Transitioning from poor to good driver

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thegenlee

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TheGenLee
Hey guys!

First post on this forum, and am excited to post more!

I've been playing GT5 on and off for a while, but I still use most of the assists given. As of now, I race without brake lines, but that's about it.

Everything else (assist wise) is on default. Automatic, ABS, traction, etc.

What is the best way to transition to less assist, and ultimately 100% off. The biggest step I need to make is going from automatic to manual. Occasionally I do race manual, but don't really know when the right time to shift is, nor how far I drop it for turns. If I do focus too much on it, I avoid watching the road, and crash.

I'm guessing most of this is through practice, but if there's a race track that is good to practice on, that'd be appreciated if you told me.

Or, how did you guys transition? Is needing the assists off as important as people make it out to be?

Thanks!
 
As you said, practise is the way. The method I used to convert to manual is pick a track you like, then do 20-30 laps on it. By the end, you will probably find you are shifting gear without thinking.
 
1. Go in head first, but have realistic expectations. You may find some cars easier to drive with assists than without. Face it, some cars are psychos, and even God can't save them (Speed 12, anyone?). Also, assists may help you if you're using a DS3. Find what works for you.
2. Time Trials. Race your ghost for 10 laps and you can see what you're losing where. Correct, then rinse and repeat.
3. Start slow and build up. Start with the slower cars first, so you can improve your technique and consistency.
 
Traction control. Work toward going to 0. If 0 is too hard to drive, try 1 less, then 2, etc. ABS of 1 is ok.
 
I'm going through this faze just now, I've mostly switched to manual but I can't help using auto for time trials and stuff as I still seem to put in faster laps that way. You eventually get used to changing gear when you hear the revs peaking so you don't need to look at the suggested gear as much.

About other assists, maybe try using less grippy tires to see how you get on then take off traction control and put racing tires back on. before you know it you'll be TC free :)
 
One thing that helped me a lot was switching to using the R stick for gas/brake. This improved my throttle control, and helped me turn off TCS. And after unexpectedly finding myself in a no-ABS online room recently, I even discovered that braking was not that hard to adapt to using the stick.

Drive a tuned-up Vette or other powerful RWD car around some technical tracks on sport/hard tires without TCS for practice - you'll find yourself driving with the throttle around 50% much of the time. Get used to keeping the throttle as close to the limit as you can, as opposed to being "on" or "off". The Stars & Stripes Seasonal is a good candidate for this :)
 
These are great tips. Keep em coming! So far, I think i'm gonna work on transitioning from automatic to manual, b4 I mess with the assists. Any thoughts on that?
 
I use a DS3 and found that once I changed to Manual gears I could turn off the TC and Short Shift or just not drop to such a low gear to help keep the wheel spin in check coming out of corners, even if the gear indicator is flashing '1' I never drop that low unless its in something very slow (less than 300pp!).
 
I started using manual on Cruising USA for N64, so I cant really offer any good tips on how to switch because Ive been doing it for so long.

What I can tell you is to use the "suggested gear indicator" for the turns to learn what gear to be in and when to brake. As you approach the turn, it starts to flash, that means hit the brakes. The number is the gear you should be in at corner entry. While braking take your time and shift down each gear at a time, without over-revving the engine. The indicator is very modest in terms of pace, so you won't be the fastest, but you will learn to be consistent. Eventually your goal will be to race with the gear indicator off, once shifting becomes natural.
 
Very early in the game online, I got mocked because I used SRF, back when SRF was pretty popular in open lobbies. The dude went so far as to send me a PM about it. A bit childish I admit, but I committed myself from that point forward to driving without aids of any kind except ABS, and never ever used them again. I blocked that guy, I should unblock him and thank him..lol.

I say turn them all off but ABS because any aid you turn on distracts you from driving the car as it would drive without aids, and you'll only have to relearn how to drive each time you turn aids off. The only exception I'd make is perhaps the driving line when you are on an unfamiliar track, but once you are at the point where you know which corner is coming up, turn it off too, and look for braking markers at the side of the track to find your braking points.
 
Learning manual first is not a bad idea, being confident with that will help you with everything else. I would think the best track to practice on would be your favorite track(unless maybe that's the Ring which is too complex). When you know the line and corners well, you can focus on listening to your engine and tires and learning what gear you'll be in when you start slowing down, and how many gears you'll need to shift down, and how to keep your car balanced.

The recommended gear indicator is a good guide to get you started, but just like the racing line, don't rely on it too much. Try to focus on what you need to do independently of those, and then you'll soon find the spots where they are telling you to do it wrong. Think of them as reminders for when you are half-way to making a mistake.
 
Yeah I'd say first thing to do is turn off grip aids, you'll notice a reduction in lap times when you really push hard. I have never raced with any aids on before, first time I ever drove in the game, I had everything off. I teach people by throwing them in at the deep end but turning off grip aids is a big enough step.
 
Pretty much what peter_vod69 says - Turn of the racing line as well, it almost always isn't the fastest way around the track. I'd start with a RWD car that isn't too fast and easy to drive, like an S2000 or Miata, on sport hards. Don't try it online, it can be daunting - but practice. Tsubuka is a good, quick track to try and get your lines down - run 10 laps racing your ghost - driving harder isn't what makes you faster, but more precise. Watch your replays and see what you're doing wrong, take note, and make improvements.

And the best tip I can give, if you don't already have one - get a wheel. You won't find a better starter wheel than the Logitech Driving Force Pro - I've seen it for less than $100. It really helps you feel what the front and rear tires are doing - brake and throttle control should be of less concern at first - concentrate on your lines and then start upping the pace as you get the tracks down.

Finally, Nordschliefe DOES have everything. If you can drive a clean, quick lap there on sport hards, then you should be good. The last step is ABS - I drive with it off sometimes, and sometimes on - it really depends on the car - for cars that have a bit up understeer, or tighter tracks (like eiger), I run ABS 0 - helps the car turn in. On cars that are naturally "pointy", I will usually leave it on. It does require a gentle touch, but when you get it down, for tracks/cars it works on, I'm .2 faster with ABS off.
 
thegenlee
These are great tips. Keep em coming! So far, I think i'm gonna work on transitioning from automatic to manual, b4 I mess with the assists. Any thoughts on that?
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I actually went the other way. I turned all assists off (except ABS on 1) & stayed on AT until I was comfortable. Then went MT. Easier transition, IMO. :)
 
I would have gone the other way too. Well I actually started the game with all assists off except TC and ABS (mostly on 1). Here are some tips you might find helpful:

This means you need to learn to pick your braking point, first from watching the blinking gear suggestion, then as you improve you'll find that you can brake much later depending on what you're driving, what tyres, etc and use the scenery for the braking points. Later on you might find that you don't need the scenery as you will instinctively have a feel of when to stand on the brake. Same for when to floor it.

If you can follow the top AI drivers around without driving aids and not hitting them then you're half way there. When you're in the lead out in front, that's when you need to pick the natural line around the turns (which isn't always the fastest as I am sure you will find out).

Rallying is a good place to go MT and with all assists off coz you need to be able to position the car with just 3 things: steering, throttle and brake; and the car will hopefully be in the right gear at the start of the turn. Hope you can do it :-)
 
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If you haven't done the license tests then I would suggest doing them, all of them. They teach you the basics of driving and racing.

Turn off the racing line, learn to drive without it. My advise would be to stay at a single track and race it over and over again until you know the track like the back of your hand.

As for assists, slowly turn them down and see how the car handles. You eventually get to the point where you don't need them. However, don't be afraid to use some assist (traction control) when driving a race car.

If you're using a DS3 controller then I wouldn't worry too much about driving a manual. Learn how to drive the car properly first. If you ever get to the point where you're becoming a hardcore driver then think about getting a wheel and then think about using manual shifting.
 
I've been playing this game for over a year now and I'm still in the transition zone from poor driver to good driver LOL. I use manual from time to time but not often. I use assists with some cars and none with others like the S2000.
 
Get a nissan 350Z, put comfort tyres on it and take it to autumn ring mini.

Use MT and switch off all driving aids (except ABS, unless you think you're ready) and race against your own ghost in practice for a few dozen laps.
If you can keep a tight racing line around there while coping with the low grip & high power you'll get the reflexes you need.
Don't try to go fast, just aim for tidy.

Putting racing soft tyres on everything will improve your reflexes, not so much your driving.
 
I started as a "total n00b". Automatic, ABS, TC, ASM, Driving Line, etc.

When I decided "i want to get better", I had a main objective: GOLD EVERY licences in the game using MT instead of AT *AND* by setting TC to 3. Practice makes perfect they! It helped a lot!

Now, I can't say I'm an Elite since I can't play much since a few months. But I enjoy the game more and more since I'm much better! I was pretty proud when I ran the GT-R Official Record Trophy with the GT-R, on the Ring, with TC set to 1, ABS 1, MT with a time of 7'27:xxx ... (Using a DS3)

So yeah, it takes a lot of times to get better but it's totally worth. GT5 is MUCH better since I'm driving MT. I plan to get a wheel, a little DFGT, just to have some fun. No need to get the G27 since I don't play that much!

Good luck bro!
 
I see some guys suggesting the recommended gear thing but my suggestion would be to ignore it. Anything that takes your eyes off the road, breaks the flow of information to the brain. A lot of driving fast comes from repetitive muscle and visual memory and anything that breaks that flow will make you less consistent.

Running laps over and over at Tsukuba, a short track that's flat and easy to memorize will get you used to hard braking, fast sweepers, hairpins, throttle control for wheelspin, trail braking into corners and with only a few gear changes you can learn to listen to the motor of each car to know what gear to be in. Most cars with custom transmission will use only 1-4 or 2-5. Another good track to learn on is Autumn Ring Mini or the full Autumn Ring.
 
My advice is do the liscence test over and over, you will always understand something new.
It can be so frustrating but its still suppose to be funnier than reading a book.
Play with the setting and you will slowly develop a less (aid) is better thinking.
It wont happen overnight, its a process that can take years to develop.
 
Eric W
If you're using a DS3 controller then I wouldn't worry too much about driving a manual. Learn how to drive the car properly first. If you ever get to the point where you're becoming a hardcore driver then think about getting a wheel and then think about using manual shifting.
Click to expand...

I agree with Eric, when I am on the couch using a DS3 I use an automatic transmission. I only drive with a manual transmisison when I use my wheel set up.

As many have said, practice, practice, practice, all the time gradually adding speed, braking a little later, etc.
 
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The problem with using the driving/braking line is, i find that you don't learn the track with those particular assits on. You're focused on the lines and not the track. To get better anyone using the lines should turn them off.
 
You can use this site to help you. It's information is massively helpful. It isn't based on GT5, though it is close enough.
 
I began using manual because I enjoyed driving with it more. I started using it when I had a big advantage (Yellow Bird v. GTI), and eventually got good.
 
Idea for transitioning from AT to MT:
Start with a car with as few gears as possible (2J for instance w/3).
Fewer gears require less maintenance to start. If you feel you have it perfect, move on and go to a 4 speed (NASCAR off the top of my head). Then most cars have 5 or 6. I think you'll find when you're at the 5-6 gear point, you'll be all set on anything. I find the close ratios harder, so that's why I think starting out with cars with fewer gears naturally would be a good idea.
You could just change the ratios yourself, but using different cars can be fun.
 
^Not a bad suggestion. You could also try using a car with a lot of torque, as it makes it more forgiving.
 
Also try the karting special events with no assists, especially the advanced one on a real racing track. Most good F1 drivers started as karting champions - so if you're good in karting you 'll be a "good" driver :-)
 

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