Based on analysis of their releases using MediaInfo, here is the profile RARBG generally used (likely via a modified FFmpeg or HandBrakeCLI script).
| Parameter | RARBG Value | Why they chose it |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Encoder | x265 2.4+ | Stable; not the newest bleeding edge. |
| Preset | Medium or Slow | Speed vs. efficiency sweet spot. |
| Tune | None (or Grain rarely) | They didn't use film because it blurred grain. |
| Profile | main10 | 10-bit depth prevents color banding in skies/fog. |
| Constant Rate Factor | CRF 22 to 24 | The magic number. 23 was their default. |
| Audio | AAC 5.1 @ 224kbps | Keeps surround sound; small size. |
| Resolution | Cropped to mod 2 | Removed black bars cleanly. |
The Critical Mistake they made: They almost never used --no-sao (Sample Adaptive Offset). SAO smooths out artifacts but also destroys fine film grain, making faces look waxy.
RARBG was known for a specific philosophy: acceptable quality at accessible file sizes. rarbg x265 encoding settings better
Most encodes found on RARBG were not "transparent" to the source (meaning identical to the Blu-ray). Instead, they were "lossy" encodes designed to look good on standard monitors and TVs while keeping file sizes low enough for the average internet connection.
However, not all encodes are created equal. Within the RARBG ecosystem, "better" settings usually referred to the distinction between fast encodes (often automated) and slow, tuned encodes.
RARBG disappeared, but its mission—democratizing high-quality video—should continue. By using 10-bit depth, aggressive psychovisuals (psy-rd 2.0-2.5), manual deblocking (-3,-3), and modern AQ modes (aq-mode 4), you can not only match their releases but surpass them. Based on analysis of their releases using MediaInfo
Remember: Settings alone don't make a great encode. Garbage in = Garbage out. Use a Remux source, patience (2-pass or slow CRF), and these x265 parameters. When you compare your 2.5GB encode to a 8GB scene release and can't tell the difference, you will have achieved the true RARBG legacy.
Final Pro Tip: If you are archiving, add --hdr10-opt --chromaloc 2 for HDR content. RARBG rarely used these, and they are the final frontier for "better."
Now go encode. The tracker may be gone, but the standard remains. RARBG was known for a specific philosophy: acceptable
--profile main10 --level-idc 4.0 --preset slow --pass 2 --bitrate 2500 \
--no-sao --deblock -3:-3 --no-strong-intra-smoothing --rd 4 \
--psy-rd 2.0 --psy-rdoq 1.0 --rdoq-level 2 --no-open-gop \
--keyint 240 --min-keyint 24 --ref 5 --no-fast-pskip
Why these worked:
Combine the philosophy of RARBG with 2025 algorithms. This preset will produce a 1080p file roughly 2GB-3GB that visually beats a 6GB RARBG encode.
For 1080p SDR (Standard Dynamic Range):
ffmpeg -i input.mkv -c:v libx265 -preset slow -crf 19 \
-x265-params "profile=main10:level-idc=4.0:no-sao=1:limit-sao=1:deblock=-3,-3:psy-rd=2.5:psy-rdoq=1.5:rdoq-level=2:aq-mode=4:aq-strength=1.2:qcomp=0.7:no-strong-intra-smoothing=1:rd=6:ref=5:bframes=8:keyint=240:min-keyint=24:no-fast-pskip=1:rskip=2:rskip-edge-threshold=2:subme=4" \
-c:a copy output.mkv
For 4K HDR (The True RARBG Domain): RARBG’s HDR encodes were decent but often had washed-out metadata. For better HDR:
-x265-params "profile=main10:level-idc=5.0:no-sao=1:deblock=-2,-2:psy-rd=2.0:rdoq-level=2:aq-mode=4:qg-size=16:hdr10=1:master-display=YOUR_PRIMARIES:max-cll=YOUR_CLL,MAX_FALL"