Beginner's Guide: Mastering Forza Horizon 5 on PS5

On April 29, racing enthusiasts on PlayStation 5 will have their chance to explore the streets of Mexico. Forza Horizon 5 .

The game came out in 2021 for Xbox, Windows, and Steam platforms, and since then, it has received numerous expansion packs and new vehicles over the past four years. Players with a PlayStation 5 can also look forward to getting their hands on this title when they launch; there are three distinct pre-order packages available prior to its official release day.

For individuals who haven't experienced the game yet, this overview will introduce you to what you can anticipate in terms of key features, gameplay mechanics, and additional aspects.

PlayStation 5 Owner's Handbook for Forza Horizon 5

Microsoft Account Requirements

PlayStation players must get a Microsoft account when they buy the game. The game goes more into detail as it says, "In addition to a PSN account, you’ll need to link to a Microsoft account in order to play Forza Horizon 5 on PS5. This process begins the first time you start up the game on your console."

Upon launching the game for the first time, players will need to sign in with their Microsoft accounts and connect them to their PlayStation accounts. However, this linkage can be removed at a later date if desired.

Crossplay Inclusion

The positive development is that Crossplay will be integrated into the game. Players on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X | S, Xbox One, Windows, or Steam can participate in races together across the Mexican routes.

The unfortunate part is that players aren’t able to cross-save across different console versions. Any progress saved on the PlayStation 5 will be exclusive to that platform, just as saves for other gaming systems like Xbox or Nintendo remain separate. On a brighter note, you have the ability to access and download additional content such as tracks and vehicles from multiple online sources.

Expansion Game Modes

Two separate expansions await players in Forza Horizon 5 that they can anticipate enjoying. In recent years, the Rally Adventure and Hot Wheels additions have been introduced to the game, providing extra content for drivers beyond the main storyline.

The Hot Wheels expansion pack offers players an exclusive experience set within the universe of Hot Wheels, featuring unconventional track layouts. Players have the option to dive into the Eventlab feature where they can design their own courses using roughly 80 different components, either challenging themselves or inviting others to try out these custom paths. These tracks stand apart due to their extreme loops and elevated sections not seen in typical gameplay scenarios.

The following vehicles can be obtained by finishing tasks inside the Hot Wheels add-on:

• 2021 Hennessey Venom F5
• 2020 SIERRA Vehicles #23 Yokoham ALPHA
• 2019 Brabham BT62
• 2018 Chevrolet Hot Wheels COPO Camaro
• 2018 Subaru WRX STI ARX Supercar
• 2013 Hot Wheels Baja Bone Shaker
• In 2012, Hot Wheels: Bad to the Blade
• 2006 Mosler MT900 GT3
• 2000 Hot Wheels Deora II
• 1993 Schuppan 962CR

The second expansion pack introduced to the game was Rally Adventure, which includes a set for players to create their own tracks. Although these routes may resemble those previously featured in the game, they offer less variety overall. However, Rally Adventure boasts some of the most extended roadways with unprecedented twists and turns unseen before this addition.

The subsequent vehicles are available for use in the Rally Adventure expansion:

• 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum
• 2022 Alumicraft Model #6165 Trick Truck
• 2021 Alumicraft Model #122 Class 1 Buggy
• 2021 Polaris RZR Pro XP Factory Racing Limited Edition
• 2021 RJ Anderson #37 Polaris RZR Pro 4 Vehicle
• In 2020, the Jimco #179 Hammerhead competed in the Class 1 race category.
• In 2019, Casey Currie Motorsports had their #4402 Ultra 4 'Trophy Jeep’.
• In 2019, the Jimco #240 Fastball Racing Spec Trophy Truck competed.
• 2001 Ford Number 4 Ford Focus RS
• 1986 Audi #2 Audi Sport Quattro S1 (also available as a Festival Playlist reward car)
• 1973 Hoonigan Volkswagen Baja Beetle Class 5/1600 'Scumbug’

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Leveling Up Cars

Cars can be enhanced and progressed through two distinct methods: using CR, which is a form of currency, or accumulating XP, also known as experience points.

Participants will gather XP during the races. Executing precise corners and showcasing impressive driving skills will assist racers in earning experience points, which can later be utilized post-race to enhance the statistics of their vehicles.

CR represents the funds gathered following a race. Players will have additional opportunities beyond racing to amass more wealth for upgrading their rides.

Settings

In the game, players must go over eight key settings before they hit the roads and start driving. Below are the crucial ones you should check:

• Drivatar Difficulty
• Driving Assists Preset
• Braking
• Steering
• Traction Control
• Stability Control
• Shifting
• Driving Line

These factors will dictate the level of assistance required during your drive. If you're a beginner at driving simulations, it’s advisable to set options such as “gear shifting” to manual mode and keep “steering” in auto-mode. As you become more comfortable with the gameplay, you can opt for tougher settings to gain greater command over the automobile.

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Open World Game

This differs significantly from typical racing games since Forza Horizon 5 features an expansive open world where players can choose their own objectives initially. Within this vast landscape, various events present drivers with distinct challenges within the framework of the ongoing Horizon Festival. This event merges musical elements with vehicular action, providing multiple opportunities for participants to vie for the title of Horizon Champion through engaging in numerous festivities and competitions.

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Performance and Quality Modes

The game will include two graphical settings: performance and quality. The performance mode runs at 60 frames per second and emphasizes the sensation of car handling over visual fidelity. In contrast, the quality setting operates at 30 frames per second with an emphasis on rendering intricate environmental details.

Esports Impact

The inclusion of cross-play features in this game will enhance the online multiplayer aspect significantly. Having access to personalized vehicles and courses across different console platforms adds considerable value, making racing experiences even more enjoyable. It remains to be seen though just how much fresh content will be introduced within the game itself. Additionally, we'll have to wait and see if players can engage with novel challenges and compete in global tournaments alongside competitors worldwide.

Forza Horizon 5 comes out for PlayStation 5 on April 29.

The article was initially posted on www.si.com/esports as Starting Out: A Beginner’s Handbook for Newcomers to Forza Horizon 5 on PS5 .