Assetto Corsa EVO – Everything You Need To Know

Assetto Corsa EVO revs up for a January 2025 launch, set to redefine sim racing. Can it match the legendary standards of its mod-rich predecessor?

TL;DR – Latest Updates

• Assetto Corsa EVO confirmed for January 16, 2025, early access release by Kunos Simulazioni
• Launching for PC on Steam; console versions are expected later
• Runs on a new in-house engine, not Unreal Engine 5
• Photorealistic graphics, dynamic weather, and day/night cycles
• Diverse roster of road and race cars, like the original Assetto Corsa
• LIDAR-scanned tracks with realistic grip levels
• Includes mod support
• Promises improved physics and AI
• Supports VR and triple-screen setups
• Requires 100GB SSD storage; min specs include 16GB RAM, GTX 1070/RX 580

Introduction

As fans eagerly awaited Assetto Corsa 2, Kunos Simulazioni pulled a Scandinavian flick on the sim racing community by unveiling Assetto Corsa EVO as the latest entry in their acclaimed simulation series. This new title builds upon the foundation laid by the original Assetto Corsa in 2014 and promises to take sim racing to a whole new level.

Significant developments have marked the evolution from Assetto Corsa to EVO. While Assetto Corsa Competizione, the series’ GT-focused offshoot, catered to a specific niche, EVO returns to the diverse vehicle roster that made the original a favorite among circuit racers and drift enthusiasts.

Unbeknownst to fans, a small team at Kunos has been quietly developing EVO since 2019. This work was happening alongside the preparation of Assetto Corsa Competizione’s release. As a result, EVO has already been in development for about five years.

Kunos’s approach to revealing EVO was creative. To build anticipation, it utilized hidden QR codes at the virtual Nürburgring. This was followed by an official (somewhat underwhelming) teaser on YouTube and the release of 28 stunning screenshots on Steam, showcasing the game’s next-level visuals.

This new addition to the series promises advancements in physics simulation and gameplay options beyond fan expectations, suggesting a significant leap forward for the franchise. Whether players are chasing lap records or perfecting their opposite lock, Assetto Corsa EVO is designed to offer a comprehensive driving experience that caters to various motorsport disciplines.

Release Date

Assetto Corsa EVO is set to debut on January 16, 2025, initially launching as early access exclusively for PC via Steam.

The PC-first approach will be familiar to hardcore fans. The strategy has served the series well in the past, allowing for community modding support and fine-tuning of the simulation before bringing it to a wider audience.

Assetto Corsa EVO Playstation/Xbox Release Date

Patience will be key for console gamers eager to experience Assetto Corsa EVO. The game follows a release strategy similar to previous titles in the series, with an initial launch on PC before eventually making its way to consoles. This approach allows Kunos Simulazioni to refine the game on PC first, allowing them to update and patch it as needed.

Digital Bros, the parent company of 505 Games (which publishes Assetto Corsa), mentioned a “long-term” plan for console ports. This suggests that console versions are definitely in the pipeline but not an immediate priority, with “long-term” implying that it could be a significant wait before we see Assetto Corsa EVO on PlayStation or Xbox platforms.

Considering that nearly 40% of Assetto Corsa’s sales were on consoles, despite the lack of modding capabilities, it’s a safe bet that EVO will eventually make the jump. When it finally arrives on PlayStation and Xbox, it’ll go head-to-head with Gran Turismo 7 and Forza Motorsport.

While Kunos might not match the car count or track list of Gran Turismo and Forza Motorsport, their reputation for best-in-class driving physics could give them the edge. This is especially true for drift enthusiasts, as both GT7 and FM have struggled to capture the sideways action as well as we’d like. With Assetto Corsa’s history of delivering a stellar drifting experience, we hope to see EVO fill the wide-open gap that its big-budget competitors have left.

Assetto Corsa EVO Game Features

Kunos has been selective in revealing in-depth details, but the information shared gives us a good idea of what to expect. While many features are still under wraps, which we’ll announce when we can, they’ve highlighted several key aspects that suggest a significant leap forward for the franchise. Here are the confirmed main features for Assetto Corsa EVO so far:

Graphics & Game Engine

Opting away from Unreal Engine 5, Assetto Corsa EVO runs on an all-new proprietary game engine developed by Kunos Simulazioni, promising photorealistic visuals. Initial images showcase remarkable attention to detail, from intricate car textures to highly realistic environments. The LIDAR-scanned tracks offer enhanced tarmac detail and realistic grip levels.

From the intricate stitching on the seats to the subtle nuances in paint flake pop and tire wear, every aspect of the cars appears to be crafted with precision. We’ve all been burned before by flashy pre-release shots, so it’s worth taking these early images with a pinch of salt.

While early images are certainly impressive, the true test will be how these visuals perform in actual gameplay footage. Also, sim racing enthusiasts will be well aware that physics are paramount in any simulator, with graphics often taking a back seat to the likes of realistic handling and physics.

Physics

EVO aims to redefine sim standards as we know them with advanced systems that replicate mechanical, electronic, and aerodynamic performance of vehicles. The new engine promises even more lifelike physics compared to its predecessors.

These features collectively suggest that Assetto Corsa EVO is a significant leap forward in racing simulation, balancing insane visuals with deep, realistic gameplay mechanics.

Weather & Time Simulation

EVO introduces dynamic weather conditions and a full day-night cycle, features absent in the original Assetto Corsa (well, without mods, at least!) On the Steam page, Kunos states: “the new mathematical model meticulously simulates asphalt performance in different dynamic weather conditions that guarantees an authentic and realistic experience which will redefine the standards.”

This promises an authentic experience whether you’re racing on a sun-baked track or navigating a treacherous rainy night. Drivers will need to adapt their strategies based on changing environmental factors, and we hope to see the cold, wet-weather drifting aspects of the game bring a whole new challenge.

VR & Triple Screen Support

Kunos confirms on the Assetto Corsa EVO Steam listing that it will support VR and triple-screen setups from launch, and the VR support is likely to be a significant improvement over its predecessor.

While the original Assetto Corsa excelled in VR implementation, Assetto Corsa Competizione faced challenges due to its use of Unreal Engine. EVO, however, is set to run on a proprietary engine specifically designed for the game. To the delight of many VR sim racers, this dedicated engine should allow for better optimization of VR performance, offering a more immersive and smoother virtual reality racing experience.

AI & Career Mode

While details are limited, fans will be delighted to hear there are hints of significant improvements to AI. In an interview, Kunos’ founder mentioned enhanced AI and teased “something bigger than a career” mode, raising expectations for a more comprehensive single-player experience.

Assetto Corsa EVO Cars

EVO is set to deliver a diverse lineup of vehicles spanning automotive history. The roster will cater to everyone, from everyday road cars to exotic hypercars, classic beauties, cutting-edge prototypes, and purpose-built racing machines.

While the full car list is yet to be revealed, the teasers we’ve seen so far confirm that the following cars will be in the game:

• Alfa Romeo
  • Alfa Romeo Giulia GTAm
  • Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA
• Alpine
  • Alpine A110 S
  • Alpine A290_β (electric hot hatch concept)
• BMW
  • BMW M4 CSL
• Ferrari
  • Ferrari 296 GTB
  • Ferrari Daytona SP3
  • Ferrari F40 Competizione
• Ford
  • Ford Fiesta ST (MK8.5)
• Honda
  • Honda S2000 (Shown in the game menu teasers only)
• Hyundai
  • Hyundai ELANTRA N TCR
  • Hyundai i20N
  • Hyundai i30N
  • Hyundai IONIQ 5 N
  • Hyundai N Vision 74 concept
• Lamborghini
  • Lamborghini Huracán STO
• Lotus
  • Lotus Emira
• McLaren
  • McLaren 765 LT
• Mercedes
  • Mercedes-AMG GT (C192)
  • Mercedes-AMG GT2
  • Mercedes-AMG GT 63 V8 BiTurbo
  • Mercedes-Benz 190E Evolution II
  • Mercedes-Benz SL (R232)
• Morgan
  • Morgan Super-3
• Porsche
  • Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (992)
  • Porsche 911 Turbo S (964)
• Rover
  • Rover Mini Cooper
• Volkswagen
  • Volkswagen Golf GTI (MK1)
  • Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport (MK8)

For those who enjoy a bit of sideways action, a few are already potentially well-suited for drifting if you’ve got the skills to match. The futuristic N Vision 74 concept EV should be a blast to slide around, and the Mercedes 190E is a classic choice for a reason. As for the supercars like the Porsche 911s, Lamborghini Huracan, and Alpine A110, they’re all rear-wheel drive or have rear-biased systems that can be perfect for drifting.

Kunos will reveal more road and race cars from various manufacturers and racing categories as development progresses. While the confirmed list is currently focused on European marques, we’ll undoubtedly soon see some JDM legends appear shortly.

Assetto Corsa EVO Tracks

EVO is set to feature a selection of meticulously recreated tracks, scanned using LIDAR technology for perfect accuracy. This laser scanning process captures every aspect of the track surface, ensuring that virtual drivers experience the same realistic bumps, cambers, and grip levels as the real thing.

So far, Kunos Simulazioni has confirmed five iconic circuits for the game:

• Bathurst (Mount Panorama Circuit) - Australia
• Brands Hatch - UK
• Fuji International Speedway - Japan
• Imola (Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari) - Italy
• Nürburgring Nordschleife - Germany

These tracks are fan favorites and will provide diverse driving challenges.

Fuji’s long straight allows drift cars to build insane speed before transitioning into its technical sections. Since 2003, Fuji has hosted D1 Grand Prix events, running in reverse direction to create better entry speeds through its dedicated drift section from 300R past the Coca-Cola corner. We hope to see Fuji’s drift course included, too, designed by the legendary “Drift King” Keiichi Tsuchiya.

Both the Nürburgring (Nürburgring Drift Cup) and Brands Hatch (MSUK Drift Pro Championship) host drifting competitions today, so they could already be the perfect platforms for in-game battles and competitions.

The LIDAR scanning technology and the game’s new weather system should make these tracks feel more alive than ever. We can’t wait to slide the Nordschleife’s ‘Green Hell’ rails in the pouring rain (without worrying about the fines that come with it) and burn rubber through Imola’s Acque Minerali.

While only these tracks have been confirmed so far, Kunos will undoubtedly add more circuits as development progresses, which we’ll include as they’re announced.

How Will It Compare To Assetto Corsa?

Early signs leave us optimistic that EVO will significantly leap forward from its predecessors. The visual improvements are particularly striking compared to the 2014 original. While the first Assetto Corsa was impressive for its time, its graphics weren’t mind-blowing.

EVO, however, seems to be pushing the envelope of photorealism in racing games, assuming these early shots represent actual in-game visuals. The meticulously detailed car models and lifelike environments showcase the past decade’s technological advancements. From the intricate textures on vehicle interiors to the lighting on track surfaces, it demonstrates how far racing sims have come since the original’s release.

You can see a side-by-side comparison here:

We’ve also seen massive strides in gaming technology in recent years, from more powerful hardware to advanced AI systems. EVO aims to capitalize on these, promising stunning visuals, more sophisticated physics simulations, and smarter AI opponents. Adding dynamic weather and a day-night cycle feature that is absent in the original demonstrates how EVO is leveraging modern tech to create a more immersive and challenging racing experience.

While Assetto Corsa Competizione focused solely on GT3 racing, EVO returns to a mixed car roster, offering everything from road cars to hypercars and purpose-built racers. This broader selection, combined with the enhanced graphics, physics, and new features like dynamic weather, positions EVO as a comprehensive package that should set a new standard. Of course, we’ll need to wait for hands-on gameplay to make a final judgment, but the early signs suggest that EVO could be a significant step forward for both the franchise and the sim racing genre as a whole.

Comparisons To Its Rivals

EVO’s main competitors on PC will likely be iRacing, rFactor 2, and Automobilista 2. These sims have strengths — iRacing for its online multiplayer, rFactor 2 for its physics, and Automobilista 2 for its impressively diverse content. To stand out, EVO will need to deliver on its promises of enhanced graphics, physics, and features.

Interestingly, EVO’s biggest rival might be its own predecessor. The original Assetto Corsa’s mod scene is incredible, and the sheer variety of content available is staggering. We’ll explore this further in our next section.

Assetto Corsa EVO won’t compete directly with Gran Turismo 7 on PlayStation at launch since it’ll only be released on PC, with console versions expected to follow later. This gives GT7 some breathing room on PS5 for now, but it hasn’t stopped YouTubers already comparing the two:

Unlike GT7, EVO will face Forza Motorsport as competition from the start, given its inclusion in the PC sim racing market. Forza is known for its accessibility, polished graphics, and extensive car list, but Assetto Corsa caters more to hardcore sim enthusiasts with its focus on realistic physics and handling. It should leave FM in the dust if it’s as good as it looks and sounds.

Assetto Corsa EVO Mods

For Assetto Corsa EVO, mod support has been confirmed, though exact details remain unclear. It’s expected to continue the strong modding tradition of the original game, potentially with a more refined system. However, it’s a delicate balance for Kunos. While the original game thrived on user-created content, the studio must navigate the complexities of vehicle licensing. As such, they will likely announce mod support and let the community take it from there.

Right now, we have no idea how EVO will compare to the original in terms of customization. To entice players away from their modded setups, significant improvements in physics, graphics, and features will need to be offered while also ensuring strong mod support to build upon that foundation. If not, we wouldn’t be surprised to see some sim racers stick with the original.

The O.G. Assetto Corsa’s mod scene is a drift enthusiast’s paradise. You can find mods for just about every iconic car imaginable, from classic JDM street cars to top-tier D1GP and Formula Drift builds, and even some (often hilarious) unconventional choices. The track selection is equally diverse, offering everything from accurate touge mountain passes to purpose-built drift circuits like Ebisu Minami and fantasy tracks designed purely for drift trains.

This extensive modding ecosystem has kept the original AC the top pick among sim enthusiasts long after its initial release. It’s created a sandbox where players can craft their perfect drifting or racing experience, often for free.

Assetto Corsa EVO Technical Specifications

Assetto Corsa EVO’s system requirements have been revealed, and they suggest a significant step up from its predecessor. Here’s what you’ll need to get the most out of the game:

Recommended System Requirements

• OS: Windows 10 64-bit / Windows 11 64-bit
• Processor: Intel I5 10700k / AMD 2600X
• Memory: 16 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 2070 or AMD Radeon RX 5600
• DirectX: Version 12
• Storage: 100 GB available space (SSD required)
• VR Support: SteamVR, Oculus VR, OpenXR

Minimum System Requirements

• OS: Windows 10 64-bit
• Processor: Intel I5 8700k / AMD 1500X
• Memory: 16 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 1070 or AMD Radeon RX 580
• DirectX: Version 12
• Storage: 100 GB available space (SSD required)
• VR Support: SteamVR, Oculus VR, OpenXR

The minimum GPU requirement of a GTX 1070 or RX 580 is quite demanding, suggesting that EVO will be a visually impressive game even on lower settings. For the best experience, especially in VR, you’ll want to aim for the recommended specs or higher.

If you plan to upgrade from the original game, you may need to consider updating your hardware to enjoy EVO’s enhanced features fully.

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