Quick answer: You can make an Automobilista 2 (AMS2) server three ways. For a quick race with friends, host in-game from the Multiplayer menu. For a 24/7 server or league, install the free Automobilista 2 Dedicated Server from Steam, set it up in server.cfg and open ports 8766, 27015 and 27016. Or rent an Automobilista 2 server, such as HTNetwork Automobilista 2 server hosting, so there is nothing to install or port forward.
Written by Tom Pearce, founder of HTNetwork, which hosts Automobilista 2, Assetto Corsa and BeamMP servers.
Option 1: Host an in-game multiplayer lobby (quickest for friends)
If you just want to race a small group tonight, host straight from the game. No config files are needed.
- Launch Automobilista 2 from Steam.
- From the main menu, choose Multiplayer, then Create Multiplayer Session.
- Set up the lobby:
- Lobby name: pick a unique name (it is case-sensitive, so tell friends exactly how it is spelt).
- Password: add one to keep the lobby private.
- Visibility: leave it public to show in the server browser, or rely on the password to restrict it.
- Session options: set the track, cars, session lengths and options such as waiting for drivers to be ready.
- Save your settings and launch the lobby, then send friends the lobby name and password.
Limits: your PC and internet connection are the host, so the lobby closes when you leave, and a weak upload connection affects everyone. For leagues or a server that runs without you, use Option 2 or 3.
Option 2: Run the free Automobilista 2 Dedicated Server (for leagues and 24/7 servers)
Reiza provides a separate dedicated server application. It does not need a copy of the game or a Steam account that owns AMS2, so you can run it on a spare PC or a Windows VPS.
A. Install the dedicated server
- Through Steam: in your Library, switch the filter to include Tools and install Automobilista 2 Dedicated Server.
- Or through SteamCMD: install it with an anonymous login, which suits a VPS. Reiza's forum post "AMS2 Dedicated Server Tool / SteamCMD Support" has a quick-start pack.
- Note the install folder, for example
steamapps/common/Automobilista 2 Dedicated Server.
B. Create server.cfg
- Open the
config_samplefolder in the install directory and copy one of the sample configs. - Paste it next to
DedicatedServerCmd.exeand rename itserver.cfg. - Edit the basics: the server
name, apasswordif it is private, andmaxPlayerCount. Remove the//in front of any line you want to use. - Set your track rotation, sessions, weather and car classes. The
UserGuide.pdfin the install folder documents every setting.
Editing the raw config is fiddly, because a wrong attribute name can silently reset a session to defaults. Community tools such as the AMS2 Dedicated Server Toolbox or a Windows GUI for the dedicated server can build and check configs for you.
C. Open the ports and start the server
The dedicated server needs three ports open on your router and firewall (TCP and UDP):
Port | Default |
|---|---|
Steam port | 8766 |
Host port | 27015 |
Query port | 27016 |
Run DedicatedServerCmd.exe. If the HTTP API is enabled, you can manage the server in a browser at http://localhost:9000. Your server should then appear in the in-game server browser.
Hardware: the server is light. About 1GB of RAM and at least 2GB of storage is enough for most servers.
Option 3: Rent an Automobilista 2 server (no setup or port forwarding)
If you do not want to configure the dedicated server, open ports or leave a PC running, rent a server that is set up for you. Popular choices include ZAP-Hosting, Emperor Servers (with its own Server Manager), Assetto Hosting, Legion Hosting and HTNetwork.
How to make an Automobilista 2 server with HTNetwork
- Choose a plan and location on the Automobilista 2 server hosting page.
- Your server installs automatically with the dedicated server ready to go.
- Set up your racing in the control panel: start from a preset session or adjust the session settings yourself, build a track rotation, and manage drivers.
- Start the server and find it in the in-game server browser by name.
Watch: How To Make an Automobilista 2 Server To Play With Your Friends!
HTNetwork Automobilista 2 servers start from $4.99 a month, with DDoS protection, in London, Texas and Sydney. Also running Assetto Corsa? See how to install mods on an Assetto Corsa server.
Which way should you make your AMS2 server?
In-game lobby | Dedicated server (self-hosted) | Rented server | |
|---|---|---|---|
Cost | Free | Free software; your PC, electricity or a VPS | Monthly fee |
Setup | A few minutes in-game | Install, edit | Order and set up in a control panel |
Runs without you | No, closes when you leave | Only while your machine is on | Yes |
Port forwarding | Not usually | Required (8766, 27015, 27016) | Not needed |
Track rotation and league tools | Basic | Full, via config or community tools | Full, via the host's panel |
Best for | A quick race with friends | Tech-savvy league admins | Leagues and communities that want it easy |
Troubleshooting
Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
Server does not show in the server browser | Check all three ports (8766, 27015, 27016) are open on TCP and UDP and forwarded to the right machine |
Settings are ignored or reset to defaults | Check for typos in |
Changes are lost after an update | Updates can overwrite default and sample files; keep your own |
Drivers cannot change car or class | Check the vehicle and class restrictions in your session settings allow it |
Automobilista 2 server FAQ
Is the Automobilista 2 dedicated server free?
Yes. The Automobilista 2 Dedicated Server is a free tool on Steam and SteamCMD, and the machine running it does not need to own the game.
What ports does an Automobilista 2 server use?
By default, Steam port 8766, host port 27015 and query port 27016, over TCP and UDP.
Can I host an AMS2 server from the game?
Yes. Choose Multiplayer, then Create Multiplayer Session. The lobby only stays open while you are in it.
How much RAM does an Automobilista 2 server need?
Very little: about 1GB of RAM and 2GB of storage is enough for most servers.
Can I run an AMS2 dedicated server without port forwarding?
Not when self-hosting at home; the three ports must be reachable. Renting a server avoids port forwarding entirely.
Summary
To make an Automobilista 2 server, host a lobby in-game for a quick race, run the free dedicated server with server.cfg and ports 8766, 27015 and 27016 for a league, or rent a server so there is nothing to install or forward.
Want the easy route? Get HTNetwork Automobilista 2 server hosting from $4.99 a month in London, Texas or Sydney, with track rotation, preset and custom session settings and driver management in the control panel.
About the author: Tom Pearce founded HTNetwork, a UK game server hosting company running Automobilista 2, Assetto Corsa and BeamMP servers, and runs the HighwayTrooper YouTube channel.