Automobilista 2 is set to take another big step with its incoming update to v1.6. Developer Reiza Studios shared another look into the new version with their latest dev blog.
UPDATED September 17, 19:10 UTC
It had been a while since Reiza Studios gave an update on how version 1.6 of Automobilista 2 is progressing. The latest dev update had been released in May, with more to follow before the release of the actual update. One of the new dev updates is now here, and Automobilista 2 v1.6 does not seem far off anymore. The 'Road to v1.6 Pt2" post details several elements that will improve the sim.
Of course, these are only part of the bigger picture for AMS2. In May, Reiza already highlighted the reworked LMDh/GTP hybrid system, which is going to work like the real counterpart from v1.6 onwards, as well as reworked smoke shaders to improve the look of engine failures.
Studio Founder and CEO Renato Simioni states that "there is understandable skepticism around the term "game-changing" when it comes to physics development, but there are changes that quite literally fundamentally transform many of these intertwined dynamics, without necesarily eliminating the work that came before".
The physics changes are mainly driven by "development of tire hysteresis along with a tire thermodynamics overhaul. Brake have also received a thermodynamics overhaul of their ownand have a much more tangible feel to them", details the dev update.
Now September rapidly advances, the Brazilian studio showed more previews, with the AI racing in the sim being the main focus. A short race at Monzain AMS2's version of a current-gen Formula One car, called the F-Ultimate Gen 2 in the game, highlights the reworked behavior of the computer-controlled opponents. They appear to be less frantic, more considerate but not shy to go for overtakes or defensive moves either.
Nine areas in which the AI has been improved are mentioned in particular:
Additionally, the AI received more adjustments for running in the wet and dry (and conditions somewhere in between), "mitigating most if not all persisting discrepancies in performance".
The netcode changes in particular have apparently given encouraging results when tested with third-party competition platforms - the achilles heel of AMS2's multiplayer thus far.
Another element that had already been touched upon in the previous bigger update to v1.5 is racing in the wet. While a slight loss of grip was already noticeable on the dry racing line once the track turned wet, this effect will be more noticeable in v1.6, with the visuals to match.
The rubbered-in racing line from running in the dry will look different and more shiny than the rest of the track. Adapting your line throughout the turns to find more grip off of the usual racing line will be more important as a result.
Additionally, the way water spray looks like is adjusted, and certain rainy scenarios will not look mostly gray anymore, as the demonstration video shows a mostly cloudy Spa in circa 1993, with the sun occasionally peeking through the clouds.
The weather system in AMS2 will see more refinement even in the dry, too. Remember that epic battle Ayrton Senna and Nigel Mansell had at the 1991 Spanish Grand Prix? As they raced down the main straight side by side, sparks were flying off the cars - and those characteristic vortices formed on the edges of both cars' rear wings.
This will make its way into Automobilista 2 via version 1.6, too. The sim will take humidity into account more, and relatively cold temperatures coupled with high humidity and race cars with big rear wings will then result in those vortices forming. A neat little detail that could make for some excellent screenshots.
Of course, a track needs to support this many grid slots - so if you were hoping to run 48 cars at Cadwell Park, you might be disappointed.
Added eye candy include dynamic exhausts that glow depending on how hot they get, trackside fireworks, more 3D trees that even get wet at many tracks, and more.
What are your thoughts on the preview videos to Automobilista 2 v1.6? Let us know in the comments below and join the discussion in our AMS2 forum!
UPDATED September 17, 19:10 UTC
It had been a while since Reiza Studios gave an update on how version 1.6 of Automobilista 2 is progressing. The latest dev update had been released in May, with more to follow before the release of the actual update. One of the new dev updates is now here, and Automobilista 2 v1.6 does not seem far off anymore. The 'Road to v1.6 Pt2" post details several elements that will improve the sim.
Of course, these are only part of the bigger picture for AMS2. In May, Reiza already highlighted the reworked LMDh/GTP hybrid system, which is going to work like the real counterpart from v1.6 onwards, as well as reworked smoke shaders to improve the look of engine failures.
Physics
The centerpiece of the update - although it is hard to limit that term to just one element - are the improved physics. Showcased already in the 2024 Brazilian Stock Car Pro vehicles and F-Ultimate Gen 2 cars, all cars in the sim will feel different and much more cohesive once v1.6 rolls around, Reiza promises.Studio Founder and CEO Renato Simioni states that "there is understandable skepticism around the term "game-changing" when it comes to physics development, but there are changes that quite literally fundamentally transform many of these intertwined dynamics, without necesarily eliminating the work that came before".
The physics changes are mainly driven by "development of tire hysteresis along with a tire thermodynamics overhaul. Brake have also received a thermodynamics overhaul of their ownand have a much more tangible feel to them", details the dev update.
Refined AI Behavior
Now September rapidly advances, the Brazilian studio showed more previews, with the AI racing in the sim being the main focus. A short race at Monzain AMS2's version of a current-gen Formula One car, called the F-Ultimate Gen 2 in the game, highlights the reworked behavior of the computer-controlled opponents. They appear to be less frantic, more considerate but not shy to go for overtakes or defensive moves either.
Nine areas in which the AI has been improved are mentioned in particular:
Additionally, the AI received more adjustments for running in the wet and dry (and conditions somewhere in between), "mitigating most if not all persisting discrepancies in performance".
Multiplayer Sees "Substantial Improvements To The Netcode"
Not exactly a strong suit of AMS2 so far, the sim's multiplayer - like pretty much every other area of the title - has received significant attention. This resulted in significant improvements related to its netcode, the abilities to share setups easier, and the ability to join servers closer towards the end of qualifying.The netcode changes in particular have apparently given encouraging results when tested with third-party competition platforms - the achilles heel of AMS2's multiplayer thus far.
Progress With Racing In The Rain
Another element that had already been touched upon in the previous bigger update to v1.5 is racing in the wet. While a slight loss of grip was already noticeable on the dry racing line once the track turned wet, this effect will be more noticeable in v1.6, with the visuals to match.
The rubbered-in racing line from running in the dry will look different and more shiny than the rest of the track. Adapting your line throughout the turns to find more grip off of the usual racing line will be more important as a result.
Additionally, the way water spray looks like is adjusted, and certain rainy scenarios will not look mostly gray anymore, as the demonstration video shows a mostly cloudy Spa in circa 1993, with the sun occasionally peeking through the clouds.
Humidity Modelling
The weather system in AMS2 will see more refinement even in the dry, too. Remember that epic battle Ayrton Senna and Nigel Mansell had at the 1991 Spanish Grand Prix? As they raced down the main straight side by side, sparks were flying off the cars - and those characteristic vortices formed on the edges of both cars' rear wings.
This will make its way into Automobilista 2 via version 1.6, too. The sim will take humidity into account more, and relatively cold temperatures coupled with high humidity and race cars with big rear wings will then result in those vortices forming. A neat little detail that could make for some excellent screenshots.
Increased Grid Sizes
Automobilista 2's 32-car grid limit has been a gripe for a number of sim racers, particularly for offline racers who wanted more crowded race tracks. The v1.6 update will up that limit to 48 vehicles - if you got 12 Gb or more of physical memory available. Online, the 32-car limit remains in place.Of course, a track needs to support this many grid slots - so if you were hoping to run 48 cars at Cadwell Park, you might be disappointed.
Graphics Overhaul
Already mentioned in the May dev update, AMS2 will look different once the update to v1.6 is out, too. Several shaders have been improved - like the aforementioned spray in the rain - and a more natural depiction of cars and tracks in a variety of weather conditions and lighting scenarios are the result. Crucially, this has been achieved with a "negligible performance impact".Added eye candy include dynamic exhausts that glow depending on how hot they get, trackside fireworks, more 3D trees that even get wet at many tracks, and more.
More To Come
Additional dev updates are set to follow Pt2 soon, with more previews on the way "over the next few days to get hearts pumping", according to the new dev update. Audio development is set to feature in this, as well as more spotlight on the incoming content.What are your thoughts on the preview videos to Automobilista 2 v1.6? Let us know in the comments below and join the discussion in our AMS2 forum!
