Assetto Corsa Server Installation Guide on Windows VPS

Introduction

Assetto Corsa is a realistic racing simulator that allows you to create dedicated servers to play online with your friends. This guide walks you through the complete installation of an Assetto Corsa server on a Windows VPS.

Prerequisites

Before starting the installation, ensure your VPS has:

• Windows Server 2019 or higher (or Windows 10/11)
• At least 4 GB of RAM (8 GB recommended for 20+ players)
• 15 GB of available disk space
• Stable Internet connection with sufficient bandwidth
• Administrator access to the VPS
• A legal copy of Assetto Corsa on Steam (for server files)

Step 1: Connecting to the VPS

Connect to your Windows VPS via Remote Desktop (RDP) using the credentials provided by your hosting provider.

1. Open Remote Desktop Connection on your PC
2. Enter your VPS IP address
3. Enter your credentials
4. Click Connect

Step 2: Installing SteamCMD

SteamCMD is required to download the Assetto Corsa server files.

Downloading SteamCMD

1. Create a folder for SteamCMD:

mkdir C:\steamcmd
cd C:\steamcmd

2. Download SteamCMD from your browser:
   • URL: https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/client/installer/steamcmd.zip
   
   Or use PowerShell:

Invoke-WebRequest -Uri "https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/client/installer/steamcmd.zip" -OutFile "steamcmd.zip"

3. Extract the archive:

Expand-Archive -Path steamcmd.zip -DestinationPath C:\steamcmd

4. Run SteamCMD to initialize it:

.\steamcmd.exe

Wait for the installation to complete, then type quit to exit.

Step 3: Downloading Server Files

Installation via SteamCMD

Important: Assetto Corsa requires that you own the game on Steam to download the server files.

1. Create a folder for the server:

mkdir C:\AssettoCorsa

2. Create an installation script. Open Notepad and create a file named install_ac_server.bat:

@echo off
cd C:\steamcmd
steamcmd.exe +login YOUR_USERNAME YOUR_PASSWORD +force_install_dir C:\AssettoCorsa +app_update 302550 validate +quit

Replace:

• YOUR_USERNAME with your Steam username
• YOUR_PASSWORD with your Steam password

Note: If you have Steam Guard enabled, you'll need to enter the verification code on first login.

3. Save the file as C:\steamcmd\install_ac_server.bat
4. Run the script:

C:\steamcmd\install_ac_server.bat

The download may take time depending on your connection (approximately 10-12 GB).

Alternative: Manual Installation

If you prefer, you can copy the files from your local Assetto Corsa installation:

1. On your local PC, locate the Assetto Corsa installation folder:
   • Usually: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\assettocorsa
2. Copy the server folder to your VPS in C:\AssettoCorsa
3. Make sure all necessary files are present

Step 4: Server Folder Structure

After installation, your server folder should have this structure:

C:\AssettoCorsa\
├── acServer.exe           (Server executable)
├── system/                (System files)
├── content/              (Game content)
│   ├── cars/            (Cars)
│   ├── tracks/          (Tracks)
│   └── weather/         (Weather)
├── cfg/                  (Configuration files)
│   ├── server_cfg.ini   (Server configuration)
│   └── entry_list.ini   (Slot list)
├── presets/             (Preset configurations)
└── log/                 (Log files)

Step 5: Server Configuration

Basic Configuration (server_cfg.ini)

1. Navigate to the configuration folder:

cd C:\AssettoCorsa\cfg

2. Open the server_cfg.ini file with Notepad:

notepad server_cfg.ini

3. Modify the following settings:

[SERVER]
NAME=My Assetto Corsa Server
CARS=content/cars
TRACK=monza
CONFIG_TRACK=
SUN_ANGLE=16
PASSWORD=
ADMIN_PASSWORD=adminpassword
UDP_PORT=9600
TCP_PORT=9600
HTTP_PORT=8081
MAX_CLIENTS=24
PICKUP_MODE_ENABLED=1
LOOP_MODE=1
SLEEP_TIME=1
CLIENT_SEND_INTERVAL_HZ=18
SEND_BUFFER_SIZE=0
RECV_BUFFER_SIZE=0
RACE_OVER_TIME=180
KICK_QUORUM=85
VOTING_QUORUM=80
VOTE_DURATION=20
BLACKLIST_MODE=1
MAX_CONTACTS_PER_KM=-1
RESULT_SCREEN_TIME=90
LEGAL_TYRES=
UDP_PLUGIN_LOCAL_PORT=0
UDP_PLUGIN_ADDRESS=
AUTH_PLUGIN_ADDRESS=

Important settings to configure:

• NAME: Your server name (visible in the list)
• PASSWORD: Password to join the server (leave empty for public server)
• ADMIN_PASSWORD: Administrator password for management
• UDP_PORT and TCP_PORT: Connection ports (default 9600)
• HTTP_PORT: Port for web interface (default 8081)
• MAX_CLIENTS: Maximum number of players (1-24 recommended)
• TRACK: Track to use (monza, spa, nurburgring, etc.)
• PICKUP_MODE_ENABLED: Free roam mode (1 = enabled)

Configuring Allowed Cars

In the same server_cfg.ini file, [DATA] section:

[DATA]
DESCRIPTION=Assetto Corsa Server - Free Roam
EXITING=0
EXITING_BEHAVIOURS=KICK

[WEATHER_0]
GRAPHICS=3_clear
BASE_TEMPERATURE_AMBIENT=26
BASE_TEMPERATURE_ROAD=36
VARIATION_AMBIENT=2
VARIATION_ROAD=4

Slot List Configuration (entry_list.ini)

1. Open entry_list.ini:

notepad entry_list.ini

2. Configure available car slots. Example for 10 slots:

[CAR_0]
MODEL=bmw_m3_e30
SKIN=red
SPECTATOR_MODE=0
DRIVERNAME=
TEAM=
GUID=
BALLAST=0

[CAR_1]
MODEL=bmw_m3_e30
SKIN=blue
SPECTATOR_MODE=0
DRIVERNAME=
TEAM=
GUID=
BALLAST=0

[CAR_2]
MODEL=ks_ferrari_458
SKIN=red
SPECTATOR_MODE=0
DRIVERNAME=
TEAM=
GUID=
BALLAST=0

[CAR_3]
MODEL=ks_porsche_911_gt3_rs
SKIN=white
SPECTATOR_MODE=0
DRIVERNAME=
TEAM=
GUID=
BALLAST=0

[CAR_4]
MODEL=ks_lamborghini_huracan_gt3
SKIN=orange
SPECTATOR_MODE=0
DRIVERNAME=
TEAM=
GUID=
BALLAST=0

Parameters:

• MODEL: Car folder name in content/cars
• SKIN: Car livery
• BALLAST: Added weight (for performance balancing)
• GUID: Leave empty to allow anyone to join

Repeat for as many slots as needed (up to MAX_CLIENTS).

Popular Available Cars

Here are some commonly used car models:

• bmw_m3_e30 - BMW M3 E30
• ks_ferrari_458 - Ferrari 458 Italia
• ks_porsche_911_gt3_rs - Porsche 911 GT3 RS
• ks_lamborghini_huracan_gt3 - Lamborghini Huracán GT3
• ks_audi_r8_lms - Audi R8 LMS
• ks_mercedes_sls_gt3 - Mercedes SLS GT3
• bmw_m3_gt2 - BMW M3 GT2

You can find the complete list in C:\AssettoCorsa\content\cars.

Available Tracks

Popular tracks:

• monza - Autodromo Nazionale Monza
• spa - Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps
• nurburgring - Nürburgring
• silverstone - Silverstone Circuit
• imola - Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari
• barcelona - Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya

Complete list in C:\AssettoCorsa\content\tracks.

Step 6: Windows Firewall Configuration

To allow players to connect, you must open the necessary ports.

Opening Ports via PowerShell

# UDP port for the game
New-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName "Assetto Corsa Server UDP" -Direction Inbound -LocalPort 9600 -Protocol UDP -Action Allow

# TCP port for the game
New-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName "Assetto Corsa Server TCP" -Direction Inbound -LocalPort 9600 -Protocol TCP -Action Allow

# HTTP port for web interface
New-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName "Assetto Corsa HTTP" -Direction Inbound -LocalPort 8081 -Protocol TCP -Action Allow

Configuration via GUI

1. Open Windows Firewall with Advanced Security
2. Click on Inbound Rules
3. Click on New Rule...
4. Select Port and click Next
5. Select the protocol (TCP or UDP) and enter the port
6. Select Allow the connection
7. Select all profiles (Domain, Private, Public)
8. Give the rule a name and finish

Don't forget to also configure the ports in your VPS hosting provider's firewall if necessary.

Step 7: Starting the Server

Manual Start

1. Open Command Prompt or PowerShell
2. Navigate to the server folder:

cd C:\AssettoCorsa

3. Start the server:

.\acServer.exe

The server should start and display connection information in the console.

Startup Verification

You should see messages similar to:

SERVER STARTED ON PORT 9600
HTTP MANAGER STARTED ON PORT 8081
TRACK: monza
CARS: 10

Leave the console window open while the server is running.

Step 8: Web Administration Interface

Assetto Corsa includes a web interface for server management.

Accessing the Interface

1. Open your browser
2. Go to: http://YOUR-VPS-IP:8081
3. Log in with the admin password defined in server_cfg.ini (ADMIN_PASSWORD)

Web Interface Features

• View connected players
• Change track
• Modify session settings
• Manage votes
• Kick/ban players
• Restart the server
• View logs in real-time

Step 9: Configuring Automatic Startup

To make the server start automatically when the VPS boots:

Method 1: Startup Script

1. Create a start_server.bat file:

@echo off
cd C:\AssettoCorsa
start "Assetto Corsa Server" acServer.exe

2. Save it as C:\AssettoCorsa\start_server.bat

Method 2: Scheduled Task

1. Open Windows Task Scheduler
2. Click Create Task...
3. In the General tab:
   • Name: Assetto Corsa Server
   • Check "Run with highest privileges"
4. In the Triggers tab:
   • New > At system startup
5. In the Actions tab:
   • New > Start a program
   • Program: C:\AssettoCorsa\acServer.exe
   • Start in: C:\AssettoCorsa
6. In the Conditions tab:
   • Uncheck "Start only if the computer is on AC power"
7. Click OK

Step 10: Installing Content Manager (Optional)

Content Manager is a third-party tool that greatly facilitates server management.

Download and Installation

1. Download Content Manager from: https://acstuff.ru/app/
2. Install it on your VPS
3. Configure it to point to your Assetto Corsa installation
4. Use the "Server" tab to configure your server graphically

Advantages:

• Intuitive graphical interface
• Easy track and car management
• Race preset creation
• Content management (mods)

Step 11: Adding Custom Content (Mods)

Installing Custom Tracks

1. Download a track mod (.zip or .rar format)
2. Extract the content
3. Copy the track folder to C:\AssettoCorsa\content\tracks
4. Modify server_cfg.ini to use the new track:

TRACK=mod_track_name

Installing Custom Cars

1. Download a car mod
2. Extract the content
3. Copy the car folder to C:\AssettoCorsa\content\cars
4. Add the car in entry_list.ini:

[CAR_X]
MODEL=mod_car_name
SKIN=default

Important: Make sure all players have the same mods installed to avoid compatibility issues.

Step 12: Configuring Race Sessions

Simple Race Mode

In server_cfg.ini, add:

[PRACTICE]
NAME=Free Practice
TIME=20
IS_OPEN=1

[QUALIFY]
NAME=Qualifying
TIME=15
IS_OPEN=1

[RACE]
NAME=Race
LAPS=10
WAIT_TIME=60
IS_OPEN=1

Pickup Mode (Free Roam)

For a free roam server without structured sessions:

[SERVER]
PICKUP_MODE_ENABLED=1
LOOP_MODE=1

[RACE]
LAPS=999
RACE_OVER_TIME=999999

Tire Configuration

To restrict allowed tire types:

[SERVER]
LEGAL_TYRES=ST

Tire types:

• ST - Street
• SM - Semi-slick
• SV - Vintage
• HR - Hard Racing
• MR - Medium Racing
• SR - Soft Racing

Step 13: Management and Maintenance

Updating the Server

To update the server to the latest version:

cd C:\steamcmd
steamcmd.exe +login YOUR_USERNAME +force_install_dir C:\AssettoCorsa +app_update 302550 validate +quit

Backups

Regularly backup:

• C:\AssettoCorsa\cfg - Configuration files
• C:\AssettoCorsa\results - Race results

Automatic backup script:

@echo off
set BACKUP_DIR=C:\Backups\AssettoCorsa
set DATE=%date:~-4,4%%date:~-10,2%%date:~-7,2%

mkdir %BACKUP_DIR%\%DATE%
xcopy C:\AssettoCorsa\cfg %BACKUP_DIR%\%DATE%\cfg /E /I /Y
xcopy C:\AssettoCorsa\results %BACKUP_DIR%\%DATE%\results /E /I /Y

echo Backup completed on %DATE%

Viewing Logs

Server logs are located in:

• C:\AssettoCorsa\log

Important files:

• log.txt - Main server log
• lobby.log - Connection log
• crash.log - Error log

Performance Monitoring

Use Task Manager to monitor:

• CPU usage (should stay under 50% for optimal performance)
• RAM usage (approximately 200-500 MB per server)
• Network usage

Step 14: Connecting to the Server

For Players

Players can join your server in two ways:

1. Via in-game server list:

• Launch Assetto Corsa
• Go to "Multiplayer"
• Search for your server name
• Double-click to join

2. Via direct connection:

• In Assetto Corsa, go to "Multiplayer"
• Click "Join"
• Enter IP: YOUR-VPS-IP:9600
• Click "Join"

Connection Address

Share with your players:

• IP: Your VPS public IP address
• Port: 9600 (or configured port)
• Password: If you set one

Step 15: Plugins and Extensions

Sidecar

Sidecar is a popular plugin to enhance server management.

1. Download Sidecar from: https://www.racedepartment.com/downloads/sidecar.11007/
2. Extract files to C:\AssettoCorsa
3. Configure the plugin in server_cfg.ini:

[SERVER]
UDP_PLUGIN_LOCAL_PORT=11000
UDP_PLUGIN_ADDRESS=127.0.0.1:11000

4. Run sidecar.exe alongside the server

Features:

• Automatic session management
• Points system
• Detailed statistics
• Discord integration

MrGit AC Server Manager

Advanced management tool with modern web interface.

1. Download from: https://github.com/JustAMan/acServerManager
2. Follow installation instructions
3. Configure it to point to your server

Troubleshooting

Server Won't Start

Checks:

1. Verify all files are present in C:\AssettoCorsa
2. Make sure ports are not already in use:

netstat -ano | findstr "9600"

3. Check logs in C:\AssettoCorsa\log\log.txt
4. Make sure you have administrator rights

Players Can't Connect

Checks:

1. Verify ports are open in Windows Firewall
2. Check your hosting provider's firewall configuration
3. Test connection from your own PC
4. Verify the public IP is correct
5. Make sure the server is running

"Could not initialize track" Error

Solutions:

1. Check track name in server_cfg.ini
2. Make sure the track exists in content/tracks
3. If it's a mod, verify all files are present

"Car not found" Error

Solutions:

1. Check car names in entry_list.ini
2. Make sure cars exist in content/cars
3. Verify skin names are correct

Poor Performance

Solutions:

1. Reduce maximum number of clients
2. Disable unnecessary graphics options
3. Increase VPS resources
4. Check that no other process is consuming resources

Lag Issues

Solutions:

1. Lower CLIENT_SEND_INTERVAL_HZ in server_cfg.ini (recommended: 18)
2. Check your bandwidth
3. Make sure the VPS has good network connectivity
4. Reduce number of simultaneous players

Advanced Configuration

Multi-instances

To host multiple servers on the same VPS:

1. Copy C:\AssettoCorsa to C:\AssettoCorsa2
2. Modify ports in the second server_cfg.ini:

UDP_PORT=9601
TCP_PORT=9601
HTTP_PORT=8082

3. Open new ports in firewall
4. Launch both servers separately

Penalty Configuration

In server_cfg.ini:

[SERVER]
ALLOWED_TYRES_OUT=3
ABS_ALLOWED=0
TC_ALLOWED=0
STABILITY_ALLOWED=0
AUTOCLUTCH_ALLOWED=1
TYRE_BLANKETS_ALLOWED=1
FORCE_VIRTUAL_MIRROR=0

Parameters:

• ALLOWED_TYRES_OUT: Number of wheels allowed off track before penalty
• ABS_ALLOWED: Allow ABS (0=no, 1=yes, 2=factory only)
• TC_ALLOWED: Allow traction control
• STABILITY_ALLOWED: Allow stability control
• FORCE_VIRTUAL_MIRROR: Force virtual mirror

Private Server with Whitelist

To create a private server with whitelist:

1. In server_cfg.ini:

[SERVER]
REGISTER_TO_LOBBY=0
PICKUP_MODE_ENABLED=0

2. In entry_list.ini, add Steam GUIDs of authorized players:

[CAR_0]
MODEL=bmw_m3_e30
SKIN=red
DRIVERNAME=AuthorizedPlayer
GUID=76561198012345678

To get a player's Steam GUID:

• Visit: https://steamidfinder.com/
• Enter the player's Steam profile
• Use the "Steam64 ID"

Administrator Commands

Console Commands

While the server is running, you can use these commands in the console:

• /help - Display help
• /kick name - Kick a player
• /ban name - Ban a player
• /next_session - Move to next session
• /restart_session - Restart session
• /set_session type - Change session type

Via Web Interface

The web interface at http://IP:8081 offers more options:

• Real-time track changes
• Connected player management
• Session setting modifications
• Results viewing

Performance Optimization

Optimized Server Settings

For a performant 24-player server:

[SERVER]
CLIENT_SEND_INTERVAL_HZ=18
SEND_BUFFER_SIZE=0
RECV_BUFFER_SIZE=0
MAX_CONTACTS_PER_KM=-1
SLEEP_TIME=1

Windows Settings

1. Disable Windows automatic updates during races
2. Close all unnecessary programs
3. Set power plan to "High Performance"
4. Disable hibernation:

powercfg -h off

Additional Resources

Useful Sites

• Official Assetto Corsa Site: https://www.assettocorsa.net/
• RaceDepartment: https://www.racedepartment.com/ (mods and support)
• AC Server Forum: https://www.racedepartment.com/forums/ac-server.125/
• Track Database: https://assettocorsa.club/mods/tracks/
• Car Database: https://assettocorsa.club/mods/auto/

Official Documentation

• Official server guide: Check Kunos Simulazioni forums
• Community wiki: https://www.reddit.com/r/assettocorsa/wiki/index

Community

• Assetto Corsa Discord
• Reddit: r/assettocorsa
• Official Kunos Forums

Conclusion

Your Assetto Corsa server is now installed and operational on your Windows VPS! You can now:

• Organize races with your friends
• Test different tracks and cars
• Customize the racing experience
• Manage a simracing community

Important Reminders:

• Make regular backups of your configurations
• Keep the server updated
• Monitor performance
• Listen to community feedback

Happy gaming and good racing!