First, let’s clarify the terminology. The error message refers to Game Version v1163.
When you try to join a dedicated server (usually running Content Manager or vanilla server files), the server checks your acs.exe file version. If the handshake fails, you get the boot.
If you’ve just tried to join an online server or opened Content Manager only to be greeted by a jarring message stating "Assetto Corsa is obsolete, v1163 is required," you aren't alone.
This is one of the most common headaches in the Assetto Corsa community, particularly for players returning to the game after a break or those doing a fresh install. It usually happens right after a major Steam update, leaving players confused because Steam insists the game is up to date.
In this post, we’ll break down why this error happens and, more importantly, exactly how to fix it so you can get back on the track.
Assetto Corsa remains an outstanding sim, but only when maintained. Version 1163 is not a recommendation—it is a requirement. Installations running older builds are effectively obsolete: incompatible with modern mods, blocked from online play, and missing critical fixes. Update now to preserve functionality and continue enjoying the sim’s thriving ecosystem.
The error message " Assetto Corsa is obsolete (v1.16.3 is required)" typically occurs when using Content Manager (CM) alongside the Custom Shaders Patch (CSP). It often stems from a version mismatch where CM does not correctly recognize a minor update to the base game, even if your game is actually on a newer version like v1.16.4. Primary Fix: Modify the Changelog assetto corsa is obsolete v1163 is required fix
The most effective community-verified solution is to manually edit the game's version log to match what the software expects.
Navigate to your Assetto Corsa root directory (typically SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\assettocorsa). Locate the file named changelog.txt.
Open the file and find the very first line, which lists the version number (e.g., 1.16.4). Change this number to 1.16.3 and save the file. Relaunch Content Manager. The error should be resolved. Alternative Troubleshooting Steps
If modifying the changelog does not work, try these additional fixes:
Update Custom Shaders Patch (CSP): Some users fix this by simply reinstalling or updating CSP within the Content Manager settings under Settings > Custom Shaders Patch > About & Updates.
Verify Game Integrity: In Steam, right-click Assetto Corsa, go to Properties > Installed Files, and select Verify integrity of game files to ensure no core files are corrupted. First, let’s clarify the terminology
Reinstall Content Manager: If the software is persistently failing to recognize the game version, deleting the Content Manager.exe and downloading a fresh copy can sometimes reset the detection logic.
Ignore the Warning: In many cases, this is purely a visual bug in Content Manager; if your game still loads and plays correctly, the warning can be safely ignored.
Assetto Corsa is obsolete (v1.16.3 is required)" error is a common glitch in Content Manager (CM). It typically occurs because CM fails to recognize a minor game update (like v1.16.4) as valid, or because the Custom Shaders Patch (CSP) is misinterpreting the base game's version. 🛠️ Top Fixes 1. The "Changelog" Trick (Quickest Fix)
This is the most reliable manual bypass. It tricks Content Manager into seeing the version it expects without actually changing any game files.
Go to your Assetto Corsa root folder (usually SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\assettocorsa). Find the file named changelog.txt.
Open it with Notepad and find the very first line (the latest version). If it says 1.16.4 or anything else, change it to 1.16.3. Save the file and restart Content Manager. 2. Update or Reinstall CSP When you try to join a dedicated server
The error often triggers when the Custom Shaders Patch version is incompatible with the detected game version. Open Content Manager. Go to Settings > Custom Shaders Patch > About & Updates.
Select a different version (newer or older) from the list to force an update.
If the install button is broken, try creating a folder named extensions in your root AC directory, then a folder named installed inside that before trying again. 3. Verify Steam Game Files
If the base game actually is outdated or has corrupted version files, Steam can repair it. Right-click Assetto Corsa in your Steam Library. Select Properties > Installed Files. Click Verify integrity of game files. 💡 Pro Tips Installed Custom Shaders Patch is obsolete - OverTake.gg
Since Steam’s auto-verification often fails to repair the specific version flag, you must force a clean installation of v1163.
Assetto Corsa remains a popular racing-simulation title, but as platforms, community mods, and competitive environments advance, older versions can become effectively obsolete. This paper examines why the v1.1.6.3 update is required for Assetto Corsa, the technical and social consequences of running older builds, compatibility and security concerns, and practical fix strategies for users, server operators, and mod developers. Recommendations include update procedures, patch deployment, compatibility testing, and community coordination to minimize disruption.
Once the fix is applied, drive the mod car at Nordschleife. Watch your tire temps. On a modern version, the outer edge heats uniformly. On v1163 handshake mode, you’ll see:
You are no longer driving a car model. You are driving a forgotten physics branch that was deemed “too complex for casual players.”