You can start Gran Turismo 7 with a controller and the game’s default assists; a racing wheel and expensive upgrades are not prerequisites. Begin by following the objectives shown in the game, use the in-game Beyond the Apex guide when you want to learn more, and save tuning decisions for when you have a specific event or handling issue in mind.
What should I do first in Gran Turismo 7?
Follow the current prompts in the game’s Café and event menus rather than relying on a fixed opening checklist. The exact first car, Menu Book order, and license-test sequence are not established by the official sources cited here, and in-game instructions can be a more reliable guide to what is available in your copy of the game.
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If you are new to racing games, start with a controller and the default assists. Adjust the available comfort settings if driving feels difficult, then focus on learning when to brake, how to approach a corner, and how the car responds when you accelerate out of it. Those skills are useful before you spend time or credits on performance parts.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsUse the in-game learning resource
Polyphony Digital says its Gran Turismo Magazine Beyond the Apex is available through the GT7 in-game menu and online. The guide includes material on getting started, automotive engineering, vehicle mechanisms, tuning and settings, and photographing cars. Open it from the game menu when you want background on a system instead of guessing what a setting does. Polyphony Digital’s announcement is dated September 16, 2026.
#1 Best Overall
- With the return of classic cars, iconic tracks, and fan-favourite modes like GT Simulation and Sport Mode - Gran Turismo 7 is the complete Real Driving Simulator, 25 years in the making.
- Find your line. Whether you're a racer, collector, tuner, designer, photographer or arcade fan - immerse yourself in the facets of automotive culture that matter most to you.
- Connect and compete. Join an international community of drivers to share race strategies, tuning tips, livery designs and photos, before taking to the track to go head-to-head.
How do I unlock more races in GT7?
Work through the objectives and event prompts currently shown in your game. This is a practical way to discover the progression available to you without assuming that a particular race, menu, or test is available at a particular point. As you progress, use the event requirements to decide what to practice or change on your car.
Some features are later-game content, not first-session tasks. For example, Polyphony Digital’s June 11, 2026 Update Notice (1.70) says the Seasonal Menu becomes available after you complete Menu Book No. 39, “Championship: World GT Series,” and watch the ending. Read the Update Notice (1.70) for that specific requirement; it does not establish the full order of early-game objectives.
Rank #2
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Should I buy upgrades early?
Upgrade when you have a reason, rather than treating every available part as an automatic improvement. A car that is harder to control may not help you finish an event, even if a part raises its performance. Learn the track and the car first; then consider whether a change addresses a clear need, such as event eligibility or a handling problem.
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The official Tuning Shop manual says parts affect performance and are grouped into five categories: Sports, Club Sports, Semi-Racing, Racing, and Extreme. When comparing parts, the manual advises considering PP and maximum power. Treat those as useful indicators, not a guarantee that the part with the bigger number is the right choice for your event or driving comfort.
Rank #3
- Included is the following: Gran Turismo 7 for PlayStatio 5 PS5, 2 pack of PremGear 2 Sizes Thumbsticks made to increase accuracy and comfort (1 High-Rise, 1 Mid-Rise), PremGear Quality Cleaning Cloth
- With the return of classic cars, iconic tracks, and fan-favourite modes like GT Simulation and Sport Mode - Gran Turismo 7 is the complete Real Driving Simulator, 25 years in the making
- BUILD YOUR DREAM GARAGE: Collect, tune, race and customize hundreds of cars and create your dream garage collection. Over 100 cars have been added since launch, including the Chevrolet Corvette CX.R Vision GT Concept, NISMO R34 GT-R Z-tune ’05 and McLaren MP4/4 ’88
- HIT THE ROAD: Race across 37 tracks with 110 layouts in both real-life locations and Gran Turismo originals, including 'Trial Mountain' and 'Deep Forest'. Find your line with Circuit Experiences, chase lap times in Time Trials and take part in themed events
- CAPTURE THE MOMENT IN SCAPES: Create stunningly realistic photos of your car collection in breathtaking locations around the world, from Yosemite National Park to Kadokawa Culture Museum in Japan
Installed parts can be managed in Garage Car Settings. If an upgrade makes the car less comfortable to drive or unsuitable for the event you want to enter, review the installed setup there rather than continuing to add parts without a clear goal.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Do I need a racing wheel to play GT7?
No. A controller is a sensible way to begin, and you can decide later whether a wheel would make the game more enjoyable for you. Wheel setups can take more space and may need suitable mounting; consider your room and how much you want wheel input before buying hardware.
The official manual’s GT Menu and Options section includes steering-controller settings and support references, including Fanatec Gran Turismo GT DD Pro and GT DD Extreme. Those are examples of hardware covered by the manual, not equipment a beginner needs in order to start playing.
What should I practice after getting comfortable?
Use license tests and circuit practice as focused ways to build driving skill when they are available to you. Practice braking before corners and carrying a controlled line through them before chasing speed or making extensive tuning changes. If you later want more involvement from your controls, consider a wheel as an optional upgrade rather than a requirement.
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