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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →For the quickest Windows setup, create and save a server preset in Content Manager, then use its Pack function to export the files the server needs. To host publicly, you must also allow the server’s configured ports through the host firewall and router. A Linux host uses a separate SteamCMD workflow and needs the game’s car and track content copied over.
Choose how you want to run the server
This guide covers the original Assetto Corsa, not Assetto Corsa Competizione or Assetto Corsa EVO. There are two practical choices: configure and launch through Content Manager, or export the setup to a dedicated folder. A separate Linux workflow suits readers comfortable managing server files, dependencies, and network rules.
| Route | Best suited to | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Content Manager | A quick Windows setup and convenient launching | Convenient for configuration and launch; less portable than keeping the server in a dedicated folder. |
| Dedicated folder | A portable setup or more advanced flexibility | Requires managing the server files in that folder. |
| Linux with SteamCMD | A Linux or remote host where you can manage dependencies and firewall rules | Requires downloading the dedicated server and copying in cars and tracks. |
The AssettoServer guide uses the full version of Content Manager to generate files, but says the full version is not required to host, configure, or play. The Kunos server manual is an alternative for creating files manually. See the AssettoServer beginner’s guide for the Windows workflow.
Create and pack a Windows server preset
- Set up the session. In Content Manager, open the server settings, choose a server name, track and layout, set the entry list and capacity, and configure the session rules you want.
- Keep capacity within the track layout’s pit limit. The AssettoServer guide warns that exceeding the available pits can cause a crash when a player joins.
- Save the preset and use Pack. Packing exports the configuration and required data so you can put them in a server folder or use them with the chosen launch route.
- Choose where to launch it. Launching inside Content Manager is the quickest route. For a more portable setup, use the dedicated-folder approach described in the guide.
- Start the server and check its logs. Look for startup problems or lobby-registration errors before testing whether players can find and join the session.
Set up a Linux server with SteamCMD
The Linux setup is a distinct implementation path rather than a variation on the Content Manager walkthrough. The Linux dedicated-server setup guide uses SteamCMD to download the server with app ID 302550. The Steam account used for the download must own Assetto Corsa (app ID 244210).
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- Download the dedicated-server files with SteamCMD using the guide’s Linux procedure.
- Supply the game content. The guide says the server download does not include cars or tracks; copy the
carsandtracksfolders from an Assetto Corsa installation. - Check dependencies and architecture if the executable will not start. The guide identifies missing 32-bit libraries and an architecture mismatch as possible causes.
- Configure and launch the server using the guide’s Linux instructions, then inspect logs and test a connection.
Make the server reachable
A server that works on your local network may still be unreachable from the public internet. For the default AssettoServer setup, the beginner’s guide specifies TCP and UDP port 9600 and TCP port 8081. These are defaults for that setup, not guaranteed values for every server: check server_cfg.ini and forward the ports actually configured.
- Allow the configured ports through the host machine’s firewall.
- For players outside your local network, forward the configured ports through the router to the host machine.
- Use a public join address or link for outside players. A local IP address only works for players on the local network.
If the server appears on your LAN but not in the public lobby, check router forwarding and firewall rules first. The precise cause depends on the network, so use the server’s logs and confirm that the configured ports match the forwarding rules.
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Add optional features only when clients support them
AssettoServer documents options including AI traffic, weather, and Steam authentication. They add configuration and compatibility requirements beyond a basic server. Its documentation says Steam authentication requires Custom Shaders Patch (CSP) 0.1.75 or higher and Content Manager v0.8.2297.38573 or higher; its dynamic WeatherFX features require CSP 0.1.76 or higher. These are documented minimums, so check the current AssettoServer documentation before configuring version-sensitive features, and make sure clients meet the relevant requirements.
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Troubleshoot common setup failures
- Server does not appear publicly: confirm the port values in
server_cfg.ini, then check router forwarding and the host firewall. - Clients cannot connect: verify that UDP 9600 is not blocked if it is the configured port, and check the corresponding forwarding and firewall rules.
- A join causes a crash: reduce the entry capacity to fit the selected track layout’s available pits.
- Linux dashboard says the server stopped: the Linux panel guide flags a mismatch between
HTTP_PORTinserver_cfg.iniand the dashboard’s environment configuration. Align the two values. - Linux executable fails to run: check for missing 32-bit libraries or an architecture mismatch.
- An optional feature does not work: confirm that the chosen server implementation supports it and that all clients satisfy its documented requirements.
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