Gran Turismo has been a giant name in console racing sims ever since it first released on the original PlayStation back in 1997. It was a game-changer in its industry, mixing realistic driving physics with a vast lineup of cars. Since then, the franchise has only grown and continued to evolve with each release, constantly pushing the limits of what console racing sims can be.
Whether you’re into tuning, license tests, or just collecting your favorite builds, there’s always something to wet your feet in. It became one of Sony’s best-selling franchises with over 100 million copies sold. Featuring a full-length movie, making it a part of its story, it’s clear that Gran Turismo is more than just a game series; it’s a whole legacy
However, sim racers are notorious for not being beginner-friendly. The realistic driving physics are hard to get used to if you only ever played arcade racers. Gran Turismo has this problem to some extent, but some titles in the series are known to be beginner-friendly friendly and this is what this list is about.
We’ll only be focusing on Gran Turismo 2 through 7 as these are the main accessible titles that form the core of the series. They feature the pivotal license system, gameplay, cars, and tracks that abundantly define Gran Turismo. Other entries, such as the Prologues and PSP versions, don’t capture the same essence; hence, they were left out of the list.
6. Gran Turismo 6
Gran Turismo 6, the final entry in our list, features over 1,200 cars and 40 unique locations. It improved the driving physics, taking it a level above its predecessor, the GT 5. It has a rather easygoing progression system that uses stars to unlock licenses and races, helping players advance at their own pace.
GT 6 offers much to explore, having rather easier vehicle handling with a massive selection of cars and tracks. It’s beginner-friendly and doesn’t let players feel lost or unwelcome.
5. Gran Turismo 2
Gran Turismo 2 is also a decent but rather outdated pick for those looking for a gateway into the series. It has a selection of nearly 650 cars with around 27 tracks. The gameplay balances realistic handling and ease of control, with slightly easier physics compared to later titles.
License tests help build driving skills, and also reward a car with gold trophies. The economy system is simple enough to understand, letting you save credits and upgrade cars step-by-step without worrying. In GT 2, you start with manageable cars and work your way up as you progress; so in that sense, the game doesn’t punish beginners too harshly and allows some flexibility while learning.
4. Gran Turismo 5
Over to the next entry, Gran Turismo 5 is the second-best-selling game in the series, and it’s clear to see why. It was a substantial leg up on PS3, with reformed physics, better graphics, and an immense selection of over 1,000 cars to choose from. In that era, no other racing sim came close to GT 5.
The career mode is easy-going with regular events and license tests. Moreover, driving assists such as the Active Stability Management (ASM) and Braking Assist help you ease into the learning curve as a beginner.
3. Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec
Our next pick is the best-selling title of the franchise: Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec. It balances realism and playability like no other. With a clear progression route and license tests that build your skills, the game rewards you with car prizes that are usually better than what you can outright purchase, hence creating a sense of achievement and motivation. The driving feels smooth and rewarding without feeling difficult. Apart from that, the AI doesn’t pressure too much, offering room to make mistakes and improve. GT 3 features around 180 cars and 19 tracks, fewer than previous entries, which in turn actually lets newcomers focus on learning the tracks and mechanics instead of getting swamped by the variety of cars.
2. Gran Turismo 7
Gran Turismo 7 is the most recent main installment in the Gran Turismo series. It’s a solid pick for both new and returning players with a massive selection of over 420 cars and almost 100 tracks.
The license tests are beginner-friendly and give you demos and ghost cars so you can see what you’re doing wrong and learn at your own pace. It revives the classic single-player progression through the Gran Turismo Café, where you complete menus by racing or obtaining cars. It’s an impressive blend of old-school GT and modern features that make learning smoother.
1. Gran Turismo 4
Gran Turismo 4 stands as the top pick for beginners starting the franchise. Released on PlayStation 2, it offers a solid mix of realistic driving and easy gameplay. License tests teach new players fundamental car controls step by step.
GT 4 features a total of 51 tracks and over 721 cars to choose from. With so much content packed in that you could easily spend hundreds of hours playing without it ever feeling repetitive or boring, newcomers find much to explore. The AI opponents are not too much of a challenge, giving players some leeway for mistakes. Moving on, the progress system is what makes GT 4 special; you earn credits plus prize cars rather easily, which keeps you engaged and motivated to play. On the whole, GT 4 gives a beginner all that is needed to dive into the universe of Gran Turismo and enjoy the trip.
Published: Aug 27, 2025 12:15 pm