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Godlike.Host offers hosted Assetto Corsa servers with its own game panel, SFTP access and free DDoS protection, if you would rather not host it yourself.
To install mods on an Assetto Corsa server, first install and test the complete car or track on a client PC with Content Manager. Then create a server preset, use Content Manager’s Pack command, and extract the resulting cfg and content folders into the server root. If you install manually, the folder IDs must be placed at content/cars/<car-folder> and content/tracks/<track-folder>, then referenced exactly in server_cfg.ini and entry_list.ini.
Every player needs matching car, track, layout and relevant Custom Shaders Patch (CSP) versions. A different file revision, an extra directory level, an incorrect layout ID or an incomplete server data folder commonly causes missing-content messages, checksum kicks or “no free slots” errors. This guide covers Content Manager packing, manual installation, hosted uploads, CSP-only tracks and recovery when something fails.
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What does an Assetto Corsa dedicated server actually need?
A dedicated server needs configuration files plus the simulation data required to validate cars and tracks. It does not render the client’s 3D models, cockpit textures or other graphics, so uploading an entire client installation is usually unnecessary.
For a normal modded session, the server root should contain the following structure:
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server-root/
├── cfg/
│ ├── server_cfg.ini
│ └── entry_list.ini
└── content/
├── cars/
│ └── <car-folder>/
│ ├── data.acd
│ └── ...other server-required files...
└── tracks/
└── <track-folder>/
├── data/
│ └── surfaces.ini
└── ...layout and track data...A car must provide either data.acd or a valid unpacked data directory. A track needs its data, layout information and, where applicable, surfaces.ini. Keep the exact directory names supplied by the mod; the name shown in Content Manager is not a substitute for the folder ID.
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Content Manager’s Pack workflow is the safest starting point because it builds a known server layout and reduces path mistakes. Manual copying gives you finer control over what is uploaded and is useful when maintaining an existing server.
| Approach | Best for | Advantages | Risks to manage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Content Manager preset and Pack | First installations and complete race combinations | Generates configuration and content folders together; makes the intended server root obvious | You still have to inspect the archive and preserve folder IDs when uploading |
| Manual copying | Experienced administrators, custom layouts or incremental updates | Uploads only the needed data and leaves existing configuration under your control | Easy to create an extra nesting level or mismatch an ID in an INI file |
| Managed hosting dashboard | Users who do not administer a machine over SFTP | Separate Cars and Tracks areas, browser uploads, logs and provider support | Batch limits, archive restrictions and panel-specific paths vary |
| Self-hosted machine with SFTP | Administrators who need full filesystem access | Transparent paths, scripted backups and direct log access | You are responsible for permissions, updates, firewall rules and recovery |
How do you install and validate a mod locally first?
Install the complete mod on a client computer before preparing server files. This confirms that the archive is usable and tells you the exact car or track folder ID that the server must use.
Download a complete, matching release
Obtain the archive from the mod author or a trusted distribution page. Record the release version and the required CSP build if the author lists one. Do not combine a car’s data from one release with its models, skins or extensions from another release unless the author explicitly supports that arrangement.
Install with Content Manager
- Open Content Manager and use its archive-install action to install the downloaded car or track.
- Confirm that the car appears under Cars or the track and its layout appear under Tracks.
- Launch a solo session with the same car, track and layout you intend to host.
- Drive at least one lap and check that loading, pit positions, timing and collision surfaces work. A mod that fails locally will not become reliable when copied to a server.
Check the physical folder paths
For a manual client install, the normal locations are:
Assetto Corsa/content/cars/<car_name>
Assetto Corsa/content/tracks/<track_name>
Assetto Corsa/content/cars/<car_name>/skins/<skin_name>The car or track directory must be directly below cars or tracks. An archive that extracts as content/cars/mod-name/car-name has an extra level and will not be detected. Move the actual car folder up one level so that its data and model files are immediately inside the folder named in the path.
How do you create a server preset and use Pack?
In Content Manager, create the server configuration from the Server section, select the exact track layout and cars, add enough grid slots, and then choose Pack. The resulting package is intended to be extracted into the server root, not into the main Assetto Corsa game directory.
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- Extremely detailed with single player and multiplayer options, exclusive licensed cars reproduced with the best accuracy possible, thanks to the official cooperation of Car Manufacturers.
- ASSETTO CORSA has been developed at the KUNOS Simulazioni R&D office, located just inside the international racing circuit of Vallelunga, allowing the team to develop the game with the cooperation of real world racing drivers and racing teams.
- Open Content Manager’s Server section and start a new preset.
- Select the track and the specific layout. If a track has multiple layouts, note the layout folder ID shown by Content Manager.
- Add every mod car that players may select. Use the same release you tested locally.
- Set the number of entry-list slots to cover the grid you plan to host. Include one slot for every allowed car/skin combination or use empty skin fields when any installed skin is permitted.
- Review weather, session and server settings, then save the preset.
- Click Pack and save the archive to a temporary location.
- Open the archive before uploading. Its top level should place
cfg,contentand related directories directly into the server root when extracted.
Do not extract the AssettoServer project into the main Assetto Corsa installation directory. The project and the game use different Steam SDK versions; keeping them in separate locations avoids authentication and startup conflicts.
What should you upload or extract on the server?
Stop the server before replacing files. Back up the existing cfg directory and the affected car or track folders, then extract the Pack archive so its directories merge at the server root rather than creating server-root/pack/server-root/... .
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- Each car’s
data.acdor complete validdatadirectory. - Track data, including
surfaces.ini, plus the selected layout data. server_cfg.iniandentry_list.iniin the server’scfgdirectory.- Any additional server-required files documented by the track or car author.
Clients need the visual model, textures, sound and skins on their own computers. The server normally needs only the authoritative data used for loading and checksum validation. When in doubt, compare the Pack output with a known working preset rather than deleting files from a functioning installation at random.
Upload methods
A control-panel file manager or hosting dashboard is convenient for occasional changes. Select the actual folder from your local Assetto Corsa/Content/Tracks or Content/Cars directory; do not upload the archive itself when the panel expects an extracted folder. One hosting guide limits uploads to 10 items per batch, so split larger changes into smaller batches if the panel times out.
SFTP is preferable for many files, repeated updates or a self-hosted machine. Upload while the server is stopped, preserve case and spelling, wait for the transfer to finish, then inspect the server log before allowing players to join.
How do you write server_cfg.ini for modded cars and tracks?
Use the folder IDs, not display names or marketing names. Cars are separated by semicolons; the track field contains the track folder ID, and a layout goes in CONFIG_TRACK when the track provides separate layouts.
[SERVER]
CARS=ks_mazda_mx5_cup;bmw_m3_e30
TRACK=shuto_revival_project_beta
CONFIG_TRACK=
MAX_CLIENTS=18| Setting | What it must contain | Typical mistake |
|---|---|---|
CARS |
Semicolon-separated car folder IDs that exist below content/cars |
Using the in-game title or separating IDs with commas |
TRACK |
The exact folder ID below content/tracks |
Using a layout name or a display title |
CONFIG_TRACK |
The layout subfolder ID, or blank for the track’s default layout | Leaving a stale layout from a previous track |
MAX_CLIENTS |
The maximum number of connected clients you intend to allow | Setting more clients than the available entry-list slots |
Case, underscores and punctuation matter. If the directory is shuto_revival_project_beta, writing a shortened or capitalized variant in the INI file does not work even if Content Manager displays a friendlier title.
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How do you configure entry_list.ini and grid slots?
Create one contiguous [CAR_n] block for each grid slot. Every MODEL= value must match a car ID listed in CARS=; otherwise players cannot select that slot.
[CAR_0]
MODEL=ks_mazda_mx5_cup
SKIN=00_official
[CAR_1]
MODEL=bmw_m3_e30
SKIN=- Start numbering at
[CAR_0]and continue without gaps:CAR_0,CAR_1,CAR_2, and so on. - Set
MODEL=to an ID that appears inCARS=. - Set
SKIN=to an existing skin folder when you want a fixed livery. Leave it empty when any valid installed skin may be used. - Add enough blocks for the advertised grid. A car listed in
CARS=but given no entry-list slots can produce selection or “no free slots” problems. - Save the file with the same spelling and capitalization as the server expects, then restart and inspect the startup log.
How do CSP-dependent tracks work on a server?
Tracks that require Custom Shaders Patch need a special server path and a matching server-side surface configuration. AssettoServer documents a content/tracks/csp directory and a track reference in the form csp/<minimum-build>/../<track>.
A documented example uses a build ID such as 2144 to represent the minimum CSP version. The exact build number is version-sensitive, so use the value required by the track and the current AssettoServer documentation rather than copying an old number blindly.
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- Create the documented
content/tracks/cspstructure on the server. - Place the CSP-dependent track where the server’s path convention expects it.
- Set
TRACK=csp/<minimum-build>/../<track>using the required build ID and exact track folder ID. - In the relevant
surfaces.ini, rename the firstSURFACE_0toCSPFACE_0when the track’s instructions require that change. - Do not rename or edit other surfaces casually. The beginner documentation warns that changing any surface other than
SURFACE_0causes checksum errors for clients. - Give every player the required CSP build and the same track files before testing a public session.
CSP tracks are more version-sensitive than vanilla-compatible content. If a track author supplies a specific server package or surfaces edit, follow that package; do not infer that a normal track folder is sufficient.
Should you upload the full client mod or only server data?
Use a full client installation for local testing, but send the server only the files it needs to load and validate the session. This saves transfer time and reduces accidental differences between decorative client files and authoritative server data.
| File or component | Client | Dedicated server | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car model, textures and sounds | Required | Usually not required for rendering | The server does not draw the car |
Car data.acd or unpacked data |
Required | Required | Physics and checksum-relevant data |
| Track visual assets | Required | Usually not required | Clients render the environment |
Track surfaces.ini and layout data |
Required | Required | Surface behavior, layout and validation |
| Skins | Required for the chosen livery | Only when the server configuration or validation requires them | Use the exact folder ID in SKIN= |
When a server reports missing data, do not assume that the visual files are the problem. First check for data.acd, a valid data directory and the track’s surfaces.ini.
How can the server offer missing-content downloads?
Content Manager can display download links for missing cars or tracks through cfg/cm_content/content.json. The file associates a car or track ID with a legitimate download URL and a version string, while a corresponding server-detail setting must be enabled in the hosting configuration.
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{
"ks_mazda_mx5_cup": {
"url": "https://author.example/download/ks_mazda_mx5_cup",
"version": "1.2"
},
"shuto_revival_project_beta": {
"url": "https://author.example/download/shuto_revival_project_beta",
"version": "2026.01"
}
}The URLs and version values above are illustrative. Replace them with the mod author’s current, legitimate distribution link and the release identifier that players should install. A download hint does not repair a bad server package; it only helps a client obtain the intended files.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How do you prevent checksum kicks?
Checksum validation rejects a client when its authoritative files differ from the server’s files. Match the exact car, track, layout and relevant CSP versions on both sides, including updates that keep the same folder ID.
Use a release checklist
- Write down the version of every car and track before uploading.
- Distribute the same archive or release identifier to all drivers.
- After a mod update, replace the server files and have every driver update the client; do not leave a mixture of old and new files in the group.
- For CSP content, record the minimum build and the exact server-side surfaces edit.
- Restart the server after replacing files and confirm that the startup log names the intended track and cars.
Two installations can have identical folder IDs but different contents. The ID determines where the server looks; checksum validation still detects changed data inside that folder.
How do you troubleshoot common installation failures?
The mod is not detected
Inspect the path first. The actual car folder must be directly under content/cars, and the actual track folder directly under content/tracks. Remove an extra wrapper directory such as content/cars/mod-name/car-name, then restart Content Manager or rescan the content.
The server reports missing checksum or data
Check that each car contains data.acd or a valid data directory. Check that the track contains its required surfaces.ini and layout data. Re-extract the author’s server package if files were omitted during a selective upload.
Players are kicked for a checksum mismatch
Compare the exact car, track, layout and CSP versions. Replace stale files on both the server and affected clients, then restart the server. For CSP tracks, verify that only the documented surface change was made; an altered surface definition can create a mismatch even when the folder name is correct.
There are no free slots
Count the contiguous [CAR_n] blocks in entry_list.ini. Ensure every MODEL= is present in CARS=, and add slots for every car that should be selectable. A high MAX_CLIENTS value cannot create slots that do not exist in the entry list.
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The server will not authenticate after AssettoServer installation
Move AssettoServer outside the main Assetto Corsa folder. The projects use different Steam SDK versions, and placing one inside the other can prevent authentication or startup.
A hosted upload times out
Split the transfer into smaller batches, staying within the panel’s stated limit, or switch to SFTP. Do not submit a .zip, .rar or .7z archive to a dashboard field that expects an extracted Cars or Tracks folder.
What is the trade-off between self-hosting and managed hosting?
Self-hosting provides the most control over paths, backups and automation; managed hosting removes much of the machine administration and usually supplies a browser dashboard and support. Neither option removes the need for exact mod versions.
| Decision area | Self-hosted machine | Managed host |
|---|---|---|
| File access | Direct filesystem or SFTP access | Dashboard file areas, with SFTP available on some plans |
| Updates | You schedule backups, replacements and restarts | Panel tools may simplify uploads and restarts |
| Diagnostics | Full access to logs and operating-system tools | Provider log viewer and support workflow |
| Mod responsibility | You verify every archive and dependency | You still verify every archive; the host supplies infrastructure, not compatibility |
| Failure recovery | Your backups and scripts determine recovery time | Provider snapshots or support may help, depending on the service |
What should you check before opening the server?
Run this preflight after the final restart and before sharing the connection details:
- The track folder ID in
server_cfg.iniexists exactly undercontent/tracks. CONFIG_TRACKis blank or matches the intended layout subfolder.- Every car ID in
CARS=exists undercontent/cars. - Every
MODEL=inentry_list.iniis allowed byCARS=. - Entry-list numbering is contiguous and provides enough slots for the advertised grid.
- Cars contain
data.acdor validdatadirectories. - The track contains the required data and
surfaces.ini. - CSP-required tracks use the documented
csp/<minimum-build>/../<track>path and server-side surfaces configuration. - Clients have the same car, track, layout and CSP versions.
- A local or password-protected test join succeeds before public use.
Once these checks pass, mod installation becomes a repeatable process: validate locally, pack or copy the exact folder IDs, configure the two INI files, and keep every client release synchronized with the server.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can two releases use the same car folder name?
Yes, but the folder ID alone cannot tell them apart. A newer release may keep the same ID while changing physics or data, so distribute a release identifier or archive hash to your drivers and replace the server and client files together.
Do dedicated servers need every skin installed?
No. Install only the skins you intend to force or validate. Leave SKIN= empty for a slot when the server should allow any valid skin that the player has installed.
Why does a track work offline but fail when hosted?
Offline testing can hide a missing server data file or an unsupported CSP path. Compare the hosted folder with the local mod, then verify surfaces.ini, layout data, the TRACK= value and any documented minimum CSP build.
Is extracting a Pack archive into the game’s Content folder correct?
No. Extract the Pack output into the dedicated server root so that its cfg and content directories land at the expected top level. AssettoServer itself should also remain outside the main Assetto Corsa folder.
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