Assetto Corsa EVO Review: A Promising Start with Room for Improvement
A few days ago, the Early Access of the latest racing simulation, Assetto Corsa EVO, started. This game comes from the Italian studio Kunos Simulazioni and was released on January 16th on Steam.
The game offers a mix of various street and race cars. You can race in different types of competitions, all powered by a brand-new engine developed by Kunos Simulazioni. Find out everything about the game and whether you should buy it during Early Access here.
First Impressions: A Familiar Yet Refreshing Experience
Assetto Corsa EVO managed to evoke nostalgia among many fans of the series by maintaining the authentic driving feel that the previous games were known for. At the same time, it introduces new elements that bring a fresh touch to the series. Notable is the improved Force Feedback (FFB) system, which feels like a blend of the loose feel from the original Assetto Corsa and the precise stiffness of Assetto Corsa Competizione. This balance provides a realistic and intuitive driving experience.
The attention to detail is particularly evident in the track design. Kunos Simulazioni used laser-scan technology to recreate legendary tracks like the Nürburgring, Imola, and Laguna Seca with incredible precision. This technology captures even the smallest bumps and curves, allowing players to experience the tracks in the game as they are in real life.
However, while the game is impressive at first glance, there are some drawbacks, mainly in the form of technical challenges. Some players report issues with Force Feedback, particularly when using certain wheel models like the widely used Logitech G923. The realistic resistance and dynamic feedback are often missing, making the driving experience less immersive.
Gameplay: Refining the Art of Racing Simulations
Assetto Corsa EVO sets new standards for track design, as previously mentioned. The Force Feedback, when functional, is excellent and delivers a realistic driving feel. However, there are still some issues during gameplay.
The physics on grass and curbs sometimes feel outdated and less realistic, contrasting sharply with the otherwise perfect track experience. Still, racing on the five tracks currently available is enjoyable. The 20 cars available also handle well, with each vehicle offering a unique experience. You can find more details here.
Graphics and Performance: A Mixed Bag
Assetto Corsa EVO impresses with detailed vehicle models and realistic track textures. Dynamic time of day and weather systems, with stunning rain effects on the windshield, enhance the immersive atmosphere.
However, the game has some graphical shortcomings. Many players criticize the quality of clouds and rain, which do not match the standards set by other games.
On mid-range PCs, many players face performance issues, such as low frame rates and occasional freezes. For example, an RTX 3080 Ti could only achieve stable frame rates with DLSS enabled and medium settings. High-end PCs, like those with an RTX 4080, experience fewer issues but sometimes face high VRAM usage.
Players using VR headsets encounter additional challenges, such as FPS drops and graphical artifacts. Disabling DLSS has helped some players, so consider this if you face similar issues.
Sound Design: A Big Disappointment
Assetto Corsa EVO’s sound design is a mixed bag. While some sounds, like driving through gravel, stand out positively, others are underwhelming. The engine sounds of street cars, in particular, feel less authentic and somewhat digital. For instance, the sound of the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (992) from Assetto Corsa Competizione (ACC) was reused with minimal changes, while the Honda S2000 in EVO lacks presence.
Early Access Content: Is It Worth the Investment?
Assetto Corsa EVO has been in Early Access since January 16th, 2025, and is still missing some content. Here’s what’s available so far:
- Brands Hatch
- Mount Panorama Circuit
- Suzuka International Racing Course
- Imola Circuit
- Laguna Seca
The game features 20 different vehicles from various eras and classes, offering a solid foundation to find a car you like.
The currently available modes are:
- Single Player
- Free Practice
- Quick Race
- Driving Academy: A mode where players can improve their skills and earn licenses to unlock faster cars and special events.
All available modes, tracks, and vehicles are high quality, but the content is limited. There’s no multiplayer mode or additional events yet.
Growth Potential: What the Future Holds
Assetto Corsa EVO is still in Early Access and will continue to receive updates, including new modes, cars, and more, with a full release planned for Fall 2025. A roadmap is already available, detailing upcoming features. Next, players can expect two new cars, special events, and the Fuji Speedway.
The first major update will bring five new cars, the Circuit of the Americas, single-player/custom race weekends, new special events, replay tools, a gallery, improved VR support, and better triple monitor support.
Upon the full release in Fall 2025, players can look forward to 100 vehicles, 15 tracks, and a 1600km² open map for free driving. A career mode and much more will also be added incrementally, providing new content every few weeks or months.
Conclusion: Should You Buy Assetto Corsa EVO?
Assetto Corsa EVO is a promising racing simulation still in Early Access. Naturally, it’s not perfect and lacks some content, but that’s the purpose of Early Access. Over time, issues will be resolved, and more content will be added.
If you’re a racing game fan or love Assetto Corsa and don’t mind the quirks of Early Access, you should definitely give Assetto Corsa EVO a chance. If you’re more of a casual player seeking a complete experience, it might be better to wait until the full release in Fall 2025. For the best deals, check out AllKeyShop, where you can find Assetto Corsa Evo at the best price.
Pros and Cons
|
Category |
Pros |
Cons |
|
Gameplay |
Outstanding Force Feedback (FFB) Precise and immersive track physics |
Weak feedback off the track (e.g., grass/curbs) |
|
Graphics |
High-quality vehicle models and track textures Dynamic time of day and lighting reflections |
Poor rain and cloud effects Needs optimization on mid-range hardware |
|
Sound Design |
Decent engine sounds for race cars |
Inconsistent quality between race and street cars Weak ambient and braking sounds |
|
Performance |
Stable frame rates on high-end systems (RTX 4080) |
VR: Low frame rates, artifacts, and high VRAM usage Memory leaks on some systems |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the game worth it during the Early Access phase?
For sim-racing enthusiasts who want to support the development process, yes. Casual players might prefer to wait for more content and optimizations.
What hardware is recommended for optimal performance?
A minimum of an RTX 3060 is recommended for smooth gameplay at medium settings. For VR or maximum settings, an RTX 4080 or comparable hardware is ideal.
Hey, I’m Kilian, but online you’ll probably know me as “Tux1243.” I've been part of the team for almost two years now, always trying to keep you in the loop with the latest and coolest gaming news. I also have a huge passion for doing deep dives and detailed analyses of entire game series and franchises. I love getting to the bottom of things and exploring the little details and backstories that make game worlds so fascinating.
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