost anywhere ... BestBuy, Amazon, eBay,
etc.
In order to operate them on your PC instead of the gaming system, you
will also need the software drivers from Logitech:
Driving
Force Pro driver
G25
Driver
Are
there user forums to help once I get started?
Yes
... these are two of the best.
http://forum.racesimcentral.com/forumdisplay.php?f=799
http://www.apexspeed.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=26
How
do I race at High Plains Raceway?
1)
Download the track from http://www.rfactorcentral.com
or http://www.drivingforcemotorsports.com/files/HighPlainsRaceway.zip
2)
Install the track on your computer (directions included with track)
3a)
Practice on your own computer
3b)
Race against the computer cars
3c) Connect to the online server and run some laps against your
friends or compete in the organized race series.
(Server address is 76.76.72.95,
password is 'hpr')
The server should be up and running all the time. You can join it
anytime and simply run laps against whomever might also be connected.
However, there will be organized races throughout the winter with true
practice, qualifying and race sessions. Info and updates for this will
likely be at the series page
or http://www.highplainsraceway.com
Having
trouble
connecting?
Try
these steps when connecting to an online game:
- click the 'Connect/Join" button in the rFactor main window
- sit at the server list for a few seconds while it updates
- if you don't see the series you want listed, click the "+" sign and enter the server IP
(HPR is 76.76.72.95)
- go back to the main server list ... or it just puts you back there automatically ... can't remember
- let the list auto update again
- scroll to get to the server with the track you want (look for the track name)
- click on the that server
- load game
- enter the password in small letters (High Plains is 'hpr')
- type enter instead of clicking button
