Can you play Assetto Corsa open world?
Assetto Corsa (AC) is an exceptionally realistic racing simulator focused on reproducing the intense driving experience of real-world track and circuit events. Out of the box, it does not feature expansive open world environments to free roam in.
However, an active modding community has produced some incredible open world mods for AC – giving players the ability to cruise through stunning environments. In this article, we‘ll cover all you need to know about playing AC in open world maps.
Is Assetto Corsa Open World By Default?
The base Assetto Corsa game involves circuit racing at world-famous tracks like Spa-Francorchamps, Monza and Nurburgring. You‘ll drive high-performance vehicles ranging from road cars to F1 models around these closed circuits while mastering racing lines.
There is no ability to freely roam through an open world right away – that‘s not AC‘s focus. It prides itself as an authentic track racer with meticulous attention to details like tire grip, suspension physics and engine modeling.
Incredible Open World Mods
Thankfully, AC has a thriving modding scene that has produced stunning open world environments for players to enjoy:
LA Canyons
This incredible mod offers over 300km of faithfully recreated roads in the Los Angeles Canyons and surrounding areas. Key features include:
- Populate roads with high quality traffic
- Realistic weather simulation with variable cloud cover/fog
- Canyon roads perfectly mimic intricate elevation changes
- Downtown LA, Huntington Beach, Long Beach areas modeled in detail
Cruising palm tree-lined LA roads or attacking canyon corners in your favorite car makes for an exceptional open world experience.
Shutoko Revival Project
This hugely ambitious mod adds a mindbogglingly accurate recreation of Tokyo‘s Shuto Expressway system – comprising of 300KM of highways and tunnels. You can:
- Drive meticulously modeled interchange systems and loops
- Admire the towering Tokyo cityscape around you
- Watch out for tricky corners in the C1 Inner Loop
Blasting through the Tokyo night at 190mph in a tuned Nissan GT-R is an incredible feeling!
Austrian Road Pack
If stunning mountain scenery is more to your tastes – the Austrian Road Pack adds a series of Alpine roads and villages for you to explore freely.
- 185 km of roads across 5 unique layouts
- Complete with fine details like residential houses, farms and barns
- Navigate tight hairpins and rolling straights surrounded by epic snow-capped peaks
The Austrian vistas look incredible in AC‘s weather system as dense fog descends across valleys.
How to Install AC Open World Mods
Getting these open world environments into your game is simple with the essential Content Manager mod. Follow these steps:
- Download Content Manager – This is a must-have mod for managing all your AC mods
- Find Mods – Search sites like Assetto-db.com and RaceDepartment to discover open world maps
- Subscribe on Content Manager – Select the mods you want and Content Manager handles the installation
Key Benefits of Open World Mods
These open world expansions provide:
- Freedom to Cruise Scenic Routes – Drive purely for pleasure across stunning environments instead of hot lapping.
- Customizable Experience – Tweak weather, time of day and choose perfect car/track combos catered to you.
- Potential for new Gameplay Objectives – Modders can add cool treasure hunts, checkpoint challenges etc. to open worlds.
Why Assetto Corsa is Worth Getting
Even without considering open world mods, Assetto Corsa provides an incredible racing experience with:
Realism and Physics Modeling
With precise tire grip physics, suspension geometry modeling and aerodynamics – AC offers unparalleled realism. Details like engine heat affecting components shows its authenticity.
Huge Car and Track Roster
Over 178 vehicles from street cars to historic F1 models along with laser scanned versions of iconic circuits makes for endless racing combinations
Thriving Mod Community
A vast range of mods enhances AC‘s content exponentially. New car packs, tracks, visual/weather effects and of course open world maps!
Comprehensive Career and Multiplayer
Hone your driving offline across a long career mode – then battle others online through magical community hosted events and competitions.
| Realism Focus | 💯💯💯💯💯 |
| Graphics & Environments | 💯💯💯 |
| Open World Maps | Through mods 💯💯💯💯 |
| Car Handling Physics | 💯💯💯💯💯 |
| Mod Support | 💯💯💯💯💯 |
How Does Assetto Corsa Compare to Forza Horizon?
The Forza Horizon series are specially designed open world racers with a focus on accessible driving mechanics and a vibrant atmosphere. In contrast, AC leans more towards authentic racing simulation.
But modded AC can still compete with Horizon‘s open worlds while offering unmatched realism! Ultimately though, AC is geared for track fans while Horizon caters more casual tastes with its festivals. Both are excellent choices for different demographics.
In Conclusion
Assetto Corsa delivers an exceptionally realistic and engaging track racing experience that enthusiasts revere. While not open world by default, incredible third party mods bring breathtaking environments like LA Canyons and Shutoko Expressway alive within AC.
For driving fans, AC is easily one of the deepest racing simulators ever – made even better through its community mod creations. Put this title high on your wishlist if you haven‘t already checked it out!
