How to Host Assetto Corsa Server: A Comprehensive Guide for Devs

Hello Devs! If you’re a fan of racing games and looking to experience the thrill of competitive online racing, you might want to host an Assetto Corsa server. Assetto Corsa is a popular racing game that provides a realistic driving experience with its advanced physics engine and customizable cars. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to host an Assetto Corsa server and get you on the track in no time.

Step 1: Server Requirements

Before we start, let’s take a look at the minimum requirements to host an Assetto Corsa server.

Server Requirements	Recommendations
CPU: Dual-core 2.4 GHz	CPU: Quad-core 3.0 GHz or higher
RAM: 4GB	RAM: 8GB or higher
Hard Drive: 20GB free space	Hard Drive: 50GB free space or higher
Operating System: Windows 7 or higher	Operating System: Windows Server 2012 or higher

Make sure that you have a stable internet connection with at least 10 Mbps of upload and download speed to provide a lag-free gaming experience to your players.

Step 2: Choosing a Hosting Provider

Now that you know the server requirements, it’s time to choose a hosting provider. You can either host your server on your own computer or use a third-party hosting provider. If you decide to host the server on your computer, make sure it meets the server requirements.

Alternatively, you can choose from various hosting providers that offer dedicated or virtual private servers (VPS) optimized for gaming. Some popular hosting providers for Assetto Corsa servers are:

• Amazon Web Services
• Vultr
• GameServers.com
• Nitrado
• Hostinger

Do your research and compare the prices, features, and customer support before choosing a hosting provider.

Step 3: Installing Assetto Corsa Server

Once you have your server ready, it’s time to install the Assetto Corsa server. Follow these steps to install the server:

1. Log into your server using Remote Desktop Connection or any other remote access tool.
2. Download the Assetto Corsa Server software from the official website.
3. Extract the downloaded file to a folder on your server.
4. Open the server_cfg.ini file in the server folder using a text editor.
5. Configure the server settings according to your preference, such as server name, password, track, and car selection.
6. Save the file and start the server by running the acServer.exe file.
7. Your server is now online and ready to accept connections.

Step 4: Configuring Firewall and Port Forwarding

Before players can join your server, you need to configure your firewall and port forwarding settings to allow incoming connections. Follow these steps to configure your firewall and port forwarding:

1. Open the Windows Firewall with Advanced Security.
2. Create a new inbound rule that allows incoming traffic to the acServer.exe file.
3. Configure your router to forward incoming traffic on UDP port 9600 (default Assetto Corsa server port) to your server’s local IP address.
4. Test the connection by joining your server from another computer.

Step 5: Managing Your Server

Now that your server is up and running, you can manage it using various tools and commands. Here are some commonly used tools and commands:

• acsServerManager: A third-party tool that provides a graphical user interface for managing your server.
• rcon: A command-line tool that allows you to remotely control your server, such as changing the track or restarting the server.
• admin.py: A Python script that allows you to manage your server, such as adding or removing players.

FAQs

Can I host an Assetto Corsa server on a Linux machine?

Yes, you can host an Assetto Corsa server on a Linux machine using Wine or Proton software to run the server software.

How many players can join my server?

The maximum number of players that can join your server depends on your server performance and internet connection. Typically, a server can handle up to 24 players, but it can vary based on your server setup.

Can I install mods on my server?

Yes, you can install mods on your server by placing the mod files in the server’s content folder. Make sure that all players have the same mods installed to avoid compatibility issues.

How do I update my server to the latest version?

Download the latest version of the Assetto Corsa Server software and replace the old files with the new ones. Configure the server settings again if necessary.

Can I host a private server with a password?

Yes, you can set a password for your server in the server_cfg.ini file to restrict access to your server.

Conclusion

Hosting an Assetto Corsa server can be a rewarding experience that allows you to enjoy online racing with your friends and community. By following the steps and tips mentioned in this article, you can set up and manage your own server and provide a smooth gaming experience for your players. Good luck and happy racing!