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Assetto Corsa Server Manager is a web administration layer, not the race server itself. It configures and monitors the dedicated process—usually acServer.exe, or an alternative such as AssettoServer—while providing presets, accounts, event scheduling, logs, championships and result pages. To run a reachable server, you must install the manager, provide the Assetto Corsa server files, configure a stable host address, open the configured TCP and UDP ports, and make every driver’s content match the server.
The manager’s repository was marked archived and read-only by its owner on August 21, 2026. Check the latest available release and maintenance status before using it for a long-lived league. The procedure below remains useful for an occasional private server, provided you treat the manager, dedicated executable, and network as separate components.
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What does Assetto Corsa Server Manager actually do?
Server Manager supplies a browser-based control panel for an Assetto Corsa installation. It stores server settings, creates race presets, manages entry lists and accounts, displays live timing and results, and can automate event loops, race weekends and championships. The dedicated server process still performs the actual simulation and communicates with players.
That distinction determines how you troubleshoot. A blank or inaccessible web page points to the manager or its HTTP port. A server that starts but does not host a session points to acServer.exe or AssettoServer and its logs. A server visible on a LAN but unreachable by friends points to firewall, router, NAT or port-forwarding configuration.
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- Assetto Corsa features an advanced DirectX 11 graphics engine that recreates an immersive environment, dynamic lighthing and realistic materials and surfaces.
- 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.
What the manager includes
- Quick and custom race setup with reusable presets.
- Live timing, result pages, logs and editable server options.
- Car, track and weather uploads.
- Accounts, Sol integration, championships and race-weekend workflows.
- Automatic event looping for recurring sessions.
- Windows and Linux support.
These features make administration easier, but they do not supply commercial cars, tracks, downloadable content or third-party dependencies. You must obtain and maintain the server files and content separately.
What do I need before installing it?
Prepare the host, network and content first. Doing so prevents a working manager from being mistaken for a complete public server.
Host requirements
- A Windows PC with Assetto Corsa installed through Steam for the standard Windows setup.
- Administrator access to Windows Firewall and, for home hosting, to the router.
- A stable local IPv4 address for the host. Reserve the address in the router’s DHCP settings rather than relying on a changing lease.
- Enough disk space for the base server files, tracks, cars, skins, logs and backups.
- A continuously running machine if friends must connect while you are away.
Content requirements
The server and every participant generally need the same car, track, layout, downloadable content, exact mod version and relevant dependencies. A checksum mismatch, missing skin, incompatible layout or unmet Custom Shaders Patch requirement can reject a join even when the lobby is visible.
Optional software
Content Manager can make visual configuration and launching easier, but it is not required for the manager itself. AssettoServer is an optional server implementation for freeroam-oriented features, AI traffic, dynamic weather and Steam-auth workflows. Treat its compatibility requirements separately from the original Kunos executable.
How do I install Assetto Corsa Server Manager?
The basic installation is an extraction-and-configuration process. Start with a clean, simple server before adding championships, plugins or large mod collections.
- Download a release and extract it. Unpack the Server Manager release into a dedicated folder such as
C:ACServerManageron Windows. Avoid placing it in a temporary downloads folder that may be cleaned or permission-restricted. - Edit
config.yml. Set the paths to the manager data, server files and database. Configure the web listener, account settings and session key for your environment. Keep a copy of the original file before making changes. - Supply the dedicated-server files. Either copy the
serverfolder from the Assetto Corsa installation into the location configured by the manager, or install SteamCMD and configure the credentials and installation path used to obtain the server files. - Start the manager. Run
server-manager.exeon Windows. On Linux, start theserver-managerexecutable from the extracted directory with the permissions required by your service account. - Open the web interface locally. Use the configured HTTP address and port in a browser on the host. Create an administrator account or change any initial credentials immediately.
- Create a baseline preset. Select one stock car, one stock track and a simple practice or race session. Save the preset, launch it and confirm that the dedicated process appears in the manager logs.
- Test before adding complexity. Confirm a local connection, then an external connection from a different network. Add one mod, plugin or event feature at a time so the first failure has a clear cause.
The manager can launch and organize a server, but it does not replace the dedicated executable. If the browser works while the race process does not, inspect the executable’s configuration and log files rather than reinstalling the web interface.
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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.
Which paths and settings should I configure?
Use absolute, stable paths where possible and keep the manager data separate from the game installation. This makes backups and upgrades safer.
| Setting area | What to verify | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Server files | The configured folder contains the dedicated executable and its required data. | The manager cannot launch a process that is missing or points to the wrong installation. |
| Web interface | HTTP bind address and port, administrator account and session key. | These control browser access and authentication. |
| Race preset | Car, track, layout, sessions, weather, entry list and assists. | These values define what clients must load and how the event runs. |
| Logs and database | Writable locations with sufficient space. | Timing, results, errors and account data must persist between restarts. |
Do not reuse placeholder credentials or a weak session key. If the interface must be reachable beyond the host, bind it only as broadly as necessary and place it behind firewall rules or another network access control.
Which ports does an Assetto Corsa server use?
The commonly documented defaults are TCP 9600 and UDP 9600 for game traffic, plus TCP 8081 for HTTP or lobby traffic. They are defaults, not universal constants: the active configuration’s TCP_PORT, UDP_PORT and HTTP_PORT values determine what must be allowed and forwarded.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors| Traffic | Typical default | Protocol | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game traffic | 9600 | UDP | Allow in the host firewall and forward to the host’s local IPv4 address. |
| Game/control traffic | 9600 | TCP | Allow and forward the configured TCP value. |
| HTTP/lobby | 8081 | TCP | Allow and forward the configured HTTP value when external discovery or access requires it. |
How do I forward the ports?
- Reserve the host’s local IPv4 address in the router’s DHCP settings.
- Read the active preset or server configuration and record its TCP, UDP and HTTP values.
- Create router forwarding rules for each configured port, using the correct protocol and the reserved local address.
- Create matching inbound Windows Firewall rules for the port numbers and for the executable actually in use:
acServer.exeorAssettoServer.exe. - Restart the server and test from a network that is not the host’s Wi-Fi or LAN. A local test can succeed even when internet access is blocked.
For multiple instances, assign unique TCP, UDP and HTTP ports to every instance. Keep the manager preset, executable configuration, firewall rules and router rules synchronized; one reused port can prevent a second instance from starting or make it appear intermittently.
Why can people see my server but not join?
- CGNAT or a private WAN address: the router may not have a publicly routable address, so forwarding cannot reach the host.
- Double NAT: an upstream modem or second router may also need bridge mode or its own forwarding rule.
- HTTP blocked: the lobby or browser-facing port may be closed even though game traffic is allowed.
- Firewall mismatch: a rule may allow the wrong executable, protocol or profile.
- Wrong configured port: the router may forward 9600 while the active preset uses another value.
- Content rejection: the lobby is reachable, but the client is refused after checksum or dependency validation.
If your internet provider uses CGNAT or you cannot change the router, a hosted server with a public address may be more practical than repeated local configuration.
How do I make cars, tracks and mods compatible?
Begin with stock content, then expand in controlled steps. Every driver should install the same car, track and layout files, downloadable content and required dependencies, using the exact versions expected by the server.
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- Even the secondary details are faithfully reproduced to make you feel the thrill of being in the cockpit of a real racing car. Doors, windshield wipers, headlights, racing lights, racing equipment and control devices such as ABS, traction control, engine ignition and ECU mapping, are all under the driver’s management to assure the best performance and offer the player total control of the car.
- Thanks to Laserscan technology, every official circuit is recreated with the utmost accuracy: all curbs and details perfectly fit their real counterparts to grant a gaming experience as faithful to reality as possible.
- A well-structured ranking system will evaluate individual performance and driving behaviour to reward the most virtuous drivers and promote fair play in online competitions. The matchmaking function makes sure that you can compete with opponents of similar skill level and easily find online races to join, while the leaderboards will allow you to compare single-lap performance with virtual pilots from around the world with the same car, circuit and weather conditions.
- Choose one stock car and track and launch a simple session.
- Verify that a player outside the host network can join and complete the connection.
- Add one mod or DLC item to the server preset and distribute that exact package to participants.
- Check any required Custom Shaders Patch version or other dependency before testing again.
- Only after the session works, add another mod, plugin, weather option or event rule.
Common symptoms include checksum mismatch messages, missing-content errors, a wrong track layout, a skin that is not installed, and a client using a different mod revision. Remove the newest addition, restore the last known-good preset and compare file versions before changing network settings.
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Should I use the original server or AssettoServer?
The original acServer.exe is the conservative choice for conventional private races and broad compatibility. AssettoServer is attractive for freeroam, AI traffic, dynamic weather and Steam-auth features, but it adds its own version and configuration requirements.
| Option | Best fit | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|
Original acServer.exe |
Private races using conventional sessions and standard content. | More administration is manual. |
| AssettoServer | Freeroam communities, AI traffic, dynamic weather and Steam-auth features. | Feature and client-version compatibility must be checked; some original settings may not behave identically. |
| Assetto Corsa Server Manager | Web administration, accounts, events, logs, championships and repeatable workflows around either server implementation. | The repository is archived, and the exposed administration surface requires careful hardening. |
| Managed AC hosting | 24/7 communities, CGNAT situations or users without router access. | Recurring cost and less control over the underlying infrastructure. |
What is different about AssettoServer installation?
AssettoServer’s documentation warns not to extract it into the Assetto Corsa game folder. Use a separate directory, then launch it through Content Manager or as its dedicated executable according to its documentation. Its Steam-auth workflow specifies Custom Shaders Patch 0.1.75 or newer and Content Manager 0.8.2297.38573 or newer. Confirm those requirements for the release you choose, because client and server updates can change compatibility.
How should I secure the manager?
Assume the web interface is an administrative interface, not a harmless status page. Use a strong administrator password and session key, change any default credentials, and restrict HTTP access to trusted networks whenever possible.
- Allow the administration port only from known addresses or a VPN when public browser access is unnecessary.
- Do not expose a setup page with placeholder credentials.
- Run the service under an account with only the file permissions it needs.
- Keep the manager, server executable, operating system and mods updated when supported releases are available.
- Review logs for unexpected logins, repeated failures and crash loops.
- Separate public game ports from the private administration interface where the network design permits it.
Because the manager repository is archived and read-only, evaluate whether its dependency versions and security posture are acceptable before exposing it to the internet. A private LAN or VPN deployment reduces the attack surface.
What should I back up before changing anything?
Back up the manager database and configuration before upgrades, and preserve the files that define how an event can be recreated.
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config.ymland any environment-specific configuration.- The manager database containing accounts, presets, results and event data.
- Server presets, entry lists and championship or race-weekend definitions.
- Mod cars, tracks, layouts, skins and dependency packages.
- Custom plugins, scripts and their settings.
- Firewall and router port mappings, recorded alongside the corresponding instance names.
Keep at least one copy outside the host machine. Test that a backup can be opened or restored before an upgrade, not after a failure. If a new release causes problems, stop the service, restore the previous configuration and database, and return to the last known-good server executable.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How do I operate a reliable race night?
Use a staged workflow that separates connectivity, content and event automation.
Before inviting drivers
- Start the manager and confirm the web interface responds on the expected address.
- Launch the baseline preset and inspect the dedicated-server log for startup errors.
- Verify the reserved local IP, firewall rules and router forwards.
- Join from a different internet connection, not only from the host LAN.
- Confirm the entry list, track layout, car versions and required dependencies with a second player.
During the event
- Watch live timing and logs for disconnects, rejected content or a process restart.
- Avoid changing the active preset while a race is in progress unless the event plan requires it.
- Keep a copy of the next session’s settings ready if an automatic loop fails.
After the event
- Save result pages and timing data.
- Record any changed ports, mods or plugin versions.
- Back up the database and updated presets before maintenance.
What are the most useful troubleshooting branches?
Identify the layer that fails before changing several variables at once.
| Symptom | Likely layer | Next check |
|---|---|---|
| Browser cannot open the manager on the host | Manager process or HTTP binding | Confirm the executable is running, the configured HTTP port is free and the log shows a successful bind. |
| Manager opens, but no race starts | Server files or dedicated executable | Check the server path, executable permissions and dedicated-server log. |
| Host can join, outside players cannot | Firewall, router or NAT | Compare configured ports with forwarding rules and inspect the router’s WAN address for CGNAT or double NAT. |
| Server appears, join is rejected | Content compatibility | Compare car, track, layout, DLC, mod checksum and dependency versions. |
| Second instance fails to start | Port collision | Assign unique TCP, UDP and HTTP ports and create matching rules. |
| AssettoServer starts but behavior differs from expectations | Implementation compatibility | Review AssettoServer’s release documentation and test its settings independently of the original executable. |
Return to the one-stock-car, one-stock-track baseline whenever diagnosis becomes unclear. A known-good baseline lets you classify the next change as a content, process or network problem instead of guessing.
Is home hosting or managed hosting better?
Home hosting is suitable for occasional sessions when you control the router, have a publicly reachable connection and can leave the host online. You retain infrastructure control and avoid a recurring hosting bill, but you are responsible for uptime, updates, backups, power, bandwidth and network troubleshooting.
Managed AC hosting is better for a continuously operated league, a public server or a home connection behind CGNAT. The provider handles much of the network and uptime work, while you trade away some infrastructure control and pay recurring fees. Check current AC1 support, geography, player limits, backup policy and mod workflow before committing; those details vary by provider and change over time.
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What should I verify before committing to a production deployment?
- The manager release is still maintained enough for your security and compatibility requirements, despite the repository archive status.
- Your chosen server implementation supports the cars, tracks, plugins and client versions your community uses.
- All game, HTTP and administration ports are documented and protected.
- A player outside your home network can join the baseline session.
- You have tested restoration of the database, configuration and content backups.
- You know who will monitor crashes, approve mods and restart the service.
- You have a fallback plan—another host, a previous release or managed hosting—if your home network becomes unreachable.
For a small private group, the simplest dependable path is the original dedicated server wrapped by a minimal manager preset, default content and carefully verified forwarding. Add AssettoServer features, plugins and automated events only when the baseline remains reproducible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run Assetto Corsa Server Manager without Steam installed on the host?
The standard Windows workflow expects Assetto Corsa server files from a Steam installation, or files installed through SteamCMD. A manager folder by itself is not a substitute for the dedicated-server files; if those files are absent or incomplete, the web interface may open but no race process can launch.
Do players need the same downloadable content if only the server owns it?
Yes. Drivers generally need the same DLC entitlement and installed content required by the selected car or track. A visible lobby does not bypass ownership or file validation, so confirm DLC requirements before scheduling an event.
Can I expose only the game ports and keep the manager private?
Yes. The race process can be reachable through its configured game ports while the HTTP administration interface remains limited to the host LAN, a VPN or an allow-listed address range. This reduces the risk of exposing account and control functions to the public internet.
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What is the safest way to add a large mod collection?
Export or back up the working preset first, then add one content package and its dependencies at a time. Have an external player join after each change; if a checksum or join failure appears, remove the newest package and compare its exact version with the clients.
How do I move the server to another computer?
Install the same manager and server implementation on the destination, restore the database, configuration, presets, entry lists and content, then recreate firewall and router rules for the destination’s reserved IP. Test externally before changing DNS, invitations or league schedules.
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