A new keynote video by developer Kunos Simulazioni dropped during the festive week, revealing what to expect of its upcoming sim racer Assetto Corsa Evo when it launches in Early Access this January.
This is the first time the developer directly shares about the upcoming open world map, the Eifel region surrounding Nürburgring. Just like the previous tidbit, the open world is essentially laser-scanned using LIDAR tech, and players have the ability to interact with local (real, should they opt in) businesses by renting cars or upgrading cars with aftermarket parts.
Assetto Corsa Evo having an open world is a really big deal. One is that it shows the devs are in tune with the community—there are plenty of custom mods and servers for free-roaming with an active playerbase for the original Assetto Corsa. The other, is that open world car/racing/driving games tend to be on the arcadey side. And Assetto Corsa Evo won’t be compromising its sim (as in simulating real) physics despite having an open world, which will be a breath of fresh air for car fans.
More importantly, the showcase revealed that the Early Access period won’t be that long. The game is targeting a release in Fall (Q4) 2025.
Other details from the showcase:
- Assetto Corsa Evo Early Access launch will feature 20 cars from various brands, and four tracks:
- Laguna Seca
- Brands Hatch
- Imola
- Mount Panorama
- Suzuka
- Full release will feature 15 licensed tracks
- Full release will feature 100 cars. Car list will include at least 22 brands, including Toyota:
- Abarth
- Alfa Romeo
- Alpine
- Audi
- BMW
- Cadillac
- Chevrolet
- Ferrari
- Ford
- Honda
- Hyundai
- Lamborghini
- Lancia
- Lotus
- Maserati
- Mazda
- Mercedes-Benz
- Mini
- Morgan
- Porsche
- Toyota
- Volkswagen
- More content coming post-launch as free updates
- Track conditions (grip level from rubber, wet surfaces) are simulated in real time
- Improved suspension, damping, and bump stop simulation from new suspension simulation physics
- Improved tyre model informed from real-world data and driver feedback
- New Driving Academy mode: teaches you the basics of driving on track
- Completing Driving Academy gets you driving license used to buy more cars
- New proprietary graphics engine (supports DirectX12)
- Supports full dynamic weather, local precipitation (rain at specific parts of the track)
- Dynamic Global Illumination tech, better reflections
Assetto Corsa Evo will launch in Early Access on January 16, 2025 for PC (Steam).