> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.freakhosting.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to Set Up an Assetto Corsa Server (Getting Started)

> How to set up an Assetto Corsa server on FREAKHOSTING: set passwords in Startup, change name, track and cars in server_cfg.ini, start it and join.

To set up an Assetto Corsa server on FREAKHOSTING, open your server in the [Game Panel](https://games.freakhosting.com), set **Server Password** and **Admin Password** on **Startup**, then stop the server and edit `cfg/server_cfg.ini` in **Files** to change `NAME`, `TRACK` and `CARS`. Start it again and wait for `CONNECTED TO LOBBY` in the console. Players then find it by name in the online server list.

| Difficulty | Time | Works on | Panel pages |
| - | - | - | - |
| Beginner | 10 to 15 minutes | Every FREAKHOSTING Assetto Corsa server | **Startup**, **Files**, **Console** |

## Before you start

* Log in to the [Game Panel](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-login-and-access-the-game-panel.md).
* Own Assetto Corsa on Steam and install any mod cars or tracks on your PC first.
* Your server runs the official Kunos dedicated server (`acServer`). It starts with the name `AC_Server`, the track `magione` and the car `bmw_m3_e30`.

## How to set the passwords

**1. Open Startup**

Open your server and click **Startup** in the sidebar.

**2. Set a server password (optional)**

Type a password into **Server Password** if only invited players should join. Leave it empty for a public server. The panel saves the field when you click out of it.

**3. Set your admin password**

Replace the value in **Admin Password** with a password only you know. You use it in game with `/admin` to get admin rights. Both passwords can be up to 40 characters.

**4. Check Auto Update**

**Auto Update** is a text box: `1` updates the server on every start or restart, `0` turns updates off. Leave it at `1` unless you have a reason to stop updates.

![Assetto Corsa Startup page with Server Password, Admin Password and Auto Update variables](https://mintcdn.com/freakhostingltd/PUDZTTTrBjlnr5Ut/images/games/assetto-corsa/ac-startup.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=PUDZTTTrBjlnr5Ut\&q=85\&s=52e0fe19e2c3308f2262f1e0d2d46265)

Startup page of an Assetto Corsa server in the FREAKHOSTING Game Panel

The panel writes both passwords into `cfg/server_cfg.ini` every time the server starts. Always change them on **Startup**, not in the file. See [server and admin password](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/assetto-corsa/how-to-set-a-password-on-your-assetto-corsa-server.md).

## How to change the server name, track and cars

**1. Stop the server**

[Stop the server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-start-stop-and-restart-your-game-server.md) so the file isn't in use.

**2. Open server\_cfg.ini**

Click **Files**, open the `cfg` folder and click `server_cfg.ini`. See the [File Manager guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-file-manager.md).

**3. Edit the main settings**

Change these lines under `[SERVER]`:

```ini theme={null}
NAME=My Assetto Corsa Server
TRACK=ks_brands_hatch
CONFIG_TRACK=indy
CARS=bmw_m3_e30;ks_mazda_miata
MAX_CLIENTS=18
```

`TRACK` and `CARS` use folder names from `content/tracks/` and `content/cars/`. Separate several cars with `;`. Leave `CONFIG_TRACK` empty for a track with one layout, or set it to the layout folder's name. `MAX_CLIENTS` can't be higher than the track's number of pits.

**4. Match the entry list**

Open `cfg/entry_list.ini` and make sure there are `[CAR_x]` slots for each car in `CARS`. See [entry\_list.ini explained](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/assetto-corsa/understanding-entrylistini.md).

**5. Save and start**

Save both files and start the server.

You can also build the whole setup in Content Manager on your PC and upload it. See [Content Manager server presets](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/assetto-corsa/using-ac-server-wrapper-content-manager.md).

## How to check that the server is ready

Open the [console](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-server-console.md). A healthy start registers with the Kunos lobby and opens the first session:

| Console line | What it means |
| - | - |
| `RESPONSE: OK,...` | The lobby accepted the server |
| `CONNECTED TO LOBBY` | The server is listed online |
| `SESSION: Practice` | The first session has started |

## How players join

Players search for your server name in the online server list, in Content Manager or in the game's own launcher. Make sure they have the same track and cars installed. If a server password is set, they enter it when joining. If your server doesn't appear, see [not showing in the lobby](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/assetto-corsa/assetto-corsa-server-not-showing-in-lobby.md).

## Make your first backup

Once your setup works, make a [panel backup](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-create-and-restore-backups.md). It saves your config files and uploaded content.

## Frequently asked questions

### What ports does my Assetto Corsa server use?

A game port for UDP and TCP (for example 9600) and a separate HTTP port that we assign. The panel writes both into `server_cfg.ini` at every start, so don't change them in the file.

### Why does my server still show as AC\_Server?

`AC_Server` is the default `NAME` in `cfg/server_cfg.ini`. Change it in the file and restart.

### Which tracks can I use straight away?

The Kunos tracks in `content/tracks/`, for example `ks_brands_hatch`, `ks_nordschleife`, `monza`, `spa` and `mugello`. Add mod tracks with [custom tracks](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/assetto-corsa/setting-up-a-custom-track-in-assetto-corsa.md).

### Should I turn off Auto Update?

Usually not. With `1`, the server updates on each start or restart. Use `0` only if you need to stay on the installed version.

## Related guides

> **[Assetto Corsa server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/assetto-corsa/assetto-corsa-server-hosting-guide.md)**
>
> Every Assetto Corsa page in one place.

> **[server\_cfg.ini explained](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/assetto-corsa/assetto-corsa-server-cfg-ini-explained.md)**
>
> Every setting in the main config file.

> **[Server and admin password](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/assetto-corsa/how-to-set-a-password-on-your-assetto-corsa-server.md)**
>
> Lock the server and set your admin password.

> **[Custom tracks](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/assetto-corsa/setting-up-a-custom-track-in-assetto-corsa.md)**
>
> Add a mod track.

> **[Admin commands](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/assetto-corsa/server-admin-commands.md)**
>
> Run your server from the chat.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team** on our Game Panel on 30 October 2026 (Assetto Corsa dedicated server, official Kunos acServer on Linux). Steps may differ slightly if the game changes.

> [!NOTE]
>
> ### Need Extra Help?
>
> If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:
>
> * **Live Chat:** Quick assistance via our website.
> * **Support Ticket:** [Open a Ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php)
> * **Discord:** [Join our Community](https://discord.gg/freakhosting)
> * **Email:** [support@freakhosting.com](mailto:support@freakhosting.com)

> [!TIP]
>
> ### Save on Your Hosting
>
> Ready to upgrade your hosting? Use code **KB20** at checkout for **20% off** your first order!

***

**Last Updated:** October 2026


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