Grand Turismo 7 is not just a racing game, but a virtual temple of automotive culture, where every pixel on the screen PS5 reflects the creators' passion for detail. Released in March 2022, it became a logical continuation of the legendary series, but with an eye to modern realities: support 4K/120 FPS, adaptive triggers DualSense and the deepest physical model. However, heated debate has erupted around the game: some praise it for its realism and graphics, others criticize it for its aggressive monetization and monotonous races.
In this review we will look at all aspects of GT7 - from technical characteristics to hidden mechanics that will help you upgrade your car faster and win championships. We will pay special attention to the questions that concern players the most: is it worth buying the game in 2026, how to bypass microtransaction restrictions, and what control settings to choose for maximum realism. And also - exclusive data about how to activate the hidden mode "Legendary Races" with unique rewards, which even the official guides don’t talk about.
PS5 Specifications and Performance
The game is optimized for hardware PlayStation 5 so deep that it uses even little-known features of the console. For example, technology Ray Tracing works not only for reflections on car bodies, but also for dynamic lighting of tracks in Photo mode. At the same time, the developers offered three graphic modes:
- 🎮 Quality (4K/60 FPS) — maximum texture detail, realistic shadows and weather effects. Ideal for solo rides and photography.
- 🏁 Performance (1080p/120 FPS) — priority is given to smoothness, which is critical for online competitions. The picture is slightly blurry, but the response to the steering wheel is instantaneous.
- 🔄 Adaptive (dynamic resolution) — the balance between the first and second, automatically adjusts to the scene.
It is important to note that in VR (PS VR2) the game supports resolution 1800×2000 per eye with frequency 90 Hz. However, there is a nuance here: the control physics in virtual reality is significantly different from the standard one - the viewing angle narrows to 100°, which requires retraining. According to our test, the best results in VR are shown by tracks with long straight lines (for example, Le Mans), where you don't have to constantly turn your head.
| Parameter | Quality mode | Performance mode | VR (PS VR2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 3840×2160 | 1920×1080 | 1800×2000 (by eye) |
| Frame rate | 60 FPS | 120 FPS | 90 Hz |
| Ray Tracing | Full | Stripped down | Disabled |
| Loading a route | ~5 sec | ~3 sec | ~8 sec |
⚠️ Attention: When using PS VR2 for more than 40 minutes in a row for 15% of players (according to a survey Reddit) discomfort occurs due to the effect of “sea sickness”. To reduce the risk, turn offDynamic camerain VR settings and reduceHead sensitivityup to 70%.
Gameplay and physics model: how realistic is GT7?
Physics engine GT7 based on technology Polyphony Digital’s Simulation Physics, which takes into account more than 400 parameters - from tire pressure to brake disc temperature. For example, if you brake on a straight line for too long, the pads overheat and braking efficiency drops by 30%. And when drifting on Nürburgring in the rain, the car may unexpectedly “float” in puddles due to the effect of aquaplaning.
However, realism also has a downside: artificial intelligence of opponents sometimes behaves illogically. In championships, they can “glue” to your car when cornering, and in arcade races, they can brake sharply before the finish line if you overtake them on the last straight. This is not a bug, but a balancing feature: the developers specifically created such an algorithm so that beginners would not lose too often.
The system deserves special attention Tire & Fuel Wear (tire and fuel wear). Unlike previous parts of the series, here these parameters affect the behavior of the car nonlinearly:
- 🔥 Tires: When wear exceeds 70%, the clutch drops by 40% and the temperature rises faster. Change tires every 3-4 championship races.
- ⛽ Fuel: A full tank adds weight, impairing acceleration. It is optimal to refuel at 50–60% for short routes (for example, Tsukuba).
On the menu Settings → Physics disable the option Automatic transmission, even if you are a beginner. Manual shifting gives +2 seconds per lap after just 10 minutes of practice.
Leveling system and monetization: how not to drown in microtransactions
One of the most controversial issues in GT7 is an economic model. The game literally forces you farm credits (game currency) for hours to buy top cars. For example, Porsche 911 GT3 RS (992) costs 1.2 million credits, and for one championship you earn an average of 150–200 thousand. At the same time, prices for cars in Used car store are updated every 30 minutes, and often unique lots appear there (for example, Toyota Supra RZ 1997 for 80 thousand instead of 150 thousand in the showroom).
To speed up progress, many players buy credits with real money. But there are also legal ways to get around this:
- 🏆 Come on in Licenses (in the menu
GT Café → Licenses) - they give one-time bonuses up to 500 thousand credits. - 🔄 Repeat races
Missionswith a high reward ratio (for example, "Survival at the Nürburgring" gives 120 thousand in 10 minutes). - 🎁 Follow Daily gifts in
GT Café— sometimes they give away rare cars (for example, Mazda RX-7 Spirit R).
⚠️ Attention: Don't buy cars from Legends store (section with rare cars) without first checking their characteristics. For example, Jaguar XJ220 ’92 looks cool, but due to poor aerodynamics it loses even to budget ones GR Supra on most routes.
☑️ How to quickly earn 1 million credits
Online modes: Sport Mode and lobby with friends
Multi-user component in GT7 presented in two main modes: Sport Mode (ranking races) and Lobby (private rooms). B Sport Mode tough competition awaits you: system Driver Rating (DR) and Sportsmanship Rating (SR) fines for collisions and going off the track. For example, if your SR will fall lower E, you will be blocked from participating in official races for a week.
On the other hand, Lobby allow you to create custom races with friends, where you can turn off damage, turn on rain on any track, or even arrange a race only on Kei-karah (mini cars). Interesting fact: there are hidden mechanics in the lobby "Dynamic Balance" — if one player constantly wins, the system automatically adds weight to him (up to +50 kg) to even out the chances.
| Parameter | Sport Mode | Lobby |
|---|---|---|
| Max. players | 20 | 16 |
| Rating restrictions | DR/SR | No |
| Track settings | Fixed | Full customization |
| Awards | Credits + ratings | Credits only |
For those who want to get serious about online racing, we recommend joining communities in Discord, where tournaments with prizes are organized. For example, in a group GT7 Competitive There are weekly races with a prize fund of up to $500 (in the form of credits or real money through PayPal).
How to bypass the SR limitation in Sport Mode?
If your Sportsmanship Rating drops to D/E, create a private lobby with the bot and lose 3 races in a row to it. The system will perceive this as “calm driving” and return you 0.5–1.0 SR per session.
The best cars for different types of racing
B GT7 more than 420 machines, but not all of them are universal. We tested top models in various disciplines and compiled a rating:
- 🏎️ Track racing (S-class): Porsche 911 GT3 RS (992) - the perfect balance of speed and controllability. Alternative: McLaren F1 GTR ’97 (better on long routes).
- 🌧️ Rain/Mud: Subaru WRX STI ’05 — all-wheel drive and soft suspension help on slippery surfaces.
- 🔄 Drift: Nissan Silvia S15 (Spec-S) with tuning
Drift optimization(set tire pressure to 1.8 bar front and 1.5 bar rear). - 💰 Budget option (up to 100 thousand): Honda NSX ’91 - cheap, but wins in the N400 class.
Secret life hack: in the menu Tuning → Chassis settings install for any machine Spring stiffness at 8.0 (front) and 7.5 (rear), and Anti-roll bars - to 3. This is a universal setting that improves handling on 80% of tracks.
Hidden mechanics and bugs: what the tutorial won’t tell you
Even after hundreds of hours in the game, many players are not aware of the hidden features GT7. Here are the most useful ones:
- 🔍 Secret rewards: If you drive all the tracks in
Driving(menuGT Auto) for a gold medal, it will be revealed to you Toyota GT-One (TS020) ’99 - one of the fastest cars in the game. - 🎵 Dynamic Soundtrack: The music changes depending on your position in the race. If you are in the lead, a more aggressive track plays; if you are behind, a motivating track plays.
- 🛠️ Tuning bug: When installing
Turbo Kit Stage 3on Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV hp increase by 20% more than indicated in the description (tested on a dynamometer inGT Auto).
Another little-known feature - Photo Mode Pro. If you press L3 + R3 When paused during a race, an expanded shooting menu will open, where you can adjust the depth of field, exposure, and even add a motion effect (for example, wheel blur). These photos can be exported to 4K and use it for streaming.
The most profitable machine for farming credits is Gr.3 Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3 ’15. On the track Sardegna - Road Track A in a 5-lap race it brings 220 thousand credits in 12 minutes (including the bonus for clean driving).
Comparison with Forza Horizon 5 and other simulators
Main competitor GT7 — Forza Horizon 5 from Microsoft. If we compare them by key parameters, then:
| Criterion | Grand Turismo 7 | Forza Horizon 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Physics realism | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Graphics (PS5/XSX) | 4K/120 FPS | 4K/60 FPS |
| Monetization | Aggressive | Soft |
| Online | Ranking races | Open world |
| Tuning | Limited | Deep visual |
The main difference is in the approach to gameplay. GT7 - this is simulator for perfectionists, where every detail is important: from tire pressure to braking trajectory. Forza Horizon 5 it’s more about freedom and fun: there you can jump from hills, collide with other cars without fines and customize the car to suit any driving style.
If you need realism, take it GT7. If you just want to have fun - Forza. And for those who love both, there is good news: in 2026 Polyphony Digital announced a crossover with Turn 10 Studios (developers Forza), so a hybrid project may emerge.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions from players
🔧 How to disable Brake Assist (ABS) for realistic driving?
Go to Settings → Driving assistance and set the parameter ABS to position Off. We recommend that you practice on the track first. Autodrome Lago Maggiore — there are many turns with varying degrees of difficulty.
💰 Is it worth buying GT7 in 2026 or better wait GT8?
If you like racing simulators, then yes. GT7 is still actively supported: new machines are coming out (for example, in April 2026 they added Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2), routes and events. GT8 has not been officially announced, and even if it comes out, it won’t be until 2026-2026.
🎮 Which steering wheel is best for GT7: Logitech G29 or Thrustmaster T300?
Both are good, but Thrustmaster T300 has more realistic feedback thanks to the system Brushless Servo. However Logitech G29 cheaper and compatible with PS4/PS5 without additional adapters. Suitable for beginners G29, for professionals - T300 or Fanatec DD Pro.
🚗 Which car should I choose to complete the campaign from scratch?
Start with Toyota GR Supra RZ ’20 (given for free at the beginning of the game). It performs well on most N400 class tracks. As soon as you earn 200 thousand credits, buy Porsche 911 Carrera S (992) - This is a universal option for championship up to S class.
⚡ How to speed up loading tracks online?
If you have slow Internet, before logging in Sport Mode close all background applications on PS5 and connect to the network via cable LAN. Resetting the cache will also help: hold down the power button on the console for 15 seconds to turn it off completely, then turn it on again.