How to Drift in Gran Turismo 7: A Beginner’s Guide
Gran Turismo 7, the latest installment in the iconic racing simulation series, has taken drifting to new heights. With its advanced physics engine and realistic driving mechanics, GT7 offers an immersive and challenging drifting experience for players of all skill levels. However, mastering the art of drifting in GT7 can be daunting, especially for beginners. In this article, we’ll take you through the essential steps to get started with drifting in GT7.
Understanding Drifting Basics
Before diving into the how-to section, it’s essential to understand the basics of drifting. Drifting is a driving technique where the driver intentionally oversteers, causing the rear wheels to lose traction and slide around a corner. This is achieved by modulating the throttle, brakes, and steering inputs to maintain speed and control while cornering.
Equipment and Settings
To get started with drifting in GT7, make sure you have the following equipment and settings:
- Rear-wheel drive (RWD) car: Drifting is most easily accomplished with RWD cars, as they tend to oversteer more readily.
- Stock or near-stock suspension: While adjustable suspension settings can be helpful, it’s best to start with a stock or near-stock setup to focus on drifting fundamentals.
- Stock or slightly-upgraded engine: A well-balanced engine with adequate power and torque will help you build momentum and maintain speed while drifting.
- Sport or Track racing mode: Switch to Sport or Track mode to enable the game’s realistic physics engine and to reduce assist features that can interfere with your drifting.
Step-by-Step Guide to Drifting in GT7
Now that you’re equipped with the right car and settings, let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to drifting in GT7:
Approach and Entry
- Gain speed: Before entering the corner, accelerate to a comfortable speed to build up momentum.
- Approach the turn: Slowly begin to brake before the turn, using your brakes to scrub off some speed without locking up the wheels.
- Turn in: Turn the steering wheel smoothly and gradually, using the correct braking and throttle inputs to maintain speed and traction.
Transition and Drift
- Lift the throttle: As you turn into the corner, lift the throttle slightly to reduce power and allow the rear wheels to lose traction.
- Apply gentle brake pressure: Apply gentle brake pressure to slow the car further and tighten the turn.
- Gently apply throttle: Once the rear wheels have lost traction, gently apply throttle to maintain speed and steer smoothly.
Exit and Recovery
- Exit the turn: As you exit the turn, release the brake and apply gentle throttle to straighten the car out.
- Recover from drift: If you’ve lost traction or the car has started to slide, gently apply the brake and adjust your steering to regain control.
Tips and Tricks
- Practice, practice, practice: Drifting takes time and practice to master. Be patient and focus on improving your skills.
- Listen to the tires: Pay attention to the sounds and vibrations of your tires to gauge when they’re losing traction and adjusting your inputs accordingly.
- Use your mirrors: Keep an eye on your mirrors to anticipate potential obstacles and adjust your drifting trajectory.
- Experiment with different cars and tracks: Try out different cars and tracks to find what works best for you and to improve your skills.
Drifting in Gran Turismo 7: FAQs
Q: What is the best way to learn drifting in GT7?
A: Practice, practice, practice! Start with short, easy corners and gradually move on to more challenging tracks and turns.
Q: Can I drift with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) cars?
A: While it’s technically possible to drift with FWD or AWD cars, RWD cars are much more suitable for drifting due to their naturally oversteering characteristics.
Q: How do I fix understeer while drifting?
A: Apply gentle brake pressure and adjust your steering input to regain traction.
Q: What is the best track for drifting in GT7?
A: The game features several tracks suitable for drifting, but Tokyo Expressway – Loop North and Nürburgring – Nordschleife are popular choices among drift enthusiasts.
Q: Can I use assist features like traction control and ABS while drifting?
A: It’s recommended to turn off assist features like traction control and ABS to experience the true nature of drifting and to improve your skills.
Q: How do I improve my drifting skills?
A: Focus on smooth, precise steering and braking inputs, and practice drifting on different tracks and corners to improve your skills.
Q: Can I earn rewards for drifting in GT7?
A: Yes, you can earn rewards, such as medals and trophies, by drifting successfully in GT7.
Conclusion
Drifting in Gran Turismo 7 is an exhilarating and challenging experience that requires practice, patience, and dedication. By following the step-by-step guide and tips and tricks outlined above, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a drift master. Remember to experiment with different cars and tracks, practice regularly, and focus on smooth, precise driving inputs to improve your skills. Happy drifting!