Playground Games was expected to be showcased at Xbox E3 2021, though perhaps many were hoping they would reveal their upcoming Fable game.
We are still waiting for more information on this matter. However, Playground has announced the next installment in its incredibly popular racing game series, Forza Horizon 5.
Here's everything you need to know about the upcoming Forza Horizon 5 release.
What is Forza Horizon 5?
Avoiding the obvious joke that this is the fifth installment of Forza Horizon, Forza Horizon 5 is an open-world racing game in which you'll have to explore a diverse and realistic world alone or with players on PC and consoles online, racing and other events. Cross-play hasn't been confirmed yet, but given the steps Microsoft has been taking lately, it's safe to assume it will be added. Players will build a huge car garage and compete in various disciplines and party games in what is arguably the most addictive new generation racing game to be announced.
Where will Forza Horizon 5 take place?
The story of Forza Horizon games is often as important as racing and cars. Previous games have been set in Colorado, Continental Europe, Australia and the UK (along with a brief trip to the LEGO world for the FH4 DLC). FH5 is set in Mexico and features the variety of landscapes you would expect from that country, including vast deserts, colorful villages, and a volcano. Yes, you can race around an active volcano, which is pretty good.
What activities can we expect from Forza Horizon 5?
The plot of Horizon games tends to tie into the titular Horizon Festival, a music and automotive festival that travels around the world. While in Mexico, Horizon staff will go on various expeditions to find various historical ruins that are scattered across the largest map, as explained by Playground Games. It's also worth noting that this looks like the prettiest Forza Horizon game ever.
What's new in Forza Horizon 5?
Forza Horizon 5 looks set to retain many of the features from previous games that have performed well, including a battle royale mode called The Eliminator that was released as a free update to Forza Horizon 4. Hopefully we'll see more content from FH4, such as the ability to buy houses, Horizon Stories events, and the changing seasons. While Mexico only has two distinct seasons, dry and wet, it would be nice to include both, just for variety.
Perhaps the biggest new features coming to the game are party-focused modes and customization tools. Forza Horizon 5 boasts new AI that will intelligently group friends together to complete similar challenges, such as piñata races in which players shoot down looted llamas to score points. Players will also be able to create their own crazy events, similar to the Super7 update added to FH4 at the end of 2020, only with the addition of a few players. Those who love to create their own events and experience those created by others will be in their element in FH5.
Where and when can I play Forza Horizon 5?
Forza Horizon 5 coming to PC, Xbox One and Xbox Series X | S on November 9 and will be available on the first day with Xbox Game Pass. A special Premium Edition is available for pre-order, which includes the full game and upcoming DLC expansions plus four days of early access, as well as a Premium Upgrade bundle that allows Game Pass subscribers to get all the DLC without purchasing a game they are already entitled to.
