GTR2
GTR 2 - FIA GT Racing Game
GTR 2 – FIA GT Racing Game is a sports car racing simulator developed by Blimey! Games and SimBin Studios (later Sector3 Studios) for the x86 PC and is a sequel to GTR. Since its release in September 2006, it has received widespread acclaim. The game simulates the 2003 and 2004 FIA GT Championship racing series. (Wikipedia)
https://www.youtube.com/embed/LioTJNIQTwM
Why a game from 2006?
GTR2 was/is one of those rare occasions when a game developer is given the opportunity to produce a game as it was meant to be. All the features you see in one game or another but never all in one game these days was actually included in one game: GTR2. And it's still being updated by modders to this day!
Here's some links that may give you a better understanding of why a game from 2006 still holds its own:
- GTR2: Why are Modern Sims Still Not as Good? [Article]
- Still The Greatest Racing Sim Ever, Here is Why [Video] - EmptyBox
- Thoughts on GTR2, And Why I Look At Sims Differently Now [Video] - SimRacing604
- GTR2 Still Rocks [Video] - GPLaps
- GTR 2 - The Sim That Keeps On Giving [Video] - Jimmy Broadbent
- GTR 2 - This is what immersion feels like [Video] - Jimmy Broadbent
- GTR2 At Its Best Looking 2023 [Video] - Shovas
- Vanilla GTR2 At Its Best Looking 2024 [Video] - Shovas
- GTR 2 - How Does It Feel With A Direct Drive Wheel? [Video] - Jimmy Broadbent
- GTR2 in VR is AMAZING (Thanks Crew Chief) [Video] - Rampski
Getting Started
Getting the Game
Steam is probably your best bet. Head over to the GTR2 store page and pick up the game. It's pretty cheap but offers amazing bang for buck.
Windows XP/Vista/7/10/11+ Compatibility
Try GTR2 first. If GTR2 is running fine for you, no need to worry about this section.
Follow this GTR2 and Windows 11 thread for more comments from other people including generic tips for 'how to run older software on newer windows'.
Compatibility Modes:
- Steam
- GTR2Config.exe > Properties > Compatibility > Check "Run as Administrator"
- Do NOT set a Windows Compatibility mode on either GTR2Config.exe or GTR2.exe
- Steam with Crew Chief GTR2 Enhancements Plugin
- Do NOT set either Run As Administrator or Windows Compatibility modes on GTR2.exe or GTR2Config.exe
- If using DXVK: GTR2Config.exe functionality can be replaced by new GTR2.exe command-line switches and dxvk.conf
- If you're having any issues check the manual for more details
- Disc
- GTR2Config.exe > Properties > Compatibility > Check "Run as Administrator"
- GTR2.exe > Properties > Compatibility > Check "Run as Administrator"
- GTR2.exe > Properties > Compatibility > Set "Windows XP SP3" Compatibility mode
GTR2 and Windows 10/11+
You may need to install additional DirectX 9 June 2010 Redistributables (direct link).
If you're really stuck
There's some registry changes for GTR2.exe that may help.
This DXVK Integration > Troubleshooting section may also help in the Crew Chief GTR2 Enhancements Plugin manual.
StarForce Disc Protection DRM
The following applies for Disc versions:
- StarForce Disc Protection was used at least for the Disc version of GT Legends but it is no longer compatible with Windows 7/8/10+ (see comments here)
- Never install Official SimBin 1.1: Use No-CD and EXEs from GTR2 and GTL HQ Anniversary Patches
- Never run EXEs from Disc or Demo downloads
- You can still use the Disc version after GTR2 HQ Anniversary Patch is installed (May also apply to GTL/GT Legends)