Assetto Corsa

Assetto Corsa for PC is a highly acclaimed racing simulation game developed by Kunos Simulazioni, designed to provide an authentic driving experience and extensive expandability of content via built-in support for community-created mods (cars, tracks, physics engine, community tournaments, and more).



Released initially in December 2014, it has since gained a dedicated following due to its meticulous attention to detail, realistic physics, and wide offering of available cars and tracks in many popular racing disciplines – from entry carting and amateur leagues all the way to open cockpit F1-like racing.

One of the most innovative technical solutions this Assetto Corsa game promoted on the PC market is laser-scanning technology that was used to recreate many of the world’s most popular racing tracks, ensuring that every curve and elevation change is accurately represented.

This level of realism not only enhances the gameplay experience but also serves as an excellent tool for both casual gamers and serious racing enthusiasts looking to improve their real-life driving skills.

Like many other serious racing sims on the PC market, this game of course features full support for racing wheels, other advanced racing accessories (cockpit data readout, vibrating chairs, and more), as well as Virtual Reality headsets that elevate immersions of driving to a whole new level.

The community-driven aspect significantly extends the game's lifespan and variety, as players can continually add new experiences beyond the base game.



The success of this game since its original release in 2014 and many years of continual updates have fueled developers of this title to release a fully featured sequel “Assetto Corsa Competizione” in 2019, with plans for another and even more ambitious sequel “Assetto Corsa EVO” being planned for release in early 2025!

Main Features

• Realistic Physics Engine – Feel every detail of the advanced physics algorithms to simulate realistic tire behavior, aerodynamics, and vehicle dynamics.
• Laser-Scanned Tracks – Drive and compete on meticulously recreated tracks created using highly laser scanning technology that’s capable of recording every minute bump.
• Extensive Vehicle Selection – Choose from a wide variety of cars from the rich history of motorsport, including road cars and race cars from various manufacturers.
• Offline Leagues – Compete and hone your skill in an incredible variety of local driving content.
• Multiplayer Modes – Engage in online races with friends or other players worldwide, adding a competitive edge to the gameplay.
• Community Leagues – Become a star driver in highly regulated tournaments where rules mimic real-life competitions.
• Extensive Modding Support – Explore the large offering of user-generated content covering cars, tracks, and more!
• Customizable Settings – Fully adjust numerous settings related to vehicle performance and driving assists.
• VR Support – Experience immersive racing with compatibility for various VR headsets, enhancing realism through first-person perspective driving.

Installation and Setup

This popular racing sim is available for purchase and download from the world’s most popular PC digital distribution platform Steam.

To get it up and running on their PC, users simply have to purchase the game from Steam and click on the “Install” button that will start the automated procedure of downloading and installing the latest version of the game.

And since the base version of the game only requires 15 GB of storage space, users can expect fast download time and a quick way to jump into the game after the installation is started.

Once in the game, users are recommended to check the video rendering area to tweak graphics according to their preferences. The configuration area is also a place where users can customize their racing accessories – keyboard, gamepad, or racing wheel.

How to Play

To start racing as quickly as possible, players can activate quick race mode where they can pick a car, track, weather settings, and AI opponent capability, and jump into the racing car seat.



The gameplay emphasizes skillful driving where players must manage acceleration, braking, and steering while adhering to track limits just like they are needed to do in real cars. The game prioritizes realism over arcade feeling, thus forcing players to be very respectful of the capabilities of their cars and the enjoyment of other players who are joined in multiplayer sessions.

Utilizing assists like traction control can help newcomers ease into the mechanics while experienced players may opt for a more challenging setup without assists.

User Interface

The UI of this title is focused not only on clarity and ease of use but also on delivering as many data points about car handling as possible.

Users are empowered to customize on-screen HUD elements during races, enabling them to always keep their full attention on various car stats (tire temperature, engine status, damage, gears, timing, and much more).



Players can customize their HUD layout by moving elements around or adding new widgets through modding tools.

Due to the age of the game, some aspects of its UI may today be considered outdated, but the overall effectiveness of its design is still highly usable even today.

FAQ

What is Assetto Corsa?
It is a realistic PC racing simulation game focusing on authentic driving experiences with realistic renditions of real-world cars and tracks.

Is it safe?
Yes, it is safe to download Steam. Even though it is a decade old, this title still receives updates from its developers.

When did this game come out?
The game was initially released on December 19, 2014.

On what platforms is it available?
It is available on PC (Steam), PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.

Was this game a success?
Yes, it has been widely praised for its realism and modding capabilities. Its success spawned two sequels.

Is this game newcomer-friendly?
Yes and no. While the game offers adjustable settings that cater to both beginners and experienced players, the focus on realistic driving may be off-putting to gamers who are used to arcade racing experiences.

Does it require a large time commitment?
Overall yes. Learning how to drive in a realistic simulator is a long process.
Racing sessions can be as short as a few minutes long, or last multiple hours in endurance racing events.

Can this game be played online?
Yes, it features robust multiplayer options for online racing with friends or other players.

Does it support offline play?
Yes. The game features a wide selection of offline events (leagues and tournaments) and customizable one-off races against AI opponents.

Does this game offer in-game microtransactions?
Additional content can be purchased via DLCs that unlock premium cars and tracks.

Alternatives

iRacing – A highly respected subscription-based racing simulator with a large worldwide community.

Project CARS 2 – A competent racing simulator known for its dynamic weather system and extensive vehicle customization options.

Assetto Corsa Competizione – The full sequel to the original AC game, featuring an enhanced physics engine, visuals, and available racing content.

Pricing

Basic Edition: $19.99

System Requirements

• OS: Windows 11 and Windows 10
• CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD Athlon X2 (modern quad-core processor is recommended)
• GPU: GeForce GT 460 or Radeon HD 6450 (Radeon 290x or GTX 970 are recommended)
• RAM: 2 GB of memory (6 GB is recommended)
• Storage: 15 GB of free space
• Networking: Broadband internet connection for online play

PROS

• Exceptional realism.
• Advanced driving physics.
• A large roster of cars and tracks.
• Extensive modding support.
• Highly adjustable car settings.
• Local and online modes of play.
• Full support for VR headsets.
• Low hardware requirements.

CONS

• A bit outdated interface.
• AI opponents can be inconsistent during races.
• Limited single-player content.

Conclusion

Assetto Corsa is one of the best racing simulations on the PC market, as even today after a decade on the market manages to satisfy the needs of a large racing community.

With its extensive modding support and adjustable settings tailored for various skill levels, it appeals to a broad audience—from casual racers seeking fun experiences to serious sim racers looking for precision driving mechanics.

No matter if you are looking to hone driving skills or simply enjoy the thrill of racing high-performance vehicles on meticulously crafted tracks, this legendary racing sim remains an essential title in any racing enthusiast’s library.