After a successful launch on PC in March, the Challengers Pack for Assetto Corsa Competizione will be coming to the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S later this year in the summer, at the same time as the fabled Version 1.8 physics update.
For context, the PC version of Assetto Corsa Competizione received a big update in November 2021 entitled ‘1.8’ that dramatically changed the vehicle dynamics. When the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions of the simulator launched in February, these new updates were absent, running older Version 1.7 physics.
“We can say that we remade the game from scratch in terms of new features and improvements. It [took] 10 months in development and changed the physics, the tyre model and the aerodynamics,” explained Marco Massarutto, co-founder and Executive Manager of Kunos Simulazioni on the Traxion.GG Podcast when talking about Version 1.8.
“The process needed to bring the 1.8 version of Assetto Corsa Competizione on console is getting longer than expected, but I think that we will reach the new-gen consoles within this summer or the end of the summer.
“It does include also some improvements and enhancements in terms of performance that on console are always very welcome.”
Up to this point, there had been no word on the release of the matching Challengers Pack downloadable content for console, which includes five superb new cars as an optional add-on. These are not GT3 or GT4 cars, but rather predominately cars used in single-make series to offer a unique driving experience.
When asked if it will be coming to console, Marco clarified:
“Yeah, absolutely, it will be released when we release the 1.8 version [on console] because it takes advantage of the new physics. I think that will be available on the very same day.”
While ‘summer’ is not a specific date, it’s hopefully sooner rather than later. The handling on the consoles at present is amongst the best, but there is a clear distinction between it and the current PC feedback and the Challengers Pack – especially that Porsche 992 – is superlative.
There’s plenty to look forward to for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S Assetto Corsa Competizione drivers.
You can listen to more from Marco Massarutto about the origins of Assetto Corsa, the current state of racing esports and Competizione on console in the latest episode of the Traxion.GG Podcast, available on all podcast platforms right now.
