Imagine pouring your heart and soul into mastering a racing game, only to find a sneaky tactic you've been using suddenly gets nerfed! That's exactly what happened with the latest surprise update for Gran Turismo 7. Polyphony Digital dropped update 1.66, and while it brings some welcome fixes, it also rebalances a key technique some players were using to gain an edge. Get ready to dive into the details of this game-changing patch.
This update, arriving just a week after the previous one, clocks in at roughly 415MB on PlayStation 4 and a little over 1GB on PlayStation 5. The difference in size likely stems from adjustments made to the PS5-exclusive Power Pack DLC. But here's where it gets controversial... the seemingly small patch notes contain a change with significant implications for manual transmission users.
The update's notes mention a tweak to the "physics simulation model." Specifically, if you're using manual gears, the game will now ignore downshift attempts made at "extremely high" engine speeds. What does this mean in practice? Well, some players have been exploiting a technique in time trials where rapidly downshifting – even when it sounds like the engine is screaming in protest – can actually help with deceleration. Think of it as a controlled form of engine braking. Our initial tests suggest that while you can still slightly over-rev the engine, the ability to repeatedly slam down through the gears has been curbed, at least when using paddle shifters.
And this is the part most people miss... This change isn't just about realism. It directly impacts competitive lap times and the strategies players have developed. Is it a fair adjustment, or does it punish skillful exploitation of game mechanics? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Beyond the manual transmission tweak, the physics changes also involve adjustments to the Performance Point (PP) values of a select group of vehicles. These include the three Jaguar VGTs, the Gr.1 Hyundai N2025, the Valkyrie, and the ID.R. Performance Points are a key factor in balancing races, so any changes here can affect competitiveness.
But wait, there's more! The update also addresses a frustrating issue in the Multiplayer/Lobby area. Previously, players could only see one page of player-created lobbies, regardless of how many were actually available. This made it difficult to find the right race. This update fixes that, allowing players to browse all available lobbies.
Another welcome, though vaguely defined, change involves the force feedback of steering controllers. The patch notes don't specify which controllers are affected or the extent of the changes, leaving players to discover the impact firsthand. Hopefully, this will improve the overall driving experience.
Finally, let's talk about the Power Pack DLC. The update promises to adjust "the game balance" and modify the behavior of rival AI. From our initial observations, these changes include adjustments to the player car PP values within the pack, affecting both power and weight. The AI cars also seem to have received some tweaks, with the rocketship Elantra in the Willow Springs FF Tuning Battle race now feeling a bit more manageable. We've also spotted a revamped results screen and the return of Sarah in the intro and first race on each path within the Power Pack content.
Good news for anyone caught mid-endurance race when the update hit! Gran Turismo 7's automatic race-save feature will allow you to resume your race, even if the cars might be slightly different than before. This feature, which often goes unnoticed, is a lifesaver for long races.
So, what do you think of this latest Gran Turismo 7 update? Are the physics changes fair? Do you welcome the multiplayer lobby fix? And what about the Power Pack adjustments? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
