NOCTIVUS (ILLUSTRIOUS)
NOCTIVUS V2.0 — Model Update Overview
Noctivus v2.0 is a refined and more versatile evolution of the original Noctivus model, designed to offer greater flexibility across styles while maintaining the signature dark, atmospheric aesthetic users loved in the previous version. This update focuses on improved consistency, smoother detail rendering, and a significant reduction in overly harsh lighting effects.
What’s New in v2.0
• Enhanced Flexibility
Noctivus v2.0 adapts better to a wider range of prompts including fantasy, sci-fi, portrait, moody realism, and stylized art. It is far less restrictive than v1.0 and responds more intuitively to user intent.
• Improved Rendering Quality
Sharper edges, cleaner textures, improved contrast control, and better coherence in complex scenes. Faces and hands generate with higher accuracy and less artifacting.
• Softer, Controlled Lighting
A major update: this version reduces blown-out highlights and overly dramatic lighting. Scenes now render with smoother gradients, more natural shadows, and better overall light balance especially helpful for low-light or cinematic prompts.
• Better Compatibility
Works more smoothly with LoRAs, ControlNets, and custom negative embeds. Prompting is easier and requires fewer workarounds.
Model Merges Included in Noctivus v2.0
To expand stylistic range and increase artistic flexibility, Noctivus v2.0 includes carefully balanced merges with two illustration-focused models:
Reed Illustration IL
This merge enhances v2.0’s expressive linework, shape clarity, and stylized rendering. It introduces smoother contours, more consistent character proportions, and improved artistic coherence. Greatly benefits portrait and full-body illustration styles while keeping Noctivus’ atmospheric tone intact.
Illustrij BTTR
This component contributes bold texture work, cleaner shading, and increased stylistic versatility. It strengthens the model’s ability to produce stable, high-quality illustrated scenes, especially in fantasy or graphic-novel aesthetics. The merge helps unify lighting and reduces oversharp contrasts.
Why These Merges Matter
By integrating Reed Illustration IL and Illustrij BTTR, Noctivus v2.0 becomes significantly more flexible than v1.0 - capable of switching between moody realism, stylized illustration, and hybrid art styles without losing its signature dark, cinematic identity.
RECOMMENDED SETTINGS:
Sampler: Euler A or DPM++ 2M
CFG: 3-5
Steps: 20-30
VAE: Integrated (No VAE required)
Hires: 1.5
Hires Steps: 10-20
Upscaler: Remacri or R-ESRGAN 4x+ Anime6B
V1.0
1.0 Acknowledgement
I would like to express my sincere and heartfelt gratitude to my fellow civitai user who has helped me in making this model. Their support, belief and encouragement have been a guidance light in my life, giving me the strength and courage to pursue my dreams.
2.0 Models
This model was merged from as follows:
Big Thanks to the OG creators for their fantastic work!
3.0 Recommended Settings
Sampling Method: Euler A or DPM++ 2M
Steps: 20-30
CFG Scale: 3-5
Dimensions: Use 1024x1024 or up
Hires upscale: 1.5
Denoising strength: 0.4-0.5
Upscaler: 4x-UltraSharp or 8x_NMKD-Superscale_150000_G
VAE: sdxlVaeAnimeTest_beta120000
4.0 Quality Tags
Positive Prompts:
(masterpiece:1.1),(best quality:1.2),high quality,highres,absurdres,incredibly absurdres,very aesthetics,newest,highly detailed
Negative Prompts:
Worst quality, low quality, lowres, sketch, cartoon