Mastering the Art of Drifting on PS4: Essential Techniques and Strategies

Are you tired of simply driving straight on your PS4 racing games? Do you crave the adrenaline rush of controlled chaos, the satisfying squeal of tires, and the sheer artistry of drifting? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the intricacies of how to drift on PS4, empowering you to conquer the corners and leave your opponents in a cloud of tire smoke.

The Fundamentals of Drifting: Understanding the Basics

Drifting is an advanced driving technique that involves intentionally oversteering a vehicle to maintain control while sliding sideways. It’s a delicate dance between throttle control, steering input, and understanding the car’s handling characteristics. Here are the core concepts you need to grasp:

• Oversteering: This is the key to drifting. It occurs when the rear wheels lose traction and the car starts to slide sideways. You achieve this by applying the throttle while turning the steering wheel in the opposite direction of the corner.
• Throttle Control: The throttle is your primary tool for initiating and maintaining a drift. You need to apply just the right amount of gas to keep the rear wheels spinning and the car sliding. Too much throttle will spin you out, while too little will cause the drift to die.
• Steering Input: Steering is crucial for controlling the direction of your drift. You’ll need to make small, precise adjustments to keep the car pointed in the desired direction.
• Handbrake: The handbrake is a powerful tool for initiating a drift, especially at lower speeds. However, it’s important to use it sparingly and learn how to control the car after releasing the brake.

Choosing the Right Car and Settings

Not all cars are created equal when it comes to drifting. Some vehicles are naturally more prone to oversteer and easier to control in a slide, making them ideal for beginners. Look for cars with:

• Rear-wheel drive: These cars are the most popular choice for drifting because they are easier to get sideways.
• High horsepower: More power means more torque, which helps you initiate and maintain a drift.
• Lightweight: A lighter car is easier to maneuver and control, especially when drifting.

Once you’ve chosen your car, you’ll need to adjust the game’s settings to optimize your drifting experience. Focus on:

• Steering Sensitivity: Lower sensitivity will make the steering more responsive and easier to control.
• Traction Control: Turn off traction control completely, as it will prevent the car from drifting.
• ABS: While ABS can be helpful in some situations, it can also interfere with drifting. Try turning it off or setting it to a low level.

The Art of the Initial Drift: Getting Started

Now it’s time to put your newfound knowledge into practice. Here’s a step-by-step guide to initiating a drift:

1. Choose a corner: Find a wide, sweeping corner with plenty of space to practice.
2. Approach the corner: As you approach the corner, brake early and smoothly to reduce your speed.
3. Turn in: As you near the apex of the corner, turn the steering wheel in the direction of the corner.
4. Apply the throttle: While turning, gently apply the throttle and use the steering wheel to control the drift.
5. Adjust the throttle: As the car starts to slide, adjust the throttle to maintain a consistent drift angle.
6. Counter-steer: Use the steering wheel to gently counter-steer and keep the car from spinning out.
7. Exit the corner: As you approach the exit of the corner, gradually reduce the throttle and steer the car back into a straight line.

Mastering the Drift: Advanced Techniques

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can start experimenting with more advanced drifting techniques. Here are a few to try:

• Handbrake Turn: Use the handbrake to initiate a sharp drift, especially at lower speeds.
• Clutch Kick: This technique involves quickly engaging and disengaging the clutch to initiate a drift.
• Power Slide: This involves using the throttle to maintain a drift while exiting a corner.
• Feint: This is a technique where you fake a drift by turning the steering wheel in one direction and then quickly turning it in the opposite direction.

Practice Makes Perfect: Refining Your Drifting Skills

Drifting is a skill that requires constant practice and dedication. Here are some tips for honing your drifting abilities:

• Start slow: Don’t try to drift at high speeds until you’ve mastered the basics.
• Practice in a safe environment: Find a track or area where you can practice without the risk of hitting anything.
• Experiment with different cars and settings: Try different cars and adjust the game’s settings to find what works best for you.
• Watch videos and learn from professionals: There are many online resources that can teach you about drifting.
• Don’t give up: Drifting is challenging, but with practice and perseverance, you can become a drifting master.

Beyond the Basics: Taking Your Drifting to the Next Level

Once you’ve become comfortable with the fundamentals, you can start exploring the more advanced aspects of drifting. This includes:

• Competitive Drifting: Test your skills against other players in online or offline competitive modes.
• Drifting Challenges: Many racing games offer specific drifting challenges that test your skills in various environments and situations.
• Drifting Techniques: Learn about different drifting techniques, including power slides, feints, and clutch kicks, to expand your repertoire.
• Car Customization: Experiment with different car setups and upgrades to further optimize your drifting performance.

The Evolution of Drift: Embracing the Challenge

Drifting is more than just a driving technique; it’s a journey of constant learning and improvement. As you progress, you’ll discover new techniques, challenges, and rewards. Embrace the challenge, experiment, and never stop pushing yourself to become a better drifter.

Frequently Discussed Topics

Q: What are the best PS4 games for drifting?

A: Some popular PS4 games known for their drifting mechanics include:

• Gran Turismo Sport: Offers a dedicated drifting mode and a wide variety of cars to choose from.
• Forza Horizon 4: Features a vast open world environment for drifting and a diverse selection of vehicles.
• Need for Speed: Payback: Includes a dedicated drift mode and a variety of drift-focused challenges.
• Project CARS 2: Offers a realistic driving experience and a range of cars suitable for drifting.

Q: How do I know if I’m drifting properly?

A: You’re drifting properly if you can maintain a controlled slide while keeping the car pointed in the desired direction. The car should not be spinning out of control, and you should be able to adjust the drift angle with the throttle and steering.

Q: What are some common mistakes beginners make when drifting?

A: Common mistakes include:

• Over-steering: Turning the steering wheel too much can cause the car to spin out.
• Using too much throttle: Too much throttle can make the car lose control and spin.
• Not using the handbrake properly: The handbrake should be used sparingly and with precision.
• Not adjusting the throttle and steering: You need to constantly adjust the throttle and steering to maintain a controlled drift.

Q: How can I improve my drifting skills?

A: Practice, practice, practice! Start slow and gradually increase your speed and complexity. Watch videos of professional drifters, experiment with different cars and settings, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes.