What’s The Difference Between Assetto Corsa 2 And EVO?

As Assetto Corsa 2 becomes EVO, will it be able to maintain its reputation as the go-to choice for virtual tire shredders?

Since its debut in 2014, the Assetto Corsa franchise has become the ultimate choice for drifting enthusiasts looking for the ultimate simulator experience.

The O.G. game quickly became a fan favorite thanks to its realistic physics, diverse car selection, and seemingly unlimited modding support. The success led to the release of Assetto Corsa Competizione in 2018, which, disappointingly for the drifting community, focused exclusively on GT3 racing.

The lack of a successor to the much-loved original in the ten years since its initial release left drifting fans eagerly anticipating a true sequel to the original game, creating endless speculation about what Assetto Corsa 2 might bring to the table. However, none of them saw the twist that was coming.

The Surprise Announcement

In a move that surprised fans, developer Kunos Simulazioni revealed that the next game in the series wouldn’t be titled “Assetto Corsa 2,” but rather Assetto Corsa EVO.

The announcement resulted from a clever marketing move by Kunos. They hid a QR code on a dynamic billboard on the Kumho Kurve in the new Nürburgring DLC for Assetto Corsa Competizione.

Although there was no further information in the game other than the billboard alternating between displaying “2024” (the scheduled release year) and the QR code, by scanning the code, fans were led to a teaser video on the Assetto Corsa website, unveiling “Assetto Corsa EVO” for the first time, giving them their first glimpse of what’s to come.

The initial reveal showcased stunning screenshots that highlighted the game’s impressive visuals. While details were initially scarce, the “Driving Simulation Evolved” tagline made it clear that Kunos aimed to take racing and drifting simulation to the next level.

Why EVO Instead of Assetto Corsa 2?

The decision to name the new title Assetto Corsa EVO rather than Assetto Corsa 2 reflects the game’s vision.

Marco Massarutto of Kunos Simulazioni explained, “The new Assetto Corsa is going to follow what we did with Assetto Corsa 1.” before going on to add, “Yet, it is not just a sequel, it is much, much, more. It’s definitely not a spin-off like Competizione.”

“EVO” suggests an evolution of the original concept rather than a simple sequel. Kunos clearly intends to build upon the strengths of the original game while introducing significant new features and improvements.

Key Features of Assetto Corsa EVO

Assetto Corsa EVO (formerly known as Assetto Corsa 2) is built on an all-new game engine developed specifically for driving simulations. This engine promises to deliver photorealistic graphics, improved physics, and enhanced performance.

Like the original AC, EVO will feature a diverse selection of vehicles spanning different eras and classes of motorsport. From drift cars to classic road cars, modern hypercars, and purpose-built race machines, the game will undoubtedly offer something for every type of automotive enthusiast.

The new engine also brings dynamic weather and day-night cycles to the franchise for the first time, previously only available with third-party mods. These features promise to add new layers of strategy and immersion to races, with changing track conditions affecting grip levels and driving tactics.

It’ll be interesting to see if they can improve upon the likes of the third-party SOL mod for the original game, which has continued to bring dynamic weather simulation to the original game for several years.

Kunos has placed a strong emphasis on recreating circuits with extreme precision. Using Laserscan technology and a new algorithm that simulates asphalt behavior under various conditions, EVO aims to provide an even more authentic driving experience.

Assetto Corsa EVO Release Information

Assetto Corsa EVO is expected to have an early access release in Summer 2024, but this is yet to be confirmed. As with many modern game releases, an early access period will allow the developers to gather feedback from the community and refine the game before its full launch, which is confirmed to be at some point in 2024.

The game will initially be available on PC through Steam. Console versions for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S are expected to follow at a later date, yet there’s no specific timeline announcement for these releases yet.

Will EVO Continue To Support Mods?

A key factor in the O.G. Assetto Corsa’s longevity is its modding community, which has continued to enable drift fans to recreate just about every drift car and circuit imaginable, even going on to produce fantasy Japanese touge mountain roads for the ultimate drifting experience.

Recognizing the importance of this aspect, Kunos has confirmed that Assetto Corsa EVO will continue to support mods. However, the exact nature and extent of this modding support remain to be seen.

With the move to a new proprietary engine, mods will likely be created and implemented differently. Based on recent statements from Kunos, it also seems likely that modding in Assetto Corsa EVO will face more restrictions than its predecessor.

Marco Massarutto expressed concerns about potential abuses in modding, particularly regarding stolen content from other simulations. Kunos aims to prevent the use of content grabbed from other games using third-party tools, which goes against their vision for modding.

They’re supposedly considering a “more creative way” to work with modders, potentially involving a collaboration between the studio and talented creators. We sure hope this won’t mean drifting mods won’t get neglected in favor of “race”-focused ones.

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