What the game is
Forza Horizon 5 is a racing game set in an open world modelled on Mexico. It was developed by Playground Games and published by Xbox Game Studios for Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
How it actually plays
Players drive across a vast open world modelled on Mexico. They choose between free exploration, multiplayer races, or campaign progression. Customisation is immediate and deep: cars accept engine swaps, drivetrain swaps, body kits, and custom liveries. The player character is also extensively customisable. A local weather system means storms appear visibly in one part of the map while other regions stay clear. Multiple climates coexist due to elevation variance.
What works
The map is the largest in the series—50% bigger than Forza Horizon 4—and includes the highest point in the franchise. Simultaneous climates reinforce geographical authenticity. Local weather creates visual variety. Horizon Arcade and EventLab give players agency to build and share experiences. Ray tracing on cars is a first for the franchise and delivers tangible visual clarity on reflective surfaces.
What does not
The campaign mode is structurally thin. Weather is visually present but does not meaningfully affect handling or race conditions. Ray tracing is limited to cars and offers no gameplay impact. The scale of the map creates friction: long drives between events dilute momentum without meaningful traversal mechanics.
Who it is for, and who it is not
It is for players who enjoy driving as spectacle, not simulation; who value expressive customisation over mechanical depth; who want a shared, low-stakes playground with high production values. It is not for players seeking tight narrative pacing, systemic weather consequences, or granular vehicle physics tuning.
Is it worth your time
Yes—if you want a polished, expansive racing sandbox with strong creative tools and visual fidelity. It asks for time, not precision. It rewards curiosity over mastery. It does not demand competitive commitment or narrative investment.