Bruteforce

Bruteforce refers to an automated method used in TrackMania to optimize race times by systematically adjusting inputs to discover faster routes or techniques. This approach is a cornerstone of tool-assisted speedruns, where players leverage software tools to achieve precision and performance beyond human capabilities.

Overview

In the context of TMNF and TMUF, TMInterface is a widely used TAS tool that includes a built-in bruteforce script. This script enables users to automatically search for a custom goal by simulating thousands of input variations derived from an existing replay. When the script identifies that the goal has been reached, it records the new inputs and saves them for the user to review.

How it Works

The bruteforce script in TMInterface functions by:

• Utilizing an original replay that doesn't reach the goal as a baseline.
• Generating small, random modifications to the inputs in the replay.
• Running simulations to determine whether the adjusted inputs result in reaching the goal.
• Saving the best-performing results to a text file for further human analysis.

The process requires at least a forcefully finished replay of a completed race. Incomplete replays lack sufficient input data for the bruteforce script to function.

Features

TMInterface’s bruteforce script makes use of the following concepts to enhance its usefulness:

• Efficiency: By leveraging TrackMania’s validation feature, the script runs simulations at maximum speed, testing thousands of variations quickly. Common speeds range from 20 to 200 attempts/second, depending on hardware and bruteforce settings. The tool also uses save states to restore to specific points in the race, reducing the time required to evaluate each modification.
• Goal Definition: Users can target specific goals, such as optimizing checkpoint times, reaching a certain cuboid in the map ealier, achieving a certain car angle, etc.
• Configuration and Restrictions: Users can define boundaries in the way inputs are modified, and this is very important in order to optimize attempt efficiency. For example, specifying how many inputs (at most) can be modified per iteration, or by how much, are both settings which require careful tuning.
• Continuous Improvement: When a better result is found during the bruteforcing process, it is used as the new base run. This allows bruteforce to continuously build upon improvements rather than only performing the search using the original base run.
  • (However, this can also lead to it getting stuck in a local minimum - it nears “perfection” for the specific direction it has gone in, but this may not be truly the best possible solution.)

These features enable users to tailor the bruteforce process to the unique challenges of any given track.

Usage

To initiate the bruteforce process:

1. Configure your settings
2. Select a finished replay in the Replay Editor menu of TMNF or TMUF.
3. Click Launch -> Bruteforce.
4. A console window will open, displaying the progress of the optimization process.
5. Review the result file generated by the script to analyze the optimized inputs.
6. Stop the search by pressing Escape in the console window.

Applications

Bruteforce is particularly useful in:

• Identifying faster racing lines.
• Refining inputs for complex track sections.
• Exploring new strategies and techniques that may not be apparent through manual play.

The efficient use of rapid simulations has enabled TrackMania players to achieve unprecedented times, pushing the boundaries of what is possible within the game.

References

• TMInterface Official Page
• TMInterface: What is Bruteforce?