5 Ways you Must Adapt in ACC 1.9 Update

The most recent update to Assetto Corsa Competizione changes the game. It changes it so much in fact that drivers must adapt in many ways in the new ACC 1.9 update.

Image credit: Kunos Simulazioni

You’ve seen what we think of the new update to Assetto Corsa Competizione. Now it’s time for you to try it out and see how you get on with the overhauled physics included in this latest version of the game.

Before you dive in, however, there are a few things that have changed drastically from the previous version of the game. Here are just a few simple tips to help you adapt to the new ACC 1.9 update.

Adapt to Low ACC Tyre Pressures​

In update 1.9, ACC now has a wider window of operation for the tyre pressures. As a result, the rubber will maintain optimal grip throughout a wider pressure window. Since launch, the game required players to stick to 27.5 psi for each tyre. But now, your tyres will run happily anywhere between 26 and 27 psi.



This is great for those that enjoy more of a balance of tyre pressures as it ties in with the increased flexibility present in side walls. However, the more flexible side walls do come at a disadvantage to those that risk too much and go for a under pressure tyre. The lower you go, the more flexibility the tyres will have.

Even those that respect the tyre pressure window will feel this when track temperature drops, most noticeably if a dry race turns wet. In this case, it’s important to adapt to the vague feeling one will get from the tyres in the new ACC update. It may feel like you’re sliding, but trying to correct it will only make things worse. Make sure you understand the difference of feel between a slide and a tyre flexing under load. This will be crucial in version 1.9.

Hot Tyre Surfaces​

The overhauled tyre model in the latest version of the game doesn’t just affect a tyre’s sidewall. The update also brought in a much more dynamic tyre surface. Surface temperatures will now vary greatly depending on where you are on the track and the amount of load being exerted on the tread.

One instance when this will have a significant impact is after a slide. Sliding a tyre across tarmac is the easiest way to build temperature into its surface. But overdo it and the rubber that once gave you grip will be no stickier than a sheet of ice.



By no means does this update place Assetto Corsa Competizione alongside iRacing with its post-slide lack of grip. But drivers will have to be careful after losing the rear end unless they want to enter a vicious cycle. Slide the car, heat up the tyres and lose grip which in turn causes more sliding and an ever-higher tyre surface temperature.

To avoid this sort of cycle, take it easy for a few corners after a slide. Treat your tyres with respect.

Use More Track in this ACC Update​

Alongside the revised tyre model comes a major improvement to the way bump stops act in the suspension. A bump stop is designed to gradually slow the compression of a damper, but in previous ACC versions, it would let the suspension compress almost infinitely. This would result in the car’s body hitting kerbs and bumps causing unrealistic spins.


Now that the bump stop has a physical limit of compression, 30mm, the car’s suspension takes much more brunt from impacts. In turn, the car itself doesn’t come crashing down into the track surface causing the frustratingly odd bounces and spins of old.

Thanks to this small yet popular update, ACC players can adapt their lines to use more of the track. Bumps and kerbs should now be less of a worry. Obviously, this doesn’t mean one should abuse kerbs. A hard enough hit will still end up with a trip to the gravel. But Imola’s Tamburello chicane is a great example for where cars should now be able to take more liberties.

Goodbye Alien Setups​

In a recent video, Overtake’s resident Assetto Corsa lover Champion Joe took a look at the so-called alien setups. These creations, emerging originally on the esports scene, would utilise ridiculously unrealistic amounts of negative toe and camber to provide more rotation.


This style of setup has been rooted out of the simulator with the latest ACC update forcing many to adapt their setups. In fact, the more dynamic tyre surface temperature and enhanced flex mean extreme suspension geometries will fry tyres in specific areas of their surface.

Furthermore, with greater freedom when it comes to the pressure window, rotation can come from a lower-pressure rear tyre. The offset between front and rear means the front axle keeps its agility whilst the rear squats to the side. This twists the car round a turn in a very satisfying way. Hopefully, this combination of changes will leave unrealistic setups in the rear view mirror.

An Original Assetto Corsa Feel?​

So much is going on with the overall physics model. As such, the force feedback in Assetto Corsa Competizione is also bound for change. Greater tyre flex means there are more forces coming through the wheel. Not only that though, the entire sim seems to have changed in its handling characteristics.



The wider tyre changes mean that ACC is now best driven with a small amount of slip. This is especially true for slower corners as picking up the throttle early will help rotate the car.

So the game now has more of a tendency to slide and in fact encourages you to do so. Does that sound familiar? If so, you too may also notice that Assetto Corsa Competizione now feels much closer to its predecessor. Yes, Kunos has unintentionally made the two Assetto Corsa games feel much more similar than before. With the first release of its name still popular today, this can’t be a bad thing, although it will require some adaptation.

What are you finding difficult to adapt to in the new ACC update? Tell us on Twitter at @OverTake_gg or in the comments down below!