How to Set Up an "Assetto Corsa" Server on Windows Server 2019

How to Set Up an "Assetto Corsa" Server on Windows Server 2019

Assetto Corsa is a highly realistic racing simulation game developed by Kunos Simulazioni, known for its focus on authentic driving experiences. It offers a wide variety of officially licensed cars and tracks, as well as extensive support for mods, allowing players to customize their vehicles, tracks, and gameplay.

Setting up an "Assetto Corsa" server on a Windows Server 2019 VPS allows you to host your own custom races, manage your server, and invite friends to play online. Below is a step-by-step guide to setting up the server.

Step 1: Prepare Your VPS

Make sure your VPS meets the recommended specifications for running an "Assetto Corsa" server:

- Operating System: Windows Server 2019
- CPU: 2+ cores
- RAM: 4GB or more
- Storage: 40GB SSD minimum

Once the VPS is up and running, you can proceed with the installation.

Step 2: Install SteamCMD

"SteamCMD" is a command-line tool used to install and update the "Assetto Corsa" server files.

1. Download SteamCMD:
  - Visit the [SteamCMD website] and download the Windows version.

2. Extract SteamCMD:
  - Create a new folder (e.g., "C:\steamcmd") and extract the SteamCMD files into this folder.

3. Run SteamCMD:
  - Navigate to the "C:\steamcmd" folder and run 'steamcmd.exe'.
  - SteamCMD will update itself upon launch.

Step 3: Download the "Assetto Corsa" Server Files

1. Log in to SteamCMD:
  - Once SteamCMD is running, log into your account (must have the game bought) using the following command:

force_install_dir C:\AssettoServer
login name

Replace "name" with your own steam login username
After typing your steam username you will be asked for the password, insert it there and click enter
you also may be asked for Steam Guard Code (If Enabled)

2. Install the server files:
  - You need to specify a directory for the server files. Create a folder for the server, e.g., "C:\AssettoServer".
  - Use the following commands in SteamCMD to install the "Assetto Corsa" server files:

app_update 302550 validate
quit

  This command will download the latest "Assetto Corsa" server files into the 'C:\AssettoServer' directory.

Step 4: Configure the Server

Once the server files are installed, you'll need to configure the server settings to match your preferences.

1. "Navigate to the configuration folder":
  - Go to the "C:\AssettoServer\server\cfg" folder.

2. Edit "server_cfg.ini":
  - Open "server_cfg.ini" with a text editor such as Notepad or Notepad++.
  - This file contains the basic settings for your server, including server name, password, and number of players.

  Example settings:

  [SERVER]
  NAME="My Assetto Server"
  PASSWORD=""
  ADMIN_PASSWORD="adminpass"
  MAX_CLIENTS=24
  TRACK=imola
  CONFIG_TRACK=default

  Key options to configure:

  - "NAME": The server name that will appear in the multiplayer lobby.
  - "PASSWORD": A password to restrict access (leave blank for public).
  - `"ADMIN_PASSWORD"`: A password for admins to manage the server in real-time.
  - "MAX_CLIENTS": Maximum number of players.
  - "TRACK": The track to be used (e.g., `imola`).
  - "CONFIG_TRACK": Use `"default"` unless you have a custom configuration.

3. Edit "entry_list.ini":
  - This file defines the cars and players for the race. You can add cars and assign specific drivers or leave it open for anyone to join.

  Example entry:

  [CAR_0]
  MODEL=ks_porsche_911_gt3
  SKIN=blue
  DRIVER_NAME=Driver1
  TEAM=Team1

Step 5: Open Firewall Ports

To allow external players to connect to your "Assetto Corsa" server, you need to open the required ports on your Windows Server 2019 firewall.

1. Open the "Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security"
2. "Create inbound rules" to open the following ports:
  - TCP 9600 (for HTTP control interface).
  - UDP 9600 (for race communication).
  - UDP 8081 (for lobby communication).

Steps:
Can be found here : Click me

Step 6: Launch the Server

1. Open the "acServer.exe" file:
  - Navigate to "C:\AssettoServer\server" and double-click on "acServer.exe". This will start the server.

2. "Run the server in the background" :
  - If you want the server to run in the background, consider setting it up as a Windows service or use Task Scheduler to start it automatically after a system reboot.

3. "Test the server" :
  - Open "Assetto Corsa" on your PC, go to Multiplayer, and search for your server by the name you set in the configuration file.

Step 7: Join the Server

To connect to your server
1. Open Assetto Corsa on your client PC.
2. Go to the Multiplayer section.
3. Search for your server by name. You can also use its direct IP address for faster access.

Step 8: Keep Your Server Updated

Occasionally, you’ll need to update the server files to match the latest version of "Assetto Corsa." You can do this using SteamCMD:

1. Open SteamCMD.
2. You need to login first, then run the following commands:

app_update 302550 validate

This command ensures that your server is always running the latest version.

Step 9: Optional Mods and Customizations

"Assetto Corsa" servers can also support custom mods, tracks, and cars. Simply place the mod files in the corresponding directories within your "C:\AssettoServer" folder. Be sure to update your "server_cfg.ini" and "entry_list.ini" to reflect any custom content.

Conclusion

By following this guide, you’ll be able to host your own "Assetto Corsa" server on a Windows Server 2019 VPS. Whether you're setting up private races or running public events, this setup allows you to control the server and customize the racing experience. Enjoy racing with friends or the community on your new server!