Assetto Corsa EVO – Everything You Need to Know

2025’s January has finally arrived, and it’s packed with games I can hardly wait to play! Big-name console exclusives are making their way to PC, and long-anticipated sequels from both indie and big-budget developers are hitting the scene. It wouldn’t be a new year without some early access titles, but among them, none are as exciting as Assetto Corsa EVO.

In the lineup of simulators from Kunos Simulazioni, the latest addition is a racing game emphasizing realism. Scheduled for release on January 16th for PC, it marks nearly five years since its predecessor, Assetto Corsa Competizione. The time gap has seen numerous changes, and this could very well be the most ambitious installment yet in the series. Here are 15 points to consider about Assetto Corsa EVO before launch.

Early Access Release

Similar to its previous versions, Assetto Corsa EVO is set to debut first in an early access phase. This means players will get a sneak peek of the game before its full release in Fall 2025. It’s essential to note that this date may be adjusted, and as of now, Kunos Simulazioni has not disclosed whether there will be a monthly update cycle like Competizione. However, it’s been mentioned that player feedback will play a significant role in polishing the gameplay, enhancing performance, and adding the final refinements that will transform EVO into the ultimate racing simulation.

New DirectX 12-Based Engine

The standout feature in EVO is found beneath the surface, where it uses the DirectX 12-driven Kunos Engine. This engine delivers authentic skies, volumetric clouds and fog, dynamic global illumination, and reflections. Notably, its handling of weather effects on track conditions shows significant advancements.

Practice Sessions and Quick Race Modes

In the initial segment of its single-player aspect, the game EVO offers two familiar options: Practice Sessions and Quick Races. Kunos didn’t delve deeply into what changes are in store for these modes, but their titles likely won’t set high expectations. Essentially, Practice Sessions are designed for testing various vehicles, while Quick Races allow for immediate races. It doesn’t get much simpler than that!

Driving Academy

At the Driving Academy, excitement unfolds! Making its debut in EVO, this dynamic platform offers “sequential segments of each track” in the latest edition, allowing you to explore various vehicles and encounter distinct hurdles. Overcome these challenges successfully, and you’ll accumulate the necessary licenses to acquire your cherished dream car using Credits for purchase. Reminiscent of the License Mode from the Gran Turismo series, the Driving Academy promises an engaging and enjoyable experience for sim racing enthusiasts.

Cars and Brands

At the initial release, “Assetto Corsa EVO” will initially offer a collection of 20 automobiles. The complete game is slated to include more than 100 vehicles in total. So far, some of the cars showcased include the BMW M2 CS Racing, Mercedes-AMG GT 63, and Ford Escort Cosworth RS. Brands such as Maserati and Cadillac are also expected to be included, although the exact line-up for the early access version remains undisclosed.

Realistically Depicting Vehicles and Tracks

From a dedicated fan’s perspective, I can assure you that Kunos Simulazioni has spared no effort in making the visuals as authentic as possible, meticulously simulating the mechanical, electronic, and aerodynamic performance of the vehicles and tracks using cutting-edge technology. To enhance immersion even further, they’ve utilized laser scan technology to accurately replicate the circuits and their intricate details.

Suspension Improvements

As a racing enthusiast, I can’t help but appreciate the attention to detail in Kunos’ work. They’ve been meticulously refining the suspension, aiming for an authentic experience with components like torsion beams and swingarms. The damping and bump stops now feel more lifelike, and the tire model has been finely tuned for a realistic driving experience. Over the past four years, their focus has been on enhancing the tactile feedback through the steering wheel, and so far, it seems their efforts have been fruitful.

Car Customization

Customization plays a significant role in the game as well, and although specifics about the array of customization options for early access haven’t been revealed yet, game director Davide Brivio mentioned to Multiplayer.it last November that every vehicle will offer “all the adjustments and engine choices you would find at any dealership.” So if your preferred car comes in both gasoline and diesel versions, or with 17-inch wheels or a sunroof, it will also be customizable in our game. There will be numerous aesthetic modifications available for each vehicle, which may affect the performance of the vehicles according to the website.

Dynamic Weather and Track Conditions

In racing simulations like EVO, the weather plays a crucial role and it’s not just static; it changes dynamically, including rain and other elements that impact races in real time. This means that varying amounts of rain can influence your performance, but there’s more to consider – as the race unfolds, you’ll need to account for tire build-up and adapt your strategy accordingly.

Available Circuits

In simple terms, the developer has assured that Brands Hatch, Imola Circuit, Laguna Seca Raceway, Mount Panorama Circuit, and Suzuka International Racing Course will be accessible when early access begins. The complete game offers 15 tracks, but this summer, EVO‘s track selection is venturing into new environmental territories.

Open World Map in Eifel, Germany

For the first time ever, EVO introduces an expansive open-world setting, based on Germany’s Eifel region. This dynamic environment includes real-life businesses, customizable vehicle workshops stocked with aftermarket parts, and car rental services. The game will officially launch this summer, but the map will be progressively unveiled through multiple updates during early access. These updates will not only grow the map but also introduce fresh content, making us excited to compare it against games like Forza Horizon in terms of structure and events.

24-Hour Race Cycle

Racers can anticipate experiencing complete 24-hour race rotations, which will test the boundaries of their racing stamina. Consequently, it signifies the resurrection of Nürburgring Nordschleife, and we are eager to witness how varying weather and track situations will influence the event.

VR and Triple Screen Support

Similar to the initial game and Competizione, Virtual Reality (VR) functionality resurfaces with OpenXR, offering compatibility with Oculus VR and SteamVR straight away. True to the style of racing simulations, triple-screen configurations are also supported, enhancing immersion significantly, particularly for those equipped with a racing wheel setup.

PC Requirements

Concerning the hardware specifications, Assetto Corsa EVO doesn’t seem to be too demanding on PCs, but it represents a notable improvement over Competizione. The minimum system requirements include an Intel Core-i7 8700k or AMD Ryzen 1500X CPU, 16 GB RAM, and either a GeForce GTX 1070 or AMD Radeon RX 580 graphics card. For a better experience, the recommended requirements are an Intel Core-i5 10500 or AMD Radeon 2600X CPU, 16 GB RAM, and an RTX 2070 or Radeon RX 5600 GPU. It appears these specifications cater to VR setups, although they may adjust during the early access phase. Additionally, you will need a solid-state drive with at least 100 GB of free space for installation, which is quite substantial considering it doesn’t include an open-world map.

Free Post-Launch Updates

Initially, the complete version of this game promises over 100 cars and 15 tracks from various global locations. However, even after launch, the development team intends to provide additional content through free updates. Although specifics are yet to be revealed, it’s reassuring to know that support will extend past Fall 2025.

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2025-01-11 01:11