Scrap Metal 6: Gran Turismo

How to Play Scrap Metal 6: Gran Turismo – Complete Keyboard Control Guide

Getting started with Scrap Metal 6: Gran Turismo (also known as SM6 Gran Turismo or Scrap Metal 6 racing simulation) is easier than you might think. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every key you need to know, from throttle and steering to handbrake and gear shifts, so you can jump right into the action on PC. Whether you’re a veteran US sim racer or a newcomer eager to learn the ropes, our step-by-step breakdown will have you tearing up the track in no time.

Introduction to Controls
Basic Keyboard Setup
Throttle, Brake, and Steering Keys
Gear Shifts and Clutch
Handbrake and Drifting
Camera and UI Shortcuts
Advanced Tuning and Customization
Tips for US Players
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Conclusion

1. Introduction to Controls

Before you hit the gas, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the default keyboard layout for Scrap Metal 6: Gran Turismo. Most American PC gamers prefer the WASD cluster for steering and throttle, with nearby keys for gear changes and special maneuvers. This layout balances accessibility with precision, letting you react quickly during high-speed races. If you ever feel cramped, you can always customize your controls to suit your playstyle.

2. Basic Keyboard Setup

By default, SM6 Gran Turismo maps its core functions as follows:

Function	Default Key	Alternative Key (Optional)
Accelerate	W	Up Arrow
Brake/Reverse	S	Down Arrow
Steer Left	A	Left Arrow
Steer Right	D	Right Arrow
Handbrake	Spacebar
Shift Up (Gear +)	E
Shift Down (Gear –)	Q
Clutch	Left Ctrl
Reset Car/Position	R
Look Back	C
Pause/Menu	Esc

Pro Tip: For American players experiencing input lag, try running the game in “High Performance” mode via Windows Power Settings and set the process priority to “Above Normal” in the Task Manager.

3. Throttle, Brake, and Steering Keys

Accelerating and Braking

W (Accelerate): Press and hold to build speed.
S (Brake/Reverse): Tap for braking; hold to reverse when stationary.

Steering

A (Steer Left) & D (Steer Right): Smooth, gradual presses yield more precise cornering.
Tip: Feathering the keys (light taps instead of full presses) helps maintain traction, especially at high speeds on slick US asphalt tracks.

4. Gear Shifts and Clutch

Learning manual transmission in Scrap Metal 6: Gran Turismo elevates your racing experience:

E (Shift Up): Move up through gears.
Q (Shift Down): Downshift to maximize engine braking.
Left Ctrl (Clutch): Hold when shifting to prevent gearbox damage.

Advanced Strategy: Master heel-toe downshifting by tapping the brake (S) and blipping the throttle (W) while operating the clutch. This technique optimizes corner entry on tight US circuits like Laguna Seca.

For a visual walkthrough of advanced manual techniques, check out this detailed guide on Wikipedia.

5. Handbrake and Drifting

The Spacebar (Handbrake) unlocks side-to-side action:

Handbrake Drift: While cornering, tap Spacebar to slide your rear end, essential for tight hairpins.
E-Brake Initiation: Combine with quick steering inputs (A or D) to trigger controlled drifts.

Tip: Practice on the US-based “Desert Canyon” track first to get a feel for slide durations before attempting more technical drift courses.

6. Camera and UI Shortcuts

Switch views and manage in-game menus without losing focus:

Action	Key
Change Camera Angle	V
Toggle HUD	H
Look Backward	C
Screenshot	F12

Insider Advice: US streamers often hide the HUD (H) during cinematic replays for cleaner video captures.

7. Advanced Tuning and Customization

Beyond the keyboard, Scrap Metal 6: Gran Turismo offers deep tuning options:

Tire Pressure & Compound: Adjust in the Garage menu for optimal grip on US tracks.
Suspension & Aero Kits: Lower ride height for stability; add rear wings for extra downforce at oval circuits.

Dive deeper into setup tweaks in our Racing Tips section, where we break down track-specific builds.

8. Tips for US Players

Region-Specific Servers: Connect to East or West Coast servers for lower ping.
Keyboard vs. Controller: While this guide focuses on keys, US competitors often switch to a gamepad or wheel for finer inputs—consider upgrading to a budget-friendly wheel like the Logitech G29.
Race Etiquette: On public lobbies, follow standard US sim-racing rules: no crashing, blue-flag the faster cars, and use voice comms responsibly.

9. Troubleshooting Common Issues

Input Lag: Disable V-Sync in Graphics Settings or enable Raw Input in Controls.
Key Conflicts: If you experience overlapping commands, reset to default and remap only one function at a time.
Game Crashes on Startup: Update your GPU drivers or verify game files via Steam.

For manufacturer-specific driver updates, visit the NVIDIA Official Drivers page or the AMD Support site.

10. Conclusion

Mastering Scrap Metal 6: Gran Turismo requires both precision finger work and smart setup choices. By following this keyboard control guide, you’ll be fully equipped to dominate US servers and enjoy the thrill of high-speed racing. Whether you stick with WASD or gradually move to a wheel peripheral, the fundamentals you’ve learned here will serve you well. Now fire up the game, tweak those settings, and burn some rubber!

Internal Links: