To get 2 player on Gran Turismo 7, you have two main options: local split-screen racing on the same console or online multiplayer with a friend in a different location. The fastest route to racing a friend side-by-side is the built-in split-screen mode, which works on both PS4 and PS5.
How to get 2 player on Gran Turismo 7 with split-screen
Setting up a local split-screen race is straightforward, but it requires a few specific steps to get both players into the action. Follow this direct path from the World Map to start a two-player race:
- Make sure each player has their own PlayStation controller connected to the console and turned on before launching the game.
- Choose "Split-Screen Race" from the menu options.
- Player 1 (the account that opened the game) will now be in the race setup screen. This is where all race settings are applied, including the number of laps, start type, course selection, layout, and weather conditions.
- Select your cars. You can either pick rental cars provided for split-screen races or use cars from your Garage. To use your own cars, you must add them to your "Favorites" list first.
- To add a car to Favorites, go to your Garage, highlight the car you want, and press the △ (triangle) button. This marks it as a favorite, making it selectable in split-screen.
- Once Player 1 has chosen their car, the game will prompt Player 2 to press the "X" button on their controller to join and select their car.
- After both cars are locked in, select the race settings and start the race. The screen will split, and you're ready to go.
Gran Turismo 7 split-screen player limits on PS4 and PS5
Knowing the platform limitations saves you from disappointment mid-setup. On PlayStation 5, the 1.40 update introduced support for up to four-player split-screen, meaning you can race with three friends locally. On PlayStation 4, however, the split-screen mode is strictly limited to two players. So, if you're on PS4, plan for head-to-head duels only; if you're on PS5, you can expand the chaos to a four-player local lobby.
How to play Gran Turismo 7 online with friends
When you and your friend aren't in the same room, online multiplayer is the way to go. Gran Turismo 7 offers two main online paths: the competitive "Sport" mode and custom lobbies. For a private match with a friend, the lobby system is more flexible. Here's the concise method:
- Ensure your console is connected to the internet and you have an active PlayStation Plus subscription.
- Create a new lobby or join a friend's existing one from the in-game friend list.
- Send an invitation to your friend from the lobby screen. Once they join, you can select a track, adjust race settings, and start racing together.
Alternatively, you can use the "Sport" mode for ranked or casual matchmaking, but for a direct 2-player race with a friend, a custom lobby gives you full control over the rules.
Troubleshooting common 2-player issues in Gran Turismo 7
If the second player isn't appearing or the split-screen option is grayed out, check the most common culprits before restarting the game. First, verify that both controllers are powered on and connected to the console, not just paired via Bluetooth but actively recognized by the system. Second, ensure each controller is assigned to a different PlayStation profile. The game requires Player 2 to be signed into a separate user account (guest accounts work too, but they must be logged in). Third, if you're trying to use a car from your Garage in split-screen and it's not showing up, double-check that you've added it to your Favorites list using the △ button in the Garage. Finally, if the race starts but the second player can't select a car, back out to the World Map, fully close the game, and restart, this often clears any controller sync glitches.
