Get Started with Assetto Corsa & ACS Drift
Three steps: Content Manager, Custom Shaders Patch, then join a server. These settings get you drifting fast with clear fixes if something goes wrong.
Overview
Install Content Manager
Enable CSP
Join a server
Which Assetto Corsa to buy
- Buy Assetto Corsa (2014) on Steam. The Ultimate Edition includes all official DLC and is the easiest choice.
- You can also purchase at a discount via Instant-Gaming and redeem the key on Steam.
Install Content Manager
- Download Content Manager and launch it once.
- Point it to your Steam Assetto Corsa folder if prompted.
- Sign in inside CM to enable the Online tab.
Enable Custom Shaders Patch
CSP is required for night lighting, weather effects and many track features.
- Open CM → Settings → Custom Shaders Patch.
- Install a Recommended version.
- Restart CM after installation.
Join ACS servers
- Open CM and go to the Online tab.
- Search for ACS Drift or filter by your nearest region.
- Click a server to join. CM fetches required cars and tracks when available.
PC Only — Minimum System Requirements
Practical minimums for modded ACS servers. Higher specs improve stability and visuals.
- OS
- Windows 10 or Windows 11
- Processor
- Intel Core 7xxx / AMD Ryzen 2xxx (6 cores or higher)
- RAM
- 16 GB minimum (32 GB highly recommended)
- GPU
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 / AMD Radeon RX 580 or higher
- Storage
- 100 GB SSD
Recommended Controls
These baselines get you driving quickly. In general: set Gain 100% in game and adjust overall strength in your wheel software; keep Min Force 0%, Effects 0%, Gyro ON, and Soft Lock ON in Assetto Corsa.
MOZA R5 (A/M Balanced Wheel)
Setup is meant for an aftermarket balanced wheel. When the wheel rotates there should be zero wobble. If your wheel wobbles, use the alternative setup in the FAQ.
- Calibrate in Moza Pit House: Recovery and Reset → Wheel Base Recovery and Reset, then follow the prompts.
- Calibrate in Windows: Set Up USB Game Controllers → Moza R5 Base → Properties → Settings → Calibrate. Move the wheel left/right several times.
- Apply the settings shown in the screenshots below. Adjust to taste; preference differs by driver.
Increase or decrease force feedback by adjusting the Gain in Settings → Assetto Corsa → Controls → Force Feedback.
Simagic Alpha Mini (A/M Balanced Wheel)
CM FFB SettingsCSP FFB TweaksSimPro Manager
Setup is meant for an aftermarket balanced wheel. When the wheel rotates there should be zero wobble.
Before installing these CSP/CM settings, save your own presets so you can revert if needed.
Adjust overall weight by changing Gain in Settings → Assetto Corsa → Controls → Force Feedback.
Controller (A7 / Xbox-style)
- Download the A7 Assist gamepad script below.
- Open your Assetto Corsa root folder →
extension → lua. - Extract the Joypad-Assist archive and drag & drop the extracted folder into
lua, replacing files. - In Content Manager, enable
Gamepad FXthen chooseA7 Assist. - Go to Assetto Corsa → Controls and select the gamepad input method from the dropdown at the top.
- Tune your controller on the
Maintab to finish setup.
Common issues
Black screen or instant crash
- Update to a Recommended CSP version in CM.
- Disable experimental PP filters and extra weather scripts.
- Verify game files in Steam and remove broken apps in AC/apps/python.
Assetto Corsa Error 0xc000007b when launching
- Launch Assetto Corsa from Steam once without Content Manager so the game can create its files.
- Close it and use Content Manager. If it persists, verify game files in Steam.
High ping or stutter
- Pick the closest region (NA, EU, BR, AU, JP).
- Close heavy overlays and cap FPS to reduce spikes.
Wheel oscillates or feels wrong
- Reduce base strength slightly; keep AC Gain 100%.
- Enable FFB Gyro; add a small amount of damper/friction in the base if needed.
FAQ
How to update CSP versions and retain NeckFX and CSP settings⌄
I have provided screenshots in chronological order in reference to the guide below.
How to save your CSP settings.
- Head to "Settings" tab marked as Step 1 in the screenshot 1.
- Select "Custom Shaders Patch" which is marked as Step 2 in screenshot 1.
- Press "Save Preset" which is marked as Step 3 in screenshot 1.
- Name your preset as you wish in the pop up like screenshot 2, and press "Save".
You should now see a named preset to the left of the "Save Preset" button.
How to Update to CSP 0.2.0 or higher.
- Select "About & Updates" as marked as Step 1 in the 3rd screenshot.
- Select any version from 0.2.0 to 0.2.4. Do not select anything below 0.2.0.
How to reload your CSP Settings.
- Refer to Screenshot 4—you will see the presets available to the left of the "Save Preset" button.
- Click that button and select your preset from the list.
For NECK FX users, uncheck “Replace original CSP implementation with a custom script”.
How to report players⌄
While in game, press:
- CTRL + SHIFT + S — Saves the past 1 minute of gameplay as a replay (you’ll see a message confirming the clip was saved).
- Type
/report [reason]in chat — Submits the 1-minute replay to admins (you’ll see a confirmation message).
How to teleport back to pits⌄
In Content Manager, go to Settings → Assetto Corsa → Controls → System and bind a key to “Teleport to pits”.
How to Fix Checksum Error⌄
Checksum means you’re running a different version of the track or cars compared to the server you’re trying to join. If it’s a random server, we can’t help since we don’t know what it’s running. But if you’re joining an ACS server, try this:
- Go to
Steam\steamapps\common\assettocorsa\content\tracks\and remove the track folder that’s causing errors. - Get a fresh copy of the cars and track from our Discord.
- Install the new files as instructed, overwriting any existing files if necessary.
How to verify Assetto Corsa Game Files⌄
- Open Steam and go to your Library.
- Right-click on Assetto Corsa.
- Go to Properties → Local Files.
- Click Verify Integrity of Game Files.
- Wait until the process completes.
How to setup Setup Exchange⌄
Enable tunes from anyone who loads them to Setup Exchange:
- In-game, open the apps list on the right side of the screen.
- Scroll to Setup Exchange and enable it.
- If you don’t see it, update Content Manager to a newer build.
This server does not allow to use a custom Steam API replacement⌄
Use one of the three official starters in Content Manager:
- Open Settings → Content Manager → Drive.
- Set Game starter to AppID, Steam, or Official.
- Restart CM and try joining again.
Allow wrong way driving⌄
Drive both ways on any track without modifying track files (requires CSP 0.1.69+).
- CM → Settings → Custom Shaders Patch → New AI Behaviour and enable it.
- Open File Explorer → Documents/Assetto Corsa/cfg/extension.
- If
new_behaviour.inidoesn’t exist, copy any other.iniand rename it tonew_behaviour.ini, then clear its contents. - Edit
new_behaviour.iniand paste:
[WRONG_WAY] ALLOW_EVERYWHERE=1
Save the file and you’re good to go.
Failed to decrypt mesh 'polymsh1'⌄
The reason you are receiving this message is due to how the car was created. Simply Alt+Tab and click Yes on the prompt. This will let you load into the server with no broken features to the car.