2025 is a mere two weeks old, and possibly the biggest release of the year is already upon us: Assetto Corsa EVO is launching in Early Access on January 16 - here is all you need to know.
Images: Kunos Simulazioni
It may not be a full release, but the interest level and discussions would not give it away: Assetto Corsa EVO is lining up on the grid for its first Early Access release on January 16. Developers Kunos Simulazioni have been revealing the 20 cars to feature in this first release step by step leading up to the Early Access launch day. Let's take a look at what else you can expect from Early Access and the rough roadmap for AC EVO!
Assetto Corsa EVO Price: Not Known Yet
First of all, two key questions: How can you get into Early Access on Thursday and how much will it cost? Quite simply, it happens via Steam - but we do not know the go-live or activation time yet, and the price is also unknown. Only an educated guess can help here, around $/€35 might be realistic. As soon as we know the exact price, we will let you know, of course!Assetto Corsa EVO System Requirements
Minimum
Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system- OS: Windows 10 64-bit
- Processor: Intel i7 8700 k / AMD 1500X
- Memory: 16 GB RAM
- Graphics: GTX 1070 / RX 580
- DirectX: Version 12
- Network: Broadband Internet Connection
- Storage: 100 GB available space
- Sound Card: Integrated
- VR Support: SteamVR, Oculus VR, OpenXR
- Additional Notes: SSD required
Recommended
Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system- OS: Windows 10 64-bit / Windows 11 64-bit
- Processor: Intel i5 10500 / AMD 2600X
- Memory: 16 GB RAM
- Graphics: RTX 2070 / Radeon RX 5600
- DirectX: Version 12
- Network: Broadband Internet Connection
- Storage: 100 GB available space
- Sound Card: Integrated
- VR Support: SteamVR, Oculus VR, OpenXR
- Additional Notes: SSD required
Assetto Corsa EVO Early Access Car List
- Abarth 695 Biposto
- Alfa Romeo Giulia GTam
- Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica Veloce
- Alpine A110 S
- Alpine A290_β Concept
- Audi RS3 Sportback
- BMW M2 CS Racing
- BMW M4 CSL
- Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
- Ferrari 296 GTB
- Ferrari 488 Challenge EVO
- Ford Escort RS Cosworth
- Honda S2000
- Hyundai i30 N Hatchback
- Lotus Emira
- Mazda MX5 ND Cup
- Mercedes-Benz AMG GT2
- Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (992)
- Toyota GR86
- Volkswagen Golf 8 GTI Clubsport
Note that these 20 cars are just the ones that will be in AC EVO in the first Early Access release. Until the full release set for Fall of 2025, it is supposed to expand to 100 vehicles.
However, in the various trailers, teasers and previews, several more cars have made appearances - almost 40, in fact. Check out the list of confirmed AC EVO content here!
Assetto Corsa EVO Early Access Track List
- Bathurst - Mount Panorama
- Brands Hatch
- Imola
- Laguna Seca
- Suzuka
Note that the open world set in the Eifel region surrounding the Nürburgring-Nordschleife will not be part of the first Assetto Corsa EVO Early Access release. Instead, it will be introduced in several parts starting in Summer of 2025, according to Kunos' plans.
All the tracks have been recreated in full detail using laser scan technology. While the weather system will not be fully dynamic yet in the first Early Access release, it will make that transition "in future releases", according to the official website. It will, however, already create "realistic skies ranging from clear to the darkest storm, utilizing volumetric clouds and fog, immersing you in an atmospheric experience".
Meanwhile, we do not know yet if dynamic surface changes will be available in AC EVO from day one, but they are mentioned on the Steam page, they have been in all the previews and hands-on versions - so it is very likely.
Assetto Corsa EVO Release Time
The plan is for Assetto Corsa EVO to launch at 15:00 UTC on January 16, 2025.Is Assetto Corsa EVO a simulator?
Kunos is clearly promoting it as a sim racing title, which means you will have the best experience with a steering wheel and pedals. Our first tests at last year's SimRacing Expo also showed that driving physics go very deep and aim for a realistic representation of the cars and their concepts, just as we were used to from Kunos with the first Assetto Corsa and Competizione.According to the Steam page, there is also controller support, and AC EVO will be available in nine languages. Is your sim racing equipment and steering wheel supported? It should be! Small updates from manufacturers may be necessary here and there, but Kunos is also working with many brands in advance.
Assetto Corsa EVO Wheel Settings
The newly-updated AC EVO website confirms this, stating that the title "offers seamless navigation with gamepads and all Direct Input controllers, including wheels, pedals and handbrakes." Kunos have also worked with the leading hardware brands to create presets and published a wheel setup guide to make getting started easier. It includes settings for Fanatec, Logitech PRO, Simucube, Simagic and MOZA devices.Telemetry has already been officially confirmed, and there was also a motion rig at the Sim Racing Expo last year.
Assetto Corsa EVO Game Modes
- Practice Sessions
- Quick Races
- Driving Academy
To start with, there is only single player, the multiplayer component will come in the second or third major update. So you will be able to do practice and quick races against the AI, and the first driving license and academy parts are already in place. The car rental and purchase system, XP, rewards and driver profiles will also be implemented. It is likely that we will have our first missions, race scenarios and in-game currency to motivate us to collect all 20 cars. There will already be elements of car and showroom customization, so we would not be surprised if you can unlock things by level there, too.
Meanwhile, the Driving Academy will also be on board upon the first Early Access release. This will allow players to learn "sections of the tracks step by step, driving a wide array of different cars in iconic challenges", according to Kunos' Co-Founder and Managing Director Marco Massarutto.
For those that prefer to stay away from mechanics such as the ones mentioned above, Kunos have also stated repeatedly that if you wish to simply pick a car and track and go racing, you can still do so in AC EVO.
What game engine is Assetto Corsa EVO using?
After going for Unreal Engine 4 as the game engine for Assetto Corsa Competizione, Kunos have gone back to their roots and opted for a self-programmed engine for AC EVO - just like they did for the original Assetto Corsa.Will AC EVO have VR and triple-Screen support?
As players struggled with performance in ACC due to the engine used, VR and triple-screen support were among the main reasons for Kunos to go back to an in-house engine. Both features will be on board on launch day for the first Early Access release.It would be a nice surprise if everything worked perfectly right away, but don't count on it. At this point we would like to recommend the official Assetto Corsa Discord, which will probably be your best line to the developers in the coming days to report problems or look for solutions.
Will Assetto Corsa EVO have mods?
Official modding support will only come with the full release, and Kunos has also mentioned that they can imagine a curated modding programme by then, especially regarding track and car licences, which is always a sensitive issue. However, we think it is likely that smaller mods and tools will still be available during Early Access. There are just too many tinkerers and talented people out there.Assetto Corsa EVO Roadmap
A total of 15 tracks will be on board by 1.0. This means that ten more will be added over the next few months, including multiple layouts. One of these will be the Nordschleife and Nürburgring GP. This will be the core of an open world in the Eifel region, which will find its way into AC EVO in Summer - maybe around the real 24-hour race race in June? This will also come in stages, which will constantly expand the size and scope of features. In the end, there will be a 40x40km map around the legendary Nordschleife with shops and terrain-scanned roads and paths in the entire area without any limits.With each new track there could be two to three new cars, and entire racing classes are also conceivable. Of course, GT3, GT4 or prototypes would also be welcome - you cannot do without them these days. What would a racing simulation be without a GT3 at Spa, after all?
Sarcasm aside, it would also be really nice to get some lesser known tracks and cars from motorsport history and open-wheelers. While Michel would love to see some well-made rally content, Yannik is hoping for iconic and lesser-known historic sportscars alike.
As mentioned, multiplayer is not part of the first Early Access release, but will likely be added in one of the first few bigger updates.
Our prediction is monthly major updates with hotfixes in between. After 1.0, AC EVO will probably continue as a service game for several years, with lots of DLC.
With an exciting start to the sim racing year of 2025, what are you looking forward to doing first in Assetto Corsa EVO on January 16? Let us know in the comments below and join the discussion in our AC EVO forum!
