Assetto Corsa Evo Release 3.0: Upcoming Features and Expectations
Assetto Corsa Evo, the highly anticipated sim racing title from Kunos Simulazioni, is set to receive its major Release 3.0 update in late 2025, building on the game's Early Access foundation with significant enhancements to gameplay, content, and technical fidelity. This update, also referred to as version 0.3 in some developer communications, introduces the first iteration of online multiplayer, revamped physics models, and a host of new cars and tracks. Drawing from recent open beta access and developer teases, Release 3.0 aims to address community feedback on handling realism and expand the game's scope, positioning it as a contender in the competitive sim racing landscape alongside titles like iRacing and Gran Turismo.
Background on Assetto Corsa Evo
Launched in Early Access earlier in 2025, Assetto Corsa Evo continues the legacy of the original Assetto Corsa series, emphasizing hyper-realistic driving physics, modular content, and community-driven development. The game has progressed through initial releases focusing on core mechanics like tire and suspension modeling. Release 3.0 represents a milestone, incorporating multiplayer for the first time and refining elements based on player input from previous betas. Kunos has teased this update as a step toward the full launch, with ongoing improvements planned through late 2025 to include features like photo mode, replays, and potentially an open-world mode.
Key Features and Improvements
At the core of Release 3.0 is a rebuilt user interface (UI), designed to be more intuitive and customizable, addressing complaints about navigation in earlier builds. The update introduces enhanced force feedback (FFB) settings, improving compatibility with older direct-drive wheels and providing finer control over steering response. Physics upgrades are a highlight, with tire models now offering less grip on eco and road compounds for predictability, while performance compounds gain more grip and better thermal behavior. Suspension damping is sampled at 1,000Hz, mimicking high-frequency systems for smoother transitions and a more grounded feel, resolving earlier criticisms of vehicles feeling "floaty."
Multiplayer makes its debut in "Step 1," supporting up to 16 players in custom lobbies, with features like driver name labels, replay options at session ends, and initial car damage implementation. Rendering improvements include dynamic global illumination 2.0 for better lighting, optimized shadows, and VRAM usage, alongside fixes for AMD-specific issues and enhanced antialiasing. Audio has been versioned with new startup sounds and default volumes, enhancing immersion.
Potential New Tracks and Car Models
Release 3.0 expands the content library with two new tracks: the Red Bull Ring and Spa-Francorchamps, both laser-scanned for accuracy and offering diverse challenges from high-speed straights to technical corners. These additions cater to circuit racing enthusiasts and align with the game's focus on European motorsport heritage.
On the vehicle side, expect a batch of eight to nine new cars, blending road, GT, and historic models:
- BMW M4 GT3 Evo
- BMW M3 E30 Evo II (Sport Evo)
- Dallara Stradale (multiple configurations)
- Caterham Seven Academy Racer
- Ferrari F2004
- Lamborghini Huracán Supertrofeo EVO2
- Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evo II
- Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport
- Audi RS6 Avant (in some teases)
These models feature reviewed electronics, performance modes, and setup limits, with tweaks like active dampers on the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and reworked ABS logic. Developer teases suggest this is just the start, with more licensed vehicles and tracks planned for subsequent updates through late 2025.
Expectations and Community Buzz
Fans anticipate Release 3.0 to elevate Assetto Corsa Evo's competitiveness, particularly with multiplayer enabling community-hosted events and the physics overhaul promising more authentic handling. However, some express caution over features still in development, such as full mod support, career mode, and open-world elements, which may not arrive until the game's 1.0 release. Community reactions on forums highlight excitement for the multiplayer beta but call for continued optimization, especially in VR and performance on mid-range hardware.
Looking to late 2025, Kunos has hinted at further expansions, potentially including additional game modes and content drops to build toward a polished full launch. This update could solidify Evo as a must-play for sim racers seeking depth and realism.
Conclusion
Assetto Corsa Evo's Release 3.0 promises a transformative step forward, with multiplayer integration, physics refinements, and fresh content like the Red Bull Ring, Spa-Francorchamps, and a diverse car lineup. As teases suggest more to come in late 2025, this update sets high expectations for the game's evolution—stay tuned for the open beta and hands-on impressions.
