How to Host an Assetto Corsa Server (2026 Guide)

To host an Assetto Corsa server, build a preset in Content Manager (or the bundled acServer), pick your track and cars, then use Pack to export the configs and content data. The two files that matter are server_cfg.ini (track, sessions, passwords, ports) and entry_list.ini (one [CAR_n] block per grid slot). Open TCP and UDP 9600 plus TCP 8081. For freeroam with AI traffic, run AssettoServer instead of the original server.

Which Assetto Corsa server should you use?

There are two choices, and they use the same core files.

If your group runs league races, the original server is fine. If you want the busy highway lobbies you see in Content Manager, AssettoServer is what they run. Either way, the memory needed is small:

How do I set up a server with Content Manager?

Content Manager is the community launcher almost every AC player uses, and its server tab is the easiest way to build a config.

1. Open Content Manager and go to Server (top right menu), then create a new preset.
2. On Main, set the name, passwords, track and layout, and max clients.
3. On Entry list, add the cars and skins for each grid slot.
4. On Conditions and Sessions, set time of day, weather, practice, qualifying and race.
5. Click Pack. Content Manager writes a folder with cfg/server_cfg.ini, cfg/entry_list.ini and a content folder holding the data files the server needs for those cars and the track.
6. Copy the packed folder to the machine that runs the server, next to acServer.exe or AssettoServer.exe, and start it.

You can also run the server from inside Content Manager on your own PC, which is handy for testing a preset before you move it.

What goes in server_cfg.ini?

This is the main settings file. A trimmed example:

[SERVER]
NAME=Friday Touge Night
CARS=ks_toyota_ae86;ks_mazda_miata
TRACK=ks_nordschleife
CONFIG_TRACK=touristenfahrten
MAX_CLIENTS=16
PASSWORD=crew-only
ADMIN_PASSWORD=change-me-admin
UDP_PORT=9600
TCP_PORT=9600
HTTP_PORT=8081
REGISTER_TO_LOBBY=1
PICKUP_MODE_ENABLED=1

[PRACTICE]
NAME=Practice
TIME=120
IS_OPEN=1

For an endless freeroam session, AssettoServer's guide uses INFINITE=1 in the practice session.

How does entry_list.ini work?

Each grid slot is a [CAR_n] block, numbered from 0. Slots are the real player limit: if all slots of the car a driver picks are taken, they get "no free slots".

[CAR_0]
MODEL=ks_toyota_ae86
SKIN=0_white
SPECTATOR_MODE=0
DRIVERNAME=
TEAM=
GUID=
BALLAST=0
RESTRICTOR=0

[CAR_1]
MODEL=ks_mazda_miata
SKIN=red
SPECTATOR_MODE=0
DRIVERNAME=
TEAM=
GUID=
BALLAST=0
RESTRICTOR=0

• Add more blocks of a popular car so several drivers can pick it.
• Keep the total at or below the track's pit box count, or the extra slots cannot be used.
• GUID locks a slot to one driver's SteamID64, useful for leagues.
• BALLAST and RESTRICTOR balance cars in mixed classes.

On AssettoServer, traffic cars are extra entries with AI=fixed, while player slots use AI=none.

How do I add mod cars and tracks?

Mod content works as long as the server and every driver have the same version.

1. Install the car or track in your own game first.
2. Add it to your preset in Content Manager and click Pack again, so the data files go into the server's content folder.
3. Upload the new pack and restart.
4. Share download links with your drivers. Content Manager shows what a driver is missing before they join, and can fetch content when the server provides links.

Most "checksum" or connection errors come from a driver with a different version of a car or track.

How do I turn on AI traffic with AssettoServer?

1. Download the latest AssettoServer release and put your packed cfg and content folders next to it.
2. Make sure the track has an AI spline, fast_lane.aip, in content/tracks/<track>/ai/. Freeroam tracks made for traffic include one.
3. In cfg/extra_cfg.yml, set:

EnableAi: true
EnableWeatherFx: true

4. Add traffic cars to entry_list.ini with AI=fixed, and keep your player slots on AI=none.
5. Start the server. Traffic appears once players spawn.

Traffic and weather effects need Custom Shaders Patch on each player's PC. The AssettoServer beginner's guide covers every option.

What ports does an Assetto Corsa server use?

Forward all three rules to the server machine. If the server shows in the lobby but nobody can join, the UDP rule is usually the missing one. See our port forwarding guide.

FAQ

How many players can an Assetto Corsa server hold?

As many as the track has pit boxes and your entry list has slots, set with MAX_CLIENTS. Pit box counts vary by track, and Content Manager shows the number when you pick one.

Do players need Content Manager?

It is not strictly required for vanilla servers, but almost everyone uses it. It finds servers, shows missing content and handles the CSP features freeroam servers rely on.

Why does it say no free slots?

Every entry for the car model the driver chose is taken. Add more [CAR_n] blocks of that model, within the pit box count, or pick another car.

Can I run proper races on AssettoServer?

AssettoServer supports race and qualifying sessions but marks them experimental. For league racing, the original server is the safer choice.

How do I become admin in game?

Type /admin followed by your admin password in chat. Admins can kick, ban and skip sessions.

The easy option: host it with us

If you would rather not leave a PC running or forward ports, our Assetto Corsa hosting runs AssettoServer, from 4.99 USD a month for 2 GB up to 8 GB for big traffic maps. The panel sets the name, passwords and max clients, and you upload your Content Manager pack over SFTP with full file access. New customers get 50% off the first month, your group can split the bill, and you can cancel anytime. For more racing ideas, see the best racing games with dedicated servers.