6 Best Free Assetto Corsa Server Hosting Services (Apr 2025)

If you're looking to host your own Assetto Corsa server for racing with friends or a community, several services provide free hosting options, each with varying features. In this guide, we’ll explore the six best free Assetto Corsa server hosting services available in April 2025, with a detailed comparison table to help you choose the right one.

Comparison Table: Top Free Assetto Corsa Server Hosting Services

Provider	Free Plan	Location Options	Server Customization	Performance	Hourly Billing	Key Features
LightNode	No fully free plan	40+ Global Locations	Full customization (Mods, tracks)	High	Yes	Global VPS locations, high performance, flexible billing
RaceDepartment	Free	Limited	Limited	Medium	No	Community-driven, simple setup, limited resources
AMS2 Server Hosting	Free (Limited Slots)	Limited	Moderate	Medium	No	Good for small groups, some mod support
GameServers.com	Free Trial (5 days)	9 Global Locations	Full customization	High	No	Easy setup, free trial, paid plans after trial
X10Hosting	Free	Limited	Basic mods support	Medium	No	Free plan with basic setup, limited customization
ZAP-Hosting	Free Trial (7 days)	Multiple locations	Moderate customization	High	No	Easy to use, high-performance trial

1. LightNode

LightNode is a top choice for hosting Assetto Corsa servers thanks to its global reach, high performance, and flexible pricing model. Though LightNode does not offer a fully free plan, its hourly billing option makes it the most cost-effective solution for short-term use. The flexibility and performance of LightNode make it an excellent option for anyone looking for a stable and customizable server environment.

Why LightNode Stands Out:

• 40+ Global Locations: With more than 40 data centers worldwide, LightNode offers low-latency performance no matter where your players are.
• High Performance: LightNode is known for its high-performance servers, ensuring your Assetto Corsa experience is smooth and responsive.
• Hourly Billing: You only pay for what you use. Whether it’s an hour or a month, the flexible billing gives you full control over your budget.
• Full Customization: LightNode provides you with full root access, allowing you to install mods, adjust settings, and optimize the server to your preferences.

While LightNode doesn’t have a free plan, its pay-as-you-go pricing model and superior features make it the best option for those seeking performance and flexibility. It's highly recommended for serious Assetto Corsa players.

2. RaceDepartment

RaceDepartment is a community-driven platform that offers free Assetto Corsa server hosting. Although it is primarily a social and modding site, you can host small Assetto Corsa events here for free.

Pros:

• Free: Hosting is free with no initial costs.
• Community-Based: Connect with others who enjoy Assetto Corsa racing.

Cons:

• Limited Customization: You are limited in terms of modding and server settings.
• Lower Performance: The server performance may be affected by the shared nature of the service.

3. AMS2 Server Hosting

AMS2 Server Hosting provides a free plan but only offers limited slots and resources for your server. It's a good option for hosting small events or testing purposes, but not ideal for large-scale or frequent use.

Pros:

• Free Plan: You can host a small server for free.
• Moderate Customization: Allows for some customization of server settings.

Cons:

• Limited Slots: You can only host a small number of players at a time.
• Limited Performance: Due to its free nature, server performance might suffer with more players.

GameServers.com

GameServers.com offers a 5-day free trial, which is ideal if you're looking to test out the platform for a short-term event. After the trial ends, you will need to switch to a paid plan.

Pros:

• High Performance: Known for reliable and high-performance servers.
• Easy Setup: A user-friendly interface makes setting up your server simple.

Cons:

• Limited Time Free Plan: After the 5-day trial, you need to pay.
• Not Ideal for Long-Term Hosting: Great for short events but not sustainable for long-term hosting without upgrading.

X10Hosting

X10Hosting offers a free server with basic features and is suitable for light Assetto Corsa use. The server performance is moderate, and the customization options are limited compared to other hosts.

Pros:

• Free: Completely free plan, no hidden costs.
• Basic Mods Support: Some modding is allowed.

Cons:

• Limited Customization: You have fewer options to modify server settings and add advanced features.
• Moderate Performance: Performance may not be suitable for larger groups or more demanding setups.

ZAP-Hosting

ZAP-Hosting provides a 7-day free trial for Assetto Corsa server hosting. This option gives you access to high-performance servers with moderate customization options during the trial period.

Pros:

• High Performance: Reliable, high-speed servers.
• Free Trial: A 7-day free trial period to test the service.

Cons:

• Trial Period: You need to upgrade to a paid plan after the trial ends.
• Limited Customization During Trial: Some features may not be available during the free trial.

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Conclusion

For serious Assetto Corsa enthusiasts looking for the best hosting solution, LightNode is the most recommended option. While it doesn’t offer a free plan, its hourly billing system allows you to pay only for what you use, making it ideal for both short-term and long-term use without the commitment of a monthly fee. With more than 40 global locations and high-performance VPS servers, LightNode ensures your Assetto Corsa server will run smoothly no matter where your players are.

For those seeking a completely free hosting option, RaceDepartment and X10Hosting are worth exploring, though they come with limitations in terms of performance and customization.

FAQ | about Assetto Corsa Server Hosting

1. How to host an Assetto Corsa server?

To host an Assetto Corsa server, you need to follow these steps:

Download the Assetto Corsa Dedicated Server: Visit the official Assetto Corsa website or use the Steam platform to download the dedicated server software.

Install the Server Software: Once downloaded, install the server software on your machine or VPS. Ensure your server meets the minimum system requirements.

Configure the Server: After installation, open the configuration file and set the parameters for your server, such as the track, cars, and other settings (e.g., password protection, race length).

Open Ports: If you’re hosting on a personal machine, make sure to open the necessary ports (default is 8081 for Assetto Corsa).

Start the Server: Run the server, and it should be listed on the public Assetto Corsa server list (if you've made it public) or accessible through direct IP connection for your friends.

You can also use third-party hosting services like LightNode, which offer more flexibility and performance for hosting without needing to manage hardware.

2. Is hosting an Assetto Corsa server free?

While there are some free options available for hosting Assetto Corsa servers (like RaceDepartment and X10Hosting), most reliable and high-performance servers require a paid plan. Many VPS hosting providers, such as LightNode, offer hourly billing, which gives you flexibility without the commitment of a long-term plan. Free services often come with limited resources and customization options, so for serious racing events, paid services are recommended for the best experience.

3. What are the system requirements for hosting an Assetto Corsa server?

To host an Assetto Corsa server, you need a system that meets the following minimum requirements:

Operating System: Windows 7 or higher, or a Linux-based OS for a more robust server setup.

Processor: A multi-core processor (Intel i5 or AMD equivalent) is recommended for stable performance.

RAM: At least 8GB of RAM for small to medium-sized events; 16GB or more for larger events.

Disk Space: Minimum 10GB of available disk space to accommodate the game files, server files, and logs.

Network: A fast internet connection with good upload and download speeds (minimum 1Mbps upload for a small server).

If you're using a VPS service like LightNode, you can choose server specifications based on the number of players you intend to host and the level of performance you need.

4. How many players can join an Assetto Corsa server?

The number of players who can join your Assetto Corsa server depends on the hardware resources of the server you’re using:

On a personal machine, this is typically limited by your CPU and internet bandwidth.

On a VPS, such as LightNode, you can customize your server’s resources (CPU, RAM) to support anywhere from 16 to 64 players or more, depending on the plan you choose.

For most dedicated racing events, 24 to 30 players is a common limit for a smooth experience, but this can vary based on server performance and track complexity.

Be sure to check with your hosting provider about the maximum player limits for your chosen plan.

5. Can I customize my Assetto Corsa server with mods?

Yes, you can customize your Assetto Corsa server with mods (such as new tracks, cars, or gameplay features). The process for adding mods to your server typically involves:

Downloading the Mod: Find and download the mods you want to use (e.g., from the Assetto Corsa Steam Workshop or other modding communities).

Placing Mods in the Right Folder: Add the downloaded mods to the appropriate folder on your server (usually located in the server’s content folder).

Configuring the Server: Modify the server’s configuration files to include the new mods in the game’s list of available content.

Testing: After adding mods, make sure to test the server before inviting others to join. It’s important to ensure that all players have the required mods installed on their local machines as well.