Assetto Corsa: Content Manager: Tuning extra_fx.ini for Graphics

The primary goal for Assetto Corsa Extra FX optimization is Temporal Stability and Light Accumulation. Standard reflections in AC are static; Extra FX introduces dynamic Screen Space Local Reflections (SSLR) and Temporal Anti-Aliasing (TAA). This configuration focuses on refining the “Step Count” for reflections and the “Sample Count” for ambient occlusion to ensure the cockpit and track surfaces look grounded and realistic.

Hardware & System Prerequisites

• VRAM Overhead: Extra FX, especially with SSLR enabled, increases VRAM usage by roughly 1GB-1.5GB. An 8GB VRAM card is recommended for 1440p.
• CSP Version: Ensure you are using CSP 1.79 or newer (preferably the Patreon “Preview” builds for Rain FX support).
• CPU Core Speed: While Extra FX is GPU-heavy, the TAA and motion vectors calculation add a slight overhead to the CPU’s render thread.

File Location

Since most users manage CSP through Content Manager, the manual .ini files are located in the CSP installation directory. However, for “Master Prompt” style manual overrides, you edit:

%LOCALAPPDATA%\AcTools Content Manager\Plugins\Csp\Settings\extra_fx.ini (Or the main game folder: extension\config\extra_fx.ini)

Technical Configuration (Code Block)

The following configuration targets the balance between high-end visual fidelity and the performance required for a stable 60+ FPS racing experience:

# Assetto Corsa Extra FX Optimization 2026
# Source: GameEngineer.net

[BASIC]
ENABLED = 1                   ; Global switch for Extra FX

[SSLR]
ENABLED = 1
ITERATIONS = 64               ; 32 = Medium, 64 = High, 120 = Extreme
STEPS = 16                    ; Higher steps = sharper reflections on wet tarmac
EXTRAPOLATE_COLOR = 1         ; Improves reflection color accuracy
SECONDARY_STEPS = 1           ; Adds a second pass for refined details

[AMBIENT_OCCLUSION]
ENABLED = 1
TYPE = 2                      ; 1 = SSAO, 2 = HBAO+ (Recommended)
RADIUS = 1.2                  ; Shadow spread around cars/objects
OPACITY = 0.8                 ; Darkens the cracks and crevices

[TEMPORAL_AA]
ENABLED = 1
SHARPNESS = 0.5               ; Balances the TAA blur
USE_JITTER = 1                ; Essential for anti-aliasing flickering edges

[MOTION_BLUR]
ENABLED = 1
QUALITY = 2                   ; 1 = Low, 2 = High (Per-pixel motion blur)

Strategy for Pinnacle-Photorealism

To ensure your replays and cockpit view look indistinguishable from reality:

• The SSLR Iteration Balance: Setting ITERATIONS = 64 is the sweet spot. Going to 120 provides marginally sharper reflections on car paint but can cut your FPS by 20%. For racing, 64 provides the “wet look” on tracks without the massive performance hit.
• HBAO+ for Grounding: Without Ambient Occlusion, cars look like they are “floating” on the track. Using TYPE = 2 (HBAO+) ensures that the shadow beneath the chassis and inside the wheel arches is deep and realistic, reacting to the time of day.
• TAA and Sharpening: TAA is notorious for making the image look “soft.” To fix this, keep SHARPNESS = 0.5 in the Extra FX settings and ensure you have FSR or DLSS sharpening enabled in the “Video” settings of Content Manager to bring back the crispness of the track textures.

Key Performance Parameters

Parameter	Recommended Value	Impact
SSLR Iterations	64	Sharpens reflections on puddles and car surfaces.
AO Type	2 (HBAO+)	Provides superior depth and grounding for 3D models.
TAA Enabled	1	Eliminates “shimmering” on power lines and fences.
Motion Blur Quality	2	Adds cinematic speed feel without the “cheap” blur look.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion and Expected Results

By manually refining your extra_fx.ini to prioritize HBAO+ and optimized SSLR iterations, you are transforming Assetto Corsa into a modern visual masterpiece. You can expect deep, realistic shadows beneath cars, dynamic reflections on the track surface during rain, and a cinematic smoothness that brings the simulator up to 2026 standards.