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You can start Gran Turismo 7 with a controller and the game’s default assists; you do not need a racing wheel or a garage full of upgrades. Follow the objectives shown in the game, use the Café and event prompts to find your next activity, and build confidence with braking and cornering before spending heavily on tuning.

What should I do first in Gran Turismo 7?

Start the game and follow the instructions and objectives currently displayed on screen. The available official materials do not establish a dependable, exact sequence for the opening car choice, first Menu Books, or license tests, so use the live Café and event prompts rather than relying on a numbered walkthrough that may not match your version or progress.

If you are new to racing games, begin with a controller and default assists. Adjust comfort settings as needed, then focus on learning how the car responds when you brake, turn in, and accelerate out of a corner. Practice and skill-building matter more at the start than buying parts without a clear goal.

Use the in-game learning guide

Polyphony Digital’s Beyond the Apex is available through the Gran Turismo 7 in-game menu and online. The official announcement describes chapters on getting started with Gran Turismo, automotive engineering, mechanisms, tuning and settings, and photographing cars. See Polyphony Digital’s announcement about Beyond the Apex.

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How do I unlock more races in GT7?

Use the objectives the game presents as your guide to what to do next. The exact opening order can vary with current game prompts, and the official sources cited here do not confirm a universal first-session checklist. Follow the on-screen Café and event instructions instead of treating later features as immediate goals.

Some collection and event systems are later progression. For example, Polyphony Digital’s June 11, 2026 Update Notice (1.70) says the Seasonal Menu becomes available after completing Menu Book No. 39, “Championship: World GT Series,” and watching the ending. That requirement is specific to Seasonal Menu access; it is not a list of the game’s opening steps. See the Update Notice (1.70).

Should I buy upgrades early?

Not unless you have a reason, such as an event requirement or a handling issue you can identify. The Tuning Shop sells parts in five categories: Sports, Club Sports, Semi-Racing, Racing, and Extreme. The official manual recommends comparing a part’s PP and maximum power, and says installed parts can be managed in Garage Car Settings. Consult the Tuning Shop section of the online manual.

PP and maximum power are useful comparison indicators, not a guarantee that one part or car will suit every event or driver. More power is not automatically easier to control. For a beginner, consider whether the car remains comfortable to drive and fits the event, rather than choosing an upgrade solely because a displayed number rises.

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A simple upgrade decision

  • Check whether the event or your current driving difficulty gives you a specific reason to change the car.
  • Compare the part’s PP and maximum power in the Tuning Shop.
  • Choose changes that suit the event and remain manageable for your driving ability.
  • Review installed parts in Garage Car Settings if you want to manage what you have fitted.

Do I need a racing wheel to play GT7?

No. A controller is a practical way to begin; a wheel is an optional choice for players who already want a more involved control setup and have room to mount it. The online manual includes steering-controller settings and support references for hardware such as the Fanatec Gran Turismo GT DD Pro and DD Extreme. Those examples are not prerequisites for playing. See the online manual’s GT Menu and Options section.

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What should I work on after getting comfortable?

Use license tests and circuit practice as opportunities to improve driving skill, and return to tuning when an event or a specific handling problem gives you a clear reason. Let the current in-game objectives determine what to pursue next; systems such as the Seasonal Menu belong later in progression, not at the start.

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