Forza Horizon 5: Release - All about game modes & Open World

In the hallowed halls of Playground Games, the engines are already running at full speed, because they will release Forza Horizon 5 at the beginning of November. Not only will there be many more cars than before, but the map has also been enlarged. You have gasoline in your blood and can't wait to drive your powerful Forza cars over the asphalt? We'll tell you everything you need to know about the release, the map, the cars, the story, the game modes and the gameplay.

If you want to know which cars you'll be driving in the latest Horizon installment, check out our big Forza Horizon 5 car guide.

When will Forza Horizon 5 be released?

We want to answer the most important question right at the beginning: The release of Forza Horizon 5 is on November 9, 2021! From this day on, you will be able to explore the gigantic open world and try out the numerous game modes. We'll reveal which ones in the course of this article.

Forza Horizon 5 on PS4 or PS5: Will it work this time?

We'll keep it short and sweet: As usual, Forza Horizon 5 will not be released for the PS4 or even PS5. Even though the racing game seems to be made for Sony's next-gen console, the game still remains a Microsoft exclusive. Accordingly, the game will only be released on PC, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.

Included in Xbox Game Pass right at release

Of course, Forza Horizon 5 is included as an exclusive title in the standard version of Xbox Game Pass right on time. There's no question about it: The racing game supports cross-play between consoles and PC, as well as cross-save across platforms.

With buggies, driving off the track is even more fun!

Do pre-orderers have an advantage? What editions are available?

As already mentioned, you can play the standard version of Forza Horizon 5 via Xbox Game Pass. That's not enough for you? Then you still have the Deluxe and Premium editions at your disposal.

If you choose the Deluxe version, you will receive 42 new vehicles and eight Formula Drift cars in addition to the standard game. If you choose the Premium version, you'll also get a welcome package, a VIP membership, and the next two DLCs automatically. And because that's not enough of a bonus, Premium users will be able to take to the asphalt in Mexico as early as November 5, four days before the official release date.

Whether with or against each other: In Forza Horizon 5, you can do both.

Forza Horizon 5: Viva la Mexico!

Speaking of Mexico: That's exactly where the spectacle of the new racing game takes place. Forgotten is Great Britain with its sometimes bad weather, now summer, sun and margaritas are waiting for you. Well, at least summer and sun!

Explore the diverse landscapes and unique locations that Playground Games has given you. Go in search of new cars, find secrets and get the most out of your cars. Above all, for the first time you'll be able to go really high up: among other things, a still active volcano awaits you, which you can drive up and down again.

When you crash through the alleys of Guanajuato, be careful not to cause too much damage.

The biomes of the Open World

As you explore the open world of Forza Horizon 5, your path will take you through eleven different biomes:

  • The Canyon
  • The tropical coast
  • The farmland
  • The dry hills
  • The jungle
  • A desert full of life
  • The rocky coast
  • The sandy desert
  • The swamp
  • The city of Guanajuato
  • The volcano

To make the biomes look as realistic as possible, Playground Games resorts to a special technique, as art director Don Arceta explains, "Our team collects countless references of the real locations and creates fantastic concept images that directly capture the beauty and unique details of the landscapes. Advanced techniques like photogrammetry help us recreate the environment as accurately as possible."

This is a process that uses laser scanners, for example, to measure objects and recreate them three-dimensionally and faithfully on the computer. The result is a true-to-scale representation of the original.

The sky you see in Forza Horizon 5 even comes directly to you from Mexico. It was recorded in Mexico over several days and weeks and then transferred to the game.

Think big: The map in Forza Horizon 5

The map, which was released before the game's release, shows just how big the open world is in the fifth Forza installment. It is the largest in the history of the game series. A closer look at the map reveals the individual biomes and the respective routes. the new map is 1.5 times larger than the one in Forza Horizon 4 and invites you to take part in numerous off-road races.

Is there an Early Access to Forza Horizon 5?

There is no Early Access for the general public, but pre-orderers of the Premium Edition will have the opportunity to start playing the game as early as November 5, 2021. You don't have to wait until the official release on November 9.

What game modes are available in FH5?

Story mode: Of course, Forza Horizon 5 also has a career mode called "Expeditions". There are again some missions and challenges waiting for you: Find new event locations, uncover secrets and explore the huge Open World.

Horizon Arcade: In online mode, you can take part in a whole new set of arcade mini-games. As a gameplay trailer for Forza Horizon 5 has already shown, you'll race across the map in a task, destroying as many piñatas as possible. The more of you that work together, the more promising the event will be.

EventLab: This mode is an absolute playground for creative minds. Create your very own parkour with small mini-games or challenges. Afterwards, you can race with other racers in it for the victory.

Horizon Open: You will also find the PvP multiplayer mode again, where you will compete against other players in different challenges.

Horizon Tour: In this multiplayer mode, you play with each other instead of against each other. Together with other gamers, you form a car convoy and race against AI racers.

Battle Royale Mode "The Eliminator": Don't worry, you won't have to miss out on the popular Battle Royale mode in Forza Horizon 5!

Other features

Forza Link: When you're online with other players, you can post pre-written comments. An A.I. will then search for Forza players with similar interests, so you can start certain events together. Once you find someone, GPS will match you up and get you started on the task.

Gift Drops: Exchange small gifts within the Forza community. These can be small cosmetic goodies for the cars of other players, or you can wear the gift pants and give away a whole race car.

Customization: Customize your avatar and your cars individually and according to your taste. There are numerous options to choose from.

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