Put simply, there’s no racing experience on PlayStation 5 quite like Forza Horizon 5.
The Crew Motorfest? It comes close. Embracing the “if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em” mentality, its festival-style gameplay makes Motorfest more akin to the Forza Horizon formula than previous entries in its series.
Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown? Unfortunately, not. While the original Test Drive Unlimited inspired the genre's online multiplayer evolution, Solar Crown crashed by going all-in on mandatory online play—something Forza Horizon has gracefully balanced since Forza Horizon 2 in 2014.
Need for Speed Unbound? Definitely fun. Its customization suite is top-tier, arguably surpassing Horizon, but its arcade-driven, cop-chase focus makes it a different beast altogether—not a direct competitor.
No, when it comes to modern open-world racing, Forza Horizon 5 reigns supreme—and now, it’s finally available on PlayStation 5. With its vast and stunning map of Mexico, drift-friendly driving mechanics, and a massive garage of over 900 vehicles—including rare gems you won’t find anywhere else—it’s an all-in-one package that PlayStation players are now experiencing for the first time.
The response has been exciting to witness.
This wave of new players is exactly what the team at Playground Games had hoped for.
“Yeah, I’m super excited,” confirms Don Arceta, art director at Playground Games. “These players might be experiencing a Forza Horizon game for the very first time. It’s thrilling to think about how they’ll react to what we’ve built.”
Arceta is especially eager to see how PlayStation users will utilize the game’s robust creative tools, particularly the Event Lab.
“We have over 800 props now in the Event Lab, and seeing what players have created with that mode has been absolutely mind-blowing,” he adds. “I’m really curious to see what PlayStation 5 players will come up with once they dive in.”
“You’ll also get some great Halo-themed content on PlayStation thanks to the event lab props!”
Technically, the port has held up impressively well, matching the Xbox and PC versions in performance despite being powered by an engine never before used on PlayStation hardware.
“As the series has always been built around Xbox architecture, bringing it to PS5 was a major challenge,” says Arceta. “But Panic Button did an incredible job. You’re getting the same high-quality experience as on Xbox and PC—now right here on PlayStation.”
As someone who’s always admired the sheer depth of the Forza series, I love how it brings together cars both iconic and obscure—vehicles I didn’t even know I wanted until I saw them in-game. Now, a whole new audience may discover their favorite machines through Forza Horizon 5.
For lead game designer David Orton, it’s the game’s unmatched variety that stands out most.
“The breadth of Horizon is staggering,” he explains. “Players can go in and find what resonates with them, and thanks to the freedom we offer, that experience can be completely personal.”
“Everyone is welcome in Horizon. Whether you're into road racing, track events, photography, or creating your own content in the Event Lab, there’s something here for every type of player. The joy is in discovering that this isn’t just a racing game—it’s a world to live in.”
“I’d consider it a win if someone said, ‘I can’t believe I’ve never played this before,’” says Arceta. “Because once they’re surprised, they’re hooked. That moment of delight is what we’re aiming for.”
Orton agrees. “It’s about players realizing that Forza Horizon 5 is a warm, welcoming space filled with endless possibilities. If they walk away saying, ‘How have I never played this?’ then we’ve done our job.”
Car culture is passionate—but so is console loyalty. For racing fans, one big barrier has now been removed.
Let’s hope it’s not the last.
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