Assetto Corsa EVO: Bots Drive on 'Honest' Physics — Kunos Rewrites AI
At SimRacing Expo 2026, Marco Massarutto explained why opponents in Assetto Corsa EVO behave unpredictably: they use the same complex car model as the person behind the wheel. The studio has abandoned spot fixes and is preparing a new AI system for one of the major patches.
Simulation without shortcuts for bots
At SimRacing Expo 2026 in Frankfurt, co-founder and head of Kunos Simulazioni Marco Massarutto named the reason for the strange behaviour of computer rivals in Assetto Corsa EVO. According to him, the developers did not make calculations easier for them: driving algorithms rely on the full car model — with tyres, suspension and weight transfer. In most racing games, simplified grip formulas are used for bots, but here the depth is the same as for a live player.
The side effect of such honesty is unpredictability. In dense traffic, virtual drivers make mistakes, and pace can disappear for no apparent reason, and standard algorithms cannot cope with this.
Instead of patches — a new system
Previously, the studio patched bot behaviour in small portions, but the audience got the impression that things were not moving. Now the approach has changed: the team is rebuilding the system rather than fixing cosmetics. The finished module is planned to be added in one of the major patches — not as a separate small patch.
The pace of work is limited by the size of the team: 40–45 people work on the project, not a corporation with hundreds of employees. To avoid spreading resources thin, Kunos Simulazioni strengthened with experienced game designers and switched to infrequent releases. Before release, they are tested by a separate group of testers under the supervision of a supervisor.
Early access is not an excuse
Massarutto separately noted: early access status does not remove responsibility for basic mechanics. The updated AI is promised to be released only when rival behaviour meets the realism criteria set by the studio.
What else is in the works
While one part of the team works on driving algorithms, other areas are also not standing still:
- Tyres: refinement of tyre deformation continues.
- Open region: its launch is planned for 9 December 2026.
- Endurance racing: along with driver changes during races, they are planned to be introduced next year.
And how do you find the rivals in Assetto Corsa EVO — too alive or too unpredictable? Share your impressions in the comments and follow updates on nfs.com.ru!
👉 Source: PlayGround.ru