What ports does an Assetto Corsa server use?

By default 9600 for TCP and UDP game traffic and 8081 for HTTP. Open them on your router and firewall if you host it yourself.

Do I need AssettoServer for a drift competition?

No. The dedicated server that comes with the game works. AssettoServer adds extra features and plugins some communities want.

Can I host an Assetto Corsa server for free?

Yes, on your own PC, or through providers that offer free plans, such as Pitlane Hosting.

How do I stop random drivers joining my competition server?

Use a password and an entry list that assigns slots to entrants' Steam IDs, and keep checksums enabled.

How to Host an Assetto Corsa Drift Server for Competition

Every drift event runs on a server. Here is what you need, how to set it up for practice and competition, and when to use a hosting provider.

Key takeaway

Use the dedicated server or AssettoServer, give every driver the same content, lock competition servers with an entry list, and host where uptime is reliable.

Pick your server software

The Assetto Corsa dedicated server ships with the game. It's the standard way to run a multiplayer session.
Content Manager's server tab lets you build and save server presets (track, cars, sessions, rules) with a visual editor instead of editing config files by hand.
AssettoServer is a popular open-source community server. It's compatible with the game's clients and adds extra options and plugins that many drift communities use.

For a first event, the dedicated server with Content Manager presets is enough. Move to AssettoServer when you need its extra features.

Host it yourself or use a provider

	Your own PC or machine	Hosting provider
Cost	Free, but uses your hardware and power.	Free or paid plans depending on the provider.
Setup	Port forwarding and firewall rules on your network.	Ready-made server, managed from a panel.
Reliability	Depends on your upload speed and keeping the PC on.	Built for uptime, independent of your home connection.
Best for	Testing and small practice sessions.	Official competition sessions.

If you self-host, the server needs its game ports open; by default that's port 9600 for TCP and UDP, plus 8081 for HTTP. Your upload bandwidth is the usual limit for how many drivers it can handle.

Pitlane Hosting offers Assetto Corsa server hosting, including free servers and dedicated servers. It's EFVD's official server partner.

Give every driver the same content

A drift server is only fair if everyone runs the same files. Before an event:

Install the exact track version on the server and share the same download with drivers.
Install every approved car, using the competition's physics, on the server.
Keep checksums enabled, so drivers with modified car or track data can't join.
Publish one download link or launcher for the event content, and a deadline to install it.

Drivers and judges often need a few apps too. VOSAN is a hub for Assetto Corsa apps, tools and mods, including DaZD's Start Lights for consistent run starts and D.R.I.F.T. for judging analytics. List the required apps in your event rules and give drivers time to install and test them.

Lock competition servers with an entry list

Practice servers can stay open, but competition servers should only admit drivers who entered. The entry list assigns each slot a car and, optionally, a driver's Steam ID, so only that driver can take it.

Use a password on competition servers and share it only with entrants.
Set an admin password for staff, so they can kick, restart sessions and change settings.
Match the number of slots to your qualifying groups so groups don't overflow.

Rebuilding entry lists by hand for every group is slow. Event Toolkit's Server Preset Manager builds practice, qualifying and battle presets from your entry list.

Set up sessions for a drift event

Server	Purpose	Tips
Practice	Open runs on the event track before event day.	Long practice sessions, open or lightly restricted.
Qualifying	Judged solo runs in groups.	Locked entry list per group, staff admin present.
Battles	Tandem pairs from the bracket.	Only bracket drivers, plus spectator or staff slots.

Big events often split drivers across several practice servers so each one stays smooth. Keep a backup server ready with the same preset in case the main one fails mid-event.

Test before event day

Join with a test car, check the track loads and checksums pass.
Have a few drivers from different regions join to check connection quality.
Practice the switch between sessions or servers your crew will make on event day.
Write down the server names, passwords and admin steps for your staff.

Frequently asked questions

What ports does an Assetto Corsa server use?: By default 9600 for TCP and UDP game traffic and 8081 for HTTP. Open them on your router and firewall if you host it yourself.
Do I need AssettoServer for a drift competition?: No. The dedicated server that comes with the game works. AssettoServer adds extra features and plugins some communities want.
Can I host an Assetto Corsa server for free?: Yes, on your own PC, or through providers that offer free plans, such as Pitlane Hosting.
How do I stop random drivers joining my competition server?: Use a password and an entry list that assigns slots to entrants' Steam IDs, and keep checksums enabled.

How to host an Assetto Corsa drift server