The overcast is a fps killer since PC2: I really dont understand why can be and why it was not fixed. Maybe is it more complex than seems? Ok, just delete that from random list and replace with heavy cloud/another condition... Thanks
I wouldn't go so far as to delete a weather type. However being able to still use random weather but with a filter would be cool. For example sometimes I would like to be able to select 4 random slots but not have rain or heavy rain/storm at least. on a slightly different note accelerated real weather is excellent.
I only ever use overcast conditions, it's the only setting that hides the ugly ugly shadow crawl. Pity really because I miss the nice sun light but the shadows are just so bad.
In defence of overcast, to me it gives the most photorealistic image of any of the weather conditions. You can set the weather manually with up to four variations, so it's easy enough to create varied conditions without overcast already.
The OP did not request overcast weather to be "deleted from the game" (reading comprehension please), just expressed a desire that it wouldn't get chosen as random weather because apparently it makes the game unplayable for them. I could say the same for thunderstorms, which are way too common with random weather when in reality a thunderstorm of that magnitude would probably cause any real race to be red-flagged.
Player choice should be an option, where possible. I find it difficult to argue with the OP's point, as I certainly have my own preferences.
Lol you got me there on the reading comprehension, never been drawn to that. There must be plenty of systems out there that don't suffer from this though, Madness engine in PC2 form is about six years old, so it's not exactly cutting edge. People often complain that 'Game XYZ won't run right on my rig', but if you are wanting to play modern games then you need a modern system to keep up. OP doesn't state his setup, maybe running triples, but if you wish to do this I do think you have to accept that you need hefty hardware. There are plenty of ways to turn down the graphics to maintain 60fps in most situations (although thunderstorm at night might not be one of them I'll give you that)
My rig is not very bad, a 2080+Rifts S and it can manage very well PC2 and AMS2 max details. However my comment is not related to complain about performance (the madness engine is still top in VR), but it is not "normal" that a single feature causes a so big detriment in fps. And we talk about a feature that cannot be disabled by player, but you have three option: 1) not use random weather 2) lowering details, so you play 80% of time far lower your specs just to be safe when overcast come 3) finger cross to avoid overcast... I really like the overcast, and removing it from the weather list it is not the best solution, I'm not so stupid and it is a bit provocatory... but if something dont works yet, simply put aside/dont implement since it will be ready. We got lot of software/sims that dont implement a feature if it is not ok, why to leave it in the sim if it is broken??? The right topic should be: fix this damned overcast. But 18 months have passed and you can't manage it, so eliminate this feature.
I think it's a fair point to try and optimise it for sure. Out of interest, what settings are you running for the graphics? There are definitely a few areas that can cause a performance hit without any noticeable benefit.
All max out, MSAA high, SS 1.0 plus sharpeningstrength/sharpeningclamp editing. It works perfect in every situation in PC2/AMS2, except overcast (even night/thunderstorm run better).
If you reduce shadows and environment map you will probably pick up quite a few fps without noticing it, might be worth a try.