8 /10 12

GRID Legends redefines the arcade racer by fusing narrative depth with high-octane competition. Released in February 2022, it stands as Codemasters’ strongest entry in the GRID franchise, blending the accessibility of arcade handling with enough mechanical sophistication to keep simulation fans engaged. The game’s standout feature is Driven to Glory, a cinematic story mode featuring live-action sequences mixed with in-game footage, something few racing games have attempted with this level of production value. This review explores what makes GRID Legends a compelling choice for both casual players and racing enthusiasts seeking a fresh take on motorsport narratives.

How to Play GRID Legends

GRID Legends operates on an accessible arcade-sim framework where players control vehicles across 130+ track variants spanning 22 locations worldwide. The core loop involves progression through the Driven to Glory campaign, multi-season career events, and customizable races created via the Race Creator tool.

1. Controls – Standard racing inputs map intuitively to both controller and wheel setups. The physics allow for wall bouncing and aggressive driving without punishing mistakes excessively, making the learning curve shallow for newcomers while rewarding precision.
2. Progression – Players advance through the 36-race Driven to Glory story (approximately 5-10 hours), then unlock the endless career mode featuring hundreds of events across multiple difficulty tiers and vehicle classes.
3. Combat/Mechanics – The core loop mixes traditional circuit racing with drift challenges, elimination modes, and multi-class events. The Nemesis system allows you to designate rival drivers, and upgraded teammates actively block designated rivals during races.
4. Tips – Start on medium difficulty to learn track layouts. Use the practice mode to master braking points. Prioritize upgrading your Mechanic early for better vehicle performance across all events.

Who Should Play GRID Legends

GRID Legends appeals to a broad audience due to its balanced difficulty scaling and narrative focus. The game welcomes players seeking story-driven racing experiences while maintaining depth for genre veterans who demand mechanical complexity and competitive multiplayer.

• Story-First Racers – Players who want cinematic narrative integrated into racing will find Driven to Glory’s live-action presentation and voice acting refreshingly ambitious for the genre.
• Casual Gamers – The arcade handling model and generous difficulty assists mean new players can enjoy the game without memorizing track layouts or mastering complex setups.
• Genre Completionists – Racing enthusiasts hunting variety in vehicle types (prototypes, touring cars, open-wheelers, trucks) and 130+ track configurations will find extensive content.
• Skip if – Pure simulation fans seeking realistic physics (like iRacing or Assetto Corsa) should look elsewhere. GRID Legends prioritizes fun over authenticity.

GRID Legends Platform Performance

GRID Legends delivers robust performance across all platforms with locked 60fps gameplay and optional 120fps modes on current-gen consoles. The visual presentation shines with dynamic weather effects and reflection quality, though ray tracing is not implemented.

GRID Legends System Requirements

PC requirements span from modest entry-level specifications to high-end hardware for 4K performance. The 50GB install size mandates SSD deployment for reasonable load times. Minimum specs allow 1080p/30fps play, while recommended targets 1080p/60fps.

Similar Games to GRID Legends

GRID Legends occupies the middle ground between simulation and arcade racing. These alternatives offer comparable experiences with different philosophical approaches to vehicle handling, narrative integration, and competitive structure.

• Forza Horizon 5 – Open-world racing with superior sandbox design; leans more arcade but with less narrative focus than GRID Legends’ story mode.
• Gran Turismo 7 – Balances sim and arcade elements; heavier simulation physics but less integrated story presentation.
• Assetto Corsa Competizione – Hardcore simulation alternative for players wanting realistic telemetry and physics; lacks narrative entirely.
• Need for Speed Unbound – Story-driven urban racing with similar arcade philosophy; weaker mechanical depth compared to GRID Legends’ variety.

GRID Legends vs Competitors

Positioned between arcade and simulation, GRID Legends offers distinctive value through narrative depth and multi-discipline racing. This comparison highlights how it contrasts with market leaders in playtime, pricing, and critical reception.

GRID Legends Story and World

The narrative follows Driver 22, an underdog joining Seneca Motorsport to compete alongside Yume Tanaka against rival teams like Ravenwest. Driven to Glory features 36 cinematic story races with live-action cutscenes, a production approach rarely seen in racing games. The world spans authentic locations (London, Miami, Tokyo, Suzuka) alongside fictional circuits, each rendered with dynamic weather systems that affect grip, visibility, and strategy. The storytelling balances character drama with on-track action, using voice acting and cinematography to develop rivalries. While the narrative won’t rival story-driven single-player games, it succeeds as gaming storytelling by making you care about outcomes beyond trophy collection. The cinematic presentation particularly impresses during key moments, where race footage transitions seamlessly into narrative sequences.

GRID Legends Multiplayer and Online

Online play supports up to 22 drivers per race with full cross-platform compatibility. The Race Creator tool enables custom event hosting with limitless configuration options. Hop-in functionality allows friends to join ongoing single-player sessions by taking control of AI vehicles mid-race without disrupting the host.

• Circuit Racing – Standard competitive racing supporting 22 players; full power distribution and realistic penalty systems.
• Elimination Mode – Last-place driver eliminated each lap; intense competitive format rewarding consistency.
• Events & Seasons – Rotating weekly challenges with specific vehicle themes and track combinations; seasonal content updates throughout the year.
• Cross-Play – Full cross-platform play between PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and even Nintendo Switch (for mobile version).

GRID Legends DLC and Expansions

Codemasters maintains active post-launch support through seasonal content drops. Rise of Ravenwest, the major story expansion released November 2022, explores antagonist Nathan McKane’s backstory across 11 chapters, introducing new vehicles and Miami track variants.

• Rise of Ravenwest – 11-chapter story expansion; includes BMW 320 Turbo Group 5, Chevrolet Corvette, Plymouth GTX, Ford Mustang Fastback; free for Deluxe Edition owners.
• Seasonal Updates – Monthly vehicle and track additions; themed playlists and cosmetic options tied to real-world motorsport events.
• Season Pass – Bundled with Deluxe Edition; includes exclusive cosmetics, early DLC access, and bonus in-game currency.
• Free Updates – Regular patches addressing balance, performance, and online stability; new events added monthly without paywall.

GRID Legends Community and Support

The GRID Legends community remains active across Reddit, Discord, and official forums. Codemasters communicates directly with players through seasonal roadmaps and patch notes. Mod support exists on PC through Steam Workshop, allowing custom car skins and track modifications. The development team releases balance updates quarterly, responding to competitive feedback and addressing reported exploits.

• Official Forums – Codemasters hosts developer Q&As and shares upcoming content roadmaps; community voting influences feature priorities.
• Reddit/Discord – r/gridgame maintains 50K+ active members sharing setups, clips, and competitive tips; Discord servers host weekly racing events.
• Mod Support – Steam Workshop integration enables custom liveries, car repaints, and track environment modifications; no gameplay-breaking mods permitted.
• Updates – Patches released monthly; major balance changes every quarter based on multiplayer telemetry and community feedback; active roadmap through 2025.