Have you ever dreamed of racing against your friends in Assetto Corsa on your own custom server? Setting up your own server can take your driving experience to the next level, making every race more personal and exciting.
Knowing how to host a server isn’t just about fun—it opens the door to community events, private competitions, and a world of customization.
This article will guide you step-by-step through the process, offering practical tips and insights to get your server up and running smoothly.
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How to Host a Server in Assetto Corsa: The Complete Guide
Hosting your own Assetto Corsa server opens up a whole new world of racing fun—custom events, friends-only matches, and total control over your gameplay experience. But if you’re new to server hosting, the process might seem a little bit daunting. Don’t worry! By the end of this guide, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to set up and run your own Assetto Corsa multiplayer server smoothly, whether you want a dedicated home server or an online host.
Understanding Assetto Corsa Server Hosting
Assetto Corsa gives players the flexibility to create and manage their own multiplayer servers. This means you don’t always have to rely on public or third-party servers—you can build your own racing community or organize private sessions tailored exactly to your preferences.
There are two main ways to host a server:
– Local Server: Hosting from your own computer or local network.
– Dedicated/Hosted Server: Renting space from a hosting provider for 24/7 accessibility.
Each method has unique benefits, which we’ll break down as we go.
Step-by-Step Guide: Setting Up Your Own Assetto Corsa Server
Setting up your Assetto Corsa server requires a few key steps. Below, you’ll find simple instructions and best practices to guide you.
1. Choose Your Server Type
Before you start, decide which server type fits your needs:
- Home/LAN Server: Best for small private games with people on your network or friends joining occasionally.
- Dedicated Remote Server: Ideal if you want your server online at all times, or you plan to open it to a public community.
2. Prepare the Required Software
You’ll need:
– A copy of Assetto Corsa (Steam version recommended).
– The official Assetto Corsa Dedicated Server tool (comes with the game, installed as a separate Steam tool).
– Optional server management tools or plugins to enrich the experience.
Installing the Dedicated Server Tool
- Open Steam and navigate to your Library.
- At the top, switch to ‘Tools’ instead of ‘Games’.
- Search for ‘Assetto Corsa Dedicated Server’.
- Install it on your preferred system (can be your gaming PC or a separate machine).
3. Configure Your Server Settings
Server configuration is where you make your server unique. You’ll adjust parameters by editing configuration files, typically found in the server’s installation directory.
Key settings include:
– Server name
– Maximum players
– Track and car selection
– Race duration, practice and qualifying parameters
– Password (for private sessions)
– Allowed assists and realism settings
To edit settings:
– Find the server_cfg.ini file. It contains core information like server name, cars, track, and more.
– Adjust as desired using a text editor.
– The entry_list.ini file lets you set specific cars and drivers. For open join, you may leave this generic.
4. Set Up Network and Port Forwarding
Remote players can only join your server if the correct ports are open.
- You’ll need to forward these default ports on your router:
- UDP 9600
- TCP 8081 (for HTTP server, optional)
- UDP 8081 (for server communication)
- Every router is different. Log into your router, find the port forwarding section, and add the server’s ports pointing to your server’s local IP address.
Without port forwarding, your server will only be visible to people on your local network.
Pro Tip: Use sites like ‘whatismyip.com’ to check your external IP, and give that to friends for joining (along with the correct port).
5. Launch and Test Your Server
- Double-click the ‘acServer.exe’ or use ‘AssettoCorsaServer’ command-line tool.
- The server should start—check for status messages and ensure it loads your configuration without errors.
- On your in-game client, search for your server in the multiplayer browser, or connect directly using your server’s IP and port.
Testing Checklist:
– Can you and a friend see the server in the lobby?
– Can you join and complete a lap together?
– Are all your settings (cars, tracks, assists) working as planned?
– Is the ping acceptable? (Lower is always better!)
6. Open to the Public (Optional)
If you’d like anyone to join, remove the password or submit your server to popular server lists and communities. For persistent, all-day sessions, consider moving to a professional host.
Benefits of Hosting Your Own Assetto Corsa Server
- Customization: Set your preferred rules, car lists, tracks, and even mods.
- Community: Build your own group with friends or like-minded racers.
- Stability: Control who joins, reducing the chance of trolls or griefers.
- Learning: Gain a deeper understanding of how multiplayer games work.
Potential Challenges and How to Solve Them
Hosting isn’t always 100% smooth. Here are some hurdles and tips for overcoming them:
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Bandwidth Requirements: Assetto Corsa servers use more upload bandwidth as the player count increases. Make sure your connection can handle the load, especially if you host from home.
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Lag and Latency: Distant friends may experience higher ping. If problems persist, consider a geographically closer dedicated host.
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Firewall Issues: Your computer must allow the game through its firewall. Always add exceptions for the server tool.
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Ensuring Fair Play: Use whitelist and blacklist features to control who can join and keep racing clean.
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Managing Mods: If you use custom cars or tracks, make sure all players have them installed, or they won’t be able to join.
Using Professional Assetto Corsa Server Hosting Providers
If hosting from home isn’t practical, several providers specialize in Assetto Corsa servers. Opting for a professional host brings:
- 24/7 uptime and monitoring
- Easy-to-use web interfaces for configuration
- Automated backup and updates
- Higher bandwidth and lower latency
- Less technical setup—just configure and race!
Well-known providers offer different packages based on the number of slots (player count), location, and features. Many also provide mod management, easy restarts, and support for popular server plugins.
Tip: Shop around! You can find hosting services that offer free trials or competitive prices for small private communities.
Cost-Saving Advice
- Start small: Only pay for the player slots you need.
- Share costs with your group.
- Some providers offer discounts for longer-term commitments or multiple servers.
- Community and open-source server tools are always free if self-hosting.
Best Practices and Tips for Smooth Server Hosting
To ensure your Assetto Corsa server is reliable and fun to play on:
- Keep Your Game and Server Updated: Regular updates avoid compatibility issues.
- Backup Your Configs: Save copies of your configuration files in case you make unwanted changes.
- Monitor Performance: Watch how your server performs with different player counts and adjust accordingly.
- Communicate With Your Group: Use Discord or similar tools to keep racers informed of server status and changes.
- Read Community Forums: Experienced hosts often share troubleshooting guides and tweaks.
Bonus Section: Modding and Extending Your Server
One of the joys of Assetto Corsa is its vibrant modding scene. You can host classic tracks, custom cars, and even traffic mods or weather scripts. Most hosting providers support mods, but check whether auto-download or manual installation is needed for each player.
Concluding Summary
Hosting your own Assetto Corsa server is a rewarding way to take your racing experiences to the next level. Whether you choose to self-host from your PC or use a specialized hosting provider, you gain total control over how and with whom you play. With careful setup, attention to network details, and a willingness to learn, your server can become the heart of unforgettable racing sessions for you and your friends.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need a powerful computer to host an Assetto Corsa server?
Not necessarily. Hosting for a few friends can work on many modern PCs, especially if you’re not also playing the game at the same time. For larger, public servers with dozens of players, a more robust machine or a dedicated hosting provider is recommended.
2. Can I run mods on my Assetto Corsa server?
Yes! Assetto Corsa’s modding scene is thriving. You can include custom tracks, vehicles, and weather. All joining players must have the same mods and versions installed, or they won’t be able to connect.
3. What’s the difference between LAN and online server hosting?
A LAN server is accessible only to players on your local network. Online server hosting, either self-hosted or through a provider, allows anyone (with the correct information or password) to join via the internet.
4. How can I make my server visible to the public?
Ensure you have correctly set up port forwarding on your router and that your server is not password-protected (unless you want it private). Double-check firewall settings, and consider submitting your server’s details to AC server lists or related communities.
5. How much does Assetto Corsa server hosting cost?
If you self-host, it can be free (apart from your electricity and bandwidth). Professional hosting prices vary but often start around a few dollars per month, increasing with the player count, mod support, and features. Some providers offer free trials or plans for small groups.
With these tips, steps, and insights, you’ll be well-prepared to host epic races in Assetto Corsa. Good luck, and happy racing!