Assetto Corsa
server_cfg.ini is the main configuration file for an Assetto Corsa dedicated server. It controls the track, the grid size, the session structure, the driver assists, the race rules, and the weather. This guide walks through every section so you know exactly what each setting does before you change it.
Assetto Corsa's stock Kunos server runs proper race sessions (practice, qualifying, race) using
server_cfg.ini and entry_list.ini. A separate, community-built freeroam server (AssettoServer) exists for AI traffic and open cruising, and adds its own extra_cfg.yml file on top. Everything below applies to the standard racing server.
Always make sure your server is completely stopped on your MintServers panel before editing configuration files. Editing files while the server is running can cause your changes to be lost or ignored on the next restart.
Accessing the Configuration File
cfg folder in your server's root directory.server_cfg.ini in the file editor to make your changes.The [SERVER] Section
This is the core section: server identity, network ports, grid size, and race rules all live here.
A few of these are worth calling out directly:
CARS is a whitelist, not the grid itself. The actual grid is built in entry_list.ini, and every MODEL listed there must also appear in CARS.MAX_CLIENTS is capped by the track's number of pit boxes, and most official tracks have 24. Setting it higher does not add capacity, it just leaves you with slots that can never spawn a car.ADMIN_PASSWORD is typed in chat as /admin <password> to get admin powers. Keep it different from your join password.
Driver Assists Are Not Simple On/Off Switches
ABS_ALLOWED=1 does not mean "ABS on for everyone." It means "only cars that had ABS from the factory may use it."
ABS_ALLOWED and TC_ALLOWED are three-state, not a checkbox: 0 bans the assist entirely, 1 allows it only on cars that came with it in real life, and 2 allows every car to use it. The other assists listed above are plain on/off.
Penalties and Cut Detection
There is no single PENALTIES=1 master switch in the Assetto Corsa server. That setting exists in some third-party launcher UIs, but it is not a real key the dedicated server reads. The actual penalty and cut controls are:
For a mandatory pit stop, add a pit window to [SERVER]:
The base server only enforces that a driver stops in their pit box inside the window, not what the stop involves. Serious league penalties such as track-limit strikes or minimum pit time require a plugin like KissMyRank or Real Penalty, covered in the league race weekend guide in Related Guides below.
Session Sections: [PRACTICE], [QUALIFY], [RACE]
Sessions run in order, and only the sections you include are run, so a race-only server can omit practice and qualifying entirely.
Use either LAPS or TIME in [RACE], not both. Set the one you want and leave the other at 0.
Dynamic Track and Weather
Pickup Mode vs. Booking Mode
PICKUP_MODE_ENABLED decides how drivers join your server:
=1) is the standard for public servers. Drivers connect anytime, pick an open car, and spawn in.=0) requires a [BOOK] session for drivers to reserve a slot ahead of time. This mode is largely deprecated and not recommended.For a locked league grid, keep pickup mode on and set LOCKED_ENTRY_LIST=1 instead of using booking mode. This restricts joining to the Steam GUIDs already listed in entry_list.ini without the booking-session workflow.
Related Guides
Locked entry lists, penalty plugins and session setup for league racing.
Add custom cars, tracks and skins to the server before listing them in CARS.
🛠️ Troubleshooting Config Issues
Server won't start
Check for syntax errors in the file and confirm every MODEL in entry_list.ini also appears in the CARS line.
Can't get more than ~24 players
This is a track limit based on pit boxes, not a hosting limit. Raising MAX_CLIENTS past the track's pit box count creates slots that never spawn.
Assists behaving unexpectedly
Remember ABS_ALLOWED and TC_ALLOWED are three-state (0/1/2), not on/off.
Changes not taking effect
Confirm the server was fully stopped before you edited the file, and that you saved and restarted afterward.
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