How To Drift - GTA 5 Wiki Guide - IGN

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This GTA 5 guide will help you become a drift master.

Drifting is an advantageous driving skill that will give you an edge in street races and drift car meets. Being able to skid along turns without spinning out of control can be the difference between a sweet victory and an agonizing defeat. Of course, having a good car that can be easily controlled while you drift is also recommended.

When drifting, remember is that you will lose some acceleration when you hit the turn. And wrong timing could spell disaster. You should practice drifting in open areas or in tight, enclosed spaces like parking garages where you can get the hang of the controls before you take your newfound skill to the races.

Keep in mind, not all cars are meant for drifting. Some of the best cars include the Karin Futo, the Willard Faction, the Dewbauchee Rapid GT, and the Bravado Banshee 900R.

How to Drift in Steps

Drifting is all about timing, car control, and managing your E-brake. If you start your drift too soon, you might not be able to maintain it long enough to clear a corner. If you can't control your rear tires, you'll spin out. If you fail to engage your E-brake in a timely manner, you will lose the drift altogether.

Step 1: Start accelerating (RT/R2/W key) into the turn. Note: You will want to keep your accelerator trigger down at all times, but you do not need to have your accelerator completely down.

Step 2: Tap your handbrake or E-brake (RB/R1/Spacebar) as you get into the turn. When drifting, you do not want to use your brakes (LT/L2)/S key) as you will lose all speed.

Step 3: As you're sliding, use your left analog stick to guide the back end of your car. Always move it in the opposite direction of your slide (aka countersteer). If you're sliding right, move your analog left; if you're sliding left, move your analog right. This prevents your car from going into a full spin. But if you want to keep your car in a full spin or donut, keep alternating left and right on the left analog stick.

Step 4: Stop tapping the handbrake and let the car accelerate as normal.

Drifting Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks you can use. You don't have to use all of these listed here, but maybe a few will be helpful.

1. Manually lower the car: There is a trick to help lower your car. What you will do is select a firearm, and shoot at an area close to your tire without actually hitting the tire (or you can shoot it in the middle). This will lower your car a little. Keep shooting until your car lowers a couple of inches. You will need to do this to all tires.
2. Remove any brake upgrades and bulletproof tires. Bulletproof tires will prevent you from lowering the car manually. Brake upgrades will make drifting a little more difficult.

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