Assetto Corsa EVO Early Access Discussion Thread

[seco46]

Career mode wont be pointless, its never coming back

Custom servers are part of Content Manager, which is by itself a mod NOT supported by Kunos

AC1 have an official tool to create your own server lol

 

[MagpieRacer]

Custom servers are part of Content Manager, which is by itself a mod NOT supported by Kunos

I think he meant for Evo, not AC1.

Assetto Corsa EVO Servers

Official Assetto Corsa Evo server rental, authorized by KUNOS Simulazioni. Premium performance for your ultimate racing experience.

acevo-servers.com

Custom servers cost money for Evo.

 

[SoulSilvera]

Excellent question.
The answer is: a lot
Earlier today, I was lapping around Nürburgring GP, an a Alpine A110, with a few other sportscars, weather was shifting from drizzle to dry to rain to dry.
I have all sim, enjoy them all, some more than other.
None of them can replicate what I experienced today, in a very early access stage of AC EVO. Yes it is a been a year since EA launch, but the progress do not reflect that, we are still at the very beginning, for better and for worst.
AC Evo drives, looks and feel different. Already offers contents, track and cars, with unparallel details.
If your favorite activity in a SIM is racing a bunch of GT3, yes, you are already covered somewhere else by at least 2 or 3 titles.
But, simulating racing/driving on track is much more than that.
even with limited content at the moment, what Evo offers is more and better than most and often, at least for cars, has no competition.
EVO does not have to replace all the titles in your library, it is ok to enjoy different titles for what they have to offer.
EVO should and is offering a new take on what it feels like, in 2026, to drive a car in a simulator, for me it is mission accomplish.
Should it be better optimized, have more content, absolutely, let see what 0.5 brings to the table.
Does it need a career/grinding mode? no it does not.

Is that really "a lot" though? Maybe it is for people that care about sim-racing (though I always thought this game was trying to tap into the slightly casual-leaning market but whatever) but from my point of view I don't see how this game brings anything actually new to the table (and I doubt the example you provided is something that you couldn't do in AC with mods, to some extent).

Is it a more refined/accurate/detailed experience? Sure, I will take your word for it. But is that really that different or new, which was my main point? Is this actually a step forward in sim-racing to warrant the name "Evo"? For me it isn't, but I'm sure someone who cares more about sims than I will tell me otherwise.

Seriously wonder if this game couldn't have just been an update/DLC to AC/ACC. I basically fail to see where the Evolution in this game is, in its current trajectory, to warrant paying nearly full price for an Early Access and I don't see how full release will change that. But hey, hopefully the game will still have its crowd of fans, and that people still enjoy it for what it is.

 

[seco46]

I think he meant for Evo, not AC1.

Assetto Corsa EVO Servers

Official Assetto Corsa Evo server rental, authorized by KUNOS Simulazioni. Premium performance for your ultimate racing experience.

acevo-servers.com

Custom servers cost money for Evo.

Exactly, and in AC1 and ACC there were external tools made by Kunos to create your own servers for free with your own hardware in addition to the ones available for rent; this is something that has been lost in EVO "for security reasons".

 

[warp9engage]

Personally, the absence of career doesn't bother me. For me, the racing itself is the goal/reward. The fun only truly starts once everything is open. The process to get there mostly feels like extra chores that can, sometimes, also be fun.

I was hoping they would keep the option between the two ways of play, like they currently have. I'm all for giving people more options, especially if they truly are optional. Just means more people get to enjoy the game the way they prefer.

That being said, if the development of both means that both can't reach their full potential, leaving everyone disappointed, I suppose it's a good idea for them to focus on their strengths, on what they've done before successfully, and get at least that right, instead of trying to be the jack of all trades but master of none. Doubly so if the player metrics support that.

There's a big lesson to be learned here: buying a game in Early Access is not like buying a "regular" game, even if the payment process may be the same. It's like an investment on a startup company. You hope it'll be successful and give back what you invested, and then some, but the possibility that it might not be, and you're out of luck, is always there. So don't purchase games until the product is finished, or in a state that is acceptable to you, and especially, don't buy early access games when they're still in pre-alpha, i.e. with their feature set still not defined. Because in game development, until a game reaches the stage where it's feature complete, features can appear, change and/or disappear.

 

[MagpieRacer]

Excellent question.
The answer is: a lot
Earlier today, I was lapping around Nürburgring GP, an a Alpine A110, with a few other sportscars, weather was shifting from drizzle to dry to rain to dry.

That's not a lot, and let's be real, we can do that in quite a few games really. Lapping a track with dynamic weather with a few other cars really isn't unique or different.

Anyway, the career mode 'no one wanted anyway' being removed seems to have gone down really well.

Career mode has been one of the most requested features for AMS2 and it's coming this year, Gran Turismo built a legacy off of it, Forza Motorsport created some of the most revered career modes, heck even iRacing, the online Motorsport simulator, is getting a career mode. If there was no desire for this sort of thing amongst the sim community, major sims wouldn't be investing the time and money to do it.

AC Evo had an open goal to bring something to the table with this and they've skied it out the stadium. My interest in it has literally fallen off a cliff and it's sad to see.

 

[sirjim73]

That's not a lot, and let's be real, we can do that in quite a few games really. Lapping a track with dynamic weather with a few other cars really isn't unique or different.

Anyway, the career mode 'no one wanted anyway' being removed seems to have gone down really well.
View attachment 1511144

Career mode has been one of the most requested features for AMS2 and it's coming this year, Gran Turismo built a legacy off of it, Forza Motorsport created some of the most revered career modes, heck even iRacing, the online Motorsport simulator, is getting a career mode. If there was no desire for this sort of thing amongst the sim community, major sims wouldn't be investing the time and money to do it.

AC Evo had an open goal to bring something to the table with this and they've skied it out the stadium. My interest in it has literally fallen off a cliff and it's sad to see.

It would be helpful to know where that graph comes from and what the numbers down the left represent, please. Thanks

 

[MagpieRacer]

It would be helpful to know where that graph comes from and what the numbers down the left represent, please. Thanks

Sorry, it's Steam review trends, blue is positive, red is negative. The graph, effectively, is showing that since this has been announced, the reviews have flipped to instant and massive negativity.

 

[CinnamonOD]

Personally, the absence of career doesn't bother me. For me, the racing itself is the goal/reward. The fun only truly starts once everything is open. The process to get there mostly feels like extra chores that can, sometimes, also be fun.

I was hoping they would keep the option between the two ways of play, like they currently have. I'm all for giving people more options, especially if they truly are optional. Just means more people get to enjoy the game the way they prefer.

That being said, if the development of both means that both can't reach their full potential, leaving everyone disappointed, I suppose it's a good idea for them to focus on their strengths, on what they've done before successfully, and get at least that right, instead of trying to be the jack of all trades but master of none. Doubly so if the player metrics support that.

There's a big lesson to be learned here: buying a game in Early Access is not like buying a "regular" game, even if the payment process may be the same. It's like an investment on a startup company. You hope it'll be successful and give back what you invested, and then some, but the possibility that it might not be, and you're out of luck, is always there. So don't purchase games until the product is finished, or in a state that is acceptable to you, and especially, don't buy early access games when they're still in pre-alpha, i.e. with their feature set still not defined. Because in game development, until a game reaches the stage where it's feature complete, features can appear, change and/or disappear.

The problem is not the decision; the problem is the path they sold at first, that’s where the frustration is justified.

Early Access is not “plans change lol”, early Access is “you’re funding the roadmap we pitched” and when that roadmap mutates, you don’t get to pretend it didn’t or that it isn't a big deal if it did, at that point you're just gaslighting yourself into turning a blind eye to these slimey practices.

Of course, EVO will probably be a better sim because of this, and for that same reason it will also become a worse game.

 

[Kurosaki Dan]

Have you personally been grinding career mode in AC EVO?

I bought EVO for the promises made for the career mode and supporting KS, but I did not played it, yet.

Why? Well, its bare bones due to EA, so I thought it was worth the wait until the game reached 1.0 status to play it.

How Kunos expected that people invest their time into career mode when the AI is bad and the driving school gets old fast?

Is a no brainer to use open mode or try the online lol, bet most people excited with CM was just waiting, like me.

 

[Cote Dazur]

Is that really "a lot" though?

That's not a lot

To me it is, because before AC EVO, I could not do it in my other titles, but if someone find it irrelevant, I understand, we all have different priorities and aspect we cherish in game. I understand if someone says AC EVO brings nothing new to them.

Seriously wonder if this game couldn't have just been an update/DLC to AC/ACC.

good point, to me, since 0.1, I have considered EVO to be like any other mod I have in AC. A very detailed, exquisite Mod, adding either better content or new content I do not have in AC or just not as nicely done.,

we can do that in quite a few games really. Lapping a track with dynamic weather with a few other cars really isn't unique or different

It depends, I can see how you see it that way, what you say is true in general, but if you consider that, as a starter even the same exact car and track content combo in different titles feels different, then each is unique.

GT3 at SPA in LMU, RF2, AC, ACC, AMS2 or any other title feel different to me.

Yes, in AC, I can have the same car and the same track with rain on my windshield, but if I feel like driving that combo again, I will do it in AC EVO, as everything was feeling better to me.

EVO brings me a better experience, unique, as in, I cannot replicate how it feels in an other title, to me it largely justify the cost of entry, particularly in relation to the hardware investment.
Evo's mission is not to eradicate or replace all other title, it is an addition to our library, and , to me, it as already fulfill its mission, it is my third most played sim, after AC and ACC and, to me, that's a lot.

The graph, effectively, is showing that since this has been announced, the reviews have flipped to instant and massive negativity

Thank you for sharing this, it seems to confirm that most people are upset and some even feel betrayed, which I understand, even if I am part of the group that had no attachment for that part of the game.

 

[breeminator]

you don't need to pretend the demand for the other doesn't exist just because it's not your preference.

I'm not inferring it because it's my preference, I'm inferring it because I don't believe they would remove it if people were playing it.

Career mode has been one of the most requested features for AMS2 and it's coming this year, Gran Turismo built a legacy off of it, Forza Motorsport created some of the most revered career modes, heck even iRacing, the online Motorsport simulator, is getting a career mode. If there was no desire for this sort of thing amongst the sim community, major sims wouldn't be investing the time and money to do it.

I would be very surprised if AMS2 or iRacing added a career mode where you have to grind to unlock cars, as both games simply sell cars for real money at present. AC EVO will surely still have a career mode in that sense, just not one that revolves around XP and earning currency etc.

 

[sirjim73]

Sorry, it's Steam review trends, blue is positive, red is negative. The graph, effectively, is showing that since this has been announced, the reviews have flipped to instant and massive negativity.

So, in effect, it is currently being "review bombed" on Steam. I will be interested to see how that graph looks in a few weeks once the initial response to the announcement fades.

To me it is, because before AC EVO, I could not do it in my other titles, but if someone find it irrelevant, I understand, we all have different priorities and aspect we cherish in game. I understand if someone says AC EVO brings nothing new to them.

good point, to me, since 0.1, I have considered EVO to be like any other mod I have in AC. A very detailed, exquisite Mod, adding either better content or new content I do not have in AC or just not as nicely done.,

It depends, I can see how you see it that way, what you say is true in general, but if you consider that, as a starter even the same exact car and track content combo in different titles feels different, then each is unique.

GT3 at SPA in LMU, RF2, AC, ACC, AMS2 or any other title feel different to me.

Yes, in AC, I can have the same car and the same track with rain on my windshield, but if I feel like driving that combo again, I will do it in AC EVO, as everything was feeling better to me.

EVO brings me a better experience, unique, as in, I cannot replicate how it feels in an other title, to me it largely justify the cost of entry, particularly in relation to the hardware investment.
Evo's mission is not to eradicate or replace all other title, it is an addition to our library, and , to me, it as already fulfill its mission, it is my third most played sim, after AC and ACC and, to me, that's a lot.


Thank you for sharing this, it seems to confirm that most people are upset and some even feel betrayed, which I understand, even if I am part of the group that had no attachment for that part of the game.

I understand your view - thanks for explaining. And I've no doubt that others feel the same.

Let's see how things go from here.

I have bought the Early Access on PC to support Kunos. Although, I am like @Kurosaki Dan as I haven't played it much yet, other than a bit of testing the controller settings and general handling model which is good. I ran through most of the Licence Tests but there's not much point in repeating them in my mind since they are bound to be reset sometime before 1.0.

PS I wonder if this means the plan to use local businesses in the open world is also dropped? I would like to know the answer. Without the career mode, the businesses wouldn't seem to have much practical function?

 

[warp9engage]

The problem is not the decision; the problem is the path they sold at first, that’s where the frustration is justified.

Early Access is not “plans change lol”, early Access is “you’re funding the roadmap we pitched” and when that roadmap mutates, you don’t get to pretend it didn’t or that it isn't a big deal if it did, at that point you're just gaslighting yourself into turning a blind eye to these slimey practices.

I really have an issue with roadmap changes if they refuse to refund you, after they confirm the removal of the feature that enticed you in the first place. Then, I can completely stand alongside you in saying "We've been scammed."

If that is not the case, and they do refund whoever asks, then... to me they're off the hook. They didn't force anyone to join early access, they told everyone, very clearly, the game would be launched in early access, and thus people would be playing it unfinished. Naturally if a game is still in development, which in Evo's case started quite early (perhaps too early even, I would say), then yes, changes can most certainly occur.

To add to that, and to be fair, we were warned, in January 2025, precisely about potential feature changes:

They also put that same thing on their roadmaps.

Of course, EVO will probably be a better sim because of this, and for that same reason it will also become a worse game.

Spoiler: Minor rant

Just a side tangent, nothing personal, but I just get kind of tired of reading things like this. "Simulator" and "game" are not mutually exclusive concepts. These days, the only thing separating a simulator from a game is its intended purpose. Games are for entertainment, and we've discovered that realism can also be entertaining for some people, thus simulation games, like Assetto Corsa, iRacing, rFactor, Microsoft Flight Simulator, were born. They are still very much games, though, because they are primarily entertainment products that can sometimes be used as training/research tools, not the other way around.

Sorry about that... just wanted to get that off my chest. Carry on!

 

[Dave A]

I'm not inferring it because it's my preference, I'm inferring it because I don't believe they would remove it if people were playing it.

But there's very little of it to play at the moment is my point, so there's no real basis for the argument that people didn't want it from this. The sudden negative reviews show the level of dissapontment at this announcement.

I for one have no interest in this game now, I did, but I wanted to wait for full release to properly assess if the career mode was any good or not.