Assetto Corsa EVO entered Steam Early Access on January 16, 2025, and as of August 2026 it is still there — PC only, with no console version yet. Update 0.8 went live in July 2026, and Kunos has signalled that 1.0 will not arrive before the summer of 2026 at the earliest.
That matters if you are deciding whether to buy now. This is not a finished simulator you are waiting on a release date for; it is a partial one you can play today, and the content roster it advertises describes where it is going rather than what is in it.
Note
Key Takeaways
- There is no announced 1.0 date. Digital Bros' own financial reporting implies full release will not land before summer 2026 at the earliest.
- Early Access began 16 January 2025 and is still running, well past the studio's original target of a Fall 2025 launch.
- PC only today. PS5 and Xbox Series X/S versions are confirmed as in development, with no announced window for either.
- Buy it as an Early Access product, not a pre-order. What ships today is a partial simulator, not a finished one waiting on a date.
- Update 0.8 (July 2026) was the most substantial content drop so far, but free roam and the full car roster remain incomplete.
What Makes Assetto Corsa EVO Stand Out?
Assetto Corsa EVO is the successor to Kunos Simulazioni's Assetto Corsa, published under the Digital Bros group. It targets simulation accuracy — tyre modelling, aerodynamics, track surface behaviour — rather than accessibility, and it is built in Unreal Engine 5 rather than the studio's own engine.
It launched into Steam Early Access on January 16, 2025, on PC only. Console versions for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S are confirmed to be in development — Kunos co-founder Marco Massarutto said in June 2025 that a satellite team had already been porting it for over a year — but they will not ship until after the PC build reaches 1.0. No console date has been given.
Key Features at a Glance
| # | Feature | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Developer | Kunos Simulazioni |
| 2 | Publisher | Digital Bros |
| 3 | Genre | Racing Simulator |
| 4 | Early Access Start | January 16, 2025 (Steam, PC only) |
| 5 | Current Status | Still in Early Access as of July 2026, at update 0.8 |
| 6 | 1.0 Release | Not before summer 2026 |
| 7 | Platforms Now | PC only |
| 8 | Console Versions | PS5 and Xbox Series X|S in development, after 1.0 |
| 9 | Engine | Unreal Engine 5 |
| 10 | Cars / Tracks | 300+ cars and 80+ tracks are 1.0 targets, not current content |
| 11 | VR Support | Yes, including foveated rendering since update 0.8 |
Where Early Access Actually Stands
Update 0.8, released in July 2026, is the most substantial build so far. It added three licensed cars — the KTM X-Bow GT2, the KTM X-Bow GT4 and the Volkswagen Golf 8 R — along with South Africa's Kyalami Grand Prix circuit. It also delivered the largest VR overhaul of the Early Access cycle, headlined by foveated rendering with an eye-tracked variant on supported headsets, which is a meaningful performance gain for anyone racing in VR.
Two roadmap changes are worth knowing. The Eifel Free Roam mode, which opens up the territory surrounding the Nürburgring for open driving rather than circuit racing, was scheduled to arrive during Early Access in early 2026. And modding tools, originally planned for after 1.0, were brought forward into the Early Access programme.
A Revolution in Racing Realism
Assetto Corsa EVO takes advantage of Unreal Engine 5 for its graphics and physics. Weather, tyre deformation and surface behaviour are all modelled to track real-world conditions more closely than the original game managed.
Visual and Environmental Upgrades
- Dynamic Weather and Lighting: Experience rain-soaked tracks, foggy mornings, and the blinding sun in a realistic day-night cycle.
- Ultra-High-Definition Graphics: Realistic car models and tracks rendered in 4K with ray tracing for unparalleled detail.
- Enhanced Track Surface Physics: Feel every bump, groove, and curb with precise simulation of track conditions.
Advanced Vehicle Physics
- Tire Dynamics: Simulates tire wear, temperature, and pressure for authentic handling.
- Aerodynamics: Wind resistance and airflow are modeled to affect car performance.
- Damage Modeling: Realistic car damage impacts performance, requiring strategic driving.
From Announcement to Early Access
Kunos revealed Assetto Corsa EVO on 30 September 2024, and the game reached Steam Early Access on 16 January 2025 — a little over three months later.
The original target was a full 1.0 release around Fall 2025. That has now slipped past summer 2026 at the earliest, which means the gap between announcement and finished product will be close to two years.
What’s New in Assetto Corsa EVO?
While its predecessor set high standards, Assetto Corsa EVO takes things further with features that cater to both casual players and hardcore sim racers.
Expanded Vehicle Roster
The 1.0 target is over 300 cars spanning classic muscle, modern hypercars and single-seaters, each modelled from real-world data. The Early Access build ships a fraction of that, growing with each update — 0.8 added three. Check the current Steam roster before buying for a specific car.
Laser-Scanned Tracks
The full-release goal is more than 80 laser-scanned circuits including Spa-Francorchamps, Monza and the Nürburgring, with street and rally layouts alongside them. As with the car list, the Early Access track count is well short of that and grows per update; Kyalami arrived in 0.8.
Comprehensive Customization Options
- Car Customization: Modify engine tuning, suspension, aerodynamics, and more.
- Driver Customization: Create your own avatar with detailed options for suits, helmets, and accessories.
- HUD and Camera Settings: Tailor your interface and viewing perspective for a personalized experience.
Multiplayer and Esports Integration
Assetto Corsa EVO places a strong emphasis on community and competition. The multiplayer modes are designed for seamless matchmaking and competitive racing.
Features for Online Play
- Skill-Based Matchmaking: Compete against players of similar skill levels for fair races.
- Esports-Ready Infrastructure: Integrated leaderboards, spectator modes, and tournament support.
- Dedicated Servers: Ensures smooth and lag-free online gameplay.
Insider Tips for Getting Started
Here are some tips to help you make the most of your Assetto Corsa EVO experience:
- Invest in a Quality Racing Setup: A good steering wheel and pedals can dramatically improve your immersion and control.
- Master the Basics: Start with easier tracks and gradually progress to more challenging circuits.
- Experiment with Settings: Customize your car setup to match your driving style.
- Join Online Communities: Engage with fellow players for tips, setups, and strategies.
Hidden Gems and Easter Eggs
- Secret Cars: Unlock hidden vehicles by completing specific in-game challenges.
- Track Secrets: Discover alternate routes and shortcuts in certain circuits.
- Developer References: Spot nods to Kunos Simulazioni’s earlier works hidden within the game.
Future Prospects
- Kunos has committed to continued content updates through Early Access and beyond 1.0, with new cars and tracks arriving per build rather than in a single launch drop.
- Bringing modding tools forward into Early Access matters more than it sounds — the original Assetto Corsa's longevity was built almost entirely on its mod scene.
- The VR work in 0.8, particularly eye-tracked foveated rendering, puts it ahead of most of the genre on headset performance.
Comparing Assetto Corsa EVO to Competitors
Read the row below as a comparison of finished products against a simulator that is not finished. Assetto Corsa EVO's realism and physics work is already strong; its content volume is not yet competitive, because it is roughly eighteen months into an Early Access cycle.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy It Yet?
Assetto Corsa EVO is a serious simulator with a clear direction, and the physics and VR work already justify the interest. But it has been in Early Access for over a year and a half, 1.0 is not expected before summer 2026, and the car and track counts you see quoted are destinations rather than current inventory.
Buy it now if you want to drive the physics model as it develops, you race in VR, or you expect to spend time with mods once the tools land. Wait if you want the advertised 300-car roster, you play on PlayStation or Xbox, or you would rather review a finished product before paying for it.
| # | Feature | Assetto Corsa EVO | iRacing | Gran Turismo 7 | Forza Motorsport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Realism | Exceptional | Very High | High | Moderate |
| 2 | Graphics | Cutting-edge (UE5) | Good | Excellent | Good |
| 3 | Customization | Extensive | Moderate | High | High |
| 4 | Track Variety | 80+ at 1.0 (fewer now) | 50+ Tracks | 35+ Tracks | 30+ Tracks |
| 5 | VR Support | Yes | Limited | Yes | No |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Assetto Corsa EVO?
The next entry in Kunos Simulazioni's simulation racing series, built on Unreal Engine 5. It targets simulation accuracy — tyre deformation, weather and surface modelling — rather than the arcade handling of a Forza Horizon 6. The advertised 300-plus cars and 80-plus tracks are 1.0 targets; the Early Access build holds considerably fewer.
Is Assetto Corsa EVO still in Early Access?
Yes. It entered Steam Early Access on January 16, 2025 and remains there as of July 2026, most recently at update 0.8. Kunos has indicated 1.0 will not arrive before summer 2026.
Which platforms does Assetto Corsa EVO run on?
PC only, via Steam. PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S versions are confirmed in development but will not launch until after the PC build reaches 1.0, and no console date has been announced. If you are on console, there is currently nothing to buy.
Is Assetto Corsa EVO worth buying in Early Access?
It depends on what you want from it. The physics model and the VR support — including eye-tracked foveated rendering added in 0.8 — are already strong. The content library is not, and will not be until 1.0. Buy in if you want to drive the simulation as it develops; wait if you want a finished product.
What PC do I need to run Assetto Corsa EVO?
Unreal Engine 5 with laser-scanned tracks is demanding, and VR support raises the bar further because the scene is rendered twice. Our 1440p gaming PC build is a reasonable reference point, and how much VRAM you need for gaming covers the memory side, which sim racing at high resolution hits hard.
Does Assetto Corsa EVO support VR?
Yes, VR support is part of the stated feature set, which is expected for a simulation title where head tracking and depth perception directly affect how well you can place a car. VR is also the most performance-sensitive way to play it.
Why does my racing sim stutter even at a high frame rate?
Because average frame rate hides frame-time spikes, and a sim at 120 FPS with periodic 40ms frames feels worse than a steady 90. This is exactly what 1% lows measure, and our guide to fixing stuttering in PC games covers the usual causes.
Which GPU should I buy for sim racing?
Sim racing rewards consistent frame delivery over peak numbers, so a mid-range card with enough VRAM usually beats a faster card that runs out of memory. Our best budget GPU comparison covers the current options, and The Witcher 4 is the other UE5 title worth sizing a build against.
Sources
- Traxion, Yes, Assetto Corsa EVO is coming to consoles, retrieved 2026-07-31, https://traxion.gg/yes-assetto-corsa-evo-is-coming-to-consoles/
- Traxion, Assetto Corsa EVO's free roam set to arrive in early 2026, retrieved 2026-07-31, https://traxion.gg/assetto-corsa-evos-free-roam-set-to-arrive-in-early-2026/
- OverTake.gg, Assetto Corsa EVO to remain in Early Access until June 2026, retrieved 2026-07-31, https://www.overtake.gg/news/assetto-corsa-evo-financial-report-implies-full-release-not-before-summer-2026.3691/
- DayOne, Assetto Corsa EVO Update 0.8 now live, retrieved 2026-07-31, https://playday.one/2026/07/09/assetto-corsa-evo-update-0-8-now-live/
- Wikipedia, Assetto Corsa EVO, retrieved 2026-07-31, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assetto_Corsa_EVO
