AC Evo, released in early access, has attracted considerable attention from the racing community. In its current version, the project is still far from completion. Nevertheless, the game already has a lot to appreciate and discuss.

Currently, ACE is available for $39.99 (€32.99), but a 20% discount is active until the end of January.

The available content is still limited. But it is enough to get a general idea of the game.

• 20 cars from 16 manufacturers – mostly road cars, but there are also a few racing models, such as Ferrari Challenge and Porsche Cup Car.

• 5 tracks: Brands Hatch, Imola, Laguna Seca, Suzuka, and Mount Panorama.

• Dynamic time of day and weather.

• Single-player races.

This list will expand with new cars and tracks in the future. As previously stated, by the end of the year, the game is expected to feature around 100 cars and 20 racing tracks.

Early Access and Missing Features

Like any early access project, Assetto Corsa Evo is still evolving. Because of this, some features are not yet available. For example, the online mode is not yet live, and some elements such as the Driving Academy and car customization will be added later.

The developers are also actively working on server infrastructure, and given their experience, all announced features can be expected in upcoming updates. However, if multiplayer is a priority for you, it might be better to wait.

AI – Room for Improvement

The artificial intelligence in the game at the time of its early access release is not as polished as many had hoped. In the first few laps, AI behaves quite chaotically – cars drive onto the grass, collide with each other, and make strange maneuvers.

After the first two laps, things become more stable, but another issue arises – AI is too predictable. The cars form a single-file train and rarely break formation, making it feel less like a race and more like a test drive.

Even at the highest difficulty level, AI does not present a serious challenge. If you have experience with racing simulators, you will easily overtake them. This makes racing against AI somewhat dull. However, since the game is in early access, it is very likely that the AI system will be improved before the full release.

Gameplay and Driving Physics

One of Assetto Corsa Evo's strongest aspects is its driving physics. Even in its current state, the cars feel very realistic. The difference between lightweight and heavy vehicles is noticeable: sports models offer excellent handling, while powerful road cars require more control on the track.

Force feedback is impressive – you can feel the car's weight, grip on the road, and subtle trajectory changes. However, there are still some issues, such as poor feedback when losing grip on wet tracks.

Road cars are particularly well implemented – for example, the BMW M4 CSL on the Brands Hatch track behaves very naturally and realistically. Racing cars also feel good, but their handling will likely be refined further in future updates.

Dynamic Weather and Time of Day

One of the most interesting mechanics is the changing time of day and dynamic weather. Racing at sunset or night looks stunning, with beautiful lighting effects, reflections, and shifting shadows adding realism.

The time of day actually changes, but if you speed up the process, you can see that the transition happens in noticeable jumps rather than smoothly. Rain effects on the track look great, but sometimes, the car's behavior on wet surfaces doesn't feel entirely realistic.

Additionally, weather settings can behave inconsistently. For example, selecting "partly cloudy" might result in a full-on storm. While not a major issue, it still requires some polishing.

It’s also worth noting that puddles and wet track sections demand extra caution, as tires behave differently. In the future, this system will likely become even more detailed, especially in terms of force feedback and handling.

Graphics and Performance

Visually, Assetto Corsa Evo looks impressive, although in some areas, it has yet to reach its full potential. For example, cars in the garage look absolutely stunning with realistic reflections and lighting. However, on-track details are slightly lower, but overall, the graphics remain high quality.

On an RTX 4090, the frame rate is stable, but during large grid races or in rain, FPS can drop slightly. Owners of less powerful PCs should note that the game is still being optimized, and future updates will likely improve performance.

Online Issues and Game Launch Problems

One of the biggest disappointments was the lack of online mode. Despite being promoted as an online-focused game, servers simply didn’t work at launch. This rendered several features unavailable, including the ranking system, progression, driving academy, and car customization.

Many players who purchased the game on release day were unable to access a significant portion of the content. If multiplayer is crucial for you, waiting might be the best option.

What’s Next?

The developers have published a roadmap, outlining major updates expected throughout 2024, including:

• New cars, including GT3 and GT4 racing classes.

• Additional tracks – Fuji, COTA, Nürburgring.

• Full multiplayer with a ranking system and progression.

• VR support and triple monitor compatibility.

• An open-world experience with free driving on the Nürburgring.

The full release is scheduled for late 2025, when the game is expected to feature over 100 cars, 15 tracks, and a fully developed online mode.

Even in early access, Assetto Corsa Evo demonstrates a solid foundation, and if you want to experience the game early, take advantage of the discount, and follow its development, purchasing it now might be justified.

However, if you prioritize multiplayer, a larger car selection, and more tracks, waiting a bit longer might be a better choice. The developers are actively working on improvements, and throughout the year, the game will evolve significantly.

Assetto Corsa Evo has immense potential, and if the development team refines it properly, it could become one of the best racing simulators. But for now, this is just the beginning of a long journey.