AC Installation & Setup 2026 - Complete Assetto Corsa Guide | AC Supply

What You'll Learn

How to install Assetto Corsa from Steam
Essential first-launch configuration
Installing Content Manager (the must-have tool)
Setting up Custom Shaders Patch for best graphics
Initial game settings optimization

System Requirements

Minimum

OS: Windows 7/8/10/11 (64-bit)
CPU: AMD Athlon X2 2.8 GHz or Intel Core 2 Duo
RAM: 2 GB
GPU: DirectX 10.1 (AMD HD 6450, Nvidia GT 460)
Storage: 15 GB
DirectX: Version 11

Step 1: Purchase & Install from Steam

Purchasing AC

Visit Steam Store: Assetto Corsa on Steam
Base Game vs. Ultimate Edition:
- Base Game: Core game with good content (~$20)
- Ultimate Edition: Includes all DLC packs (~$40)
- Recommendation: Get Ultimate Edition during sales (often 75% off)
Add to Cart and Purchase

💡 Pro Tip: AC goes on sale frequently. Check during Steam Summer Sale, Winter Sale, Black Friday, or Racing Weekend sales.

Installing via Steam

Open Steam Library
Find "Assetto Corsa" in your games list
Click Install
Choose installation location:
- Recommended: SSD for faster loading
- Needs ~15 GB (50+ GB if you plan to install many mods)
Wait for download and installation to complete
Do NOT launch yet - we'll configure it first

Step 2: First Launch & Basic Setup

Launch Assetto Corsa

In Steam, click Play on Assetto Corsa
Launcher will appear - click Settings (not Drive yet)
The game will detect your hardware and suggest initial settings
Click Apply to accept suggested settings

⚠️ Note: We'll optimize these settings later with Content Manager. For now, just accept the defaults.

Initial Settings Configuration

In the launcher Settings tab:

Video Settings:
- Resolution: Your monitor's native resolution
- Fullscreen: Yes (better performance)
- VSync: On (prevents screen tearing)
Graphics Presets: Start with "Medium" or "High" based on your GPU
Audio: Set volume levels to your preference

Test Drive

Click Drive from the launcher
Choose Practice
Select any car (try "BMW M3 E92" - good beginner car)
Select any track (try "Imola" - small, easy track)
Click Drive
Test if game runs smoothly and check FPS (should be 60+)

🎮 Controls: W = Accelerate, S = Brake, A/D = Steer. Press ESC to exit. We'll configure proper controls with Content Manager next.

Step 3: Install Content Manager (Essential!)

Why Content Manager?

Content Manager (CM) is THE essential tool for Assetto Corsa. It replaces the basic launcher with a powerful interface that makes AC 10x better:

✅ Better UI and car/track browsing
✅ One-click mod installation (drag & drop ZIPs)
✅ Advanced graphics settings
✅ Custom Shaders Patch integration
✅ Detailed telemetry and analysis
✅ Multiplayer server browser
✅ Setup management and tuning

Downloading Content Manager

Visit: assettocorsa.club/content-manager.html
Scroll to Download section
Click Download Content Manager (FREE version)
Save the ZIP file to your Downloads folder
Extract the ZIP to a permanent location (e.g., C:\AC_Tools\)

Full Version vs Lite:

Lite (Free): All essential features, perfect for 99% of users
Full ($2+/month): Extra features like weather preview, advanced tools
Recommendation: Start with Lite, upgrade later if you want

First Launch of Content Manager

Navigate to where you extracted CM
Run ContentManager.exe
CM will auto-detect your AC installation
If prompted, point it to your AC folder (usually C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\assettocorsa)
CM will scan all your content (cars, tracks, etc.)
Wait for the scan to complete

Step 4: Install Custom Shaders Patch (CSP)

What is CSP?

Custom Shaders Patch unlocks modern graphics features AC didn't ship with:

Real-time reflections and realistic lighting
Working headlights and brake lights
Rain and weather effects
Animated track objects
Better shadows and ambient occlusion
Night racing with proper lighting

Required for: Most modern mods, Sol weather, and advanced graphics.

Installing CSP via Content Manager

Open Content Manager
Top-right corner, click the Settings icon (gear)
Go to Custom Shaders Patch section
Click Install or Update
Choose Recommended version (stable)
Click Install and wait for download
Restart Content Manager after installation

For detailed CSP configuration, see our full CSP guide.

Step 5: Initial Configuration & Optimization

Graphics Settings in CM

In Content Manager, go to Settings → Assetto Corsa → Video:

Resolution: Native resolution
Fullscreen: Yes
Post-Processing: Maximum (CSP adds features here)
Anti-Aliasing: 4x or higher
Anisotropic Filtering: 16x
World Detail: Maximum
Shadows: High or Maximum

Performance: If FPS drops below 60, lower Shadows first, then World Detail. Anti-aliasing impacts performance significantly.

Control Setup

Settings → Assetto Corsa → Controls:

For Steering Wheel:

Click Setup New Controller
Follow the wizard to map all controls
Set Force Feedback (FFB) gain to 50-70%
Enable steering lock adjustment

For Controller/Keyboard:

Map buttons as preferred
Enable gamepad assists (steering help, auto-blip)
Reduce steering speed for better control

Full control setup guide: AC Graphics & Controls Setup

Gameplay Settings

Settings → Assetto Corsa → Gameplay:

Assists: Enable ABS and Traction Control for beginners
Auto-Clutch: On (unless you have clutch pedal)
Auto-Blip: On (helps with downshifts)
Stability Control: Off (makes cars feel weird)
Damage: Cosmetic or Off (for learning)
Tyre Wear: Off initially

Step 6: Your First Proper Drive

In Content Manager, click Drive (main screen, top-left)
Select Practice
Choose a beginner-friendly car:
- BMW M3 E92
- Toyota GT86
- Mazda MX-5
Choose an easy track:
- Imola (small, simple layout)
- Mugello (flowing, forgiving)
- Brands Hatch GP
Set time to afternoon (good lighting)
Click Go!
Take your time, learn the controls, have fun!

Assetto Corsa Installation & Setup 2026