How to Play Multiplayer on Gran Turismo 7: Racing Beyond the Horizon

Gran Turismo 7, the latest installment in the iconic racing simulation series, offers an immersive multiplayer experience that allows players to compete against each other in real-time. Whether you’re a seasoned racer or a newcomer to the world of Gran Turismo, understanding how to navigate the multiplayer features can significantly enhance your gaming experience. This article will guide you through the steps to play multiplayer on Gran Turismo 7, while also exploring some unconventional yet intriguing aspects of the game.

Getting Started with Multiplayer

1. Setting Up Your Account

• PlayStation Network (PSN) Account: To access multiplayer features, you need a PSN account. If you don’t have one, you can create it directly from your PlayStation console or via the PlayStation website.
• Gran Turismo 7 Game: Ensure that your game is updated to the latest version. Regular updates often include new features, bug fixes, and improvements to the multiplayer experience.

2. Navigating the Multiplayer Menu

• Main Menu: From the main menu, select the “Multiplayer” option. This will take you to the multiplayer lobby where you can join or create races.
• Lobby Types: Gran Turismo 7 offers various lobby types, including public lobbies, private lobbies, and custom lobbies. Public lobbies are open to all players, while private lobbies require an invitation. Custom lobbies allow you to set specific rules and conditions for the race.

3. Joining a Race

• Public Lobbies: In public lobbies, you can join ongoing races or wait for new ones to start. The game will automatically match you with players of similar skill levels.
• Private Lobbies: To join a private lobby, you need an invitation from the host. Once you receive the invite, you can join the lobby and participate in the race.
• Custom Lobbies: Custom lobbies offer the most flexibility. You can set the race type, track, car restrictions, and other parameters. This is ideal for players who want to create a unique racing experience.

4. Creating Your Own Lobby

• Lobby Settings: When creating a lobby, you can customize various settings such as race type (e.g., sprint, endurance), track selection, car restrictions, and race rules (e.g., tire wear, fuel consumption).
• Inviting Friends: You can invite friends directly from your PSN friends list. Additionally, you can share the lobby code with others to join.
• Hosting the Race: As the host, you have control over the race start time, and you can also manage the lobby settings during the race.

Advanced Multiplayer Features

1. Voice Chat and Communication

• In-Game Voice Chat: Gran Turismo 7 supports in-game voice chat, allowing you to communicate with other players during the race. This can be particularly useful for coordinating strategies or simply enjoying the social aspect of multiplayer gaming.
• Text Chat: For those who prefer text communication, the game also offers a text chat feature. You can send messages to the entire lobby or privately to individual players.

2. Leaderboards and Rankings

• Global Leaderboards: Gran Turismo 7 features global leaderboards that rank players based on their performance in multiplayer races. Climbing the leaderboards can be a rewarding challenge for competitive players.
• Skill Ratings: The game uses a skill rating system to match players of similar abilities. Your skill rating is influenced by your performance in races, so consistent good performance will improve your rating.

3. Custom Liveries and Decals

• Personalizing Your Car: One of the standout features of Gran Turismo 7 is the ability to create custom liveries and decals for your cars. You can design your car to reflect your personal style or even promote a brand or team.
• Sharing Designs: You can share your custom designs with other players in the multiplayer lobby. This adds a creative dimension to the game and allows you to showcase your artistic skills.

4. Weather and Time of Day

• Dynamic Weather: Gran Turismo 7 features dynamic weather conditions that can change during a race. This adds an extra layer of strategy, as you may need to adjust your driving style based on the weather.
• Time of Day: The game also allows you to set the time of day for races. Racing at night or during sunrise/sunset can create a visually stunning and challenging experience.

Tips for Success in Multiplayer

1. Practice Makes Perfect

• Single-Player Mode: Before diving into multiplayer, spend some time in single-player mode to familiarize yourself with the tracks and cars. This will give you a competitive edge when racing against others.
• Time Trials: Use time trials to practice specific tracks and improve your lap times. This will help you understand the optimal racing lines and braking points.

2. Understand the Rules

• Race Etiquette: Multiplayer races often have unwritten rules of etiquette, such as avoiding aggressive driving and respecting other players’ space. Adhering to these rules will make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.
• Penalty System: Gran Turismo 7 has a penalty system that penalizes players for rule violations, such as cutting corners or causing collisions. Understanding how the penalty system works can help you avoid unnecessary penalties.

3. Choose the Right Car

• Car Selection: Different tracks and race types may require different cars. Choose a car that suits the track conditions and your driving style.
• Tuning: Take advantage of the game’s tuning options to optimize your car’s performance. Proper tuning can make a significant difference in your race results.

4. Stay Calm Under Pressure

• Mental Focus: Multiplayer races can be intense, especially when competing against skilled players. Stay calm and focused, and avoid making impulsive decisions that could cost you the race.
• Learn from Mistakes: If you make a mistake during a race, don’t get discouraged. Use it as a learning opportunity to improve your skills.

Related Q&A

Q: Can I play Gran Turismo 7 multiplayer on different platforms? A: No, Gran Turismo 7 is exclusive to PlayStation consoles, so multiplayer is only available on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.

Q: Do I need a PlayStation Plus subscription to play multiplayer? A: Yes, a PlayStation Plus subscription is required to access the multiplayer features in Gran Turismo 7.

Q: Can I race against players from different regions? A: Yes, Gran Turismo 7 allows you to race against players from around the world. The game’s matchmaking system will pair you with players based on your skill level and region.

Q: How do I improve my skill rating in multiplayer? A: Your skill rating is influenced by your performance in races. Consistently finishing in higher positions and avoiding penalties will help improve your rating.

Q: Are there any rewards for participating in multiplayer races? A: Yes, participating in multiplayer races can earn you in-game credits, experience points, and other rewards. These can be used to purchase new cars, upgrades, and customizations.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to dive into the exciting world of Gran Turismo 7 multiplayer. Whether you’re racing for fun or aiming to climb the leaderboards, the game offers a rich and rewarding experience for all players. Happy racing!