Quick answer: To install car or track mods on an Assetto Corsa server, (1) upload the mod folders to the server's content/cars/ and content/tracks/ folders, (2) add them to server_cfg.ini and entry_list.ini in the cfg/ folder, and (3) make sure every player has the exact same mod version installed, ideally by sharing a download link. If you use HTNetwork Assetto Corsa server hosting, the panel detects uploaded mods, sets up the cars and track for you and gives players download links automatically.
Written by Tom Pearce, founder of HTNetwork, which hosts Assetto Corsa servers on AssettoServer.
Before you start: what the server needs
Install the mod on your own PC first, through Content Manager or by copying it into your Assetto Corsa folder. The folder name the mod installs as is its ID: the server uses it in every config file, so never rename a mod's folder.
The server only needs part of each mod. Players need the full mod.
Content | Server needs | Players need |
|---|---|---|
Car mod | The car folder, including | The full car mod |
Track mod | The track folder, including | The full track mod |
The server checks these files against each player's copy when they join. That is why every player must have exactly the same version of every mod.
Back up first: copy server_cfg.ini and entry_list.ini from the cfg/ folder before you change anything.
Step 1: Upload the mod files to the server
Stop your server, then upload the mod folders using your host's file manager or an FTP client such as FileZilla.
Car mods: upload the car's folder into content/cars/, keeping the folder name exactly as it is:
content/cars/mod_car_name/
data.acd
skins/
ui/Track mods: upload the track's folder into content/tracks/. If the track has several layouts, keep each layout's subfolder intact:
content/tracks/mod_track_name/
layout_name/
data/
surfaces.iniUpload extracted folders, not .zip, .rar or .7z archives, unless your host's panel specifically asks for an archive.
Tip: Content Manager's server tab can pack only the files the server needs for your chosen cars and track, which keeps uploads small.
Step 2: Update server_cfg.ini and entry_list.ini
Both the standard Kunos server and AssettoServer read the same two files in the cfg/ folder.
In server_cfg.ini, list the car folder names on the CARS= line, separated by semicolons, and set the track:
[SERVER]
CARS=mod_car_one;mod_car_two
TRACK=mod_track_name
CONFIG_TRACK=layout_name
MAX_CLIENTS=12Leave CONFIG_TRACK= empty if the track has only one layout.
In entry_list.ini, add one [CAR_n] block per grid slot. Each MODEL must be a car from the CARS= line, and each SKIN a folder inside that car's skins folder:
[CAR_0]
MODEL=mod_car_one
SKIN=skin_folder_name
SPECTATOR_MODE=0
BALLAST=0
RESTRICTOR=0You need at least as many [CAR_n] blocks as MAX_CLIENTS. Save both files and restart the server.
Step 3: Make sure every player has the same mods
The server compares each player's mod files with its own when they join. If a player is missing a mod, or has a different version, they cannot join, usually with a checksum error.
The easiest way to avoid this is to give players a download link for every mod your server uses:
- Upload your mods (or one pack of them) to a stable download host, or link to each mod's original release page.
- Add the links where players will see them: your server description, your Discord, or your server's content links in Content Manager, which shows players what they are missing and where to get it.
- Tell players to install with Content Manager and not to edit or "fix" mod files, since any change breaks the checksum.
- When you update a mod on the server, update the link and tell players, so everyone moves to the new version together.
Only share mods you are allowed to share. Many mod authors require you to link to their original download page rather than re-uploading their files.
The easier way: installing mods on an HTNetwork Assetto Corsa server
On HTNetwork Assetto Corsa server hosting, the panel handles steps 2 and 3 for you, so there is no config file editing.
- Upload your mods. Upload a Content Manager pack or your car and track folders in the panel.
- Automatic mod detection. The panel detects the cars and tracks you uploaded and checks them, so they are ready to pick.
- Pick your track and cars. Choose the track, layout and session settings, and which cars spawn on the grid, from menus instead of editing
server_cfg.iniandentry_list.ini. - Add download links. Attach a download link to each mod you have installed, and players missing a mod are shown where to get it.
- Start the server and share the Join in Content Manager link.
Watch: installing mods on an HTNetwork Assetto Corsa server
HTNetwork Assetto Corsa servers run AssettoServer on AMD Ryzen 9 9950X hardware with DDoS protection, from $3 a month in London, Texas and Sydney. For more on plans and features, see our Assetto Corsa server hosting guide.
Troubleshooting Assetto Corsa server mods
Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
Players get a checksum error | Their mod version differs from the server's, or they edited it | Have them reinstall the exact version from your download link |
Server will not start: "entry list CAR_0 ... is illegal" | A | Add the car to |
Custom car does not load | Missing | Check the car folder and that |
Custom track does not load or crashes the server | Missing | Check the layout folder and its name |
Car missing from the server's car list | It is in | Add it to both files |
Server errors or players cannot get a slot |
| Add more entries or lower |
Assetto Corsa server mods FAQ
Can you put mods on an Assetto Corsa server?
Yes. Upload the mod cars and tracks to the server's content folder, add them to server_cfg.ini and entry_list.ini, and make sure every player has the same mods installed.
Do players need the mods to join?
Yes. Every player needs the exact same version of every car and track the server uses, or they will get a checksum error when joining.
Where do Assetto Corsa server mods go?
Cars go in content/cars/ and tracks in content/tracks/ on the server, using the mod's original folder name.
Why do I get a checksum error?
Your copy of a car or track does not match the server's. Reinstall the exact version the server uses, and do not edit mod files.
Do DLC cars and tracks work on a server?
Yes, but only players who own that DLC can drive them.
What is the easiest way to run a modded Assetto Corsa server?
Use a host whose panel handles mods for you. On HTNetwork, uploaded mods are detected automatically, cars and tracks are picked from menus, and players get download links for missing mods.
Summary
To install mods on an Assetto Corsa server: upload the car and track folders to content/, add them to server_cfg.ini and entry_list.ini, and give every player the same mods through a download link. Keep folder names unchanged and never edit mod files, and most errors disappear.
Want mods handled for you? HTNetwork Assetto Corsa server hosting detects your mods, sets up the cars and track from menus, and shares download links with your players, from $3 a month.
About the author: Tom Pearce founded HTNetwork, a UK game server hosting company running Assetto Corsa, BeamMP and Rust servers, and runs the HighwayTrooper YouTube channel.