Big Gran Turismo 7 update adds four-player split screen
Gran Turismo 7 is getting a big update today that adds a significant amount of content and changes, the most surprising of which is four-player split screen.
The new “SPEC II 1.40” update for Gran Turismo 7 brings with it a plethora of changes. This includes seven new cars and a new ice racing circuit with three layouts for players to drive on. It’s also adding more things to do in the form of new Café challenges, a new Master License, circuit updates and updated “Sophy” AI. This is on top of some UI changes, a revamped lobby system called the “Paddock” and new shutter speed settings in photo mode.
The most interesting addition, however, is that Gran Turismo 7 will now support four-player split screen on PlayStation 5.
In an age where online play is the norm, being able to sit down and play the same game with three friends on the same screen feels quite anachronistic. The move is even more surprising considering that Gran Turismo has traditionally only had two-player split screen, with GT7 launching with just that. (Read: Gran Turismo 4 cheat codes discovered nearly two decades after the game’s release)
Moreover, the split-screen mode in Gran Turismo 7 always felt like an afterthought. Indeed, a bug preventing the second player from using different driving assist settings has remained since launch.
Gran Turismo 7 getting a four-player split screen mode—at least on PlayStation 5—does seem to show that Sony and Polyphony Digital are aware that people still care about the mode. At the very least, the timing indicates that they feel that it would be a great way to get people to try out the console when getting together for the coming holiday months.
As for the other things coming in the update, Gran Turismo 7‘s”SPEC II 1.40″ adds the following cars.
- Dodge Charger R/T 426 Hemi ‘68
- Dodge Charger SRT Demon ‘18
- Lexus LFA ‘10
- Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution II ‘91
- NISMO 400R ‘95
- Porsche 911 GT3 RS (992) ‘22
- Tesla Model 3 Performance ‘23
Players can take these, or any cars they already have, onto the following new events. These include some in the new Lake Louise ice racing track.
- World Touring Cars 900: Trial Mountain / Nurburgring / Suzuka Circuit / Autopolis
- X2019 Nations Cup: Interlagos Circuit / Sardegna Road Track / Dragon Trail / Trial Mountain Circuit / Lake Maggiore Circuit
- World Rally Challenge Gr. B: Lake Louise
- Japanese 4WD Challenge 600
- Pick-Up Truck Race: Lake Louise
- Clubman Cup+: Watkins Glen International / Special Stage Route X / Fuji Speedway / Monza Circuit
- GT Cup Gr. 3: Mount Panorama / Daytona International Speedway / Deep Forest Raceway / Red Bull Ring
Meanwhile, car collectors now have the following Extra Menu car collector challenges.
- Extra Menu No. 31: ‘Road-Going Racers’ (Collector Level 30 and above)
- Extra Menu No. 32: ‘Lexus’ (Collector Level 34 and above)
- Extra Menu No. 33: ‘Red Bull X Series’ (Collector Level 49 and above)
All this is on top of a new “Weekly Challenge” that will earn players a special reward if they complete the listed challenges within the specific week.
As for players who prefer racing online, the new “Paddock” system replaces the previous room system, allowing players to not just talk to each other, but also check out each others’ cars up close.
Finally, for those who prefer racing on their own, Sony’s machine learning AI “Sophy” returns following its brief test last year. Sophy can now be used in custom races in the PlayStation 5 version of the game.
All in all, the “SPEC II 1.40” update looks to greatly enhance the Gran Turismo 7 experience, not only with the surprising four-player split screen mode, but with a ton of new content for players to enjoy.
If you like reading our content, why not show your appreciation by treating us to a cup of coffee? (or two, if you’re feeling generous)
