Assetto Corsa Evo is definitely probably the most thrilling racing video games of 2025. The big open-world map of German countryside surrounding the well-known Nürburgring Nordschleife that developer Kunos Simulazioni is at present crafting for it ought to make it one of many largest within the style. Literally, that’s. The map goes to be 1,600 sq. kilometres in measurement. That’s about 15 Forza Horizon 5s. However, we’ll have to be affected person for that, as the primary chunk of it isn’t set to reach in Evo’s evolving early entry model till mid-year, after which develop from there. For now, no less than, we get 5 tracks and 20 vehicles to noodle round in. The excellent news is that the driving really feel is unsurprisingly fabulous, proper out of the gate. At this level, nevertheless, that’s… basically it. It’s onerous to argue Evo makes a robust case as an instantly essential buy on this early state should you’re not particularly eager on taking some warm-up laps earlier than the primary occasion kicks off.
It’d be unfair to haul Assetto Corsa Evo over the coals too severely for its present technical blemishes. Yes, I’ve had it hitch up and drop frames often and, sure, it’s crashed or frozen on me a number of occasions following its launch – though I’ve definitely had prolonged stints on-track the place it’s been totally cooperative on my present high-powered PC setup (RTX 4080, Intel Core Ultra 9 185H). Overall, it’s admittedly not operating on all cylinders proper now, however that’s the character of ‘Early Access’ as an idea. We clearly have to be ready for it to be slightly extra Alpha Romeo than Alfa Romeo at this level.
And whereas 5 circuits and 20 obtainable vehicles is modest, it does make for a good quantity of combos to experiment with – and that’s with out factoring within the adjustable moist climate choices that clearly have very actual results on dealing with. If you assume you’ll be pleased to easily hotlap solo across the preliminary tracks (which embrace Mount Panorama, Brands Hatch, Imola, Laguna Seca, and Suzuka), Evo’s early entry model might hold you busy for no less than a number of days. It’s definitely price remembering the early entry program for Evo’s rapid predecessor, Assetto Corsa Competizione, launched with simply a single automotive and a single observe – the Lamborghini Huracan GT3 race automotive and the Nürburgring GP circuit. By comparability, Evo’s launch is no less than a significantly chunkier one.
Moreover, it’s a well-curated one. Notice, for example, the primary salvo of circuits features a observe from the US, Japan, the UK, continental Europe, and Australia. That’s a considerate combine that I don’t doubt was deliberate. Similarly, the quick however candy automotive record features a spectrum of autos, starting from front-wheel drive hatches to purpose-built race fashions. The really feel of the vehicles I’ve examined up to now has been prime notch. I gained’t faux to have the ability to gauge the accuracy of the tyre mannequin with the form of perception you would possibly glean from knowledgeable racing driver, as a result of I’m not one; I’m a automotive nerd journalist with a handful of trackdays in my previous that I’m skeptical I’ll ever be capable of afford to repeat. What I can say is the feeling of grip is superb and I used to be immediately assured to push onerous throughout the highest of the mountain at Bathurst. Things all the time get slightly murky after I’m evaluating experiences gleaned a few years in the past utilizing completely completely different racing setups (I personally migrated from a Thrustmaster TS-XW racing wheel to a direct drive Moza R12 some years in the past), however Evo already appears to have nailed that feeling of with the ability to overdrive a automotive however nonetheless snap it again underneath management, as a result of the grip will return so long as you wrestle it again into the window. That all the time fits me, as I’m a bit extra of a butcher than a surgeon in relation to racing sims nowadays. Forget the entire world turning into ice the second you slip right into a slide; Evo is splendidly intuitive.
Compared to ACC, race vehicles additionally really feel rather less punishingly stiff and cling to the observe extra tenaciously, even whereas clattering over bumps or kerbs. In ACC, I usually felt like I used to be going as quick as I might with out dropping management. In Evo, I’ve discovered I really feel like I might most likely push sooner. If I had the ability, that’s.
There’s additionally a extremely nice feeling of steadiness, particularly as vehicles squirm underneath braking, and the texture of the entrance finish changing into lighter and heavier based mostly on elevation adjustments is good and pronounced.
So sure, within the custom of the unique Assetto Corsa and ACC earlier than it, Evo is already a genuinely terrific driving expertise. But does that make this primary style a must-play?
Right now, no. Not actually. If you get it right this moment you’re basically simply pre-ordering the ultimate recreation at a barely discounted worth. That alone might be motive sufficient so that you can seize it, and it’s a completely truthful argument. However, aside from confirming it feels good, there’s simply not likely rather more pleasure to extract from Evo in the intervening time. As a person who peeled numerous demo discs from the entrance of magazines again in ’90s, I’ve definitely received nothing towards what’s basically a hefty demo, but it surely’s not one I actually need to hold taking part in anymore after seeing all of its tracks. But I’ll positively be again for extra when it’s obtainable and a few of the extra annoying features have been resolved.
Rank right this moment’s prime racing simulators
Rank right this moment’s prime racing simulators
Simply put, the racing itself simply isn’t that sturdy in the mean time, and it’s tedious being punted off observe by computer-controlled opponents who merely attempt to drive via you round corners. I don’t know what the reply is, however the AI definitely nonetheless wants work. There have positively been occasions when different vehicles appeared to be intentionally giving me racing room, and others the place they’ve made unscripted errors. That’s good, as a result of it creates the phantasm they’re not simply machines. It’s additionally true that getting speared into from behind is an unlucky actuality in actual racing. Incidents occur, positive. But it’d be one thing that might occur to you fairly irregularly in actuality, whereas it’s far too widespread in Evo for racing to stay enjoyable. If I needed to get rear-ended for kicks, I’d brake-check Lance Stroll in a drive-thru.
That’s a reasonably large drawback when these races are largely all Evo gives in its present situation. There have been purported to be another modes obtainable, based mostly on what was introduced when the early entry model launched, however ever since I began taking part in Evo has been caught in ‘Offline’ mode. Evo’s Driving Academy mode and Special Events are at present inaccessible to me. All I can do is generate customized follow or race periods. Tying performance to an always-online caveat may be very regarding, and I can not fathom why it’s vital for single-player content material. Fortunately, there’s nonetheless loads of time for Kunos to tweak that on the street map forward.
