Race Driver GRID Essentials

This is a guide, which transforms this game in a better way, specifically improving graphics side and implementing DLC cars and a track. Here you go!

Improving graphics through game files

Attention: the game's system requirements will increase

1) Getting rid of useless effects

I think not only me dislike that dark gamma of the game and yellow-ish shade. So the game looks faded, lifeless and illegible.

You need to find the file, which is here:
1) "C:\Documents and Settings\Admin\My Documents\Codemasters\GRID Demo\hardwaresettings"
2) Using any text editor ( NotePad, etc.) open the file "hardware_settings_config.xml"
3) Find <postprocess enabled="true" blur="false" />
4) Change it to <postprocess enabled="false" blur="false" />

As a result we have sharp and saturated with bright colours graphics.

2) Increasing detailing

This parameter works weird in game options. That's why we will do that manually.

Using this file again, which is in:
1) "C:\Documents and Settings\Admin\My Documents\Codemasters\GRID Demo\hardwaresettings"
2) Using any text editor ( NotePad, etc.) open the file "hardware_settings_config.xml"
3) Find <graphics_detail level="medium" />
4) Change it to <graphics_detail level="HIGH" />

Result: Increased texture detailing

3)Fixing resolution

If you faced any problems with changing the game resolution, do the following steps:
1) Find the file: grid\system\hardware_settings_restrictions.xml
2) Looking for the parameter res mem="270" maxWidth="1280" />
3) For instance, change it to res mem="270" maxWidth="1920" />, in case you monitor resolution is 1920x1080

Result: Menu looks sharp, brightness and detailing improved, driving on-board becomes pleasant

4) Increasing loading speed

"You can also change the mem="270" to your actual video memory and it'll load 10 times faster since it'll actually have access to the correct amount." @Yellowboe

P.S. I don't know why these parameters are not available directly in the game, why developers closed the opportunity to improve graphics and remove useless effects.The thing is that the difference between "Stock" version and "Custom" is HUGE.

Additional graphics improvement

GRID ENB
It's a tool which adds to graphics blue shade in order to neutralize yellow one.Use this software ONLY if you're not satisfied with previous changes. In another case you don't need it.

Installation:
1) Check ReadMe

Link: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1WkcMMfaz2wX0JuNBq9Lf7fjl5Xl8FFBS

DLC content

1) Download and install DLC.rar
Link: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1KYke9XOQb_nx0JcQS5EbQ13-JrKCHux8
Installation: Check ReadMe(everything is described there)

2)Download and install DLC Integration.zip
Link: https://drive.google.com/open?id=10oasImsooOoo3i3iqBtatDE4VKott3Yw
Installation: Check ReadMe

Enjoy!:)

Result

I hope you'll enjoy this game with listed changes. I must admit that all those fixes, DLC files, graphics improvements are not created by me. I simply combined all those neccessary features to make the gameplay better. Looking forward to your feedback. Good luck with BLOODY 24 hours Le Mans!

[Red[Noise_Bomb]]

It should be within hardware_settings_restrictions.xml

[fiswet]

what file to i have to edit to make loading faster

[Lud1crous]

Section 1 to 3 are all that's really needed worked great for me look much better cheers mate

[Blaze Viper]

grid's sepia filter is love

[Arthur]

I'm sorry but I couldn't possibly get rid of the sepia filter, it just doesn't hit the same without it.

[NHK受信料]

Personally, i found that changing res mem parameter to mine's graphics card(RX470-4G) memory size is bugging out the game. After some minutes of driving, objects on track started disappearing (some LOD issue, i think)
Then, i changed the res mem parameter to 0 and all works fine. So, this parameter isnt linked to graphics card actual memory pool.

[Red[Noise_Bomb]]

Hello! I never had such a glitch and never heard from other users about that. Try reinstalling the filter, otherwise I have no clue.

[Nosdrähcir]

Hello. The blue filter, added a solid blue line in the right corner of my screen, is it a common mistake, or just me? If it is common, how to solve it? Thankful.

[abtNaitY]

after further research:

1) mobdb list 1.1 but when you download the file it is 1.2
2) you can check DLC integration in first Le Mans, if it offers you to buy Ferrari, integration works
3) DELETE THE DATABASE FOLDER as is in read.me

I spent about 3 hours to get integration works in the middle of season and trust me theres no guide, I have to figure it out by myself. So dont be smart as me and follow the instructions :-)

I will not write a guide for "integration in mid season" , bcs I think not many people play it and even less have this problem. Solution is very tricky. But if you get into this kind of trouble pm on wall or add me, I will tell you what to do

[abtNaitY]

Ok for newcomers, I dont know where author get it , but in this guide is link to the latest DLC integration (version 1.2). When you go to mobdb there is latest version there is 1.1