Update 1.9 for Assetto Corsa Competizione released for PC in April this year but consoles were left hard done by. Finally, Xbox and PS racers will get the revolutionary update and DLC on 27 June.
UPDATE 27/06/2023:
Today, Assetto Corsa Competizione finally receives its latest update for consoles. Both PC and console variants of the game are now on the same 1.9 version. The new update introduces plenty of new content as well as significant physics updates. Here’s all you need to know on release day.
Whilst PC players were blessed with a physics overhaul as part of the 1.9 update in April, console players can finally revel in the changes. In fact, a brief press release from 505 Games mentions “improvements made to the physics system” as part of the major differences players will feel after updating their games.
Alongside the physics changes, players can expect the all-new McLaren 720S GT3 Evo for free. Those that own the 2020 GT World Challenge DLC also get a free update to the Mercedes AMG GT3 Evo. Finally on the content front, one can now pick up the 2023 GT World Challenge DLC comprising of the Valencia Circuit Ricardo Tormo, Ferrari 296 GT3, Porsche 992 911 GT3 R and Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Evo 2. According to the press release, the pack will cost £10.99 on PS5 and Xbox Series S and X.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE 22/06/2023:
Ever since its launch to consoles, Assetto Corsa Competizione updates and releases have favoured PC players. Whilst PC racers often complain about poor Balance of Performance and physics issues, console fans must put up with updates coming out months after those of the PC equivalent.
In April of this year, the GT3-focused sim racing title received what Kunos dubbed its biggest update yet. Well finally, the console variant of the game finally updates to version 1.9 on 29 June. The update will release alongside the highly anticipated 2023 GT World Challenge DLC bringing three new cars and one track to the fray.
A Revolutionary ACC Update
From its inception, update 1.9 was set to be the biggest change in ACC‘s history. It introduces a number of sizeable changes to the tyre model and the way the suspension works. These overhauls correct many issues players have with the game in its current console state.
One major concern players have of ACC in its pre-1.9 version is the way cars ride kerbs and bumps. After some digging, the team found that the bumpstop simulation was acting in unrealistic ways.
Whilst in real life the bumpstop is designed to gradually stiffen the suspension travel to avoid cars bottoming out, the ACC model features unlimited compression with exponentially rising stiffness. This results in cars bottoming out and the suspension travel releasing with full force causing uncontrollable spins.
With the new update, bumpstops will now feature a cut-off point of 35mm of compression. At this point, the suspension will take the brunt of a kerb or bump strike. Although this creates a sudden halt in suspension travel, it does cut out any fear of the bumpstop firing back and launching the car unrealistically. From now on, console players in ACC should be able to ride bumps in a smoother way.
Elsewhere, tyre pressures no longer follow the pin point rule of thumb they always have. A wider operating range now provides some degree of compromise in one’s setup. The tyre model changes also have an impact on tyre temperature as well with core temps becoming more stable. Surface temperatures however are far more unstable as sliding will soon cause them to overheat.
Finally, the numerous physics changes also introduce better aerodynamic simulation. The downforce and drag curves are now far less peaky, much like the tyre pressures. This gradual gain and loss of downforce means one can get away with sliding a car through a corner without losing all grip. This means qualifying and race laps are done far differently to one another.
Overall, Assetto Corsa Competizione is far more realistic after update 1.9 and console players will get to experience the changes next week. With so many changes, the game will act much differently to before. Upon its PC release, we gave 5 tips to driving in ACC in version 1.9.
2023 GTWC DLC Coming to Console
Alongside the physics model update comes a brand new DLC pack. Focusing on this year’s GT World Challenge Europe season, it introduces three new cars and one track to the game. The additions bolster the title’s content list and will provide leagues with fresh opportunities.
Among the new cars are two all new models, one updated car in Evo form. The Ferrari 488 has lived a long life but it’s now time for the 296 GT3 to take on the Prancing Horse baton. From Stuttgart, the Porsche 992 911 GT3 R joins the game as a new car, despite carrying the same 911 moniker as the two previous Porsche GT3 contenders. In Evo 2 form comes the Lamborghini Huracan GT3. A major refresh, this car looks mean and sounds even meaner.
On the track front, the 2023 GTWC Europe calendar provides plenty of options for new tracks to ACC. In fact, the game currently misses two new venues and one overhauled layout to run a full simulation of this year’s season. Kunos decided to introduce the Spanish Circuit Ricardo Tormo, better known as Valencia. Last year, this fast-flowing track ran as the Endurance Cup season closer. This year, it hosts a sprint round in September.
Free Content
A few weeks ago, the PC edition of Assetto Corsa Competizione got a small update featuring the new McLaren 720S GT3 Evo for free. Console players of the game are lucky to see this car join the line-up at no extra cost as part of the 1.9 update.
Finally, a fifth car will join the game when the game updates on 27 June. Those that own the 2020 GT World Challenge DLC will get an updated version of the Mercedes AMG GT3 Evo. The new model is something of a semi-evo car in what many dub the AMG GT3 Evo 1.5.
All-in-all, the console version of ACC is getting a major, yet much-needed refresh next week. With lots of content and a large physics overhaul, it should inject new life into the game. PC players now have their eyes on the horizon with a GT2 pack seemingly on its way this year. Xbox and Playstation variants of ACC will surely receive the new class of cars at the end of this year or early 2024.
Are you excited for ACC update 1.9 to finally make it to consoles? Tell us on Twitter at @OverTake_gg or in the comments down below!
