How to Make an Assetto Corsa Server Private

This guide walks you through setting up a private Assetto Corsa server so only you and your invited friends can join. You’ll edit a few configuration files in your server folder, and by the end, your server will be password-protected and hidden from the public server list. You’ll need a copy of Assetto Corsa on PC, a server build (either downloaded from Steam or the dedicated server package), and basic text editing skills.

What You’ll Need

• A Windows or Linux PC that can run the server (the same machine you play on works fine for small groups).
• Assetto Corsa installed via Steam (for the server files and to test the connection).
• A text editor like Notepad++ or VS Code (regular Notepad works too, but be careful with line endings).
• Your router’s admin access if you want friends outside your local network to join (for port forwarding).

Step-by-Step

1. Get the server files. The easiest way is to use Steam: go to your Library, switch the filter from “Games” to “Tools,” and find “Assetto Corsa Dedicated Server.” Install it. Alternatively, you can download the server package from the official Assetto Corsa website (the “server” download link).
2. Locate your server folder. After installation, navigate to where the server files are. For the Steam version, it’s usually in Steam\steamapps\common\assettocorsa\server. For the standalone package, it’s wherever you extracted it.
3. Open the configuration folder. Inside the server folder, you’ll see a cfg directory. This holds all the .ini files that control your server.
4. Edit the server_cfg.ini file. Open server_cfg.ini in your text editor. This is the main file. Find the [SERVER] section. You’ll see lines like NAME=, PASSWORD=, and ADMIN_PASSWORD=.
5. Set a server password. In the [SERVER] section, change the line PASSWORD= to something like PASSWORD=mysecretpass. This is the password players must enter to join. Make it something you’ll share with friends.
6. Set an admin password (optional but recommended). Change ADMIN_PASSWORD= to a different password. This is for in-game admin commands (like kicking or banning players). You’ll need this if you want to manage the server while it’s running.
7. Hide the server from the public list. In the same [SERVER] section, look for a line that says REGISTER_TO_LOBBY=. Set it to 0. This prevents your server from appearing in the in-game server browser. If the line doesn’t exist, add it under the [SERVER] section.
8. Save the file. Save server_cfg.ini and close it.
9. Configure the track and car. Open entry_list.ini in the same cfg folder. This defines which cars are allowed. Add car models you own (e.g., MODEL=ks_ferrari_488_gtb). Then open track_cfg.ini (or create one if it doesn’t exist) and set the track name, layout, and number of laps. For a private server, you can keep it simple.
10. Start the server. Run the server executable. On Windows, it’s acServer.exe. On Linux, it’s acServer. A command window should open showing the server starting up.
11. Test the connection. Launch Assetto Corsa on your gaming PC. Go to Online -> LAN (if you’re on the same network) or Online -> Server List (if you’re testing over the internet). Since you set REGISTER_TO_LOBBY=0, it won’t show in the public list, so use the LAN tab for local testing. You should see your server. Click it, enter the password, and join.
12. Port forwarding (for friends over the internet). If you want friends outside your home network to join, you must forward the following ports in your router to the PC running the server: 9600 (UDP), 9601 (UDP), 8081 (TCP). The exact method varies by router, but you’ll log into your router’s admin page, find “Port Forwarding,” and create rules for these ports.

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting to set REGISTER_TO_LOBBY=0. If you skip this, your server will be public, and anyone can see it (though they still need the password).
• Using the same password for both player and admin. This is a security risk. Use different passwords.
• Editing the wrong file. There are multiple .ini files. Make sure you’re editing server_cfg.ini for the server settings, not entry_list.ini or track_cfg.ini.
• Not saving the file with the correct encoding. Use UTF-8 without BOM. Notepad++ defaults to this, but regular Notepad might save with BOM, which can cause issues.
• Starting the server before editing. If you start the server first, it may overwrite your changes. Always edit files before launching.

Tips

• Use a fixed IP for your server PC. In your router, assign a static IP to the PC running the server. This prevents the IP from changing and breaking port forwarding.
• Test with a friend on the same network first. This helps isolate issues between your server config and your router.
• Keep a backup of your config files. If something goes wrong, you can quickly restore a working setup.
• Use a dedicated server tool. Tools like Assetto Corsa Server Manager (free, open-source) can make managing multiple configs easier, but they’re not required for a simple private server.
• Set a reasonable max clients. In server_cfg.ini, the MAX_CLIENTS line controls how many players can join. For a private server, 8-12 is usually plenty.

Troubleshooting

• Friends can’t see the server in the LAN tab. Make sure they are on the same network (same router). If they are, check your Windows firewall – it might be blocking the server. Add an exception for acServer.exe on ports 9600 and 9601.
• Server starts but crashes immediately. Check the server log file (usually server\logs\server.log). The most common cause is a missing car or track. Make sure the car models in entry_list.ini are spelled correctly and exist in your server’s content\cars folder.
• Players get “Invalid password” even though they typed it correctly. Check that there are no extra spaces or quotes in the PASSWORD= line. Also, make sure you’re using the player password, not the admin password.
• Friends over the internet can’t join. First, verify port forwarding is set up correctly. Use an online port checker tool to see if ports 9600 and 9601 are open. If they are, check your server’s firewall. Also, make sure your server PC has a static IP.
• The server doesn’t show up in the public list (but you wanted it to). This is because you set REGISTER_TO_LOBBY=0. To make it public, set it back to 1 and restart the server. Note that public listing can take a few minutes to appear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make my server private without a password?

Yes, you can set REGISTER_TO_LOBBY=0 and leave PASSWORD= empty. Then only people who know the server IP and port can join. However, a password is recommended for control.

Do I need to port forward if I only play on LAN?

No. Port forwarding is only needed for players connecting from outside your local network. If everyone is on the same Wi-Fi or router, they can join via the LAN tab without any router changes.

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

Yes, but it will use system resources (CPU, RAM, and network). For 2-4 players, it’s usually fine. For larger groups, consider a separate machine or a hosted server.

How do I change the track or car after the server is running?

You must edit the config files and restart the server. There is no in-game command to change tracks or cars without mods.

What is the difference between the player password and admin password?

The player password is required to join the server. The admin password is used in the in-game chat (e.g., /admin yourpassword) to unlock admin commands like kicking or banning players.

Why is my server not showing up in the LAN tab after I set it up?

Check that the server is running (the command window is open). Also, ensure your firewall allows incoming connections on ports 9600 and 9601. If you’re on a different subnet, use the direct IP:port in the “Add Server” option in the game.

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