How to Play Assetto Corsa VR Mode [Step-by-Step] (+ Competizione)

In this article, I’ll cover everything you need to know about how to play Assetto Corsa in VR, the realistic racing game on Steam. I’ll show you which VR headsets work with Assetto Corsa and optimized settings you should have in order to play in VR.

This guide is for both Assetto Corsa and its sequel, Assetto Corsa Competizione. Both of these games support virtual reality and the setup is identical.

Need to buy the game? Compare the pricing on Steam vs Humble Bundle and get the best deal!

If you have any other questions, comment down below at the bottom of this guide.

What is Assetto Corsa?

Assetto Corsa is a car racing simulator with a very realistic driving experience, top-notch graphics, and racing physics. It was developed with the input of real racers and drivers in order to be as accurate as possible. The game is comprehensive, features both single and multiplayer modes, and a deep career mode to explore.

Assetto Corsa was released in full in 2014. The game focuses on realistic driving and lifelike racing physics. It has a number of offline and online game modes.

Offline play includes a full length campaign, special events, custom championships, quick races, drift, drag, and more. A server manager tool included with the game allows players to create online sessions and game modes.

Assetto Corsa provides full customization of all cars included in the game:

• gear ratios
• tire pressures
• fuel
• suspension settings
• travel range
• damper settings
• alignment
• brakes
• engine limiter

Assetto Corsa Competizione

Competizione is the sequel to the original Assetto Corsa. It features the official GT3 championship, including official drivers and teams from the sport. Being 5 years news, the game has even more realism packed into it. A lot of time and care has been placed into simulating the car’s aeodynamics, engine parameters, suspension, tire grip, and other real life factors.

Competizione is powered by the new Unreal 4 engine, so the graphics are refined more. All of the same game modes are included for you to try out. Real world racing drivers from the GT3 international racing circuit are included.

Does Assetto Corsa Support VR?

Yes, both Assetto Corsa and Competizione have full virtual reality support on the SteamVR platform. This means that Playstation VR owners cannot play the game in virtual reality, but any PC VR players can.

There are also third party mods for Assetto Corsa that optimize the game in VR and make it run smoother. Below, I’ll show you how to setup VR mode for either game.

What VR Headsets Can You Play Assetto Corsa On?

The following headsets support Assetto Corsa in VR:

• Oculus Rift
• Valve Index
• HTC Vive
• Windows Mixed Reality

You can also use the Meta Quest or Meta Quest 2 if you setup Oculus Link or Air Link.

You can enjoy Assetto Corsa VR with a gamepad or a keyboard and mouse. The seated mode play area is best suited for Assetto Corsa and other car racing games.

Assetto Corsa VR Mode System Requirements

The minimum and recommended system requirements for Assetto Corsa VR compatibility are as follows:

Competizione VR System Requirements

Related content: The Best PC VR Games [Ultimate List]

How to Purchase Assetto Corsa or Competizione

Go to Steam

Assetto Corsa and its sequel are available on Steam. To purchase and set up the game, go to the PC version page of Assetto Corsa on Steam.

Or, click here to go to the Competizione page on Steam.

Login to Your Account

Log in to your Steam account if you already have one or register for a free Steam account on the Steam website

Complete Your Purchase

Follow the steps on the screen to complete your purchase of Assetto Corsa.

Install Assetto Corsa

Finally, download and install Assetto Corsa (or Competizione) from Steam onto your computer.

Below, we’ll show you how to set up Assetto Corsa in VR so that you can play on your VR headset.

Key Features of Assetto Corsa

From naturalistic tracks to modification of cars and tracks, Assetto Corsa has absolutely nailed it on the features.

Advanced Physics Engine

The engine is so realistic that it provides a lifelike driving experience by creating an immersive environment that no other racing simulator can emulate.

Its features are made for realism:

• Advanced aerodynamic simulation
• KERS and energy recovery simulation
• Graining and blistering
• Tire flat spots
• Telemetry input channels

Advanced Tracks

Not every racing game leverages advanced technology for developing tracks. And that is why Assetto Corsa stands out from them all. It uses Laser Scan Technology to provide the most accurate racing environments.

The following tracks are available on Assetto Corsa.

• Silverstone
• Monza
• Mugello
• Imola
• Spa
• Brands Hatch

Licensed Cars

The makers of the game made sure that only officially licensed cars could use the exceptional physics engine. Some of the car manufacturers included are:

• Audi
• BMW
• Classic Team Lotus
• Ferrari
• Lamborghini
• McLaren
• Mercedes
• Pagani
• Porsche
• Tatuus

Modding and customization

One of the best features of Assetto Corsa is the fair amount of vehicle and track customization. No matter if you are a newbie, a hobbyist, or a professional sim-racer, you get to customize your cars and tracks using the same tools used by the developers of the game.

If you plan on playing a lot of VR mode in the game, some of the mods will help refine your experience and make it better in virtual reality.

Hardware compatibility

Assetto Corsa’s hardware compatibility is something to die for. Gamers with different hardware types can seamlessly play the game as it works on just about any gaming device.

You can play Assetto Corsa using a keyboard, joystick, gamepad, steering wheels, or motion systems.

Other Features

Like most car racing games, Assetto Corsa has a career mode alongside events and challenges within the game. The game has both single and multiplayer modes where racers can take part in quick races, custom championships, race weekends, practice sessions, qualifying races, drag races, drift challenges, and a lot more.

The game allows the user to play as one of the four profiles listed below, based on proficiency:

• Gamer
• Racer
• Pro
• Fully customizable profile

Among other features, Assetto Corsa includes the following:

• In-game telemetry and top apps
• Adjustable time in day mode
• Dynamic simulation of tire rubber deposited on track
• Advanced car setup options
• Flags and penalties
• Special and unique events to race in

Now that we have the basics of Assetto Corsa covered, let’s dive right into the next section, which is how to play Assetto Corsa in VR.

How to play Assetto Corsa in VR

The steps below also work to play Competizione in VR.

To play Assetto Corsa in VR, you need to connect your PC to a VR headset like Oculus Quest 2, HTC Vive Pro 2, HP Reverb G2, or Valve Index. Once you’re connected to the VR headset, setting up Assetto Corsa VR is pretty simple. Follow the below steps to set up Assetto Corsa in VR and start playing:

1. Go to Steam and navigate to your Assetto Corsa account
2. Scroll down to Properties
3. From the menu, select Launch options, and in the box, type VR
4. Relaunch the game and you shall see two options with one being VR. Select VR and start playing Assetto Corsa in VR. Alternatively, you can follow the below method to launch Assetto Corsa in VR:
5. Launch Steam VR
6. Open Assetto Corsa on Steam VR
7. Under the Graphics option, select OpenVR
8. If you are playing in single-player mode, turn on anti-aliasing for an immersive VR driving experience. Note that turning on anti-aliasing may lower the FPS on a low-end build. And this in turn might make the picture quality blurry.
9. Finally, launch your favorite car-track combo and enjoy driving in VR

Tip: To recenter your view, press Ctrl + Space on the keyboard.

Assetto Corsa VR Alternatives

Forza Horizon 4

If the racer in you is looking for the perfect mix of fun, new challenges, variation in vehicles, and higher difficulty levels, then this game is for you. One of the best parts of Forza Horizon 4 is that you can take a vehicle and modify it to suit your preferences. Get your dream car out on the road and start exploring. The game’s design will take you through the countryside of the beautiful United Kingdom. It is up to you to explore it alone or team up and discover the essence of racing.

You can collect over 450 cars. The interesting part is there are no lanes and you are all allowed to race in the open world without restrictions. Play this for hours, and the game still goes on without any lag.

If you have already enjoyed other racing games, this might not be as big a deal to you. But this game ticks all the boxes which a racing game needs to have.

iRacing

iRacing, or internet racing, is computer-based motorsport. What makes this game attractive is that you can race in one of their 800+ private leagues or you can host your race.

The events can be up to 24 hours long, which will help you stick with the game and not become bored. One of the main advantages of this game is that you can ban those people who crash out other racers intentionally. You’ll need proof, of course, but everyone can expect a genuine and challenging race here.

A few exclusive cars are not covered under the subscription, so they may cost you a bit more. To buy additional cars, you have to pay a one-time fee of $11.95 per car, while additional tracks will cost you $11.95 or $14.95, depending on the track you choose. Discounted tracks and cars are also available at $4.95 and $2.95, respectively.

BeamNG.drive

While most gamers complain about the physics of other racing games, they won’t get the chance with this one. BeamNG.drive is one of those good racing games with good physics that will give you that real-time experience. You can adjust multiple factors like weather, gravity, speed of the game, and the camera to practically any angle you want.

The supply of content is endless, and every update brings something new and challenging. Worth a try!

Frequently Asked Questions About Assetto Corsa VR

Final Thoughts

Assetto Corsa and its sequel, Competizione, are next-generation driving simulators that replicate real-life driving experiences. Playing the game in VR gives an immersive gameplay experience, and the customization and modification capability puts a cherry on top.