WRC 26: Best Config for Rally Stage Loading Speed

The objective of this configuration is to pre-allocate the Streaming Pool and force the engine to use the most efficient Decompression Algorithms available in the Agility SDK.

File Path & Access

File Path: %LOCALAPPDATA%\WRC26\Saved\Config\WindowsNoEditor\

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Press Win + R on your keyboard, paste the path above, and press Enter.
2. Locate the file named Engine.ini. (Always create a backup named Engine_Backup.ini before editing).
3. Right-click the file and select Open With > Notepad.
4. Paste the technical block provided below at the very bottom of the file.
5. Save the file and restart the game.

Optimized “Fast-Load” Configuration Block

[SystemSettings]
r.Streaming.PoolSize=6144
r.Streaming.LimitPoolSizeToVRAM=1
r.Streaming.DefragDynamicBounds=1
r.Streaming.HLODStrategy=2
s.AsyncLoadingThreadEnabled=True
s.PriorityAsyncLoadingExtraTime=5.0
s.MaxPackageSummarySizePerTick=2048
r.Shaders.Optimize=1

[TextureStreaming]
BoostPlayerTextures=1.0
PoolSizeVRAMPercentage=70

Parameter Details & Technical Purpose

Parameter	Recommended Value	Technical Purpose
s.AsyncLoadingThreadEnabled	True	Moves asset loading to a background thread, preventing the “UI Freeze” during loading screens.
r.Streaming.PoolSize	6144	Set to ~70% of your VRAM. Prevents the engine from constantly dumping and re-loading textures.
s.PriorityAsyncLoadingExtraTime	5.0	Gives the loading process more CPU cycles per tick, effectively shortening load times.
r.Streaming.HLODStrategy	2	Prioritizes loading high-detail proxies early, reducing pop-in once the stage begins.
r.Shaders.Optimize	1	Forces the driver to prioritize shader execution speed over complex background compilation.

Best Practices for 2026 WRC Stability

To maintain a smooth 144Hz+ experience on 2026 rally stages, follow these additional GameEngineer.net technical steps:

• DirectStorage 1.2 Enablement: WRC 26 supports DirectStorage. Ensure your game is installed on an NVMe Gen4 or Gen5 SSD. In the in-game menu, verify that “GPU Decompression” is set to Enabled. This moves the loading burden from the CPU to the GPU’s highly parallel shaders.
• Shader Pre-Caching: Never skip the “Compiling Shaders” progress bar on the initial launch. In 2026, UE5.5 requires an accurate PSO (Pipeline State Object) cache to prevent stutters during high-speed sections of the rally.
• VRS (Variable Rate Shading): If you are hitting GPU bottlenecks on rainy stages (like Wales or Japan), enable Tier 2 VRS in the settings. This reduces the shading complexity in areas of low detail without affecting the clarity of the road.
• Windows Game Mode: Ensure “Game Mode” is ON in Windows 11. In 2026, this feature has been updated to better manage Thread Affinity for racing sims, preventing background apps from stealing cycles from the physics thread.