Assetto Corsa setup guide
The complete setup stack for Assetto Corsa — install Content Manager, add Custom Shader Patch, choose a weather mod and start installing mods. Everything in the correct order, with no manual file work.
The Assetto Corsa setup stack explained
Assetto Corsa modding is built in layers. Each layer sits on the one below it. Understanding what each piece does — and what is optional — makes the whole setup process straightforward.
| Layer | Role | Detail | Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Assetto Corsa | The base game | Must be installed and launched at least once through Steam before Content Manager can find it. | Yes |
| 2. Content Manager | The launcher | Replaces the default Kunos launcher. Handles session setup, online racing, mod installation and everything else. | Yes |
| 3. Custom Shader Patch | Graphics upgrade | Installed through Content Manager. Modernises lighting, shadows, reflections and enables weather mods. | Optional |
| 4. Sol or Pure | Weather and sky | Installed on top of CSP. Adds dynamic weather, time of day and photographic lighting. Pick one only. | Optional |
| 5. Cars, tracks and mods | Content | Installed via Content Manager by dragging archive files onto the window. Cars, tracks, skins and apps. | Optional |
The two required layers are Assetto Corsa and Content Manager. Everything above that is optional — but Custom Shader Patch, Sol or Pure, and a handful of the most popular community mods are used by the majority of active players and assumed by most online servers and guides.
How to set up Assetto Corsa: step by step
- 1 Launch Assetto Corsa through Steam once
Before installing Content Manager, start Assetto Corsa at least once using the default Steam launcher. This creates the game's configuration files and folder structure that Content Manager needs to find and index your installation.
- 2 Download and run Content Manager
Download Content Manager from assettocorsa.club — this is the only legitimate source. Run the single executable file. Windows SmartScreen may show a caution; choose More info then Run anyway. Content Manager will locate your Assetto Corsa folder and index your existing cars and tracks.
- 3 Install Custom Shader Patch through Content Manager
In Content Manager, open Settings then Custom Shader Patch. Choose a CSP version — the latest stable version is a safe choice for most players — and click Install. Content Manager downloads and applies the patch without any manual file work.
- 4 Add a weather mod: Sol or Pure
If you want dynamic weather and photographic lighting, install either Sol or Pure on top of CSP. Both are free and available from their respective official pages. Install one by dragging the downloaded archive onto Content Manager. Do not install both.
- 5 Configure your wheel or controller
In Content Manager's Settings panel, open Controls and select your wheel or controller. Most major brands — Logitech, Fanatec, Thrustmaster, Moza, Simagic — are detected automatically. Adjust force feedback strength to suit your preference. The wheel setup guide covers each brand in detail.
- 6 Install your first mods and start racing
Download a car or track from OverTake (overtake.gg) and drag the archive onto Content Manager. The mod appears in the content library within seconds. Open Quick Drive, choose your car and track, set up the session and click Race.
Where to go after the basic setup
With Content Manager, CSP and a weather mod in place, the core setup is complete. The next steps depend on how you want to use Assetto Corsa.
- Online racing: Open the server browser in Content Manager to find races. Most servers list their required mods, which you can install the same way as any other mod.
- Wheel setup: The wheel setup guide covers force feedback configuration for Logitech, Fanatec, Thrustmaster, Moza and Simagic wheels.
- VR: The VR setup guide covers Quest, Index and other SteamVR headsets. Content Manager simplifies the VR configuration step considerably.
- More mods: The best free mods guide lists the cars, tracks and apps most active players install first.
Setup — common questions
What do I need to play Assetto Corsa with mods?
You need Assetto Corsa installed via Steam, plus Content Manager as the launcher (free, from assettocorsa.club). Everything else — Custom Shader Patch, Sol or Pure, and individual car and track mods — is optional but widely used. Most guides and online servers assume Content Manager is in place.
Do I need to buy anything to set up Assetto Corsa with mods?
Assetto Corsa itself must be purchased through Steam. After that, Content Manager is free, Custom Shader Patch is free, Sol and Pure are free, and the majority of popular mods are free. The only optional paid item is Content Manager Full, which unlocks showroom and bulk preview features but is not required for modding.
What is the correct order to install things in Assetto Corsa?
The correct order is: (1) install and launch Assetto Corsa once through Steam, (2) install Content Manager from assettocorsa.club, (3) install Custom Shader Patch through Content Manager, (4) optionally add Sol or Pure on top of CSP, then (5) install any cars, tracks and other mods through Content Manager. Installing CSP before Content Manager is possible but makes the process harder.
Do I need Custom Shader Patch to play Assetto Corsa?
No. Assetto Corsa runs without Custom Shader Patch — the base game has its own graphics. However, CSP is free, dramatically improves visuals, and is required by many popular mods and online servers. The majority of the active player base runs CSP.
What is the difference between Sol and Pure?
Sol and Pure are both free weather mods for Assetto Corsa that run on top of Custom Shader Patch. Sol, by Peter Boese, offers a wide range of weather presets and dramatic sky simulations. Pure, also by Peter Boese, focuses on photographic realism with less configuration needed. Both are popular — install whichever suits your preference, but not both simultaneously.
How long does it take to set up Assetto Corsa with Content Manager and CSP?
If Assetto Corsa is already installed, setting up Content Manager and Custom Shader Patch takes around ten to fifteen minutes. The process involves three downloads: Content Manager, the CSP build of your choice, and optionally Sol or Pure. Each step is straightforward with no manual file placement required.