Enhancing Surface Grip Performance

Version 1.0 introduces minor adjustments to the grip scale on loose terrain and includes a notepad detailing hard terrain changes for potential compatibility with higher mud mod settings or other mods using the same file. Future merging of these mods is possible, but currently, the grip scale differs slightly.

Version 1.5 adds a readme, backup, and an even lower traction level for reduced road grip. Tire smoke has also been subtly increased to align with the changes.

Version 1.7 simplifies the download content to prevent accidental use of incorrect grip levels. Grip levels are now clearly labeled, offering choices of 20% and 30% less road grip.

Version 1.8 restores grip on rocks to the vanilla setting for a more authentic rock crawling experience with low-traction modded handling.

Version 2.0 enhances the looseness and realism of dirt roads and underwater sand. Underwater sand is now nearly as slick as underwater mud. Unfortunately, making underwater sand looser without causing bugs on other sandy terrain types proved challenging.

In the early stages of pursuing more realistic handling, using "handling.meta" alone did not allow vehicles to slide to a stop without handbrake assistance. However, manipulating "materials.dat" solved this issue without any handling modifications. This mod slightly decreases grip levels on all drivable surfaces and includes a matching "wheelfx.dat" (for accurate tire mark length) to provide a more challenging and realistic driving experience with the authentic sensation of sliding to a stop upon braking.

This modification affects driving but does not compromise gameplay. Vehicles remain controllable at both high and low speeds, resulting in a driving experience somewhere between GTAIV and GTAV in terms of grip and braking.

The mod works seamlessly with vanilla handling, truly highlighting the individual driving characteristics of each car. Average cars will not corner or stop as effectively as expensive or sporty cars. Compared to other vehicles, you'll gain a true appreciation for the superior braking and cornering capabilities of supercars.

Most muscle cars can execute tire-shredding burnouts but require a skilled driver to maintain control at high speeds. Similarly, most offroad vehicles won't hug the road as tightly, but they will prove more useful than ever with the mod's enhanced grip and drag realism on loose terrains. The sand and mud settings are derived from one of the author's mud mods, while grass grip has been adjusted to align with other terrain levels.

Note that some Rockstar-added or vanilla offroad vehicles may negate the mud's traction loss. To induce realistic traction loss in these vehicles, you might need to adjust the "traction loss mult" value in their respective "handling.meta" files (a value between 0.6 and 1.0 usually works best).

Combining this mod with IKT's inverse power script enhances drifting considerably. The Futo featured in the screenshots had stock handling and drifting was highly enjoyable.

Credit goes to mxt333 for inspiring the tire smoke modification and AleWheel for assisting with understanding tire smoke and decal values.