Assetto Corsa remains a beloved racing-simulation title with a dedicated modding community, but players sometimes encounter startup errors that block the game from launching. One common message is “Assetto Corsa is obsolete — v1163 is required,” which typically means the game client or one of its components is out of date relative to what a launcher, mod, or multiplayer service expects. This essay explains likely causes, step-by-step fixes, and preventive measures so players regain access quickly and avoid similar interruptions.
Causes and context
Step-by-step fixes
Update Steam and restart
Launch the game from Steam (not direct EXE)
Check for platform/store updates
Remove or disable mods temporarily
Reinstall the game if verification fails
Match multiplayer server or mod network requirements
Update or remove custom launchers and injectors
Check file timestamps and read-only flags
Seek community/server guidance
Preventive measures
Conclusion The “Assetto Corsa is obsolete — v1163 is required” message is a version‑mismatch safeguard: the fix is to update the game (or the required mods/launchers), verify file integrity, or remove incompatible third‑party files. Start with Steam’s verification and a clean launch, then isolate mods or custom tools if problems persist. With those steps, most players restore a working client quickly and can return to racing without further interruption.
Related search suggestions (you can use these terms to look up troubleshooting guides and mod updates):
If you're seeing the error Assetto Corsa is obsolete (v1.16.3 is required)"
in Content Manager, it is usually because of a small official update that bumped the game version to 1.16.4. Because the Custom Shaders Patch (CSP)
is hardcoded to look for version 1.16.3, it flags your newer version as "obsolete" even though it is actually more recent. Quick Fixes
You can resolve this error by manually editing the game's version record or by simply ignoring it if the game still runs. Installed Custom Shaders Patch is obsolete - OverTake.gg 20 Jan 2019 —
The Frustrating Reality of Assetto Corsa's Obsolete Version: A Call for a Fix with v1.16.3 assetto corsa is obsolete v1163 is required fix hot
Assetto Corsa, a racing simulator game developed by Kunos Simulazioni, has been a staple in the gaming community since its release in 2014. Despite its age, the game continues to attract a dedicated fan base, with many enthusiasts still enjoying its realistic gameplay and extensive modding community. However, a growing concern has been plaguing players, particularly those using newer systems or seeking to play with the latest content: the game has become obsolete, and a fix is urgently needed, specifically with version 1.16.3.
The Problem with Obsolete Software
The issue at hand stems from the rapid advancement of technology and the evolving gaming landscape. As new operating systems, graphics cards, and other hardware components are released, older games like Assetto Corsa often struggle to keep up. The game's original version, while groundbreaking at the time, now requires patches and updates to ensure compatibility with modern systems. Unfortunately, the current state of the game falls short, leading to frustrating experiences for players.
The Impact of Outdated Version
The problems associated with Assetto Corsa's outdated version are multifaceted:
The Solution: v1.16.3 and Beyond
The solution to these problems lies in updating the game to version 1.16.3, which has been touted as a comprehensive fix for many of the issues plaguing players. This update, released by the game's developers, aims to:
The Community's Plea for a Fix
The Assetto Corsa community has been vocal about the need for an update, with many players expressing their frustration and disappointment on forums, social media, and review platforms. A dedicated fan base, eager to continue enjoying the game, has been waiting for an official response from the developers.
Potential Solutions and Workarounds
While waiting for an official update, players have been experimenting with various workarounds and solutions:
Conclusion and Call to Action
The situation with Assetto Corsa's obsolete version highlights the challenges faced by older games in a rapidly evolving gaming landscape. The community's enthusiasm and dedication to the game are a testament to its enduring quality, and it is essential that the developers address these issues.
To ensure the continued enjoyment of Assetto Corsa, we urge the developers to:
By working together, we can breathe new life into this classic racing simulator and ensure that Assetto Corsa remains a beloved experience for years to come. The community eagerly awaits a fix, and it is time for the game to receive the updates it needs to thrive in the modern gaming era.
If you are using AssettoCorsa.exe from a "RePack," throw it away. Buy the game on Steam (it is often $5 on sale). Cracked versions hard-code an old version number (often 1.15 or 1.10) that no modern mod supports.
If you’re seeing the error “Assetto Corsa is obsolete – v1163 is required” when trying to join an online server, don’t panic. Your game isn’t broken, and you don’t need to reinstall Windows.
This is the most common online matchmaking error in Assetto Corsa today. Here’s exactly why it happens and how to fix it in under 60 seconds.
This guide provides a general approach. Specific steps may vary depending on your platform (Steam, GOG, Humble, etc.) and the game's current state. Assetto Corsa remains a beloved racing-simulation title with
The error message " Assetto Corsa is obsolete v1.16.3 is required" typically occurs when the Content Manager (CM) launcher or the Custom Shaders Patch (CSP) fails to recognize a minor update to the base game. Despite the alarming "obsolete" wording, your game version is likely already higher (e.g., v1.16.4), and the issue can usually be bypassed with a simple text edit. Quick Fix: Modify changelog.txt
This is the most common community-verified solution to force the software to recognize the "required" version.
Locate Root Folder: Go to your Assetto Corsa installation directory (typically SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\assettocorsa).
Open Changelog: Find the file named changelog.txt and open it with Notepad.
Edit Version: Look for the very first version number at the top of the file (likely 1.16.4). Change this number back to 1.16.3. Save and Launch: Save the file and restart Content Manager.
The error message Assetto Corsa is obsolete (v1.16.3 is required)" a common bug encountered by players using Content Manager (CM) Custom Shaders Patch (CSP)
This typically happens because a minor game update—such as the one for the Ferrari Esports event—bumped the official version to
, but your version of CSP does not yet recognize this newer release as valid. How to Fix the "Obsolete" Error
You do not need to downgrade your game. Instead, you can "trick" the software into recognizing your current version as the required one using these steps: Edit the Changelog (Easiest Fix) Navigate to your Assetto Corsa root installation folder SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\assettocorsa Find the file named changelog.txt
Open it with Notepad and locate the very top entry, which likely says and save the file. Restart Content Manager; the error should disappear. Alternative File Methods If editing doesn't work, you can try changelog.txt changelog.txt.bak
it. CSP will often stop reporting the error if it cannot find the version number in that file. Update Content Manager & CSP Check for updates within Content Manager under Settings > Content Manager > General
Update your Custom Shaders Patch to the latest recommended or "untested" version under Settings > Custom Shaders Patch > About & Updates Is it Safe to Ignore? Yes. For most users, this is purely a visual error
in the Content Manager interface. The game and its mods generally continue to function normally even if the "obsolete" message is displayed.
Assetto Corsa is widely regarded as one of the most resilient racing simulators ever made, but players frequently encounter a frustrating wall: the "Assetto Corsa is Obsolete, v1.16.3 is Required" error. This message usually appears when you try to join a modded server or launch a race through Content Manager.
The good news is that your game isn't actually broken. This error is almost always a version mismatch or a communication error between the game and your third-party launchers.
Here is the definitive guide to fixing the "v1.16.3 is Required" error and getting back on the track. Understanding the Root Cause
The "v1.16.3" message refers to the final official version of Assetto Corsa released by Kunos Simulazioni. While the game hasn't had an official update in years, the modding community has built layers of software on top of it. When these layers—specifically Content Manager and Custom Shaders Patch (CSP)—fall out of sync with the base game files, the "obsolete" error triggers. Phase 1: Verify Steam Game Integrity
Before diving into complex mod fixes, you must ensure your base game files are healthy. Steam often misses small file updates or loses track of the version number. Close Assetto Corsa and Content Manager. Open your Steam Library. Right-click on Assetto Corsa and select Properties. Navigate to the Installed Files tab. Click Verify integrity of game files.
Wait for Steam to scan. If it finds missing files, it will redownload the necessary data to bring you to v1.16.3. Phase 2: Update Content Manager (CM) Step-by-step fixes
Most players seeing this error are using Content Manager. If CM is outdated, it may fail to recognize your game version correctly. Open Content Manager. Go to the Settings tab (top right). Click on Content Manager in the left sidebar. Select General. Click Check for updates.
If an update is available, install it and restart the application. Phase 3: The Custom Shaders Patch (CSP) Fix
If your base game is verified and CM is updated, the issue likely lies with your Custom Shaders Patch version. Some servers require specific "Recommended" or "Public" versions of CSP to run. In Content Manager, go to Settings -> Custom Shaders Patch. Click on About & Updates.
On the right-hand side, you will see a list of CSP versions.
The Fix: Even if you are on the newest version, try switching to a "Recommended" version (usually highlighted in green).
Wait for the download to finish, then restart Content Manager. Phase 4: Fixing the "Steam is Not Running" Bug
Sometimes the game reports it is "obsolete" because it cannot communicate with the Steam API.
Run as Administrator: Right-click your Content Manager shortcut and select "Run as Administrator."
Check Steam Status: Ensure Steam is actually logged in and online. If Steam is in "Offline Mode," many modded servers will reject your connection with the version error.
Plugins Check: Go to Settings -> Content Manager -> Plugins and ensure the Steam Integration plugin is enabled and active. Phase 5: The "Clean Slate" Solution
If none of the above works, a specific file in your root folder might be corrupted.
Go to your Assetto Corsa root folder (usually SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\assettocorsa). Locate the file named acs.exe. Delete it. Go back to Steam and Verify Integrity of Game Files again.
Steam will see the missing .exe and download a fresh, verified v1.16.3 version of the engine. Summary Checklist Base Game: Must be verified through Steam. Content Manager: Must be the latest version.
CSP: Try switching to a "Recommended" build rather than the "Latest" experimental build. Permissions: Run Content Manager as an administrator.
By following these steps, you remove the communication barriers between your mods and the base game. Assetto Corsa isn't actually obsolete—it just needs its modern components to talk to the classic engine correctly.
If you're still hitting a wall, I can help you dig deeper. Are you getting this error on every server or just one specific private server? Also, are you using a pirated version or the official Steam Ultimate Edition? Knowing those details will help me find the specific fix for you!
Last Updated: October 2024
Target Game: Assetto Corsa (Steam)
Key Focus: v1163, CSP, Car Mods
If you are an avid Assetto Corsa modder, you have likely been greeted by a message that feels like a slap in the face from your own PC: "Assetto Corsa is obsolete. v1163 is required."
You bought the game. You downloaded the latest Custom Shaders Patch (CSP). You installed that beautiful new hypercar mod from Patreon. Yet, when you try to launch the race, the screen freezes, the console spits out red text, and you are left wondering: How can my 2024 game be "obsolete"?
Do not panic. This error does not mean your game is broken forever. It means there is a version mismatch between the mod you are trying to use and the game engine’s expected signature.
This article will explain why this happens, and provide the definitive Hot Fix to get you back on the track in under five minutes.