If you’re a sim racing enthusiast looking to take immersion to the next level, Assetto Corsa in VR is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have behind a virtual wheel. But setting it up properly isn’t always plug-and-play, especially if you’re aiming for sharp visuals, smooth performance, and full mod compatibility.
As a VR content creator and long-time sim racer, I’ve spent countless hours fine-tuning Assetto Corsa across different headsets, platforms, and mods. In this guide, you’ll get a step-by-step breakdown of how to play Assetto Corsa in VR whether you’re running it stock through Steam or going all-in with Content Manager and the Custom Shaders Patch.
Expect clear answers, reliable tips, and tested fixes for common issues, no fluff, just practical setup guidance based on real racing experience.
Let’s get you on track in full virtual reality.
Is Assetto Corsa Playable in VR?
Yes, Assetto Corsa is fully playable in VR, and the experience is outstanding when properly set up. The base game, available on Steam, offers native VR support through OpenVR (SteamVR), meaning you don’t need a third-party mod just to enter the cockpit in VR.
However, if you want the best possible visuals, performance, and mod integration, especially with Content Manager and the Custom Shaders Patch (CSP), some extra steps are necessary.
Supported VR Headsets
Assetto Corsa supports all major PC VR headsets:
- Meta Quest 2 / 3 (via Link cable or Air Link / Virtual Desktop)
- Valve Index
- HTC Vive / Vive Pro
- Pimax
- HP Reverb G2
- Any SteamVR-compatible headset
Note: There is no native standalone version for Quest 2 or Quest 3. You’ll need to play via PC using SteamVR.
Native VR vs. Modded VR (Content Manager)
You can launch VR either:
- From Steam’s Launch Options directly (basic setup, limited customizability)
- Or via Content Manager, which offers VR-specific optimizations, better UI for headset users, and graphics enhancements through CSP
If you’re serious about VR racing, Content Manager is the way to go.
What You Need to Play in VR (Headset & System Requirements)
Before jumping into Assetto Corsa in VR, it’s essential to make sure your hardware can handle the extra load. VR racing is incredibly immersive — but it’s also demanding, both on your GPU and your system’s overall stability.
Minimum & Recommended PC Specs
Here’s what you’ll need for a smooth experience:
| Component | Minimum (Playable) | Recommended (Optimal) |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel i5-9600K / Ryzen 5 3600 | Intel i7-12700K / Ryzen 7 5800X |
| GPU | NVIDIA GTX 1660 Ti / RTX 2060 | RTX 3070 / RX 6800 XT or better |
| RAM | 16GB | 32GB (especially for mods + CSP) |
| Storage | SSD required | NVMe SSD for fast load times |
| OS | Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit) | Latest Windows 11, fully updated |
Why VR Needs Power
In VR, your GPU must render the game twice (once per eye) at a stable high framerate (typically 80–90Hz or more). If you drop frames, you risk motion sickness — which makes performance just as important as image quality.
Pro Tip: If you’re close to minimum specs, prioritize frame stability by lowering shadows, disabling motion blur, and keeping render resolution around 1.0x.
How to Set Up Assetto Corsa for VR
You don’t need a mod to play Assetto Corsa in VR — the Steam version of the game offers native VR support. But launching it properly requires a few simple steps that can be confusing if it’s your first time.
Here’s how to do it right:
Step 1: Install Assetto Corsa via Steam
If you haven’t already:
- Go to Assetto Corsa on Steam and purchase/download the game.
- Launch the game once in non-VR mode to allow it to create default config files and folders.
- Make sure your game and Steam client are fully updated.
Step 2: Set Steam Launch Options for VR
To launch the game directly in VR mode using Steam:
- Open your Steam Library
- Right-click on Assetto Corsa > select Properties
- In the General tab, find Launch Options
- Enter the following line depending on your setup:
- For SteamVR: diff
-vr - For Oculus runtime: diff
-oculus
- Close the window and hit Play
Steam will now boot the game into VR using your selected runtime.
Note: Your headset (SteamVR or Oculus software) must be running before you click “Play”.
Optional: Adjust Graphics Settings (Before VR Launch)
Before launching in VR, it helps to:
- Lower graphics presets temporarily to ensure smooth VR performance
- Set your monitor resolution to match your headset refresh rate (e.g. 90Hz)
- Disable post-processing for your first test run
These can be re-adjusted later once performance is stable.
Using Content Manager for VR (Optional but Recommended)
While Assetto Corsa supports VR natively via Steam, most sim racers prefer to launch the game using Content Manager (CM). Why? Because it drastically improves the usability, performance, and graphics control — especially when paired with Custom Shaders Patch (CSP) and Sol or Pure for weather and lighting.
If you want the best possible experience in VR, Content Manager is a must-have.
Why Use Content Manager for VR?
- Launch VR directly with a single click — no need to edit Steam launch options
- Manage and apply Custom Shaders Patch (CSP) settings
- Install Sol / Pure for dynamic weather and lighting
- Create custom graphics presets specifically for VR
- Fix common issues like stutter, resolution bugs, and field of view problems
- Better support for triple screen setups, mod cars, and track extensions
How to Install Content Manager
- Visit the official CM download site: https://acstuff.ru/app/
- Download the free version or unlock the full version with a donation
- Place the
.exein your Assetto Corsa root folder and run it - On first launch, CM will auto-detect your Steam install and config
VR-Specific Setup in Content Manager
Once installed:
- Go to Settings > Video > General
- Under Rendering Mode, select:
OpenVRfor SteamVR usersOculusfor Quest/Rift users
- Activate Custom Shaders Patch (CSP tab)
- Enable VR-specific presets or create one with:
- MSAA: 4x or 8x
- FXAA: Off
- Post-Processing: Off or Low
- Anisotropic Filtering: 8x–16x
- Shadows: Medium
- Mirror resolution: Low or Medium
Best VR Settings for Assetto Corsa (Performance & Visual Quality)
Getting Assetto Corsa to look good and run smoothly in VR requires a bit of tweaking — especially if you’re using high-resolution headsets like the Quest 3, Valve Index, or Reverb G2. Below are the most effective graphics settings to maximize clarity, minimize latency, and avoid nausea.
General Guidelines for VR Setup
- Always aim for a stable framerate (≥72Hz for Quest 2, ≥90Hz for Index)
- Lower graphical detail before increasing resolution
- Disable effects like motion blur, depth of field, or reflections if your framerate drops
- Set vertical sync OFF (let the headset control the refresh)
Recommended Content Manager Settings (via CSP)
| Setting | Recommended |
|---|---|
| MSAA | 4x (8x for powerful GPUs) |
| FXAA | OFF |
| Anisotropic Filtering | 8x–16x |
| Shadows | Medium |
| Post-processing | Off or Low |
| Mirror Quality | Low |
| Smoke Generation | Low or off |
| World Detail | Medium |
| Reflection Rendering | Off (or once per frame max) |
| Field of View | 55°–70°, adjusted per headset |
| Pixel Density / Render Scale | 100% (increase only if performance is stable) |
SteamVR Settings (if applicable)
- Render Resolution: Start at 100%, increase gradually
- Motion Smoothing (Reprojection): On (helps on mid-tier GPUs)
- Refresh Rate: Match your headset (e.g. 90Hz or 120Hz)
- Override per-application settings: Enabled for Assetto Corsa
Optional: Sol / Pure Visual Enhancements
If you use Sol or Pure (weather/light mods):
- Use their Lite versions for VR if available
- Disable extra cloud layers or dynamic shadows
- Avoid “Ultra” lighting modes unless your GPU is RTX 4080+
These mods drastically improve realism — but they can cut your framerate in half if not configured properly.
Final Thoughts
Playing Assetto Corsa in VR transforms a solid racing sim into a deeply immersive driving experience — but only if your setup is right. With the right headset, a stable PC, and fine-tuned settings via Content Manager, you’ll enjoy smooth performance, crisp visuals, and realistic motion like never before.
Take your time to tweak, test, and adjust. Once everything is dialed in, you won’t want to race on a flat screen again.
Now, fire up your engine — and hit the track in full virtual reality.
By Yassine Kenzaoui — Gaming & VR Editor @Ovrdoz
Passionate gamer since 2016, I review the best VR experiences to help players discover truly worthwhile adventures.
FAQ – Assetto Corsa VR
Can you play Assetto Corsa in VR?
Yes, Assetto Corsa has native VR support through Steam. You can enable it by launching the game with the -vr or -oculus command, or more easily via Content Manager.
Does Assetto Corsa work with Quest 2 or Quest 3?
Absolutely. You can play Assetto Corsa on Quest 2 or Quest 3 using Oculus Link, Air Link, or Virtual Desktop. A capable gaming PC is required, as the game does not run natively on the headset.
How do I launch Assetto Corsa in VR using Steam?
Right-click the game in your Steam library, go to Properties → General → Launch Options, and enter -vr (for SteamVR) or -oculus (for Oculus runtime). Make sure your headset is running before launching.
Do I need Content Manager to play in VR?
No, but it’s highly recommended. Content Manager offers more control, better performance, and full support for mods like Custom Shaders Patch and Sol, all of which enhance VR gameplay.
What are the best VR settings for Assetto Corsa?
Use MSAA 4× or 8×, disable FXAA and motion blur, lower mirror quality, and reduce post-processing. Keep your resolution scale around 100% for stable framerate. Use SteamVR reprojection if needed.
Why is my game stuttering or not launching in VR?
Make sure:
- Your headset software (SteamVR or Oculus) is running before launch
- You’ve entered the correct launch options
- You’re not launching from the wrong executable
Also, lower graphic settings temporarily to test stability.
