Assetto Corsa EVO is looking like it wants to take sim racing to the next level - but what do sim racers want from the title? We asked, you answered - and here are some of the elements on your wishlists.
It is not too much of an exaggeration to claim that the upcoming Assetto Corsa EVO is the most hyped sim racing title of recent memory. The game will release in early access in January 2025, and we had the chance to play the game in pre-Alpha already to get an impression.
Over the last few weeks, lots of info on the sim has appeared, but not every element has been touched upon. And with the majority of sim racers unable to try AC EVO themselves as of yet, we asked for your wishlists for the sim a while ago.
Some of your entries have already been confirmed, others have not been talked about, but might still make it into AC EVO - and some of you had other really good suggestions that we want to highlight.
After reading the forums and looking over our recent poll, here are some of the features we really like that have been suggested by you, our community. Let's dive into it!
Kunos co-founder Marco Massarutto stated they wanted to "create a system of curated mods, as we must take the licensing agreements with the brands seriously. However, we are also considering a system that would allow mod creators to participate financially, but free mods should also be possible."
Over two thirds of those who participated in our multiple choice poll want to see modding in AC EVO, and Kunos knows about its importance. Since modding can be a tricky area when it comes to IP rights of real-life cars, tracks and logos, as well as the potential of a third-party modder using assets that do not belong to them, it will be a system for curated mods.
This Watkins Glen mod is a prime example of the incredible quality of mods for Assetto Corsa. Image: @LilSki
Since they have made it clear that they would like to host mods officially, these mods need to go through the process. Whether that means they will only be allowing mods they approve is another matter, and certainly the playerbase will not be happy with limitations on the mods they can install.
Looking at the forum thread started by user @Matthew327, it appears to be the consensus. But user @gamma123152 makes a good point about mod quality fluctuation and the hassle of installing along with the updates through the third-party Content Manager launcher. Therefore, a means to maintain the level of quality and scrutiny as well as simplifying the process whilst maintaining the freedom, that will be a tricky balancing act.
A good suggestion from @Tennisbiki is a certification board for mods with Kunos providing tools to modders to help train them to optimise their products for the game. That would be very helpful and go a long way to helping make the mods across the entire space as high quality as possible.
It is no secret that AI in racing games are not always great. The original Assetto Corsa's is a prime example, even on first party tracks.
We learned from our experience with the title that the AI for ACE is at least raceable, although that was only limited to a single scenario. However, we were told that AI drivers will be learning in real time and reacting to errors they may have made on previous laps by braking earlier, for example.
The consensus regarding Kunos' previous attempts at AI driving is that the original AC has terrible awareness in on track battles, and that ACC's are not as bad but still stick religiously to their line and seemingly would not go on any alternate bits of track. Great to help test for consistency, but not amazing to race with. AC's AI can of course be improved upon with mods, like the one above by @Stig_F1.
But when it comes to mainstream racing sim titles and their AI as it is in the base game, they often are not great. There is a fine line between overly-aggressive AI that are difficult to race, and then having AI that tip toe through corners like on the Gran Turismo games. Speaking of GT though, they do have their rapidly evolving Sophy AI, which is really quick and intelligent, but still limited in access.
The promise is there for ACE's AI, so hopefully it wins over the community.
However, there are those for whom the use of image editing software might be too steep a learning process. Plus since AC EVO is promised to release for console, those custom designs cannot be made for those platforms (as ACC players on PlayStation and Xbox can attest to), so what to do? Well, again in quick succession, the answer may lie in Gran Turismo.
The livery editor introduced in Gran Turismo Sport and continued in GT7 is relatively simple, providing decals and a means of applying it directly to the car's 3D model. Plus, players can upload their own custom decals in an uncomplex manner, making for some amazing creations that they can share in-game to others.
This is an absolute must in simplifying the livery making process. More people being able to create liveries can only be a good thing, not just those who have a degree in digital art and advanced software.
User @illia92 believes introducing some advanced scenarios would be immensely beneficial to the entire playerbase, and we are inclined to agree. It could be something like lessons in racecraft (which many a random open-lobby racer could do with quite frankly), and especially in multiclass situations, in which the top class' drivers across many titles continuously send divebombs even if the slower traffic are knocked off the track.
Along with this, perhaps it would help a great deal in limiting the amount of incidents in an online race. A Driving Etiquette course and an attempt to demonstrate the application of what is learned could work wonders for improving the online racing community in AC EVO.
Game director Davide Brivio has already confirmed that performance and visual modifications can be made. Kunos intend to work closely with brands who work with manufacturers, so it would appear you cannot just bolt a massive turbocharger to the Ferrari 296 GTB so it ends up producing over 2,000 horsepower. These modification capabilities would be in-line with how the manufacturers intended the car to be.
With AC EVO's emphasis on road cars, there may be an attempt to appeal to various car cultures. Not just the motorsport fans but the drifters, the street cruisers, JDM fans, the stanced/slammed enthusiasts, even the widebody scene. By having options for car modifications that are not too far removed from reality, every motoring subculture can have their niche represented.
For years, ACC players were constantly begging Kunos to add the Nordschleife but they could not because ACC was only meant to include content from GT World Challenge and other series organised by SRO. It made it quite easy to narrow down what could be added to the platform. Of course, circumstances changed and they were able to add the Nordschleife.
But we found a few people able to propose some interesting choices.
User @Rennie01 put together a great list if you are a historical racing nostalgic, something that would probably make an Automobilista 2 enthusiast jump ship very quick. As for what we could expect, some of the tracks that did not feature in the original Assetto Corsa but did in ACC may be included, if the inclusion of Mount Panorama in the gameplay reveal is any indication.
With Kunos being an Italian studio, it is perhaps safe to assume we will get a bunch of tracks from there like Monza, Imola, Mugello, Misano (which despite featuring in ACC, it surprisingly was not officially in the original AC), Vallelunga, Adria and more. Of course, you can list out all the other major tracks that featured across both the original and Competizione, and we already have confirmation of Fuji which was not in either of those.
Of course, Assetto Corsa EVO will be more open regarding content than ACC was, so let your imagination run wild. Any car could realistically be added, and nothing is off limits, it seems.
What other features do you hope are available in Assetto Corsa EVO? Let us know in the comments below and join the discussion in our forum!
It is not too much of an exaggeration to claim that the upcoming Assetto Corsa EVO is the most hyped sim racing title of recent memory. The game will release in early access in January 2025, and we had the chance to play the game in pre-Alpha already to get an impression.
Over the last few weeks, lots of info on the sim has appeared, but not every element has been touched upon. And with the majority of sim racers unable to try AC EVO themselves as of yet, we asked for your wishlists for the sim a while ago.
Some of your entries have already been confirmed, others have not been talked about, but might still make it into AC EVO - and some of you had other really good suggestions that we want to highlight.
After reading the forums and looking over our recent poll, here are some of the features we really like that have been suggested by you, our community. Let's dive into it!
Modding
Easily the most-requested feature, modding continues to be a key question for many sim racers. Kunos has clarified that it is indeed set to be a part of ACE at some point down the line, just not immediately as soon as the game enters early access, and it might not be when the game has its full release. But it certainly is planned.Kunos co-founder Marco Massarutto stated they wanted to "create a system of curated mods, as we must take the licensing agreements with the brands seriously. However, we are also considering a system that would allow mod creators to participate financially, but free mods should also be possible."
Over two thirds of those who participated in our multiple choice poll want to see modding in AC EVO, and Kunos knows about its importance. Since modding can be a tricky area when it comes to IP rights of real-life cars, tracks and logos, as well as the potential of a third-party modder using assets that do not belong to them, it will be a system for curated mods.
This Watkins Glen mod is a prime example of the incredible quality of mods for Assetto Corsa. Image: @LilSki
Since they have made it clear that they would like to host mods officially, these mods need to go through the process. Whether that means they will only be allowing mods they approve is another matter, and certainly the playerbase will not be happy with limitations on the mods they can install.
Looking at the forum thread started by user @Matthew327, it appears to be the consensus. But user @gamma123152 makes a good point about mod quality fluctuation and the hassle of installing along with the updates through the third-party Content Manager launcher. Therefore, a means to maintain the level of quality and scrutiny as well as simplifying the process whilst maintaining the freedom, that will be a tricky balancing act.
A good suggestion from @Tennisbiki is a certification board for mods with Kunos providing tools to modders to help train them to optimise their products for the game. That would be very helpful and go a long way to helping make the mods across the entire space as high quality as possible.
Advanced AI
Trailing modding in a surprising second place in our poll was Advanced AI - or is it perhaps not so surprising? Considering that half of you voted for "offline" in our poll about where you would race next, it is not really all that unexpected.It is no secret that AI in racing games are not always great. The original Assetto Corsa's is a prime example, even on first party tracks.
We learned from our experience with the title that the AI for ACE is at least raceable, although that was only limited to a single scenario. However, we were told that AI drivers will be learning in real time and reacting to errors they may have made on previous laps by braking earlier, for example.
The consensus regarding Kunos' previous attempts at AI driving is that the original AC has terrible awareness in on track battles, and that ACC's are not as bad but still stick religiously to their line and seemingly would not go on any alternate bits of track. Great to help test for consistency, but not amazing to race with. AC's AI can of course be improved upon with mods, like the one above by @Stig_F1.
But when it comes to mainstream racing sim titles and their AI as it is in the base game, they often are not great. There is a fine line between overly-aggressive AI that are difficult to race, and then having AI that tip toe through corners like on the Gran Turismo games. Speaking of GT though, they do have their rapidly evolving Sophy AI, which is really quick and intelligent, but still limited in access.
The promise is there for ACE's AI, so hopefully it wins over the community.
Livery Editor
A frankly brilliant suggestion by @HighTechJunky is to implement a livery editor in-game. The world of PC simulation racing titles allow for the extraordinarily creative amongst us to create liveries through third party software, many of which we host here on OverTake.However, there are those for whom the use of image editing software might be too steep a learning process. Plus since AC EVO is promised to release for console, those custom designs cannot be made for those platforms (as ACC players on PlayStation and Xbox can attest to), so what to do? Well, again in quick succession, the answer may lie in Gran Turismo.
The livery editor introduced in Gran Turismo Sport and continued in GT7 is relatively simple, providing decals and a means of applying it directly to the car's 3D model. Plus, players can upload their own custom decals in an uncomplex manner, making for some amazing creations that they can share in-game to others.
This is an absolute must in simplifying the livery making process. More people being able to create liveries can only be a good thing, not just those who have a degree in digital art and advanced software.
Driving Academy
Marco Massarutto has already gone on record stating that there will be a Driving Academy so players can learn the basics of racing and car physics, which is already a great first step. But there are a few things perhaps everyone can learn beyond surface level car control.User @illia92 believes introducing some advanced scenarios would be immensely beneficial to the entire playerbase, and we are inclined to agree. It could be something like lessons in racecraft (which many a random open-lobby racer could do with quite frankly), and especially in multiclass situations, in which the top class' drivers across many titles continuously send divebombs even if the slower traffic are knocked off the track.
Along with this, perhaps it would help a great deal in limiting the amount of incidents in an online race. A Driving Etiquette course and an attempt to demonstrate the application of what is learned could work wonders for improving the online racing community in AC EVO.
Car Customisation
One noteworthy conclusion from our poll, car customisation is surprisingly in high demand. For players of 'simcade' titles like Need for Speed and even Gran Turismo 7, aftermarket customising of cars whether it be visual like spoilers or even performance modifications can be applied. It would appear that Kunos will be doing this.Game director Davide Brivio has already confirmed that performance and visual modifications can be made. Kunos intend to work closely with brands who work with manufacturers, so it would appear you cannot just bolt a massive turbocharger to the Ferrari 296 GTB so it ends up producing over 2,000 horsepower. These modification capabilities would be in-line with how the manufacturers intended the car to be.
With AC EVO's emphasis on road cars, there may be an attempt to appeal to various car cultures. Not just the motorsport fans but the drifters, the street cruisers, JDM fans, the stanced/slammed enthusiasts, even the widebody scene. By having options for car modifications that are not too far removed from reality, every motoring subculture can have their niche represented.
Cars & Tracks
It was inevitable that we got to this bit - what are the cars and tracks that players want the most? The problem here is that with the variety of content that could feasibly be added, it seems to be more of a case of what players do not want in ACE.For years, ACC players were constantly begging Kunos to add the Nordschleife but they could not because ACC was only meant to include content from GT World Challenge and other series organised by SRO. It made it quite easy to narrow down what could be added to the platform. Of course, circumstances changed and they were able to add the Nordschleife.
But we found a few people able to propose some interesting choices.
User @Rennie01 put together a great list if you are a historical racing nostalgic, something that would probably make an Automobilista 2 enthusiast jump ship very quick. As for what we could expect, some of the tracks that did not feature in the original Assetto Corsa but did in ACC may be included, if the inclusion of Mount Panorama in the gameplay reveal is any indication.
With Kunos being an Italian studio, it is perhaps safe to assume we will get a bunch of tracks from there like Monza, Imola, Mugello, Misano (which despite featuring in ACC, it surprisingly was not officially in the original AC), Vallelunga, Adria and more. Of course, you can list out all the other major tracks that featured across both the original and Competizione, and we already have confirmation of Fuji which was not in either of those.
Of course, Assetto Corsa EVO will be more open regarding content than ACC was, so let your imagination run wild. Any car could realistically be added, and nothing is off limits, it seems.
What other features do you hope are available in Assetto Corsa EVO? Let us know in the comments below and join the discussion in our forum!
