Assetto Corsa Rally: A New Era in Rally Racing Simulation Set to Launch in Early Access

505 Games, alongside developer Supernova Games Studios and the technical expertise of KUNOS Simulazioni, have revealed a new chapter in the iconic Assetto Corsa franchise. Introducing Assetto Corsa Rally, a highly anticipated rally racing game that aims to redefine rally simulation gaming, taking the renowned physics of the Assetto Corsa series and adapting it to the rugged and unpredictable world of rally racing.

Scheduled for an Early Access launch on Steam this November 13, 2025, Assetto Corsa Rally will be the second major Assetto Corsa release of 2025, following Assetto Corsa EVO, which made its debut in early access on January 16. Although still in early access, the full 1.0 release for Assetto Corsa EVO is expected to arrive sometime in Fall 2025, but as of now, no precise update has been issued. Alongside the release announcement, a brief teaser trailer showcased a few in-game snippets, providing fans with their first taste of what to expect from the upcoming rally-focused title.

Rally Racing Meets Realism

The development of Assetto Corsa Rally is rooted in the same commitment to realism and authenticity that has defined the Assetto Corsa series. At the heart of the simulation is an advanced, adapted version of KUNOS Simulazioni’s physics engine, engineered to handle the unique demands of rally racing. From uneven surfaces to jumps and unpredictable road conditions, the physics engine has been optimized to simulate the variable terrain that is central to the sport. Moreover, the game features a dynamic weather system and highly realistic vehicle behavior, enhancing the thrill and challenge of rally racing.

Supernova Games Studios has emphasized their use of laser scan technology for every stage in each rally event. This cutting-edge technique allows for an extraordinarily accurate reproduction of real-world terrain formations, road surface irregularities, and even environmental details such as vegetation placement. Such attention to detail ensures that each rally stage feels true to life, capturing the essence of rally racing in a way few games have been able to achieve.

Additionally, Supernova has teamed up with Unreal Engine 5 to bring the visuals of Assetto Corsa Rally to life. With a focus on high fidelity and seamless performance, the collaboration ensures that both the graphics and overall gameplay experience are as immersive as possible. Whether it’s the highly detailed landscapes or the meticulously recreated vehicles, players will feel as though they’re right there, experiencing the rally events in real-time.

What to Expect in Early Access

When Assetto Corsa Rally launches in early access next month, players can expect:

• 33 kilometers of laser-scanned, real-life roads
• Four special stages with 18 variants, including both gravel roads in Wales and tarmac roads in Alsace
• Ten iconic rally cars, including vehicles from Group B, WRC, and Rally2
• Five unique game modes, including options for solo or multiplayer racing
• Triple screen support for those with high-end setups

This initial offering will lay the foundation for an even more expansive experience once the game reaches version 1.0. The final release will introduce six additional special stages, a 30-vehicle roster, and brand-new game modes such as career mode, rally school mode, and VR support, ensuring that players have plenty of content to enjoy. As of now, the timeline for version 1.0 is still up in the air, with no official word on the release date.

A Journey into the World of Rally Racing

In a press release, Maura Notarberardino, director of Supernova Games Studios, expressed her excitement about the project’s direction. “We recognized the gap in the market for a modern rally simulator, so we gathered a team of drivers, engineers, collectors, mechanics, and industry experts to create one,” she said. Notarberardino also gave a special thanks to KUNOS Simulazioni for their invaluable partnership, ensuring that the driving experience retains the signature feel of the Assetto Corsa series despite the shift to rally racing.

Marco Massarutto, co-founder of KUNOS Simulazioni, highlighted the importance of this new direction for the series, noting that a true rally simulation requires a distinct approach. Unlike other forms of racing, rally racing is often a time-trial discipline where competitors race against the clock rather than each other. This shift allows the developers to focus on refining aspects such as mechanical behavior and tire models, which are essential to creating a faithful representation of the sport.

For rally enthusiasts, the move is a welcome one, as Massarutto explained, “By freeing up CPU resources, we can push the boundaries of physics without compromising on the realism of the experience.” The result, according to Massarutto, will be a highly realistic rally simulator that fans have eagerly awaited for decades.

The Future of Rally Gaming

The release of Assetto Corsa Rally comes at a time when the rally simulation landscape has seen significant changes. After EA’s acquisition of Codemasters and the subsequent release of EA Sports WRC 23, many fans expected the company to continue producing annual WRC titles. However, following EA’s purchase, the publisher confirmed that work on future WRC games would be paused, leaving a gap for simulation-driven rally games. Codemasters has since ceased developing new rally-focused titles, leaving rally fans eager for something fresh.

With Nacon now in control of the WRC license, it may take some time before a new WRC game hits the shelves. In the meantime, Assetto Corsa Rally will be a game that rally simulation fans can look forward to. Whether or not it can fill the void left by the WRC games remains to be seen, but it’s clear that the game will offer something unique for those looking for a true-to-life rally racing experience. Time will tell how the game fares with players, but for now, the anticipation is palpable.

Conclusion

As Assetto Corsa Rally prepares to make its debut on PC in November, rally racing fans have a lot to look forward to. With a focus on realism, attention to detail, and collaboration with industry experts, the game promises to deliver a rally simulation experience unlike anything we’ve seen before. For now, fans can dive into the early access release and experience what promises to be a new chapter in rally racing games.