8.5 /10 21

Gran Turismo 7 represents Polyphony Digital’s most ambitious racing simulator, combining meticulous vehicle physics with an unparalleled car collection spanning decades of automotive history. Released March 4, 2022, the game received widespread critical acclaim (Metacritic 86) but faced player backlash over grinding mechanics and microtransaction pricing. Over three years of updates introduced PlayStation VR2 support, 565+ cars through aggressive DLC strategy, and refined single-player career content. This review covers driving mechanics, content depth, platform features, and what separates Gran Turismo 7 from arcade racing competitors.

How to Play Gran Turismo 7

Gran Turismo 7 separates into two primary modes: single-player Café Mode career and competitive multiplayer lobbies. Career follows a mentor-apprentice narrative teaching driving fundamentals through circuit experiences, license tests, and progressively challenging races. Multiplayer emphasizes competitive racing against up to 15 human opponents with customizable cars and tuning systems.

1. Controls – Standard controller provides accessible experience with assist options (traction control, braking assistance, ABS). Racing wheel users unlock precision handling responsive to input subtleties. Default settings suit newcomers; difficulty scales from assist-heavy beginner to challenging simulation mode.
2. Progression – Café Mode structures progression through themed driving challenges celebrating automotive history. Complete menus unlocking legendary cars and deeper lore. Parallel structure: earn credits grinding race events to afford 565+ vehicle collection.
3. Mechanics – Handling model emphasizes tire grip, weight transfer, and brake point precision. Dynamic weather affects traction unpredictably. Tuning system offers deep customization for players pursuing optimal setups. Damage model reflects contact but remains forgiving compared to pure sims.
4. Tips – Learn racing line through circuit experiences before tackling career races on harder difficulties. Experiment with assists—removing them gradually improves skill without overwhelming beginners. Grind specific races for credits rather than pursuing full 565-car collection immediately.

Who Should Play Gran Turismo 7

Gran Turismo 7 attracts console racing enthusiasts from casual arcade fans to simulation purists. The difficulty scaling accommodates all skill levels. Those tolerant of grinding for premium cars and comfortable with PlayStation exclusivity find lasting value. Impatient players resenting monetization schemes should manage expectations.

• Racing Enthusiasts – Deep driving physics and 565-car roster satisfy veterans of Gran Turismo series. Career mode provides 50+ hours of structured content. Weekly races offer seasonal competition.
• Casual Gamers – Generous assist options and forgiving penalty system make racing accessible. Campaign can be completed on standard difficulty without grinding. Enjoyable without competitive ambition.
• VR Enthusiasts – PlayStation VR2 support with full career/multiplayer racing delivers immersive cockpit experience second only to hardware racing rigs. Haptic feedback adds tactile feedback.
• Skip if – You demand offline-only single-player (requires online connection), expect minimal grinding, or refuse PlayStation ecosystem lock-in. Microtransaction criticism valid for completionists targeting 565-car collection.

Gran Turismo 7 Platform Performance

PlayStation 5 delivers the definitive experience with 4K resolution and up to 120fps in performance mode. PS4 version scales gracefully to 1080p/60fps with identical gameplay. VR2 support adds immersive first-person cockpit perspective. All versions connect to unified online matchmaking.

Gran Turismo 7 System Requirements

Gran Turismo 7 is PlayStation exclusive—no PC release exists. Physical media (disc) and digital versions require PlayStation Network account for online features. VR2 headset optional but transformative for immersion. Wheel peripheral (Logitech, Fanatec, etc.) highly recommended for simulation enthusiasts.

Similar Games to Gran Turismo 7

Console racing simulators offer varied experiences; PC racing sims dominate hardcore simulation. Gran Turismo 7’s balance of accessibility and depth occupies middle ground between arcade racers and pure sims.

• Forza Motorsport 8 – Xbox exclusive with 500+ cars, similar progression structure. Slightly more arcade-oriented physics, less demanding learning curve. Cross-platform online limited.
• iRacing – PC-only subscription-based esports simulator. Highest fidelity physics and multiplayer structure. Steeper cost barrier and niche audience.
• Assetto Corsa Competizione – PC racing sim emphasizing Italian GT and endurance racing. Hardcore audience, demanding physics model, active modding community.
• Need for Speed Unbound – Console arcade racer prioritizing street racing and customization over simulation. Fundamentally different gameplay philosophy targeting casual players.

Gran Turismo 7 vs Competitors

Gran Turismo 7 excels among console racing titles through sheer content volume and physics depth. Direct console competitor Forza offers comparable car count but less demanding driving model. PC simulators target niche hardcore audience at higher cost.

Gran Turismo 7 Story and World

Gran Turismo 7 weaves automotive history throughout Café Mode progression. Mentor figure guides philosophical exploration of legendary vehicles—Aston Martin history, Ferrari’s racing heritage, Japanese tuner culture—creating narrative beyond typical career structure. Each menu unlocks iconic cars with historical context rather than gameplay-only progression. Dynamic day/night cycles and weather systems create atmospheric variety. Locations span real-world circuits (Monza, Suzuka) and fictional tracks (Tokyo Expressway).

PS VR2 cockpit perspective immerses players within meticulously detailed virtual interiors. The world feels celebratory toward cars themselves, transforming racing into automotive museum experience. Single-player emphasis on career discovery compensates somewhat for limited multiplayer narrative, though grinding for premium cars undercuts storytelling pacing.

Gran Turismo 7 Multiplayer and Online

Multiplayer prioritizes competitive racing through customizable lobbies and structured leagues. Both casual and ranked ladders accommodate skill ranges. Weekly scheduled events rotate tracks and conditions, encouraging regular engagement. Cross-PlayStation (PS4/PS5) matchmaking unified online ecosystem.

• Multiplayer Racing – Up to 16 players per lobby, customizable car classes, race conditions, and tuning restrictions. Damage penalties deter reckless ramming.
• Weekly Challenges – Seasonal events featuring specific car classes and tracks rotate regularly. Leaderboards reward competitive performance with exclusive rewards.
• Custom Leagues – Community organizes competitive leagues using lobby creation tools. Friends-only sessions enable private competitive racing.
• Cross-Play – PS4 and PS5 players race together seamlessly. No cross-console play with Xbox (platform exclusivity limitation).

Gran Turismo 7 DLC and Expansions

Three years of post-launch support delivered 200+ cars through DLC packs, prioritizing premium vehicle sales over seasonal maps. This monetization strategy stirred controversy: completing vehicle collection requires $100+ in paid cars beyond base $60 price. Free updates maintain parity—everyone accesses new tracks and features regardless of DLC purchases.

• DLC Cars – Monthly car pack additions (5-8 vehicles per release) typically priced $3-5. Total of 200+ cars released via DLC since launch. No paywall for single-player completion, but completionists face expensive grind.
• Spec III Update (Dec 2025) – Major evolution introducing 8 new cars, 2 new circuits, Dunlop tire partnership, enhanced Data Logger tools. Free for all players.
• Season Pass Model – Polyphony Digital discontinued formal season pass. Individual car packs purchased à la carte or ignored entirely by casual players.
• Free Updates – Tracks, balance adjustments, new events, and features released free monthly. Single-player career content expanded through updates.

Gran Turismo 7 Community and Support

Active esports ecosystem with official GT World Series tournaments attracts competitive players worldwide. Community creates custom league structures despite lack of in-game league tools. Developer communication maintains transparency on DLC scheduling and balance patches. Long support lifecycle (3+ years) demonstrates commitment to live service maintenance.

• Official Community – Gran Turismo official website forums, Discord server, and social media. Polyphony Digital participates in discussion and announces content roadmap transparently.
• Reddit and Discord – r/granturismo (250K+ members) hosts strategy guides, setup discussions, and competitive race organization. Active Discord leagues facilitate friend-group competition.
• Esports Structure – Official GT World Series tournament series with official PlayStation streaming. Community racing leagues operate outside official structures.
• Update Frequency – Monthly patches maintain competitive balance. Three-month roadmap visibility helps players anticipate content. Community feedback directly influences balance adjustments.