Gran Turismo 7

Gran Turismo 7 takes #1 because nothing else on PS5 nails the full package like this: car feel, presentation, and a ladder of events that keeps you learning. The license tests and missions give you clear goals, while the Menu Books push you into new disciplines so you don’t just grind the same race forever. Sport Mode is the reason it stays installed on my console, since the daily races are structured and the standards are high. The always-online bits can be annoying, and the economy can feel tight. Still, it’s the platform benchmark.

Gran Turismo 7 is a serious 1v1 racer for players who enjoy precision, braking points, and the satisfaction of a clean lap. It makes the list because it supports proper split-screen rivalry with clear race outcomes and huge long-term variety in cars and tracks, letting pairs build ongoing “seasons” around favorite machines. Assist options matter here, since they can help uneven skill levels stay closer and keep races competitive. The trade-off is that the sim-first feel can be demanding, and split-screen isn’t as effortless as more arcade-focused racers. Best for dedicated rivals who want a cleaner, less chaotic race than kart-style item battles.

Gran Turismo 7 is precision-focused sim racing that translates clean driving into clear, head-to-head results. It makes the list because local split-screen still delivers a fair competitive foundation: consistent handling, strong feedback through the controller, and satisfying wins that come from better braking and cleaner corners. The reason it lands lower is simple—split-screen is more limited here, with fewer options and compromises compared to racers built around couch play. The trade-off is worth it for players who care most about realistic racing feel. Best for 2 players who want serious driving duels and don’t mind a more restricted local setup.

GT7 earns its spot as the premier sim racer where your conduct matters as much as lap times. Sport Mode's dual rating system—pairing driver skill with sportsmanship scores—creates lobbies where clean, respectful racing is rewarded and reckless drivers are filtered out. Daily races and FIA championships provide structured competition for players seeking ranked progression beyond arcade thrills.