You have two real options: run Kunos’s free server tool yourself, or rent a server from a host. Both work. Which is better depends on how much of the plumbing you want to own. This guide covers both honestly, including the case where you should not pay us.
The short version
| Self-host | Rent (any host) | Pitwall | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free tool + your own machine and bandwidth | Monthly fee | USD per slot, from $6/month (see below) |
| Setup | Port forwarding or a VPS, firewall, updates | Order and wait | Order and wait |
| Game updates | You, every time | Host | We roll them out; you restart when ready |
| Uptime | Your PC/VPS | Host | Auto-restart on crash, scheduled restarts |
| Results, laps, telemetry | The game’s results files | Depends on host | Built in |
What the game gives you
Since the 0.6 update (April 2026), Kunos ships a free dedicated server tool. You need to own Assetto Corsa EVO; the tool is “Assetto Corsa EVO Dedicated Server” in your Steam library under Tools (Steam app 4564210). It includes a launcher where you set server name, ports, max players, passwords, track, weather, entry list and session rules. Official instructions are on 505 Games support.
Ports and requirements
- Game traffic: port 9700, TCP and UDP (the default; you can change it, but the launcher and your router must match).
- HTTP/API: port 8081 TCP, per the official guide. Community Docker images expose 8080 for the same listing traffic, so check which your build uses.
- A fixed internal IP for the machine, and port-forward rules from your router to it. Allow the server executable through Windows Firewall.
- Official guidance is thin on hardware. Community tools (Emperor Servers) quote 2 modern cores, 1 GB RAM and 20 Mbps up/down. Our own measurement: the server spikes to about 3 GB for 5 to 10 seconds when a track loads, then idles near 0.4 GB, so leave headroom for the spike.
- Everyone must run the same game version as the server. EVO is in Early Access and updates often.
Option A: self-host on Windows
- Install the Dedicated Server tool from Steam (Library, enable Tools, install).
- Open the launcher. Set name, ports, max players, a driver password (private) and an admin password.
- Pick track, weather, entry list and sessions. See our config reference.
- Forward 9700 TCP/UDP and 8081 TCP to the machine, then restart the router.
- Click Run Server. It is live while the console shows no errors. Search your server name in Multiplayer.
If it does not show in the browser, the usual cause is a firewall or port-forward mismatch.
Option B: self-host on Linux
The server is a Windows program. On Linux it runs under Proton with a virtual display and no GPU (software rendering). You can:
- Install it with SteamCMD (anonymous login works for the server app):
steamcmd +@sSteamCmdForcePlatformType windows +force_install_dir <dir> +login anonymous +app_update 4564210 validate +quit, then run it under Proton. - Or use a community Docker image such as zino1337/acevo-server (MIT, unofficial, needs a Steam account that owns the game, dashboard on port 8090). Others exist for Pterodactyl and Unraid.
This is the most flexible path and the most work: you maintain the VPS, firewall, Proton and every game update.
Option C: rent
A host does the above for you. Compare on slots, locations, update handling and what you get beyond a running process. Several hosts offer EVO or list it as coming soon; check the current state of each before you buy.
Where Pitwall fits
Pitwall is a managed host built around the data. We run the server on dedicated CPU cores and memory, handle installs, crash restarts and game updates, and give you a control panel: start, stop, restart, live console, config editing with the last 50 saves and one-click restore, scheduled restarts and team roles. Timing, results and telemetry (laps, lap compare, onboard view) come from our own engine, with a community site and driver pages for your league.
Plans are flat per slot, in USD, monthly, cancel any time, telemetry included on every plan:
| Plan | Slots | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | 10 | $6/month |
| Club | 20 | $10/month |
| League | 30 | $14/month |
| Endurance | 50 | $20/month |
Pitwall is opening soon. We do not offer free test servers. Compare plans on the pricing page.
When you should self-host instead
- You only race with a few friends and already have a machine on 24/7.
- You want a mod or setting the host does not allow.
- You enjoy running servers.
Choose a host when you want it up on league night without being the sysadmin, or you want results and lap data without wiring it up.
FAQ
Is the AC EVO dedicated server free? The tool is free to download if you own the game.
Which ports do I open? 9700 TCP/UDP for the game, plus the HTTP port (8081 in the official guide).
Can I run it on Linux? Yes, under Proton; no GPU is needed.
Do my drivers need anything special? The same game version, and the join password if you set one.