If you are trying to join a server or launch a specific mod and see the error "Assetto Corsa is obsolete. v1.163 is required," don't panic. Your base game isn't broken; it's just a mismatch between your game version and the server or mod expectation.
Here is the direct "hot fix" to resolve this issue immediately.
After applying the fix:
Still broken? You likely have a server-side issue (the server owner is running an outdated checksum). In that case, find another server – there’s nothing wrong with your install.
Did this fix your issue? Share this post with your league or Discord server – this error sends hundreds of sim racers on wild goose chases every week.
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the most resilient racing simulators ever made, but players frequently encounter a frustrating wall: the "Assetto Corsa is Obsolete, v1.16.3 is Required" error.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 Phase 1: Verify Steam Game Integrity assetto corsa is obsolete v1163 is required fix hot
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)
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 If CM is outdated, it may fail to recognize your game version correctly.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 Step 1: Verify Your Current Version
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. Launch Assetto Corsa : Start the game to
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!
Launch Assetto Corsa via your current Content Manager executable.
acs.exe.Once you complete these steps, your game will report the correct version, and you can join any server requiring v1.163.
This is the most common solution. The steam_api64.dll file is the bridge between your game and the mod validation system.
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\assettocorsa)steam_api64.dll.steam_api64_backup.dll (do not delete it yet).Why this works: Corrupted mod installers sometimes overwrite this critical DLL with a generic one. Steam restores the authentic signature.
This is the real solution for most users:
1163).Why this works: Content Manager sometimes caches an old version number from a beta or previous patch. Forcing it removes the confusion.