Sim racing has been growing in popularity over the years, thanks to the realism and authenticity that it offers.
One of the most popular sim racing games is Assetto Corsa Competizione, which is known for its attention to detail and accuracy.
In early 2022 I got this game and played it with a controller – it was difficult, but I managed. Then I got a wheel and a racing seat … and everything changed and I fell in love with sim racing.
In this beginner’s guide, we will explore what Assetto Corsa Competizione is and how to improve your sim racing skills.
What is Assetto Corsa Competizione?
Assetto Corsa Competizione is a racing simulation game developed by Kunos Simulazioni.
It is the official game of the Blancpain GT Series, which is one of the most prestigious GT racing championships in the world.
The game is available on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation. Especially on the PC there are a lot of leagues (which I will explain later) and mods.
The game is known for its highly realistic physics engine, which accurately models the behavior of the cars on the track.
This means that the way the car handles, accelerates, and brakes in the game is very similar to how it would in real life. The game also includes dynamic weather and track conditions, which can greatly affect the way the car behaves on the track.
But the probably most special thing about Assetto Corsa Competizione: you HAVE TO drive as realistic as possible. Every mistake is considered in your safety rating.
After just a couple of minutes you will notice that your biggest goal quickly becomes getting a better rating and not to crash – as everyone is doing that, the racing gets more realistic and therefore more competitive.
Sim Racing with Assetto Corsa Competizione
Sim racing with Assetto Corsa Competizione can be a challenging but rewarding experience. As I mentioned before I started with a controller first and then changed to a wheel and a racing seat.
I first got a HORI Racing Wheel for my XBOX Series X – a truly horrible wheel due to its lag.
Then I got a Thrustmaster T128, which is an extremely good racing wheel for a – in comparison – low price and combined it with the Playseat Challenge, a foldable racing seat.
This was honestly a gamechanger. Not only is it more immersive, some tracks are even easier to drive – although driving became more difficult and realistic. So I had to do some research on how to become better.
Now I want to share my Assetto Corsa Competizione Sim Racing Tips in this Beginner’s Guide.
Practice, practice, practice
One of the most important things you can do to improve your sim racing skills is to practice.
Spend time on the track, learning the layout and getting a feel for the car’s handling. Assetto Corsa Competizione offers a range of tracks and cars to choose from, so there’s plenty to keep you busy.
The following tracks are by the way included in the game by default:
- Barcelona
- Brands Hatch
- Hungaroring
- Misano
- Monza
- Nürburgring
- Paul Ricard
- Silverstone
- Spa-Francochamps
- Zandvoort
- Zolder
But there are also really good DLC, that I can really recommend (Kyalami <3). Here a list of the DLC for more tracks:
British GT Pack
- Snetterton
- Oulton Park
- Donington Park
Intercontinental GT Pack DLC
- Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit
- Suzuka Circuit
- Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca
- Mount Panorama Circuit
2020 GT World Challenge Pack DLC
- Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari – Imola
American Track Pack DLC
- Watkins Glen
- Circuit of the Americas (COTA)
- Indianapolis
Understand the physics
Understanding the physics of the game is crucial to improving your sim racing skills.
Assetto Corsa Competizione’s physics engine is highly accurate, so learning how to make the most of it can help you shave off seconds from your lap times.
Understanding how weight transfer, tire grip, and aerodynamics affect the car’s behavior can make a big difference on the track.
Optimize your setup
Assetto Corsa Competizione allows you to adjust various settings on your car, such as tire pressures, brake bias, and suspension.
Learning how to optimize your car’s setup can greatly improve your lap times.
Experiment with different settings and see how they affect the car’s handling on the track.
Learn the tracks
Knowing the tracks is essential to being a successful sim racer. You will quickly be called-out for using a racing line.
Spend time learning the layout of each track and the best lines to take through the corners.
Assetto Corsa Competizione features real-world tracks, so you can even use videos of real-life races to help you learn the tracks. Learn where to brake and get faster.
Use telemetry data
Assetto Corsa Competizione includes telemetry data, which provides information about the car’s performance on the track.
Learning how to read and interpret this data can help you identify areas where you need to improve. Use the telemetry data to fine-tune your driving and improve your lap times.
Join a Community or League
Joining a sim racing community or Sim Racing League can be a great way to improve your skills and connect with other sim racers.
Assetto Corsa Competizione has a vibrant community of players, so finding like-minded racers shouldn’t be a problem. You can learn a lot from other racers, and competing against them can help you improve your skills.
Also, they can be very fun. Public servers are better than in most games, as everyone tries to drive as clean as possible, but a good league can be extremely fun. Just have a look at the following video.
Conclusion
Sim racing with Assetto Corsa Competizione is a thrilling and challenging experience.
By following these tips, you can improve your sim racing skills and become a better racer.
Remember to practice, understand the physics, optimize your setup, learn the tracks, use telemetry data, and join a community. With dedication and perseverance, you can quickly improve and enjoy being sim racer in Assetto Corsa Competizione.