Assetto Corsa is a benchmark in racing simulation, known for its realistic physics and strong modding community. But in VR, it becomes something else entirely.
Racing in virtual reality lets you feel like you’re truly in the car—looking through the corners, feeling the depth of the track, and reacting instinctively. The immersion is total.
Unlike other titles, Assetto Corsa supports VR natively. No unofficial hacks needed. Just the right headset, a capable PC, and a few setup tweaks.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to get started and optimize your experience for smooth, responsive, and ultra-realistic driving.
VR Equipment & PC Requirements
Before jumping into the driver’s seat in VR, make sure your setup is ready to handle it. Virtual reality demands more from your hardware than traditional gameplay, especially when aiming for smooth performance at high speeds.
Compatible VR Headsets
Assetto Corsa works with most PC VR headsets. Here are the most commonly used:
- Meta Quest 2 / Quest 3 (via Oculus Link, Air Link, or Virtual Desktop)
- Valve Index
- HTC Vive / Vive Pro
- HP Reverb G2
- Pimax (5K / 8K series)
If you’re using a standalone headset like the Quest 2 or 3, you’ll need to connect it to your PC either via USB-C (Oculus Link) or wirelessly (Air Link or Virtual Desktop). A strong Wi-Fi connection is crucial for a smooth wireless experience.
Recommended PC Specs
VR puts extra load on your system—especially in a simulator like Assetto Corsa where every frame counts. Here’s what you’ll need for a stable experience:
- Processor: Intel i5-9600K / AMD Ryzen 5 3600 or better
- Graphics Card: NVIDIA GTX 1660 Ti minimum (RTX 3060 or better recommended)
- RAM: 16 GB
- Storage: SSD strongly recommended for faster loading
- OS: Windows 10 or 11
Lower specs might still work, but you’ll need to compromise on visuals and car count. For a truly immersive experience with high frame rates, it’s worth investing in solid hardware.
How to Install Assetto Corsa
Before diving into VR mode, make sure your copy of Assetto Corsa is properly installed and running smoothly. This ensures the setup process goes without issues and that the game is ready for configuration.
1. Buy and Install the Game
Assetto Corsa is available on platforms like Steam, and that’s the version you’ll want for full VR compatibility and access to third-party tools like Content Manager.
Once purchased, download and install the game as usual. No need to install any mods yet—just get the base game working first.
2. Launch the Game Once (Standard Mode)
Before you touch any VR settings, launch Assetto Corsa normally. This allows the game to create all the necessary folders and config files. It’s a small but important step, especially if you plan to use mods later on.
3. Keep the Game Updated
Make sure your version of the game is up to date through Steam. However, if you plan to install mods, you might want to disable automatic updates later to avoid compatibility issues. You can do this in Steam by right-clicking the game > Properties > Updates > Only update this game when I launch it.
Enabling VR Mode
Assetto Corsa supports VR natively, but it doesn’t launch in VR by default. You’ll need to enable it manually through Steam. The process is quick and doesn’t require any mods or extra tools to get started.
1. Set Launch Options in Steam
- Open your Steam Library
- Right-click on Assetto Corsa > select Properties
- Under the General tab, find the Launch Options field
- Type in:
-vr
This command tells Steam to launch the game in VR mode using your connected headset.
2. Start the Game in VR
With your headset connected and SteamVR (or Oculus runtime) running, launch Assetto Corsa from Steam as usual. The game should automatically open in VR mode.
If it still starts in flat screen mode, double-check that your headset is active and detected before launching the game.
3. Optional: Use Content Manager for Easier Launching
While not required, many players use Content Manager, a powerful launcher for Assetto Corsa that gives more control over settings, mods, and VR options. Once installed, Content Manager can handle the -vr flag automatically and make switching between modes easier.
Now that VR is enabled, it’s time to supercharge your experience with the tools and tweaks that make a real difference.
How to Play Assetto Corsa in VR
With everything set up, it’s time to hit the track. Launching Assetto Corsa in VR is straightforward once your headset and settings are in place.
1. Connect and Prepare Your VR Headset
Make sure your headset is:
- Properly connected via cable (Oculus Link / DisplayPort) or set up for wireless play (Air Link, Virtual Desktop)
- Recognized by your PC
- Running the right software (SteamVR for most headsets, Oculus software for Meta devices)
If you’re on a wireless setup like Quest 2/3, ensure your Wi-Fi is strong and stable.
2. Launch the Game
You have two options:
- Via Steam: Click “Play” in your library. If the
-vrlaunch option is set, the game will start directly in VR. - Via Content Manager: If you’re using this tool (recommended), simply launch a session with the “VR” checkbox enabled. Content Manager handles the rest.
Once the game boots up, you should find yourself in the cockpit—fully surrounded by the car interior and ready to race.
3. Fine-Tune Your View and Controls
- Use Ctrl + Space to recenter the VR camera.
- Make sure your seating position and head tracking feel natural.
- Adjust FOV (Field of View) and cockpit view settings if needed for comfort.
Troubleshooting
If the game still launches in 2D:
- Confirm that SteamVR or Oculus Link is running before starting the game.
- Check that
-vris still in the launch options. - Reboot both your headset and Steam if the issue persists.
Conclusion
Racing in VR isn’t just about better visuals—it’s about feeling the car. In Assetto Corsa, the jump to virtual reality transforms every lap into something more physical, more intense, and more immersive.
The setup takes a bit of time, and your PC needs to be up to the task. But once everything is in place, the result is worth it: a racing experience that puts you right behind the wheel, surrounded by speed, sound, and precision.
Whether you’re hotlapping solo or battling through a crowded grid, VR gives Assetto Corsa a second life. Pair it with the right tools—like Content Manager and CSP—and it becomes one of the most satisfying sim racing experiences available today.
Ready to go full throttle? Then gear up, put on the headset, and let the road pull you in.
