In its current state, there is very little to do in Assetto Corsa EVO, but if you want to put more hours into the game, here are five fun challenges to complete before the next update.
Since its Early Access launch a few weeks ago, there is no doubt that the hype for Assetto Corsa EVO has died down a bit and the boredom has set in. With just five tracks, 20 cars and no real gameplay elements to speak of due to the ongoing server issues preventing access to Driving Academy, there simply is very little to do.
When it works and performs well, however, the title's handling does give us hope for the future and make us want to enjoy what it has to offer. So with that in mind, we got our imagination caps on and fashioned our very own Special Event challenges. Here are five ways to entertain yourself right now in Assetto Corsa EVO whilst waiting for gameplay elements to become available.
Drifting in Assetto Corsa EVO is a lot of fun. Image: Kunos Simulazioni
Well, looking to follow in those footsteps, why not put your skills to the test in AC EVO? Sadly, Tsukuba is not a current member of the track list, but Suzuka most certainly is. Better yet, its shortest East layout is also available to drive by itself.
Take one look at the track map for this shortened circuit and one thought only should enter your head: Can I drift a full lap? If you can go from the start-finish line down to Turn 1, through the long right-hander, up through the S-Curves and round the final corner all in one continuous, unbroken slide, you will most likely have spent several hours practicing. But at least it will have been fun.
Indeed, the Australian circuit is one of the few additions to the AC EVO roster meaning it is a rare race that can actually exist within the game. That being said, you will struggle to get anywhere near this year's running's grid with GT3 cars nowhere to be seen in EVO. What you can do however is combine the few dedicated race cars available in the simulator for a fun multiclass race.
Do a 12 Hours of Bathurst in the Porsche Cup in Assetto Corsa EVO. Image: Kunos Simulazioni
We would recommend not including the far slower Mazda MX-5, nor the BMW M2 CS in this entry list, but the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, Ferrari 488 Challenge and Mercedes-AMG GT2 all pair well for a GT grid.
Along with a nice representation of the Bathurst circuit and a handful of reasonable cars, Assetto Corsa EVO boasts fantastic day-to-night visuals and a dynamic weather system (although not fully yet) that would work to full effect for such an event. For the ultimate experience, set your start time as close to 5:45am as possible and run a 1-hour and 12-minute race at 10x time acceleration. For extra spice, give yourself a bit of rain - and hope that the AI actually keeps it together across the top of The Mountain.
Car customization can be stunning and terrible in AC EVO. Image: Kunos Simulazioni
No doubt, most will want to go through the process by putting together their absolute dream specification of BMW M4 CSL or Abarth 695. But we propose a different approach. Instead of pairing the best exterior paint colour with matching interior trim, why not go full Sultan of Brunei - congratulations if you get that reference - with the oddest, most vomit-inducing specifications imaginable.
Do not worry however as with the game still showing all the signs of an very Early Access title, you needn't subject your eyes to such an abomination for long. Still unable to connect to servers, Assetto Corsa EVO does not save car customization meaning you will have to start all over again each time you boot up the game.
Laguna Seca: Home of the Corkscrew. Image credit: Kunos Simulazioni
A left-right chicane with a twist, this simple section on paper requires a view in 3D to truly appreciate. From the entry to Turn 8 at the top of the hill to the exit of the section, cars experience an 18-metre drop, the equivalent of five and a half floors, and all that in the space of 137 metres.
That is quite the drop with a significantly steep decline. But take the circuit in the other direction and to us, that sounds like a jump. Yes, we really are clutching a straws here. The game literally has not much else to do.
How fast do you need to go to get air? Which car is the best for flying through the sky? And how far can you go from a single jump? Those are all questions that you will have to answer in the comments.
Beat our time around Brands Hatch in the Ford Escort RS Cosworth in Assetto Corsa EVO. Image: Kunos Simulazioni
With that in mind, let's take a look back at some fast laps achieved on the OverTake Twitch channel and see if you can beat them. Following the game's launch, and its subsequent fixes, OT Editor @Yannik Haustein streamed his impressions of the game some two weeks ago.
The first car-track combination this historic enthusiast selected was the Ford Escort RS Cosworth at Brands Hatch. After a few laps to bed himself into what is a nuanced car, he managed a 1:47.835 around the GP Loop. The settings you will want to match his conditions are a 5pm session time with Static Scattered Clouds weather. If you do take on this challenge, why not let us know how you get on.
What do you enjoy doing in Assetto Corsa EVO? Let us know in the comments below and join the discussion in our AC EVO forum!
Since its Early Access launch a few weeks ago, there is no doubt that the hype for Assetto Corsa EVO has died down a bit and the boredom has set in. With just five tracks, 20 cars and no real gameplay elements to speak of due to the ongoing server issues preventing access to Driving Academy, there simply is very little to do.
When it works and performs well, however, the title's handling does give us hope for the future and make us want to enjoy what it has to offer. So with that in mind, we got our imagination caps on and fashioned our very own Special Event challenges. Here are five ways to entertain yourself right now in Assetto Corsa EVO whilst waiting for gameplay elements to become available.
Drift a full lap of Suzuka East
With its collection of road cars, Assetto Corsa EVO definitely appears to look more like a Forza Motorsport or Gran Turismo on paper. One of the most entertaining things to do in those titles is picking a car and perfecting your drifting skills. Among the circuits most popular with the drifting community are Tsukuba and Suzuka for their long, sweeping corners.Drifting in Assetto Corsa EVO is a lot of fun. Image: Kunos Simulazioni
Well, looking to follow in those footsteps, why not put your skills to the test in AC EVO? Sadly, Tsukuba is not a current member of the track list, but Suzuka most certainly is. Better yet, its shortest East layout is also available to drive by itself.
Take one look at the track map for this shortened circuit and one thought only should enter your head: Can I drift a full lap? If you can go from the start-finish line down to Turn 1, through the long right-hander, up through the S-Curves and round the final corner all in one continuous, unbroken slide, you will most likely have spent several hours practicing. But at least it will have been fun.
Bathurst 12 Hours in Assetto Corsa EVO
Now, this is certainly a special event that will require a smooth-running game as AI rivals do have quite the overwhelming effect on most systems in ACE. However, with this weekend seeing GT3 machinery take to Mount Panorama for the Bathurst 12 Hours, it could be a fun idea to try and run an event yourself.Indeed, the Australian circuit is one of the few additions to the AC EVO roster meaning it is a rare race that can actually exist within the game. That being said, you will struggle to get anywhere near this year's running's grid with GT3 cars nowhere to be seen in EVO. What you can do however is combine the few dedicated race cars available in the simulator for a fun multiclass race.
Do a 12 Hours of Bathurst in the Porsche Cup in Assetto Corsa EVO. Image: Kunos Simulazioni
We would recommend not including the far slower Mazda MX-5, nor the BMW M2 CS in this entry list, but the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, Ferrari 488 Challenge and Mercedes-AMG GT2 all pair well for a GT grid.
Along with a nice representation of the Bathurst circuit and a handful of reasonable cars, Assetto Corsa EVO boasts fantastic day-to-night visuals and a dynamic weather system (although not fully yet) that would work to full effect for such an event. For the ultimate experience, set your start time as close to 5:45am as possible and run a 1-hour and 12-minute race at 10x time acceleration. For extra spice, give yourself a bit of rain - and hope that the AI actually keeps it together across the top of The Mountain.
Challenge: Worst Car Spec
Following a recent update to the game, it is now possible to go through the customization process as if you were buying a new car from the dealership. Different carbon bits and bobs, leather or Alcantara, wheel sizes and race-oriented additions are all available.Car customization can be stunning and terrible in AC EVO. Image: Kunos Simulazioni
No doubt, most will want to go through the process by putting together their absolute dream specification of BMW M4 CSL or Abarth 695. But we propose a different approach. Instead of pairing the best exterior paint colour with matching interior trim, why not go full Sultan of Brunei - congratulations if you get that reference - with the oddest, most vomit-inducing specifications imaginable.
Do not worry however as with the game still showing all the signs of an very Early Access title, you needn't subject your eyes to such an abomination for long. Still unable to connect to servers, Assetto Corsa EVO does not save car customization meaning you will have to start all over again each time you boot up the game.
Jump the Corkscrew
Another of the five circuits currently present in the game is Laguna Seca. A historic venue in California, it is no doubt best-known for one particular corner; the Corkscrew.Laguna Seca: Home of the Corkscrew. Image credit: Kunos Simulazioni
A left-right chicane with a twist, this simple section on paper requires a view in 3D to truly appreciate. From the entry to Turn 8 at the top of the hill to the exit of the section, cars experience an 18-metre drop, the equivalent of five and a half floors, and all that in the space of 137 metres.
That is quite the drop with a significantly steep decline. But take the circuit in the other direction and to us, that sounds like a jump. Yes, we really are clutching a straws here. The game literally has not much else to do.
How fast do you need to go to get air? Which car is the best for flying through the sky? And how far can you go from a single jump? Those are all questions that you will have to answer in the comments.
Beat Our Time
Very much a hotlapping simulator in its current form, why not simply do what we are supposed to do in Assetto Corsa EVO?Beat our time around Brands Hatch in the Ford Escort RS Cosworth in Assetto Corsa EVO. Image: Kunos Simulazioni
With that in mind, let's take a look back at some fast laps achieved on the OverTake Twitch channel and see if you can beat them. Following the game's launch, and its subsequent fixes, OT Editor @Yannik Haustein streamed his impressions of the game some two weeks ago.
The first car-track combination this historic enthusiast selected was the Ford Escort RS Cosworth at Brands Hatch. After a few laps to bed himself into what is a nuanced car, he managed a 1:47.835 around the GP Loop. The settings you will want to match his conditions are a 5pm session time with Static Scattered Clouds weather. If you do take on this challenge, why not let us know how you get on.
What do you enjoy doing in Assetto Corsa EVO? Let us know in the comments below and join the discussion in our AC EVO forum!