The Forza Horizon series has been open-world to the highest extent of racing games, giving the player that delightful combination of fast cars, large, expansive environments, and a feeling of freedom that is present in few games. Developed by Playground Games and published by Xbox Game Studios, Forza Horizon 5 takes this formula to new heights with stunning visuals, an expansive map, and engaging gameplay. Released in November 2021, the game has since been celebrated as one of the best racing titles of its generation.
In this piece, we’ll get into an overview of Forza Horizon 5, explore the supported platforms, and walk you through how you could download the game and start racing.
Forza Horizon 5 is a video game summary
An open-world racing game located in a gorgeously rendered version of Mexico, Forza Horizon 5 is. Following the success of Forza Horizon 4 (which was set in the UK), this is the fifth entry in the Forza Horizon series. From sprawling deserts and thick jungles to snowy mountains and charming coastal roads, the game combines the excitement of racing with the independence of exploration, providing players a vast and diverse world to negotiate.
Features
- Stunning Open World: One of the best things about Forza Horizon 5 is the open world. Mexico is huge and varied, with multiple biomes and landscapes, deserts, jungles, and cities. The attention to detail is impressive—weather effects, dynamic lighting, day-night cycles.
- Massive Car Collection: 500+ cars at launch, all makes and models, from classic muscle cars to modern hypercars and off-road trucks. Each car is detailed, with realistic physics and handling and a different driving experience depending on the car you choose.
- Dynamic Seasons: Forza Horizon 5 continues the series’ dynamic seasons. Instead of the traditional 4 seasons, the game has more varied seasons, each with its own challenges, weather, and events. It keeps the game fresh and makes you want to come back to experience the changing world.
- Biggest Horizon Festival Ever: The Horizon Festival, the central part of the Forza Horizon series, is back in Horizon 5 and bigger than ever. The festival is both the game’s hub and a narrative device, where you play as a driver in a massive automotive party. You can do all sorts of things, from traditional races to stunt challenges, drifting, and off-road adventures.
- Multiplayer and Social: Forza Horizon 5 takes the series’ multiplayer to the next level with co-op and competitive play. You can race against each other in online multiplayer modes, join car clubs, and do seasonal challenges. There’s also an online free roam mode where you can explore the world with friends and complete challenges and events.
Platforms
Forza Horizon 5 is on:
- Xbox Series X|S: Runs great on the latest Xbox consoles, utilizing the next-gen hardware for fast load times, 4K, and 60fps.
- Xbox One: Forza Horizon 5 is also on Xbox One, but the experience will be a bit toned down from the Series X|S version. Still a great open-world racing game, but lower graphics and resolution on older hardware.
- PC (Windows 10/11): For PC players, Forza Horizon 5 is available on the Microsoft Store and Xbox Game Pass for PC. The game supports high-end PC builds, so you can play at ultra settings with 4K and high frame rates if your hardware can handle it.
- Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta): If you don’t have an Xbox console or a high-end PC, Forza Horizon 5 is also available via Xbox Cloud Gaming (part of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate). Stream the game to compatible devices, including smartphones, tablets, and low-end PCs, as long as you have a fast and stable internet connection.
How to Download Forza Horizon 5
There are many ways to download Forza Horizon 5, depending on the kind of platform you’re using:
Xbox Consoles (Series X|S and Xbox One)
Microsoft Store: Open up your Microsoft Store on your Xbox console and search for Forza Horizon 5. You will find the game; you’ll select the game and then follow whatever prompts appear for its purchase or downloading, if you have the Xbox Game Pass.
Xbox Game Pass: If you are an Xbox Game Pass or Game Pass Ultimate subscriber, you can download Forza Horizon 5 for free as long as the game is still in the service catalog.
For PC
Microsoft Store: You can download Forza Horizon 5 from the Microsoft Store on Windows 10/11. Just search for the game and click the “Get” button to start downloading.
Steam: As of the date of writing, Forza Horizon 5 is also available on Steam. If you are a Steam user, you can buy and download the game there.
Xbox Game Pass for PC: If you are a Game Pass subscriber, you can download Forza Horizon 5 through the Xbox app on your PC or Microsoft Store. You might find the game there in the catalog; just click “Install” to start.
For Xbox Cloud Gaming (Streaming)
If you have Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, you can play Forza Horizon 5 through cloud gaming. You’ll just need to log into your Xbox Game Pass account on any supported device, go to the game’s page, and tap “Play” to stream it instantly without a download.
