Assetto Corsa Evo Server Hosting
Assetto Corsa EVO 0.3 hosting explained: no self-hosted servers, only paid rentals. Community fears rising costs and loss of freedom in multiplayer
Assetto Corsa EVO - If we ever get the chance, we will be there
Assetto Corsa EVO 0.3 – Server Hosting Controversy
The release of Assetto Corsa EVO 0.3 has put the spotlight on one of the most important topics for the community: server hosting.
From what we know today, there will be no self-hosted dedicated servers like we had in Assetto Corsa 1 or Competizione. Instead, servers will only be available through the official KUNOS platform, managed in partnership with SimGrid and the Swiss Innovative Arts and Technologies Institute.
This means two options:
- Free public servers available 24/7 for everyone.
- Paid dedicated servers, rented through the official portal at a cost of about €1 per slot per month.
The trailer showed examples like €1.57 (4 slots for 3 days), €5.35 (4 slots for 30 days) and €14 (4 slots for 90 days). At first glance, this looks cheaper than similar systems like Le Mans Ultimate, but it is still a big change compared to the freedom of AC1.
The bad news for many communities is that existing tools like Server Manager will not work under this system. That means leagues lose one of their most useful solutions for managing servers, races and penalties.
Community Reactions
Feedback on Discord and social media shows clear frustration:
ShoviXS
“Subjecting servers to a rental system is a big no-no. Instead of providing a simple server EXE, you are imposing a rental system… I will continue with the old game.”
Aquila [X2R]
“Pricing out dedicated hosts is going to ruin Evo for a LOT of leagues.”
Zulu [RUST]
“Allow us to use other service providers. Most providers would laugh at €1 per slot, they are way cheaper with better hardware.”
eMotorsport | MrUnzO
“I usually hosted in my country for lowest ping and close racing. Without self-hosting it will be a mess. Just give us dedicated servers like AC1 and ACC.”
The message is clear: most of the sim racing community wants the freedom to self-host.
Nothing New, But Risky
Nothing here is completely new. About two years ago, we asked KUNOS directly if EVO would allow self-hosted servers, and the answer was already no. But hopes stayed alive, and many people, including us, kept following the topic closely in case the decision ever changed.
My opinion: if the community does not accept this system, it could slow down the growth of the game. With servers at these prices, running a league will become expensive, and casual players may lose interest. On top of that, it is very likely that mods will be sold through an official marketplace, similar to Microsoft Flight Simulator, where creators can sell approved content. That means AC EVO could become a very expensive simulator compared to what Assetto Corsa has been so far.
What’s Next?
Probably KUNOS has a fixed deal with their Swiss hosting partner, iff that is the case, they will probably try all possibilities with this system before changing anything. If AC EVO works, it could become a money-making machine. But if the community refuses to adapt, this decision could also put the future of the saga at risk.
For now, everything depends on how players react when multiplayer finally opens.
I understand that KUNOS is a company and they need to make money, but with this system it feels like Assetto Corsa EVO is losing part of its essence, where the community always had a big role inside the game. We will have to see how the community reacts, but in our view this could become a heavy weight for the future of the game.
Sergi Garzón
