Switching to manual transmission in racing games can feel daunting at first, especially if you’re used to automatic. Many players start with automatic transmission (AT) and traction control systems, finding it easier to manage initially. However, like many, you might find yourself wanting to explore manual transmission (MT) for a more engaging and rewarding driving experience. If you’re looking for the Best Way To Get Into Learning To Drive Manual in racing games, here’s a practical approach.
Start with a Familiar Race and Car
The best way to begin is by choosing a race and car you already know well in automatic mode. This familiarity removes the track and car handling as variables, allowing you to focus solely on mastering gear changes. Don’t be discouraged if it feels awkward initially. It takes time to develop the muscle memory for coordinating gear shifts with braking and throttle control. Within a few days of practice, shifting gears will start to feel more natural.
Optimize Your Button Mapping for Shifting
Button mapping is crucial for comfortable and efficient manual shifting. Experiment to find a setup that suits your hand-eye coordination. While some players prefer using triggers like L2/R2 for brake/throttle and L1/R1 for shifting, others find alternative configurations more ergonomic. Initially, you might try using face buttons like Square/Cross for upshifting and downshifting. However, for longer play sessions, this can sometimes lead to hand fatigue. Consider mapping gear shifts to the Right Stick. This can feel surprisingly intuitive and natural, freeing up your fingers and potentially eliminating the need to constantly adjust the camera during a race.
Practice with Online Time Trials
Online Time Trials are an excellent resource for honing your manual driving skills and learning how different cars behave with manual transmission on various tracks. Observe top-ranked players’ replays, paying close attention to their shifting techniques and gear selection at different points on the track. Trying to replicate their shifting patterns yourself is a highly effective learning method. Stick with it, and you’ll likely find that within a couple of weeks, you’ll not only be comfortable with manual transmission but also appreciate the enhanced control and engagement it offers, making it hard to go back to automatic. Embrace the learning process and enjoy the journey!
