Newbie needs a bit of help

[Haayabusa]

Hi, I'm new here (I live in the UK).

So... I don't even quite know how to structure this post... Hopefully you can bear with me.

I've been playing GTS for about 3 weeks now (not every day). I use the G29. I'm hugely enjoying the game, but today I got a bit frustrated... Yes, I know, it's perfectly normal, but I'd appreciate a bit of clarification or advice on a couple of things.

First... I'd quite like being able to drive together with some like-minded people, who want to learn and improve and who want to drive as smoothly and as cleanly as possible. I don't have any friends in the game and I don't really know how to go about finding some. I'm not really sure I even understand these "leagues", but I suspect the answer to this might be in there, but would appreciate a bit of advice on this. The thing is, I don't really want a bunch of total random strangers as "friends", so... not really sure what to do about this.

Second... Until this morning, I was driving with auto transmission. I always knew manual is supposed to be faster, but I kind of don't like the paddles, find them awkward, especially in corners and kind of non-intuitive (I drive manual cars in real life no problem, and prefer them to automatic, but this is with a traditional gear shift stick, not paddles). But I decided I should probably try them and try and ride through frustration that will inevitably follow, when it's all really difficult and messy initally.

I've been driving the Interlagos daily race for the last couple of days, and steadily improving my qualifying time (on auto), and my best so far is 1:33.989. Then, I switched to manual this morning, and first went and re-did all the circuit experience segments of Interlagos, and found, to my surprise, that without much trouble, I improved my times in all sectors and in the final lap (all were gold before, now improved times). So I thought I shouldn't have too much trouble improving on my best qualifying time, but alas, I just can't do it, can't even come close to it for some reason. My best is just over a second (which is a lot!) behind my best time on auto. I know I have to keep trying, but I got exasperated and switched the PS4 off, for now. I've searched here and found various threads also asking on how to improve, I've watched some Youtube videos and think I understand the basics relatively well. I also watch replays of best guys and they initially helped, I try and emulate what they do, but now just can't seem to make further progress.

Oh, I've also switched off most assists, but left ABS on default. I also still have cone markers, but the rest is all off. One of those I'm not sure about is ASM... Is it better to have this on or off? I know it's easier with it on, but if it's on, is it actually hindering you and preventing you from achieving best times?

The final thing is these daily races... I try really hard to race clean and avoid contact. But that way, I invariably have to slow down to avoid contact or move out of the way of someone who's about to hit me, and I end up losing places. If I try and fight, however cleanly, I usually end up either spinning out, or with a penalty (often undeserved, but sometimes deserved, although unintentionally). So, the best way I found so far of doing well is actually by improving my qualifying time as much as I can (reached a plateau for now, as described above), and starting on pole, then I have a chance of finishing 1st and having a clean race.

Sorry about the long and perhaps somewhat rambling and directionless post, but I hope someone can help me out with some constructive advice and/or observation as I'm still very new to the game.

Thanks guys.

 

[rono_thomas]

Hi, I'm new here (I live in the UK).

So... I don't even quite know how to structure this post... Hopefully you can bear with me.

I've been playing GTS for about 3 weeks now (not every day). I use the G29. I'm hugely enjoying the game, but today I got a bit frustrated... Yes, I know, it's perfectly normal, but I'd appreciate a bit of clarification or advice on a couple of things.

First... I'd quite like being able to drive together with some like-minded people, who want to learn and improve and who want to drive as smoothly and as cleanly as possible. I don't have any friends in the game and I don't really know how to go about finding some. I'm not really sure I even understand these "leagues", but I suspect the answer to this might be in there, but would appreciate a bit of advice on this. The thing is, I don't really want a bunch of total random strangers as "friends", so... not really sure what to do about this.

Second... Until this morning, I was driving with auto transmission. I always knew manual is supposed to be faster, but I kind of don't like the paddles, find them awkward, especially in corners and kind of non-intuitive (I drive manual cars in real life no problem, and prefer them to automatic, but this is with a traditional gear shift stick, not paddles). But I decided I should probably try them and try and ride through frustration that will inevitably follow, when it's all really difficult and messy initally.

I've been driving the Interlagos daily race for the last couple of days, and steadily improving my qualifying time (on auto), and my best so far is 1:33.989. Then, I switched to manual this morning, and first went and re-did all the circuit experience segments of Interlagos, and found, to my surprise, that without much trouble, I improved my times in all sectors and in the final lap (all were gold before, now improved times). So I thought I shouldn't have too much trouble improving on my best qualifying time, but alas, I just can't do it, can't even come close to it for some reason. My best is just over a second (which is a lot!) behind my best time on auto. I know I have to keep trying, but I got exasperated and switched the PS4 off, for now. I've searched here and found various threads also asking on how to improve, I've watched some Youtube videos and think I understand the basics relatively well. I also watch replays of best guys and they initially helped, I try and emulate what they do, but now just can't seem to make further progress.

Oh, I've also switched off most assists, but left ABS on default. I also still have cone markers, but the rest is all off. One of those I'm not sure about is ASM... Is it better to have this on or off? I know it's easier with it on, but if it's on, is it actually hindering you and preventing you from achieving best times?

The final thing is these daily races... I try really hard to race clean and avoid contact. But that way, I invariably have to slow down to avoid contact or move out of the way of someone who's about to hit me, and I end up losing places. If I try and fight, however cleanly, I usually end up either spinning out, or with a penalty (often undeserved, but sometimes deserved, although unintentionally). So, the best way I found so far of doing well is actually by improving my qualifying time as much as I can (reached a plateau for now, as described above), and starting on pole, then I have a chance of finishing 1st and having a clean race.

Sorry about the long and perhaps somewhat rambling and directionless post, but I hope someone can help me out with some constructive advice and/or observation as I'm still very new to the game.

Thanks guys.

Record a lap of youself at Interlagos, folk will be really helpful and be able to give you pointers.

Main question for you is this your first racing game? If it is racing instinct and race craft will come to you 3 weeks in may mean you just need to give yourself more time.

 

[Haayabusa]

Record a lap of youself at Interlagos, folk will be really helpful and be able to guve tou pointers.

Main question for you is this your first racing game? If it is racing instinct and race craft will come to you 3 weeks in my mean you just need to give yourself more time.

Thanks for your response.

I've played Gran Turismo... (4, or 5, not sure, the one on PS3, years ago) a bit. Before that some racing games on PCs. I love cars and driving, it's always been my interest and passion. I suppose I don't have that much experience (but more than a complete beginner) in racing games strictly. Also, I have my "most serious" set up now, as I've just bought the Playseat Challenge seat, so with the wheel, it's really awesome.

Yes, I think you're right the answer is more time and practice... I'm normally quite patient, and I debated whether to even post and bother people here, or just get stuck in, but I gave in, as I was interested to see if anyone had some advice or mentioned something I haven't thought of or am clearly doing wrong.

 

[rono_thomas]

I'm normally quite patient, and I debated whether to even post and bother people here

Wouldn’t worry about that GTP’ers are a fairly helpful bunch, but can you provide a video? Helping you becomes easier when we can see what level it is your at.

 

[Haayabusa]

Wouldn’t worry about that GTP’ers are a fairly helpful bunch, but can you provide a video? Helping you becomes easier when we can see what level it is your at.

How would I do that? Record a replay in game, then somehow "extract" it out of the game and put it on Youtube?

 

[simsimsheree]

Record a lap on auto, then a lap on manual. Try to look at where the shift points on auto are, and then compare to your shift points on manual.

You may find that you are shifting a bit late and affecting grip on manual. Especially Interlagos, there are places where, if you aren't using TCS, you may be spinning up the tires a tad more and losing traction.

 

[rono_thomas]

How would I do that? Record a replay in game, then somehow "extract" it out of the game and put it on Youtube?

Use your PS4 to capture your laps as you race them then upload to youtube using the share button. Then embed here.

 

[Boedefeld]

You’re on the best way to improve my man. Racing is all about muscle memory and consistency. Watching the times of the fastest drivers is a good start, although they have perfected how to achieve the best lap times.

Do you have TCS on or off? I keep it off during Qualifying but have it on 2 during races. That way I can ensure I have safe battles with other drivers and don’t suddenly loose control and hit them.

I started watching TheKie25 on YouTube and his videos have helped me improve tremendously.

 

[Haayabusa]

Thank you all, I'll try and record some laps and put them on here.

I have TCS on 2. I tried it on 1 and kept spinning. I should probably persist with it on 1 though, but as I switched nearly all other aides off, it's all a bit overwhelming...

Thanks guys.

 

[Haayabusa]

I started watching TheKie25 on YouTube and his videos have helped me improve tremendously.

I just watched his guide to Interlagos... Very very interesting to watch... One thing I can't figure out, he seems to initially modulate his throttle input on exit out of corners, but then kind of seems to just mash it, a fraction of a second later... And never triggers traction control... Almost as if he's on stickier tires, but he can't be, at least I think he's on the same setup (BOP) as I am for that race, with Hard Racing Tires. I think I'm even more careful than he is with getting back on the throttle gradually, when I exit corners, but I end up spinning out, and that's with TCS on 1 and I bet he's got it OFF. I don't spin out with TCS on 2, but I feel it's bogging down the car... So 2 is too much, 1 is too little (for me)... So much to learn.

Re the videos, I'm still trying to come even close to my original time of just under 1:34... Gotta keep calm!

 

[fastone371]

I just watched his guide to Interlagos... Very very interesting to watch... One thing I can't figure out, he seems to initially modulate his throttle input on exit out of corners, but then kind of seems to just mash it, a fraction of a second later... And never triggers traction control... Almost as if he's on stickier tires, but he can't be, at least I think he's on the same setup (BOP) as I am for that race, with Hard Racing Tires. I think I'm even more careful than he is with getting back on the throttle gradually, when I exit corners, but I end up spinning out, and that's with TCS on 1 and I bet he's got it OFF. I don't spin out with TCS on 2, but I feel it's bogging down the car... So 2 is too much, 1 is too little (for me)... So much to learn.

Re the videos, I'm still trying to come even close to my original time of just under 1:34... Gotta keep calm!

I think yo will find the car much more stable in the corners with manual transmission. Also try your ABS on weak instead of default.

 

[Racin-Rev]

continue to seek help here on GTP - it is the best forum for racing games. You can't do this at the moment because you have already qualified. However, try a few sport mode races starting at the back with no qualifying time. You will see mistakes in front of you and you will improve your control around other cars as well as passing points.

 

[Haayabusa]

Ok, here's a lap of Interlagos, where I managed to slightly improve on my previous best time. By the way, how do you record a video that's identical to when you're racing? I mean, the transparent HUD, mirror, etc, rather than this replay version, with the non-transparent black background behind the speed, revs and all the other data?



Even though that's a good thing I managed to improve my time, obviously, I'm somewhat annoyed, because that's with pretty much same setup as before, so Auto transmission, ASM on, CSA weak and TCS on 2. I just couldn't really keep it together with nearly everything switched off and in manual. I think I was fine with ASM and CSA switched off, but I really need that TCS on 2... I think I need to keep pushing, dial it down to 1 and be patient, but it's frustrating for now because, I either lose too much time being careful with getting back on the throttle out of corners, so as not to spin out, or I spin out.

Another thing... When I first switched to manual, I was shifting just before red line... Then someone suggested I look at shift points in auto, and I noticed auto upshifts earlier. Initially I thought that by shifting later manually would be a good thing, but then, someone else suggested I may be shifting too late! So... Is auto upshifting pretty much in the sweet spot, but the main advantage of manual still remains the ability to short shift and have full control over which gear I'm in at any given time?

I will try and record a manual lap without aides later today... If I manage to knock one out that's not too embarassing, that is.

Oh, something I've been wondering about... Those of you driving with wheels and pedals. Do you use your right foot both for accelerator and braking, or right for accelerator, and left for braking? I do the latter. And also, those that drive manual, do you mostly use the paddles, or clutch and shifter?

Thanks all!

 

[666666]

If your looking for friends here’s a link I’m a uk player if you want to add me here’s a thread with loads of people to add. I’m in there some where
https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/thre...-compare-laptimes.365629/page-9#post-12238907.

I won’t playing this week as I’m away visiting wife’s relatives in England till Friday.

 

[VBR]

By the way, how do you record a video that's identical to when you're racing? I mean, the transparent HUD, mirror, etc, rather than this replay version, with the non-transparent black background behind the speed, revs and all the other data?

The only way to do that is to capture the video while you are driving.

Do you use your right foot both for accelerator and braking, or right for accelerator, and left for braking? I do the latter. And also, those that drive manual, do you mostly use the paddles, or clutch and shifter?

If I'm using the paddles, then I'll always left foot brake. If I'm using the clutch then I'll use my right foot if I'm changing gear, & my left foot if I'm not. Most people don't use the clutch in GT games as the implementation of it is very poor.

 

[Haayabusa]

The only way to do that is to capture the video while you are driving.




If I'm using the paddles, then I'll always left foot brake. If I'm using the clutch them I'll use my right foot if I'm changing gear, & my left foot if I'm not. Most people don't use the clutch in GT games as the implementation of it is very poor.

Re video, do you mean record it with an external camera?

Thanks for the clarification regarding shifting... Makes sense.

 

[Boedefeld]

Ok, here's a lap of Interlagos, where I managed to slightly improve on my previous best time. By the way, how do you record a video that's identical to when you're racing? I mean, the transparent HUD, mirror, etc, rather than this replay version, with the non-transparent black background behind the speed, revs and all the other data?



Even though that's a good thing I managed to improve my time, obviously, I'm somewhat annoyed, because that's with pretty much same setup as before, so Auto transmission, ASM on, CSA weak and TCS on 2. I just couldn't really keep it together with nearly everything switched off and in manual. I think I was fine with ASM and CSA switched off, but I really need that TCS on 2... I think I need to keep pushing, dial it down to 1 and be patient, but it's frustrating for now because, I either lose too much time being careful with getting back on the throttle out of corners, so as not to spin out, or I spin out.

Another thing... When I first switched to manual, I was shifting just before red line... Then someone suggested I look at shift points in auto, and I noticed auto upshifts earlier. Initially I thought that by shifting later manually would be a good thing, but then, someone else suggested I may be shifting too late! So... Is auto upshifting pretty much in the sweet spot, but the main advantage of manual still remains the ability to short shift and have full control over which gear I'm in at any given time?

I will try and record a manual lap without aides later today... If I manage to knock one out that's not too embarassing, that is.

Oh, something I've been wondering about... Those of you driving with wheels and pedals. Do you use your right foot both for accelerator and braking, or right for accelerator, and left for braking? I do the latter. And also, those that drive manual, do you mostly use the paddles, or clutch and shifter?

Thanks all!

That’s a good lap, but you’re losing a lot of time in the corners because of CSA and ASM. You could bring your time down to a 1:33:00 I’d imagine if you practice more and turn those off!

Oh, and try Brake Balance -2 to the front. And the Ford GT is generally not so good while braking, so you need to brake a bit earlier than the cones would suggest.

 

[rono_thomas]

Re video, do you mean record it with an external camera?

Thanks for the clarification regarding shifting... Makes sense.

No for me its a double tap of the share button, not sure if Ive changed that from default though.

This explains it.

 

[Haayabusa]

That’s a good lap, but you’re losing a lot of time in the corners because of CSA and ASM. You could bring your time down to a 1:33:00 I’d imagine if you practice more and turn those off!

Oh, and try Brake Balance -2 to the front. And the Ford GT is generally not so good while braking, so you need to brake a bit earlier than the cones would suggest.

Thank you. Yes, I have Brake Balance at -2, but I'm not crystal clear on what it does. I have a feeling it's TCS at 2 that's hindering me the most, as it's cutting a lot of power when I'm trying to exit corners... However, as previously mentioned, I find it nearly unplayable on 1, let alone totally off. I've turned CSA off now, and shaved another 0.2 off that time.

Is there a "friendlier" car that you could suggest I could try (although I'm quite used to the Ford now)? The only reason I chose it is because all 10 best lap times at Interlagos are done in it...

No for me its a double tap of the share button, not sure if Ive changed that from default though.

This explains it.

Ah, yes, thank you, that's how I recorded the above video, but when in replay, didn't realise I can do that while racing too. 👍

I think I'm kind of stuck a bit now, and getting annoyed with myself and Interlagos, as much as I REALLY want to improve further... Had a race recently where I got shunted off from behind, flew totally off the track, and got penalised 7 seconds in the process. Will try and play some other stuff, to "refresh" my mind a bit.

 

[Boedefeld]

Is there a "friendlier" car that you could suggest I could try (although I'm quite used to the Ford now)? The only reason I chose it is because all 10 best lap times at Interlagos are done in it...

For Interlagos, sadly no. The Ford is by far the fastest car there. You gain about 2-3 tenths on the main straight compared to other cars.

Thank you. Yes, I have Brake Balance at -2, but I'm not crystal clear on what it does. I have a feeling it's TCS at 2 that's hindering me the most, as it's cutting a lot of power when I'm trying to exit corners... However, as previously mentioned, I find it nearly unplayable on 1, let alone totally off. I've turned CSA off now, and shaved another 0.2 off that time.

If the TCS kicks in hard you accelerated to fast during/after a corner. You can keep the loss at a minimum driving with Traction Control if you are smooth with the throttle. Turn 4 for example: you've braked a little bit too late already, and you're too fast on the throttle, which made TCS kick in and you drifted out onto the curbs, losing you about 2-3 tenths there. At Turn 8, the tight left-hander, you're going full throttle too fast as well.

You will learn with time how to be smooth with the car. I generally go full throttle only when my steering wheel is in a straight or near straight position.

 

[fastone371]

For Interlagos, sadly no. The Ford is by far the fastest car there. You gain about 2-3 tenths on the main straight compared to other cars.


If the TCS kicks in hard you accelerated to fast during/after a corner. You can keep the loss at a minimum driving with Traction Control if you are smooth with the throttle. Turn 4 for example: you've braked a little bit too late already, and you're too fast on the throttle, which made TCS kick in and you drifted out onto the curbs, losing you about 2-3 tenths there. At Turn 8, the tight left-hander, you're going full throttle too fast as well.

You will learn with time how to be smooth with the car. I generally go full throttle only when my steering wheel is in a straight or near straight position.

As mentioned above, just because you have TCS enabled does not mean you need to rely on it. Work on driving your car quickly without causing TCS to kick, you can still run great laps and it will prepare you for when the time comes to turn it off. If you practice the above you will eventually become annoyed with TCS because you will notice it activating when not needed like during high speed turns, that's how I learned to drive without TCS. Probably took a week or 2 to completely quit using it.

 

[Haayabusa]

Well, I stuck with it, and I managed to complete a couple of laps in manual and with all aides switched off, including TCS. I'm 3 seconds slower per lap, but I'm actually pleased, because earlier today, I actually didn't think it was even possible for me to complete a lap of Interlagos in the Ford without spinning out nearly everywhere. But I did it, slow, but clean, no spin-outs anywhere, so I just need to work on it more and be patient.

Thanks for your help guys, and I'm sure I'll be back for more! 👍

 

[Boedefeld]

Well, I stuck with it, and I managed to complete a couple of laps in manual and with all aides switched off, including TCS. I'm 3 seconds slower per lap, but I'm actually pleased, because earlier today, I actually didn't think it was even possible for me to complete a lap of Interlagos in the Ford without spinning out nearly everywhere. But I did it, slow, but clean, no spin-outs anywhere, so I just need to work on it more and be patient.

Thanks for your help guys, and I'm sure I'll be back for more! 👍

That's great to hear. It just takes practice. You'll get to the top in time. But don't get your hopes up that you will get to the times of Aliens. They're just on another level and it could take years to get there.