Will Assetto Corsa EVO Have Open World Drifting?

Assetto Corsa EVO’s open-world features open up plenty of exciting sideways potential, but will the latest game have the same drift appeal as the original?

The sim racing world was caught off guard yesterday when Nürburgring content creator Misha Charoudin published a video unveiling further details on the ambitious open-world plans for Assetto Corsa EVO, alongside an official announcement from Kunos.

This unexpected announcement left sim racing and drifting enthusiasts with mixed reactions, and we’re looking at what this update likely means for drifting fans.

More Details On The HUGE Open World Map

The standout incredible feature here is undoubtedly the scale of the open-world map. Assetto Corsa EVO is pushing boundaries by featuring an insane 1,600 km² of Lidar-scanned terrain around Germany’s Eifel region.

To put things in perspective, this map dwarfs Forza Horizon’s current offerings – FH5’s map spans just 107 km², while FH4’s is even smaller at 71 km². This means EVO’s map will be nearly 15 times larger than the biggest map in the Horizon series and by far the largest we’ve seen in an open-world driving game.

However, don’t get too excited just yet. The free roam mode won’t launch alongside the new game on the January 16, 2025 release date. Instead, it’s expected to arrive in Summer 2025, with gradual updates expanding the map over time.

What Does This Mean For Drifting In Assetto Corsa EVO?

While many unknowns exist about what Assetto Corsa EVO will provide for the drifting community, the recent announcement further hints at the game’s limitations for fans of the OG Assetto Corsa.

The original game owes much of its drifting popularity to the incredible third-party modding community, where players could download virtually any drift car and slide on almost any real-world track imaginable. However, EVO is taking a more “controlled” approach to mods.

Instead of the complete modding freedom that made the original game the ultimate sim for drift enthusiasts, EVO looks to introduce a curated marketplace system.

Charoudin’s preview likely showcases this new direction through Vulcan Alpha’s basic “performance and looks” car tuning package – a far cry from the extensive drift-specific modifications currently available for AC.

The shift toward manufacturer-approved content and restricted editing tools suggests that the days of unlimited drift car mods could end.

While Kunos aims to create a platform where modders “can work directly with manufacturers,” this official approach likely means we won’t see the vast library of community-created drift content that made the original game legendary in EVO.

We sure hope we’re wrong, but given that most popular drift cars aren’t manufacturer-based, with the drift-specific aftermarket mods and tuning making them so unique, it’s hard to see the positives with their current approach.

After all, the Assetto Corsa franchise is designed as a driving and racing simulator, but the modding community’s freedom transformed the game into a truly incredible drift simulator. From what we’ve seen of EVO’s confirmed car list, we’re not getting too excited just yet.

It’s Not All Doom And Gloom

Despite our concerns about modding limitations, the possibilities of the open-world features are undeniable and could still be a lot of fun.

The dynamic terrain technology, reminiscent of the recent “Road 3.0” update in CarX Drift Racing 3, will bring roads and trails that respond realistically to car dynamics. Given the team’s experience, this will undoubtedly set a new benchmark for open-world driving realism.

While the opportunity to experience throwing down Naoki Nakamura’s PS13 over the jump at Ebisu Minami or throwing down backies at Meihan is unlikely, the idea of drifting through hyper-realistic, Lidar-scanned roads surrounded by Eifel’s incredible scenery is still exciting. However, you’ll likely need to compromise with your setups on manufacturer-specific cars.

We’re yet to understand what missions or stories the free roam brings. Features like cruising servers, leveling systems, and AI-controlled police patrols could bring fresh elements into the game, and it’ll be interesting to see what it has in store.

Mixed Reactions From The Community

With the announcement, some racing sim fans worry that Kunos is trying to mimic Forza Horizon’s arcade-style approach.

Some fans ask, “Why does a racing sim need free roam?” It’ll be interesting to see whether EVO can deliver an experience that blends hardcore simulation with the free-spirited fun of open-world cruising, potentially winning them over.

On the other hand, many players who already enjoy modded free-roam maps in Assetto Corsa are excited to experience Kunos’ official approach.

For many, it will offer an ideal alternative for those who crave the open-world experience but don’t like Forza Horizon’s arcade-style physics. However, whether it can match the upgrade features and drifting focus that Horizon offers remains to be seen.

There’s Still Plenty Of Questions

There’s no doubt that, if executed well, Assetto Corsa EVO’s open-world feature could potentially redefine sim racing.

In an ideal world, Kunos could maintain the same drift modding support as the existing game alongside the free-roam experience, creating a sim-based Horizon alternative for serious gamers. However, that seems too optimistic at this point.

If the modding restrictions limit the drifting experience to the extent we fear, EVO risks losing its drift fanbase, with fans more likely to stick with the mod-friendly original game.

As we approach the launch date of January 16, 2025, we’ll be watching closely for any updates about modding support and additional drift-related features.

When the release date eventually comes around, we certainly won’t be hurrying to rent a Volkswagen Golf, that’s for sure!

If Kunos fails to deliver for drifting fans, at least we know the original Assetto Corsa will continue providing the incredible sim-drifting experience we know and love.

While we wait for the release – if you’re looking for a drifting game with an open-world experience and AI traffic, Drift Hunters MAX has you covered. It can be enjoyed completely free within your browser!

---