Last updated: September 8th, 2023
Featured image: One of the best new Assetto Corsa Modpacks – the Formula Hybrid 2023
Assetto Corsa is the simulator app that I learned how to run my very first home simulator setup. The physics are excellent which makes learning how to drive a car in the simulator so much easier. I’m a big fan of the platform, despite its age. Thankfully, there’s a thriving community that agrees and they, over the years, have developed a huge modding ecosystem for AC to make modifying and improving your Assetto Corsa setup easy.
So, today we’re going to look at the “must-have” mods (17 as per our 2023 update) for AC and some of the ways you can explore the Assetto Corsa mod ecosystem safely.
What are the best Assetto Corsa Mods?
- Assetto Corsa Content Manager
- Custom Shaders Pack
- Sol Mod
- Pure Mod
- Race Essentials
- Race Sim Studio
- Legends Ford ’34 coupe
- Targa Florio
- Ginetta G55 GT3
- DT Mods Presents Honda NSX Type S ’22
- VRC
- Lego Speed Champions
- 2REAL – Daikoko Realistic Traffic Simulation
- Protech P91 Hybrid Evo
- Reboot Team Project
- Radical SR3 XXR
- Formula Hybrid® 2023
Assetto Corsa (AC) is a good place to learn how to make car setup changes and to get some practice if you’re learning a circuit for a real-life race event. It’s also a lot of fun, with great physics which makes it incredibly easy to learn sim racing.
This software is why I bought a simulator in the first place. Assetto’s coverage of UK circuits is excellent – it even features Cadwell Park, which I suspect a lot of people outside of the UK haven’t heard of. Think of it as a much smaller Nordschleife, just, in Lincolnshire in the UK. For any circuit that you really want that doesn’t come with the default installation, you can bet they’ll be a mod for it.
Do mods exist for Assetto Corsa Competizione or just Assetto Corsa?
Assetto Corsa and Assetto Corsa Competizione have their differences and today we’re going to focus purely on Assetto Corsa, which allows mods where Competizione does not. This is why, for example, the sim drifting community prefers Assetto Corsa. There are so many mods it’s amazing, although it’s always best to go with pre-vetted recommendations to ensure the quality is high and there are no potential security issues with the downloads. Another small caveat is that mods for Assetto Corsa drivers are available on the PC only.
Assetto Corsa Mods take the shape of apps, weather, tracks, and cars. You can add a little-known drifting circuit from somewhere in Japan, race tractors, or a double-decker bus, or get a livery (skin) that you really like. You can even race Lego cars and play with all sorts of settings to bring racing software first launched in 2014 up to 2023’s expectations.
How to install an Assetto Corsa Mod
We’ll get on the piece of software called Assetto Corsa Content Manager in a moment which handles all of this for you, but I think it’s important to understand where mod files are saved and what they look like (in terms of file extensions, zip files and so on!).
The “AC root” directory as we’ll refer to it frequently is located in a folder at C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\assettocorsa\content
Inside the Assetto Corsa content folder, there are separate sub-folders relevant to where you’ll save the mod files. If you’ve downloaded a track mod, that’ll go into the tracks subfolder. There’s also a sub-folder for cars, drivers, weather, and so on. Usually, you unzip the zip file to the appropriate subfolder.
When you manually download a mod zip file, there will be a folder inside the downloaded zip – unzip that entire folder into the correct subfolder. Some mods use an MSI installer but not many! It’s worth pointing out that it’s necessary to have Assetto Corsa closed while you’re adding mods as it’ll check for new mods when the game starts up.
There is always an easier way, of course. That easier way is Assetto Corsa Content Manager.
Assetto Corsa Content Manager
Assetto Corsa Content Manager is a community-made Assetto Corsa launcher (literally a replacement for the existing .exe file) that updates the existing UI to make the software easier to use and critically, easier to modify. It improves the layout of the UI making it more intuitive, and easily adds updated features to the overall graphics package, with new cars, new tracks, and improved sounds that Assetto Corsa features to keep the game up-to-date in comparison to more modern racing games.
You can download Assetto Corsa Content Manager directly from the downloads section of the assettocorsa.club website.
Assetto Corsa Content Manager gives you a list of useful new features and improves a lot of the existing stuff including:
- Management for cars, car skins, showrooms, fonts, weather, and other types of content
- Repair tool for obsolete car mods or mods with common errors
- Flexible filters
- Car setups, Quick Drive, control presets and replay sharing
- Content installation, built-in web browser to find and quickly install new mods
- Car previews updating, using either Custom Showroom or AC Showroom
- Livery editor
- Weather editor
Once Content Manager is up and running you can install mods either by dragging and dropping a downloaded zip file or directly from the assettocorsa.club website.
As you’ll see from the homepage, the website aggregates the most popular cars and tracks and rates them by popularity. Provided you have the content manager installed, you can use the “Install” (pictured above) link which will open Content Manager via a dialogue popup in the browser, much like a Zoom invitation does!
Assetto Corsa Content Manager couldn’t make it easier to start modifying and improving Assetto Corsa – it’s brilliant as a beginner but so convenient too. A must-have for your Assetto Corsa setup. And I mean, a must-have – look at how the tyre smoke is moved by passing cars thanks to the way particles are rendered using the custom shaders pack and Sol, which we’ll be looking at in just a moment:
Want to learn how to mod Assetto Corsa to make it look and sound even better? Let’s do some mod installations!
How to install Assetto Corsa Content Manager
To install Content Manager for Assetto Corsa, follow those few steps, Firstly, download Content Manager from the website:
Then, open the downloaded archive and move the file “Content Manager.exe” to AC root folder:
Then open the AC root folder at: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\assettocorsa\content. Rename the file “AssettoCorsa.exe” to something different like “_AssettoCorsa.exe” or “AssettoCorsa_old.exe”.
Finally, rename the file “Content Manager.exe” to “AssettoCorsa.exe”.
CM is now the default executable launcher for Assetto Corsa. When you open Assetto Corsa, you’ll be running the enhanced Content Manager version.
You’ll also need Assetto Corsa Content Manager to install the Custom Shaders Pack for Assetto Corsa (CSP) and the Sol Mod for Assetto Corsa. What are those? Read on.
Custom Shaders Pack for Assetto Corsa on PC
The Custom Shaders Pack (CSP) is a collection of modules that gives Assetto Corsa many new features. The “weatherFX” module is like a graphics SDK (software development kit) that gives Assetto a whole new look and advanced capabilities such as day/night cycle, 3D clouds, and enhanced lighting. The Custom Shaders Pack is also needed for Sol.
To install the Custom Shaders Pack for Assetto Corsa on a PC, download the CSP zip file from here, and drag and drop the zip file into the Content Manager window.
Next, open the “install” menu and Install CSP which should appear at the bottom of the dropdown menu like this:
If you intend to install Sol, you’ll need at least CSP version 0.1.76. If you’ve installed an earlier version, go to settings > CUSTOM SHADERS PATCH > Select the “ABOUT & UPDATES” tab and choose version 0.1.79 or whichever is the current recommended version.
Sol Mod for Assetto Corsa
Sol is the graphics mod to get for Assetto Corsa. The patch adds an incredibly enhanced experience graphically, a better cloud and sky renderer, wet circuits, nighttime running, and so on.
How to install the Sol mod for Assetto Corsa
To install Sol, download the zip file from RaceDepartment here. You need to be logged in and a download button will appear on the top right of the screen.
To install the patch, you’ll need 7-Zip to unpack the zip file (not sure why they use 7-Zip but no worries).
Open the Sol zipped file, then, in the zip, go into the folder /MODS and then /Sol 2.2.x.
Copy the folders: apps, content, extension, and system into your Assetto Corsa root folder. Confirm to overwrite existing files:
To activate the Sol apps, just go to the “Ingame App” settings inside Content Manager by navigating “SETTINGS” > “ASSETTO CORSA” > “APPS”
For more information on the Sol mod, take a look at this installation guide: PDF
Getting started with the Sol mod
When you’ve completed the Sol installation process detailed above, you’ll find a lot of new track and weather options become available inside Assetto Corsa Content Manager.
For more on Sol 2.2, there’s an excellent, detailed video on Sol 2.2 which I recommend you watch here:
Pure Mod
Currently in development, at v0.180, Pure is the spiritual successor to the Sol Mod, created by Peter Boese – seen earlier in the list. This is the next step of his weather and graphics system called “Pure”. Pure addresses many of the problems associated with Sol.
While Pure is still a development version, it has over 10,000 backers on Patreon and is definitely a mod to watch as it gets closer to a full-release version.
Race Essentials
While Race Essentials is no longer being updated, it’s still available if you can get into this page on the Assetto Forum at Racedepartment: http://www.assettocorsa.net/forum/index.php?threads/raceessentials-v1-4-6.41103/ – failing this, here is a working download for the last version of Race Essentials:
Race Essentials replaces the dashboard in the standard AC setup. It has a lot of features, in fact, it basically shows you everything you need to know about the car in one place.
Race Sim Studio
Race Sim Studio produces some absolutely stunning car mods for Assetto Corsa:
When you buy the car mods, they arrive via a download link contained in an email so be sure to download the zips and save them somewhere in case you re-install Assetto Corsa. Race Sim Studio recommends using Content Manager for Assetto Corsa to install their mods which, is the same drag and drop then install process that we outlined while discussing the Custom Shader Pack. You can install them manually, too – by copying over the “Content” directory in the supplied zip to the AC root, like this:
Legends Ford ’34 coupe
One of the most popular and driveable car mods for Assetto Corsa is the Legends series Ford ’34 Coupe:
This is the Legends race car mod actually built using real-life Legends data by a real-life Legends mechanic with real racing experience. So, pretty definitive stuff! This free mod includes over 60 real-life skins from the Finnish series from 2014 – 2018. The mod has a very popular following, and as the reviews say, it’s a great fun one-make race car. It’s great as an entry-level machine for those new to oval racing in spite of AC’s limitations for running such a race type.
Targa Florio from SimxxMasters
A great and very historically well-known challenge, the Targa Florio has run since the 50’s and still runs today. This track mod is free and gives you the opportunity to tread in the footsteps of greats such as Sir Stirling Moss!
Ginetta G55 GT3
I’ve driven one of these at Donington Park in the UK. Ginetta has several dominant racing models in GT3, GT4, and a junior class (called Ginetta Juniors). The G55 is mighty, huge, and intimidating but very light on its feet and a joy to drive. A proper endurance racer that has stood the test of time. And, thanks to Shaun Clarke, it’s available as an Assetto Corsa mod too:
Check out all of his cars including a Radical SR3 rs and a Seat Cupra. Very cool.
VRC Modding Team
If you’re still looking for the perfect car mod, take a look at this collection from the VRC Modding Team.
The prototype “Revenge” really stands out as an awesome LMP1 style prototype mod – much fun can be had with this beauty:
The Revenga R13 is a sports prototype racing car built by French constructor Oracle on behalf of Swiss-based team Revenga Racing. It is a variation of Oracle 07, created to compete in the LMP1 class. It would later be renamed by Alpino to Alpino 480 when it was rebadged to run grandfathered into the Hypercar class in 2021.
Lego Speed Champions Raceway
Developed by Tyrone, you can find this mod on Racedepartment by following this link. Probably one of the craziest, but most fun mods for Assetto Corsa, this adds a new circuit to AC that, as you can see in the pictures, turns the simulated environment into Lego City!
As you’ll see you can race “standard” cars or carry on modding and add a Lego Audi Quattro and the Lego Hot Rod. Brilliant.
DT Mods Presents Honda NSX Type S ’22
This mod from DT Mods is based on the Original Honda NSX (NC1) Mod developed by BLACK BOLT, han zhao and Jerry Wei. It’s free and unencrypted and is available from Denny’s Patreon for free (although donate if you can!).
According to the OP, the aero parameter on the free download is slightly wrong, making the car launch itself into the sky when going through Quiddelbacher Höhe and Schwedenkreuz. Because of that, Denny has edited the car’s aero.ini to fit all the aerodynamic surfaces to the 3D model’s correct position, angle and size.
You can download the edited “data.acd” file with adjusted aero on Google Drive here.
2REAL – Daikoko Realistic Traffic Simulation
Have you seen the Assetto Corsa videos where the driver appears to be driving alongside ordinary (and sometimes very heavy) road traffic? That is an Assetto Corsa Mod called 2REAL.
2REAL traffic mods for Assetto Corsa are considered the most realistic traffic mods for AC, with the potential for up to 1000 cars in different speed zones, and behaviours such as cars stopping at intersections and traffic lights.
Obviously, the action can get as intense or easy as you’d like – 2REAL’s developers recommend a maximum or around 420 cars.
Installation isn’t quite as simple as the usual mods, however, there are plenty of instructions and instructional videos available to watch.
To install 2REAL traffic mod in Assetto Corsa:
Firstly, you need to activate the Traffic Planner Tool. You only have to do this once, so if it’s already installed on your sim racing PC, you’re good and you can skip this section. If you haven’t installed the Traffic Planner Tool, download the files from the first download link on this page:
Drop the downloaded data folder in the directory: C:\Program Files\Steam\steamapps\common\assettocorsa\extension\lua\tools\csp-traffic-tool
Traffic Planner is now activated.
Next, download the files from the second link (in the picture above), unzip traffic.json and surfaces.ini and copy them into C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\assettocorsa\content\tracks\soyo_daikoku\pa\data
You’re almost done, to get started open Assetto Corsa and access the traffic planner settings via object inspector -> tools -> traffic planner (in-game). Use the mod in practice mode.
Here’s a handy how-to-install video if you’re stuck with 2Real:
Protech P91 Hybrid Evo
The Protech P91 Hybrid Evo for Assetto Corsa might look a little familiar as the mod version of Porsche’s 919 Hybrid Evo (the one that broke the lap record at the Nordschleife)
The model, created by Racesimstudio, can be purchased here.
Reboot Team Project
The Reboot Team project is an international collaboration of talented individuals dedicated to revitalizing and enhancing old, abandoned track projects for Assetto Corsa, as well as introducing new tracks to the platform. Their work breathes new life into these tracks, ensuring that players can continue to enjoy them despite the passage of time.
It’s important to note that while Trained Monkey Modding (TMM) is not synonymous with the Reboot Team, one of its members, Fuzo, has collaborated with the Reboot Team on specific projects, such as Misano and Zolder. With more than ten contributors hailing from around the globe, the Reboot Team is a diverse group of dedicated enthusiasts.
Some of the notable tracks that the Reboot Team has worked on include Oulton Park, Misty Loch, Sebring, and the Dubai Autodrome. Other projects include Hungaroring, Macau, Autodrom Most, Lime Rock Park, and Zolder. The team has also tackled various iterations of tracks, such as Bannochbrae v.1.3, Chicago Street Circuit v.1.2, and Daytona v.1.3.
In addition to these tracks, the Reboot Team has ventured into creating fictional circuits, such as the Chicago Street City Circuit, Paris 2.1, Paris (fictional), and Port Newark (fictional). They’ve also contributed to tracks set in scenic locales, such as Reservoir GP in Rocana, Spain, and Mount Panorama (Bathurst) in Australia.
The Reboot Team’s global approach is evident in their work on tracks like Mont Tremblant in Quebec, Canada, featuring eight distinct layouts, and Fuji Speedway in Oyama-Cho, Japan, with two unique layouts. Other noteworthy projects include Daytona Beach in Florida, Sonoma Raceway in California, Circuit De la Sarthe (LeMans) 2.1 in France, Suzuka and Misano World Circuit ACC conversions, and Lago Maggiore 1.3.
Radical SR3 XXR
United Racing Design proudly announces the release of this free Radical SR3 XXR mod for Assetto Corsa, created in partnership with Radical Motorsport. The all-new SR3 XXR retains the essence of what is the most successful prototype racing car on the planet. It’s one of my favourites (and it’s very good in rFactor2, too by the way!).
The SR3 XXR, which dominates the majority of the 12 Radical Cup championships globally with over 1,500 units sold, boasts an all-new engine from Radical Performance Engines (RPE). Having this mod for Assetto Corsa is very exciting indeed.
Hopefully, this is plenty for you to be getting on with, suffice it to say Assetto Corsa’s modding community is thriving, and, as the simulation platform approaches its 10th birthday, shows no sign of losing momentum.
Formula Hybrid® 2023 released
The new Formula Hybrid® 2023 stands as a testament to the exceptional craft and expertise of its creators, racesimstudio.com. This latest iteration in their line of racing marvels is not just an advancement, it’s a leap forward, integrating state-of-the-art techniques and superior graphic design to bring you what might be the pinnacle of Formula racing, F1 inspired mods.
The design evolution of the Formula Hybrid® 2023 is a sight to behold. Embracing the challenges of new technical regulations and leveraging the advantages of time and experience, the team has introduced a layer of complexity to the bodywork that is simply dazzling. The intricacy of the ventilation design is a work of art on its own, yet it’s merely one element of this meticulously crafted racing machine. This year also marks the inclusion of the Hyper P1 steering wheel from Gomez Sim Industries. Designed with the sim racing community at the heart, it delivers a blend of performance and design that caters to every racer’s desires.
Performance-wise, the Formula Hybrid® 2023 sets a new bar. Its advanced physics engine offers a driving experience that is alarmingly realistic. Feel the raw power of the engine, the immediate response of the brakes, and the adrenaline rush as you navigate tight corners and hit maximum speeds on the straightaway. Its audio quality is equally noteworthy, offering an immersive auditory experience that makes you feel like you’re in the cockpit or amidst the roar of the crowd in the grandstands.
But the Formula Hybrid® 2023 doesn’t stop at delivering a phenomenal racing experience. It also offers a range of customization and upgrade options. From modifying the nose and rear wing packages to altering the halo, windscreen, and antennas, you can tailor the car to your unique style and performance preferences.
Graphics and Performance
If you’re experiencing problems with rendering: FPS drops, lagging, tearing – the worst type of graphics problems then check out our guide to optimising ACC graphics. While the article is intended for Assetto Corsa Competizione, there are best practices in our post, particularly on the windows side that may well help everything run more smoothly.