Forza Horizon 5: A Playground of Limitless Possibilities

The Festival Lives On

Forza Horizon 5 doesn’t just open with a bang; it invites you to a vibrant symphony of speed, sound, and stunning landscapes. Set in a meticulously crafted Mexico, this isn’t just a new map—it’s an adventure that feels alive with its towering volcanoes, dense jungles, and sleepy desert towns. But it’s more than just a geographical upgrade; it’s an evolution of everything Playground Games has been perfecting for years.

As someone who’s lived for the pulse-pounding thrill of Forza Horizon 4’s competitive online races, Horizon 5 is a revelation. It still gets your heart racing, but this time, it does so while making room for players to experiment, create, and connect without the stress of ranked leaderboards looming over your head.

Multiplayer, But Without the Pressure

One of the biggest changes to Forza Horizon’s multiplayer is the shift away from ranked play. No more getting frustrated by someone ramming into you mid-turn or watching your hard-earned progress tank because of another driver’s questionable racing etiquette.

I’m not saying competitive players have been forgotten; time trials and leaderboard chasing are still here to feed that adrenaline fix. But by moving the pressure off rankings and onto personal achievements, Playground Games has found a way to let us all enjoy the ride—literally. I’ve found myself exploring more, pushing my car to its limits on unfamiliar terrain, and experimenting with builds that’d never survive in a purely competitive environment.

A Creator’s Playground

The creativity FH5 inspires is where the game truly shines. Even before its full release, the community of players who buy Xbox racing games and fans of the franchise were already flooding the game with imaginative tracks and wild stunt courses using the event-building tools. These tools are simple to use but powerful enough to craft routes that challenge even the most seasoned racers.

I stumbled upon a race someone created that weaved through dense jungle roads, across riverbeds, and straight up into the misty mountain heights. When I reached the finish line, I immediately felt compelled to jump into the builder myself. The tools are so intuitive that in less than an hour, I had my own chaotic downhill rally to share with friends. Horizon 5 doesn’t just let you race; it lets you leave your mark on the world.

Feeling Small in a Big World

There’s something humbling about Forza Horizon 5’s world. The sense of scale is staggering, making you feel tiny in the best way possible. The massive elevation changes are a standout—the switchback-filled mountain road in particular. It’s a masterpiece of design that’s both challenging and exhilarating. And for the sideways squad? It’s a drift paradise. I lost count of how many hours I spent perfecting my lines and chasing that perfect tire-smoke trail.

But it’s not just about the roads. The draw distance is unreal. I’d find myself tearing across the desert, only to spot a volcano in the far distance and think, “I’m going there.” And then you do. There’s no invisible wall stopping you, no arbitrary checkpoint saying, “Nope, not today.” It’s just you, your car, and the horizon beckoning you forward.

Events That Stick With You

Playground Games has revamped how the Horizon Festival itself unfolds. It’s no longer just a backdrop; it’s part of the gameplay. You’re actively building the festival as you play, unlocking new one-off events designed to showcase the game at its very best. From storming through a sandstorm in a hypercar to barreling down the coast in a Baja truck, these moments feel cinematic without taking the controller out of your hands.

Yes, Horizon 5 still has its battle royale mode, and yes, it’s still a brilliant, chaotic twist on the formula. You’ll start in a basic car, scrambling to survive and upgrade until you’re ready to duel it out for the top spot. It’s the kind of mode where no two matches feel the same.

Why It Still Matters

Forza Horizon 5 feels like it’s learned from its predecessors. It’s the kind of game that’ll have you logging in for the leaderboard climb one day, and the next, you’re building a track so wild it defies gravity. There’s heart here, and you can feel it in every detail. The rumble of your tires on cobblestone streets, the way the sun sets over the desert, the adrenaline spike of hitting that perfect drift. You should buy Forza Horizon 5 because it’s an escape on four wheels. Then again, some may feel the game was around by some time, hence it's dated, however, for PlayStation 5, it was just published a few months ago, on April 25, 2025.