Forza Horizon is an open-world racing series focused on freedom, exploration, and a music festival atmosphere, blending arcade fun with realistic physics. Forza Motorsport, on the other hand, is a closed-circuit simulation racing game focused on professional track racing, precision, and competitive e-sports.

Forza Horizon 5 is set in a fictionalized, open-world representation of Mexico. It features 11 distinct biomes, including active volcanoes, tropical jungles, arid deserts, historic cities like Guanajuato, and beautiful beaches, making it the largest and most diverse map in the series to date.

Barn Finds are hidden classic cars tucked away in old barns across the game world. When you get close to one, a rumor circle appears on the map. Finding the specific barn triggers a cutscene, and the car is then taken to be restored, eventually becoming drivable. They are often rare, legendary vehicles.

No, Forza Horizon is a paid title. However, it is a flagship title for Xbox Game Pass, meaning subscribers can play the standard edition at no extra cost on Xbox consoles and PC. DLC expansions and car packs usually require separate purchases or the Premium Add-Ons Bundle.

Yes, Forza Horizon can be played offline. The game uses 'Drivatars'—AI opponents based on real players' driving data—to populate the world and races when you are not connected to the internet. However, online features like The Trial, Forzathon Shop, and multiplayer convoys will be unavailable.

The Horizon Festival is the fictional music and motoring event that serves as the central premise of the series. Drivers travel to the festival to race, perform stunts, and enjoy music. It acts as the hub for the game's progression, with players completing events to expand the festival and unlock new activities.

Introduced in Forza Horizon 4, the Seasons mechanic cycles the game world through Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter every real-world week. Each season changes the driving conditions (e.g., snow in winter, mud in spring) and opens up new areas, such as frozen lakes that become drivable.

The Eliminator is a Battle Royale mode for cars. Up to 72 players start in low-level cars within a shrinking arena. They challenge each other to head-to-head races to steal cars or upgrade. The final survivors race to a finish line to determine the winner. It was added in FH4 and returned in FH5.

Yes, Forza Horizon offers extensive character customization. You can choose your avatar's appearance, including prosthetics and pronouns, and dress them in a vast array of clothing items, from racing suits to chicken costumes, which are earned through gameplay or wheelspins.

Showcase Events are spectacular, scripted races where the player races against non-car vehicles in cinematic scenarios. Examples include racing against a hovercraft, a freight train, a jet plane, or even a giant parade float. These events are highlights of the single-player campaign.