Sim racing fans have a major reason to hit the track today as Kunos Simulazioni releases Update 0.5 for the Assetto Corsa EVO Early Access Program. This substantial patch brings a wealth of new content, including iconic vehicles and world-class circuits, alongside significant technical overhauls to physics, graphics, and the multiplayer experience.
Iconic New Content
The garage has expanded significantly with the addition of seven new cars, many featuring multiple mechanical and visual variants:
- Legends & Modern Classics: Highlights include the rally-bred Audi Sport quattro, the drift-ready Toyota AE86 Sprinter Trueno (4 variants), and the track-focused Porsche 911 GT3 RS (992).
- Diverse Classes: Players can also pilot the BMW M2 Coupe (G87), the lightweight Caterham 485 CSR, the radical Dallara EXP, and the classic Volkswagen Golf GTI (Mk1).
Racing moves to two legendary locations, both offering four distinct layouts:
- Circuit Paul Ricard: Known for its high-speed technicality and distinctive run-off areas.
- Watkins Glen: The historic American “Glen,” offering flowing elevation changes.
Daily Racing & Gameplay Evolution
The Daily Racing Portal has received a major functional upgrade. Racers can now participate in daily ranked racing using their personal, customized cars. The connection flow has been shifted back to the in-game server browser, allowing players to choose their preferred visual configurations and liveries before joining a session.
In a structural shift, the game now loads directly into Open Mode, while Career Mode has been temporarily disabled. Any cars previously purchased in Career Mode will now appear under the “My Cars” section in Open Mode.
Physics and Technical Refinements
Update 0.5 pushes the simulation further with an “under-the-hood” revamp of dynamic weather and track simulation. Key physics improvements include:
- Refined Handling: Updates to the differential model, aero map interpolation, and ESC calibration for modern sports cars aim for a more nuanced and realistic feel.
- New Systems: A brand-new Launch Control system has been implemented for applicable cars, accompanied by reworked audio.
- Track Limits: A new “gain-based” logic replaces rigid penalties, giving players 500 meters to “give up” any time gained during a cut before a penalty is issued.
Graphics and UI Polish
Visual fidelity takes a leap forward with the integration of DLSS version 4.5. Additional rendering improvements like decal mip mapping help reduce flickering on tire marks and banners at a distance.
The UI and HUD have been polished for better usability, adding features like a pit stop controls MFD page, gear widget indicators for ERS limits, and functional blue flags. Players can also now use a free camera mode and a button to hide UI overlays in the main menu and paintshop.
