The racing sim community is buzzing with excitement over Assetto Corsa EVO, the upcoming title from Kunos Simulazioni. Known for its ultra-realistic driving physics, the franchise is now pushing boundaries by introducing a massive open-world driving environment. But just how big is this map going to be?
Let’s explore what makes this open world a major step forward for the racing sim genre.
A Groundbreaking Leap for Sim Racing
Unlike its predecessor, Assetto Corsa EVO will not limit players to traditional racing circuits. Instead, it introduces a true open-world experience, allowing drivers to roam freely across roads, backroads, and natural terrain.
This is not just a small expansion—this is a complete shift in how sim racing is experienced. It blends the technical demands of simulation physics with the open exploration found in games like Forza Horizon.
The Map Size: 1,600 Square Kilometers
According to early announcements and reports from sim racing news outlets, Assetto Corsa EVO will feature an open-world map that spans 1,600 km². That’s about 10 to 16 times larger than Forza Horizon 5’s map, which is already considered one of the most expansive in racing games.
To put that in perspective, this world is roughly the size of a small country or an entire county in the real world. And it’s not just empty space—every part of the map is said to be drivable and explorable.
What’s in the Map?
This isn’t just a wide-open sandbox with nothing in it. The EVO map includes:
- Realistic road networks, including highways, urban streets, and mountain routes
- Dirt and off-road paths for rally-style driving
- Elevation changes, tunnels, bridges, and weather effects
- Procedurally generated terrain based on real-world LiDAR data, ensuring accuracy and immersion
The entire map is reportedly designed to be seamless, with no loading screens or artificial boundaries blocking your journey.
Built With Simulation in Mind
Despite the open-world format, Kunos is not sacrificing its core focus: simulation accuracy. The physics engine in Assetto Corsa EVO will replicate real driving conditions, including tire wear, traction, braking, and suspension behavior—across all road types and conditions.
So whether you’re racing at top speeds on a highway or drifting through a dirt trail in the countryside, the gameplay remains true to the franchise’s high standards.
What This Means for Players
The large-scale map means players will have more freedom than ever before. Whether you’re a casual driver who enjoys scenic cruising or a competitive sim racer who wants to test cars in a variety of conditions, the world of EVO will accommodate you.
The size and variety of the map also allow for:
- Long-distance endurance driving
- Community-driven events in open-world settings
- Modding opportunities with custom locations and courses
- More immersive multiplayer experiences
Early Access and Release Timeline
Assetto Corsa EVO entered early access on January 16, 2025, allowing players to start exploring the evolving world ahead of the full release, expected later in the year. Kunos Simulazioni is actively gathering player feedback during this period to refine gameplay, optimize performance, and expand features.
Final Thoughts
With a 1,600 km² open-world map, Assetto Corsa EVO is set to become one of the largest and most realistic driving environments in the history of racing games. It combines the technical depth of simulation with the thrill of open exploration—offering something truly unique in the sim racing genre.
Whether you’re a long-time fan of Assetto Corsa or a newcomer drawn by the freedom of an open map, EVO is shaping up to be a game-changer.