Many players jump into Forza and rely heavily on driving assists to get around the track. But what happens when you decide to truly test your skills and push your limits? This is a journey many Forza enthusiasts undertake to enhance their driving prowess and achieve better race times. This article delves into the experience of one player who is doing just that, turning off assists and learning the intricacies of Forza to climb the leaderboards.
Fine-Tuning Your Forza Experience: Disabling Driving Assists for Enhanced Control
Forza Motorsport offers a range of assists to help players of all skill levels enjoy the game. However, to truly master the art of racing in Forza, many experienced players recommend turning these assists off. Here’s a breakdown of the assist settings this player currently uses, which are often considered the “normal” settings for experienced players aiming for realism and full control:
- Braking Line: On (No full racing line) – This provides a helpful guide for braking points without completely dictating the racing line, aiding in track learning.
- ABS (Anti-lock Braking System): Off – Turning off ABS requires more precise brake control, preventing lock-ups and improving braking finesse.
- Steering: Normal – This setting provides direct steering input, allowing for nuanced control over the car’s direction.
- TCS (Traction Control System): Off – Disabling TCS demands greater throttle control, preventing wheelspin and maximizing acceleration, especially in powerful cars.
- Stability Control: Off – With stability control off, the car becomes more responsive and challenging to handle, requiring skillful counter-steering and car control, particularly during drifts and slides.
- Shifting: Manual w/ Clutch – Using manual shifting with clutch offers the most control over gear selection and engine RPM, leading to faster lap times and a more engaging driving experience.
- Damage: Cosmetic – This setting keeps the focus on performance without the complexities of mechanical damage, suitable for practice and leaderboard runs.
- Rewinds: On – Rewinds offer a safety net for learning and experimenting, allowing players to correct mistakes without restarting entire sessions.
- Friction Assist: Off – Disabling friction assist ensures a more authentic physics simulation, where tire grip and car behavior are dictated purely by player input and car characteristics.
The player mentions only occasionally enabling TCS for extremely challenging cars, but generally avoids relying on assists to truly learn car control and improve driving skills. The philosophy is clear: mastering car control comes from direct engagement and overcoming challenges without relying on artificial aids.
The Training Regimen: Track Mastery and Leaderboard Ascent
This player has developed a structured approach to improving their Forza skills. Having already completed the single-player Forza Cup, their current focus is on mastering each circuit in Free Play mode. The goal is comprehensive track memorization, aiming to internalize the entire track layout to the point where the mini-map becomes unnecessary. Alongside track memorization, they are also striving to achieve a top 500 position on the “Americas” leaderboards for each track.
This rigorous training is being conducted in “A” class cars, intentionally holding back from moving to faster classes until proficiency in “A” class is achieved across all circuits. This methodical approach emphasizes a strong foundation in car control and track knowledge before progressing to higher speeds and more challenging vehicles. By focusing on mastering each track and car class incrementally, the player aims for sustainable and comprehensive skill development.
Unexpected Success: Top Percentile Rankings
An intriguing observation has emerged during this training process. On every track memorized using this method, the player has consistently achieved leaderboard rankings within the top 5%, and even reaching the top 1% on several occasions. This is described as unexpected, especially considering the player’s relatively short playtime of just over three weeks.
The player contrasts these impressive leaderboard positions with their multiplayer race experiences. Despite the high leaderboard rankings, achieving top positions in multiplayer races has been significantly more challenging. First-place finishes are absent, with only a few podium finishes, often due to chaotic first corners and the presence of highly skilled players in online lobbies. This highlights the difference between time trial leaderboard performance and the dynamic, unpredictable nature of online racing where race craft, overtaking, and avoiding incidents are crucial skills.
Current Status and Future Goals
In summary, this player is dedicated to improving their Forza skills through focused practice, deliberate assist setting choices, and a structured training plan. The current focus on track memorization, leaderboard challenges in “A” class, and the surprising early leaderboard success all point towards a player committed to mastering the game through skill and dedication. The journey is ongoing, with the next steps involving continued track mastery, leaderboard progression, and further refinement of race craft in the competitive multiplayer arena.
