Assetto Corsa Evo, the highly anticipated next installment in the acclaimed racing simulator series, is poised to redefine the genre with its cutting-edge technology and ambitious open-world environment. Scheduled for an early access release on January 16, 2025, exclusively on PC via Steam, Evo promises a significant leap forward in terms of realism and immersion, building upon the solid foundation laid by its predecessors. While the initial release will offer a glimpse into the game’s potential, it represents a work in progress, with a more comprehensive and feature-rich 1.0 version slated for late 2025. This phased rollout allows developers KUNOS Simulazioni to gather valuable player feedback and refine the experience throughout the development process.
The early access version of Assetto Corsa Evo will initially feature a curated selection of content, focusing on core gameplay mechanics and showcasing the game’s enhanced physics engine and visual fidelity. Five iconic race tracks, including Laguna Seca, Brands Hatch, Imola, Mount Panorama, and Suzuka, will be available from the outset, providing a diverse range of challenging circuits for players to master. A roster of 20 meticulously detailed cars, representing a mix of manufacturers such as Ferrari, BMW, Alpine, Volkswagen, Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Ford, Hyundai, Mazda, and Toyota, will allow players to experience the nuances of each vehicle’s handling characteristics. This initial selection of tracks and cars offers a taste of the breadth of content planned for the full release, which is expected to expand significantly upon the available options.
While the early access release will focus primarily on single-player experiences, with practice and quick race modes being the initial offerings, KUNOS Simulazioni has ambitious plans for the future. Online multiplayer functionality, a staple of modern racing games, is expected to be introduced in the months following the initial release, allowing players to compete against each other in thrilling online races. Perhaps the most anticipated feature of Assetto Corsa Evo is the inclusion of a vast open-world environment, meticulously modeled after the region surrounding the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife. This open world promises to offer unparalleled freedom and exploration, allowing players to experience the thrill of driving on scenic roads and tackling challenging terrain. The open-world component is scheduled to arrive in the summer of 2025, adding a significant layer of depth and immersion to the gameplay.
Immersion is further enhanced by Assetto Corsa Evo’s support for virtual reality (VR) technology. From launch day, players with compatible VR headsets will be able to experience the game in a whole new dimension, further blurring the lines between simulation and reality. While specific details regarding supported headsets have yet to be announced, it is expected that a wide range of popular VR devices will be compatible, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in the cockpit and experience the thrill of racing from a first-person perspective. This VR support underscores KUNOS Simulazioni’s commitment to delivering a cutting-edge racing experience that leverages the latest technological advancements.
While the initial early access release will cater primarily to PC gamers through the Steam platform, there is potential for Assetto Corsa Evo to expand to consoles in the future. Given the precedent set by previous entries in the franchise, which eventually made their way to Xbox and PlayStation platforms, a console release for Evo within the next few years wouldn’t be surprising. This would open up the game to a wider audience and further solidify its position as a leading racing simulator. KUNOS Simulazioni’s focus on delivering a polished and optimized experience suggests that any potential console ports would likely maintain the high standards set by the PC version.
The development of Assetto Corsa Evo has been a long-term endeavor for KUNOS Simulazioni, with a dedicated team working tirelessly to refine the game’s technology and create a truly immersive racing experience. While some members of the studio have continued to support previous Assetto Corsa titles, a significant portion of the development team has been focused solely on Evo, ensuring that the new installment pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in a racing simulator. The early access release represents a significant milestone in this development journey, allowing players to experience the fruits of their labor and contribute valuable feedback that will shape the final product. The full 1.0 release, anticipated in late 2025, promises to be a culmination of years of hard work and dedication, delivering a racing experience that sets a new benchmark for the genre.
