Since its early access launch, Assetto Corsa Rally has managed to capture the attention of rally fans thanks to its promising gameplay foundation and its commitment to an experience focused exclusively on this discipline. However, there was a recurring criticism that accompanied practically every conversation about the simulator: the scarcity of stages on gravel or dirt.
For months, Rally Wales was the only truly representative test of this surface. Although attractive scenarios such as Monte Carlo or the icy circuit of Livigno arrived later, none of them offered that sensation of driving on loose terrain that many consider essential when talking about rallies.
Everything suggests that this situation will change very soon. The developers have confirmed that the v0.5 update, scheduled for July, will add a new gravel location to the game’s catalog. Official information is still scarce. The announcement came accompanied only by a short video in which a small part of the route can be seen. Even so, the footage hints at some interesting details.
Although the teaser lasts barely a few seconds, it allows several features of the setting to be identified:
- Stages surrounded by abundant vegetation and wooded areas.
- Significant elevation changes.
- Twisty and technically demanding sectors.
- Dirt surface clearly taking center stage.
These are limited clues, but enough to spark speculation about what the next destination coming to the simulator might be. If we look at this year’s international rally calendar, two names quickly come to the table: Greece and Finland, two genuine gravel classics.
The theory gaining the most traction points to the Acropolis Rally of Greece. There is a precedent that fuels this hypothesis: Monte Carlo was added to the game roughly a month after the real-world event was held. If the developers maintain a similar strategy, Greece would fit perfectly within the planned timeframe for the July update.
On the other hand, Finland cannot be ruled out either. Its fast forest roads, spectacular jumps, and frantic pace make it one of the most iconic settings of the discipline and a very attractive addition for any simulator.
Personally, I believe this new location could mark a turning point for Assetto Corsa Rally. Driving on dirt is a fundamental part of rally identity, and expanding the range of surfaces was probably one of the most urgent priorities to consolidate the project during its early access phase.
For now, the developers are keeping it a mystery and have not revealed the name of the new location. We will have to wait for the arrival of update 0.5 in July to discover whether the bets on Greece, Finland, or some other destination turn out to be correct. What does seem certain is that gravel lovers will soon have a new reason to get back behind the wheel.
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