Assetto Corsa Rally has hit version 0.5, with new content, additions and improvements to the Early Access rally racing game.
Content-wise, there are now two more rally stages, each of them laser-scanned to accurately recreate the real-life counterparts into the sim. The special stages from the Greece Rally (Loutraki, Elatia) have been added. Expect winding and dusty roads, as well as exposed rocks that can ruin the car.
The real big-money feature of Assetto Corsa Rally version 0.5 is the physics overhaul. The upgraded tyre model is being described in the press release with a good amount of technical jargon, so here’s the overview, unaltered (as such, the American spelling of “tyre” is kept), of the physics changes:
This major physics overhaul introduces an upgraded tire model featuring a revised peak slip angle formula that enhances inner tire utility, alongside a more stable load sensitivity calculation scaled by pressure and contact patch size.
Surface recognition has been refactored with unique parameter sets and modifier overrides per terrain, complemented by the introduction of longitudinal and lateral bulldozing effects on soft surfaces. Enhanced camber dynamics now scale grip based on load and angle sensitivity, while experimental stick-slip and dig-dependent vibrations reintroduce detailed surface feedback.
Additionally, a new dynamic ideal line that widens through corners debuts in Greece, all backed by a global rebalancing pass for all surfaces, cars, and setup presets.
There’s a longer breakdown of the physics changes, which you can find here. The big key takeaway is that the tyre model now ensures that you have grip when sliding (the bit about “inner tire”).
Gravel Co., a YouTube channel that follows the journey of an aspiring rally racer Ryan Kelly that started out sim racing (and is currently competing in rallies across North America), noted this by saying “they did the thing.” Or more technically speaking, “the car is going to drift out, but also grip up in way more realistic ways.” Previously, Assetto Corsa Rally’s handling makes it feel like “it had slippery plastic wheels” when hitting the gas while the car goes sideways, according to Kelly. The full changelog by Assetto Corsa Rally described the previous tyre model to feel like “dragging a scrub tire.”
This is big enough physics change that all the leaderboard times in Assetto Corsa Rally has been wiped clean.
Lastly and most interesting addition to Assetto Corsa Rally via version 0.5 is online multiplayer. This is phase one of many additions, but for now you can join or create lobbies of a maximum 16 players. Lobby options include car selection restrictions and weather, at least for now. There’s an option to spectate mid-match and view live results. And multiplayer lobby only supports single-stage events, no championships yet.
Rally racing is essentially a time trial with stage starts, so you’re not supposed to be competing directly. But the online multiplayer feature brings in that communal aspect of the motorsport. Queuing up to the event, and then watch others do their run once you’re done with yours is something rally game fans still do today in older sims, so it’s nice to have even if it may seem peculiar to those who know just a bit about rally (those who are completely not in the know won’t even question why stage-based rally games need to have online multiplayer to begin with).
On top of custom player-hosted lobbies, there will also be official lobbies with two weekly events. There are also weekend-only events.
Between Assetto Corsa Evo and Assetto Corsa Rally, both games are currently in steady pace of development. They are by no means ready for proper full release yet, but but at least they’re on the right track.
Assetto Corsa Rally version 0.5 is now live, the game is out now on PC (Steam) in Early Access.