*Update: 2.01

Reshade with SweetFX version now available.
Modified settings to provide sharper and clearer gameplay.
DO NOT upgrade the Reshade in this version, use as is.

Additional Download Added:

No More Film Grain.
*Not required and can be used with or without the reshade\sweetfx.
- Engine.ini update to Disable Film Grain.
- Readme included with info and line additions.
- Place in %LocalAppData%\StateOfDecay2\Saved\Config\WindowsNoEditor\

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Reshade or Reshade with SweetFX install.

Install

Download and extract the files to
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\StateOfDecay2\StateOfDecay2\Binaries\Win64
Start and test Game to see if it's working.

Uninstall

Remove placed files to uninstall.

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*OLD Version*

Reshade version instructions below, not required for reshade with sweetfx version

ORIGINAL SETUP BELOW - Reshade Version

This is a ReShade Preset file I created to help improve the overall appearance of the Steam version of State of Decay 2 Juggernaut Edition.

* Update Sod2a.ini version 1.1

This is the same preset but with reduced glare, altered shadow strength and adjusted clarity.
Recommend to adjust your ingame gamma after install and setup.
Install in the same way as the version 1, just select sod2a.ini in the reshade menu.
*Add both presets and switch between them ingame to determine your preference.
Try them with and without HDR enabled, disabled does provide more FPS and a slightly different effect.




To Start: Installing Reshade

Version 4.6.1 is the one I used.
To get this version goto the repository


Once Downloaded:

Run the Reshade installer and from the game.exe list select "StateOfDecay2-Win64-Shipping.exe" from the two that will be listed.
Next: for Rendering API select Direct3D/10/11/12

Select the following effects from the list:

Standard Shaders (automatically checked)
SweetFX by CeeJay.dk
Legacy Standard Effects

Select OK, then from the shader lists, select the following:

Standard Shaders - Uncheck All
SweetFX - Select: FakeHDR, LumaSharpen and Vibrance
Legacy Standard Effects - Select: Clarity, FakeHDR, LumaSharpen and Vibrance

Say OK and allow Reshade to finish installing, then close installer.

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Second: Installing Preset

Download the preset - sod2.ini (sod2a.ini for version 1.1) - Download and install both. Switch between the two ingame to determine preference.
Extract to - C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\StateOfDecay2\StateOfDecay2\Binaries\Win64
Then start the game.

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Last: Ingame Reshade Setup

Once you have started the game you should see the reshade running along the top of the game screen.

Press the "Home" key to open the reshade menu.
Complete the reshade setup and in the line under the options click the down arrow and select the "sod2.ini" (sod2a.ini for version 1.1)

Next select "Settings" and set the reshade toggle key (second from top in list)
I used "Scroll Lock"
Once selected close the reshade with the Home key and test the toggle to make sure the effects are working.

Adjust your ingame gamma.

** Try it with or without HDR to determine your preference, by simply unchecking it in the reshade menu. **

**If using Windows HDR, then disable the reshade HDR**

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To Uninstall:

Goto - Steam\steamapps\common\StateOfDecay2\StateOfDecay2\Binaries\Win64
Delete the - reshade-shaders folder, dxgi.dll, dxgi.log, ReShade.ini & sod2.ini

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Additional changes:

If you would like to further add improvements to your game goto the following link and add these changes.

Open Source:

As of January 1st 2017, ReShade is open sourced under the terms and conditions of the BSD 3-clause license! You can help development with your own contributions via the official GitHub repository.



Unzip with WinRaR
To download newest version: WinRar

Gameplay with Sod2 preset, FakeHDR Disabled.

Thanks to Christian Jensen (CeeJay.dk) and Crosire for reshade and sweetfx.
Thanks also to Nexus and the Nexus Community.

I hope you find these programs and adjustments helpful at making your game more enjoyable.