Assetto Corsa Server Not Working: Common Fixes

If your Assetto Corsa server is not working, the problem is almost always one of a few common issues: port forwarding not set up correctly, a firewall blocking the server, a missing or outdated server configuration, or a mismatch between the server and client versions. This article walks through each of these problems and gives step-by-step fixes you can try.

How Assetto Corsa Dedicated Servers Work

Assetto Corsa uses a separate dedicated server program that you download from Steam (under Tools) called “Assetto Corsa Dedicated Server.â€� It runs independently of the game client and can be hosted on the same PC or a separate machine. The server reads configuration files from a folder called cfg and loads track and car data from the game’s content.

When you launch the server, it opens a command window, loads the chosen track and cars, and waits for players. Players connect by entering the server’s IP address and port in the game’s multiplayer menu. The default port is 9600 for UDP and TCP, but you can change it in the configuration.

Common Problem 1: Server Not Visible in the Server List

If your server doesn’t appear in the in-game server list, the most common cause is that port forwarding is not set up correctly on your router. The server sends heartbeat data to the master server on UDP port 9600, and players connect on the same port. If that port is not forwarded to your PC’s local IP address, the server will not be listed.

To fix this:

• Find your PC’s local IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.10).
• Log into your router’s admin page and look for “Port Forwardingâ€� or “Virtual Server.â€�
• Create a rule that forwards both UDP and TCP port 9600 to your PC’s IP address.
• If you changed the server port in the configuration, forward that port instead.

After forwarding, restart the server and wait a few minutes. The server list can take time to update.

Common Problem 2: Players Can’t Connect Even Though the Server is Listed

Sometimes the server appears in the list but players get a “Connection Failed� or timeout error. This usually means the server is reachable for the heartbeat but not for the actual game traffic. The same port forwarding rule must apply to UDP, because the game uses UDP for real-time data. If you only forwarded TCP, the server will show up but be unjoinable.

Another cause is the server PC’s firewall. Windows Defender Firewall often blocks the server program. To fix:

1. Open Windows Defender Firewall.
2. Click “Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.�
3. Find “Assetto Corsa Dedicated Serverâ€� or browse to the acServer.exe file.
4. Make sure both Private and Public boxes are checked.
5. If it’s not listed, click “Allow another app� and add the executable manually.

If you have a third-party firewall or antivirus, add an exception for the server executable and the port.

Common Problem 3: Server Crashes on Startup or Immediately After Loading

A server that crashes right after launch usually has a configuration error. The most common mistakes are:

• Wrong track or car name in the server_cfg.ini file. The name must match exactly the folder name in the game’s content.
• Missing or corrupted track/car files. Verify the game files via Steam for both the game and the dedicated server tool.
• Incorrect entry list or race settings. For example, a race with 0 laps and no practice/qualifying can cause an instant end.

Check the server log file (logs/server.log) for error messages. It will usually tell you exactly which file or setting is wrong.

Common Problem 4: Version Mismatch Between Server and Client

Assetto Corsa updates frequently, and the dedicated server tool must be updated to the same version as the game. If your server is older than the client, players will see a “Version mismatch� error. To update, right-click “Assetto Corsa Dedicated Server� in your Steam library, select “Properties,� go to the “Updates� tab, and set it to “Always keep this game updated.� Then restart the server.

If you are using Content Manager (a popular third-party launcher), it can also update the server files for you. But always ensure both the game and the server are on the same build.

Common Problem 5: Server Runs But No One Can See It (LAN vs Internet)

If the server is only visible on your local network but not on the internet, the issue is almost always the router’s NAT or the server’s advertised IP. In the server_cfg.ini file, there is a setting called ADVERTISED_IP. If you are hosting on a home connection, leave it blank or set it to your public IP. If you are using a VPN or a VPS, set it to the server’s public IP.

Also, make sure your router is not using “Symmetric NAT� which can interfere with peer-to-peer connections. Some routers have an option to enable “Full Cone NAT� or “Open NAT� for gaming – enable that if available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my server show “No entry list� error?

This error means the server cannot find the entry_list.ini file or the file is empty. Make sure the file is in the same cfg folder as server_cfg.ini and that it contains at least one car entry. The format should be like CAR=bmw_m3_e30 and DRIVERNAME=Player1.

How do I change the server port?

Open server_cfg.ini and find the line PORT=9600. Change the number to any free port, then update your router’s port forwarding to match. Remember to forward both TCP and UDP for that port.

Can I run a server on the same PC I play on?

Yes, but it will use CPU and RAM that could affect your game performance. For a small group of friends, it’s usually fine. For more than 10 players, a separate machine or a VPS is recommended.

Why does my server lag or have high ping?

High ping is often due to the server’s upload bandwidth. Assetto Corsa uses about 10-20 kbps per player, so for 20 players you need at least 400 kbps upload. Check your internet speed and close other programs that use bandwidth. Also, make sure your server is in a region close to your players.

Do I need to open any other ports besides 9600?

No, the game only uses the one port you specify for both UDP and TCP. However, if you use plugins or tools like Assetto Corsa Content Manager’s server manager, they might need additional ports for their web interface – check their documentation.

Why does my server work but the race never starts?

This is usually a configuration issue. Check the server_cfg.ini for RACE_LAPS or RACE_TIME. If both are set to 0, the race will not start. Set at least one to a positive number. Also, make sure there is a qualifying session or that START_RULE is set correctly.

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