In one of the most unexpected announcements of 2025, rFactor 2 is getting new content with Circuit Zolder launching August 26th. Yes, you read that correctly, rFactor 2, the 12-year-old sim that many considered effectively dead, is somehow still receiving updates.
Wait, rFactor 2 is Still Alive?
The announcement comes as a genuine shock to the sim racing community. Since Studio 397 and Motorsport Games shifted focus entirely to Le Mans Ultimate’s development and 1.0 release, rFactor 2 has survived on little more than occasional multiplayer hot fixes.
“It’s been a minute, but something new is coming,” Studio 397 posted on social media. The understated caption perfectly captures just how long it’s actually been since anyone expected rFactor 2 news.
The Passion Project Reality
What makes this release remarkable is its origin. The Zolder track scan was conducted by Frederick Alonso as a personal passion project, not an official Studio 397 initiative. Only after completion did the developer approve and integrate it into the game.
This highlights rFactor 2’s current reality, a platform kept alive by community enthusiasm rather than active development resources. While a community mod version already existed, having an official version represents a significant upgrade for the aging simulation.
Content Shrinking, Not Growing
The Zolder addition becomes even more surprising considering rFactor 2’s recent trajectory. Rather than growing, the platform has been shrinking, with Circuit de la Sarthe and Ferrari cars removed last November as licenses were redirected toward Le Mans Ultimate.
The only other notable addition was Formula E team updates in March – hardly major content drops. Against this backdrop, Zolder’s arrival feels almost miraculous.
Business Reality Check
Studio 397’s focus on Le Mans Ultimate makes perfect business sense. Le Mans Ultimate represents the future with console releases planned, while rFactor 2 remains locked to PC with a niche audience.
The surprise isn’t that rFactor 2 was neglected – it’s that it’s receiving anything at all. This situation mirrors broader industry trends where developers abandon older titles for newer, more profitable platforms.
What This Actually Means
Does Zolder signal renewed interest in rFactor 2, or simply a one-off opportunity too good to pass up? With no indication of pricing or future content plans, this likely represents more pleasant surprise than strategic revival.
For the rFactor 2 community, it hardly matters. Any new official content represents a victory for a platform many assumed was finished. The fact that it’s Zolder – a classic circuit beloved by racing fans – makes it even sweeter.
The Bottom Line
rFactor 2’s sudden Zolder announcement proves you should never assume a sim is truly dead until the servers shut down. While this likely represents a fortunate accident rather than a revival, it demonstrates the value of passionate community members keeping older simulations alive.
Whether this marks renewed support or a final farewell gift remains to be seen. Either way, it’s a welcome reminder that sometimes the most unexpected announcements are the most enjoyable ones.
If you are interested in picking up Zolder, you can buy it on the rFactor 2’s steam store page here.