Where to Start · Gran Turismo
Where to Start with Gran Turismo
Gran Turismo is Polyphony Digital's racing simulation franchise running since 1997 — Sony's premier realistic driving series and one of the best-selling PlayStation franchises of all time. The series is defined by its enormous car catalogues, meticulous vehicle physics, and the philosophy that driving itself is the entertainment rather than spectacle or combat. Gran Turismo taught a generation of players that a Honda Civic and a Ferrari feel different and that learning a circuit's braking points is its own reward.
Each entry is largely standalone — no story continuity, just a progressively larger garage and more circuits.
If you only play one Gran Turismo game
Play Gran Turismo 7 (2022). It is the most complete modern entry — over 400 cars at launch with ongoing additions, the Café menu system that tells the history of automotive culture through curated car collections, and a campaign that works as both a tutorial and a genuine appreciation of car history. GT7 is available on PS4/PS5 with significantly enhanced visuals on PS5 including ray-traced reflections. Always-online requirement is the main caveat — the game requires a persistent internet connection even for single-player.
Gran Turismo 4 — the PS2 peak
Gran Turismo 4 (2004) is the most beloved classic era entry — over 700 cars, the B-Spec driver management mode, and a Photo Mode that produced images indistinguishable from photography at the time. GT4 is the definitive PS2 racing simulation experience and worth playing on PS2 physical if you want the classic era. The Nürburgring Nordschleife at 20.8km is the circuit highlight — mastering it in GT4 is a genuine achievement.
Gran Turismo Sport — the competitive pivot
Gran Turismo Sport (2017) pivoted toward online competitive racing — FIA partnership, structured daily races, and a sportsmanship rating system that matched you with drivers of similar aggression. GT Sport has the least single-player content of any mainline entry but the best online structure the series has produced. Its manufacturer and nation cup events were broadcast on television. Available on PS4.
The original Gran Turismo
Gran Turismo (1997) and Gran Turismo 2 (1999) on PS1 are where the franchise began — the Real Driving Simulator tagline, the licence tests as tutorials, and the used car dealership as a budget entry point into car ownership. Both hold up surprisingly well. Physical PS1 copies are widely available and affordable. GT2's 650 car roster was extraordinary for 1999.
Licence tests — the Gran Turismo ritual
Every mainline Gran Turismo includes Licence Tests — structured driving challenges teaching braking points, cornering technique, and vehicle control fundamentals. The Licence Tests are not optional tutorials — they are the game's teaching system and the foundation of progression. Approach them as skill challenges rather than gatekeeping. Gold medals on all Licence Tests is the mastery marker for hardcore GT players.
GT7 connectivity — Budget for a stable connection if GT7 is your pick: much of the economy and progression expects you to be online even when you are not racing other people.
What platforms you need
Gran Turismo 7 — PS4/PS5. Gran Turismo Sport — PS4. Gran Turismo 4 — PS2 physical. Gran Turismo 1 and 2 — PS1 physical.
Recommended order
GT7 for the best modern experience. GT Sport for online competitive racing. GT4 for the classic peak. GT1 and GT2 for series history. Gran Turismo 5 and 6 on PS3 are worth playing for completionists — GT5 in particular has a 1000 car roster despite its troubled development.