Assetto Corsa EVO: Free Roaming, Dynamic Weather, Advanced Tire Models, and Modding Support

The original Assetto Corsa set a new standard for simulation physics and modding flexibility, while Assetto Corsa Competizione  raised the bar with its laser-scanned tracks and focused GT3 racing experience.

Now, Assetto Corsa EVO aims to combine the best of both worlds: the customizable freedom of the original game and the polished, competition-ready focus of Competizione. As confirmed at the ADAC SimRacing Expo, Assetto Corsa EVO will feature free roaming, dynamic weather, advanced tire models, and modding support.

These features will allow players to immerse themselves in a world where realism meets flexibility, both on and off the track.

Free Roaming with Confirmed Traffic: What It Means for Players

The footage shown at the ADAC SimRacing Expo included a stunning rendition of the roads around the famous Nordschleife, offering a glimpse of the expansive world that Assetto Corsa EVO aims to deliver.

Imagine being able to take a spin through the scenic backroads of Germany, navigating through real-world environments filled with everyday traffic. This mode will not only provide a break from competitive racing but will also offer the opportunity to enjoy the game in a more casual, immersive setting.

Dynamic Weather: A Game-Changing Addition

One of the standout features of Assetto Corsa EVO is the introduction of a dynamic weather system. While other racing simulators like iRacing have begun to integrate rain physics, EVO’s system is poised to take things to the next level by offering highly dynamic and unpredictable weather changes.

Localized Weather on Large Tracks

One of the most innovative aspects of the new weather system is how localized weather conditions will vary across different sections of the track. For instance, circuits like Spa-Francorchamps and the Nürburgring Nordschleife are known for their erratic weather, and Assetto Corsa EVO will faithfully replicate this.

• Example:
  • You may find yourself driving on a dry section of Nürburgring’s GP track, but as you enter the forested area of Nordschleife, heavy rain might greet you.
  • Midway through the lap, the weather could shift again, making it crucial for players to adapt their strategy on the fly.

This feature introduces a new level of challenge and excitement. Races will become more unpredictable, requiring players to stay alert and constantly adjust their driving to the conditions, just as they would in real life.

New Tire Model and Degradation Mechanics

While Assetto Corsa Competizione featured an advanced tire model, EVO is taking things further with improved tire degradation, blistering, and puncture mechanics.

• Degradation: Tires will wear down over time, losing grip and becoming less effective. The faster you drive, or the more aggressive your driving style, the quicker your tires will degrade.
• Flat Spots and Punctures: If you lock up under heavy braking, you’ll create a flat spot on your tire, leading to vibrations that will affect your handling. Similarly, pushing your tires too hard on curbs or debris can lead to punctures, forcing you into the pits.
• Blistering: If the tires are overheated for too long, they will start to form blisters, reducing performance even more.

Drivers will have to keep a close eye on tire temperatures and degradation throughout long races, especially under changing weather conditions.

Modding Support: What We Know So Far

The developers of Assetto Corsa EVO have confirmed that modding will return in this iteration, though it won’t be available immediately at launch.

As Davide Brivio, the game’s producer, explained during the ADAC SimRacing Expo, modding tools will be released once the game reaches a stable state.

This decision ensures that modders will have a solid foundation to work from and that the community can once again take part in shaping the game’s content.

• Modding in EVO is expected to bring:
  • Custom car models
  • User-created tracks
  • Modified game physics and AI behaviors

This modding capability is one of the reasons why Assetto Corsa remains so popular today, and it’s likely that Assetto Corsa EVO will follow in its footsteps, offering the community an endless stream of content and customization options.

Immersive Experience with VR and Triple-Screen Support

Assetto Corsa EVO will support triple-screen setups and virtual reality (VR) from day one, offering an immersive driving experience unlike any other.

Native Triple-Screen Support

Triple-screen setups have become a staple for serious sim racers, providing a wide field of view that allows for better spatial awareness. Assetto Corsa EVO’s native triple-screen support will ensure that players can enjoy a seamless, high-quality display across multiple monitors, making it ideal for those looking for a more immersive experience.

Virtual Reality Compatibility

The inclusion of VR support will allow players to fully immerse themselves in the cockpit of their favorite cars. The ability to look around the vehicle’s interior, check mirrors, and experience the sense of speed in 3D will add to the realism.

• Assetto Corsa EVO performed smoothly on high-end hardware like the Nvidia 4090 and 4060 during testing at the SimRacing Expo, though final system requirements have yet to be released.

Release Timeline and Early Access

With Assetto Corsa EVO set to enter early access in February 2025, sim racing fans won’t have to wait long to get their hands on this exciting new title. While the full release is still several months away, the early access period will allow the developers to gather feedback and make necessary adjustments.

Let us know in the comments below what feature you’re most excited about in Assetto Corsa EVO.

See you on the track!