So you've got an Assetto Corsa EVO server and you want to get on track. This guide walks through the initial setup – ordering, first boot, connecting, and the basics you need to know before inviting anyone else. I'll keep it practical.
If you're looking for detailed configuration options (session types, weather, AI tuning), that's all in the Configuration Guide. This page is just about getting from zero to driving.
Ordering Your Server
Head to our Assetto Corsa EVO server hosting page and pick a plan based on how many player slots you need. 10 slots is fine for a small friend group, 16-24 covers most league setups, and higher counts are there if you need them. Choose the server region closest to the majority of your players – lower ping makes a real difference in sim racing where every millisecond of input latency matters.
After checkout, your server deploys automatically. You'll receive login credentials for the LOW.MS Control Panel at control.low.ms within a few minutes.
Your Control Panel
Log into the LOW.MS Control Panel at control.low.ms. Your ACE server appears on the dashboard. Click into it and you'll see the sidebar with everything you need:
- Service Settings – Server name, passwords, slot count
- Configuration Files – Direct access to the server's JSON config files
- Commandline Manager – Startup parameters
- File Manager – Browse and edit server files
- Log Viewer – Real-time server logs for debugging
- Steam Update – One-click server binary updates
- Web Console – Server console access from your browser
- Cloud Backup / Cloud Restore – Automatic and manual backup management
- Scheduled Tasks – Automate restarts, updates, and backups
The interface is straightforward. Most of what you need for initial setup lives under Service Settings and Configuration Files.
First Boot
Your server comes pre-configured with sensible defaults – a practice session on a popular track, open car selection, clear weather. Start it up from the dashboard and it'll boot within seconds.
Check the Log Viewer to confirm everything's healthy. You should see the server initialise, load track data, and report that it's ready for connections. If you see errors here, check the Troubleshooting guide.
Connecting to Your Server
There are a few ways to find and join your server from the game client:
Server Browser – Open ACE, go to Multiplayer, and browse the server list. Your server appears by name. If you've set a password, you'll be prompted when joining.
Direct Connect – If your server doesn't appear in the browser (can take a minute or two after first boot), use the direct connect option with your server's IP address and port. You'll find these in the LOW.MS Control Panel under Service Settings.
Favourites – After joining once, add the server to your favourites for quick access next time.
Tell your friends or league members the server name (and password if it's private). They'll find it through the same browser or direct connect method.
Basic Setup Checklist
Before your first proper session, run through these:
Set your server name to something recognisable. Include your league name or community tag.
Set a server password if this is for a private group. Leave it blank for public access.
Set an admin password and keep it secure.
Pick your track. Open Configuration Files, find the event config, and set the track to wherever you want to drive. The full track list includes 18 circuits from Spa and Monza to the brand-new Sebring.
Choose your car list. Decide whether you want an open selection or a restricted list. For casual sessions, open is easiest. For leagues, you'll want to lock it down.
Set session structure. A simple practice session is the easiest starting point. Add qualifying and a race once you're comfortable. Our Configuration Guide has the full session setup breakdown.
Keeping Your Server Updated
Kunos pushes updates to the dedicated server tool through Steam alongside game client updates. When a new version drops, your server needs to match – clients on a newer version can't connect to an older server.
On LOW.MS, hit Steam Update in the sidebar to pull the latest server files. It takes under a minute. You can also set up a Scheduled Task to check for updates automatically at a quiet time.
Cloud Backups
Your server's configuration and data are automatically backed up by the LOW.MS cloud backup system. You'll find options under Cloud Backup and Cloud Restore in the sidebar.
Before making significant config changes, it's worth triggering a manual backup. That way you can roll back quickly if your 47-car multiclass endurance event config turns out to have a typo somewhere. I've been there.
Next Steps
Once you're connected and driving, the natural next step is dialling in your configuration. The Configuration Guide covers everything – weather, AI opponents, race rules, performance tuning, the lot.
If things aren't working as expected, the Troubleshooting guide covers common issues from connection failures to performance problems.
For broader context on ACE's dedicated servers and the v0.6 update that made all of this possible, we've written a full breakdown on the blog.