Forza Horizon 5 in 2025: A Festival of Wheels and Wonder

The Festival Lives On

Driving into Forza Horizon 5 in 2025 feels less like jumping into a video game and more like stepping into a rolling, roaring festival of speed and sound. Sure, it's been a few years since its 2021 release, but somehow, the vibrant energy of the Horizon Festival hasn't dimmed one bit. In fact, it feels more alive than ever. Whether you're tearing across the dusty trails of Baja California, weaving through the lush streets of Guanajuato, or staring down the molten heart of the in-game active volcano, it's impossible not to get swept up in the sheer spectacle of it all.

And even if you're someone who's played every single installment in the series, there's still something magical about the way Forza Horizon 5 invites you in and makes every moment behind the wheel feel like a celebration.

A Playground of Possibilities

Let's talk about the cars first because, honestly, they're the stars of the show and what players who buy PS5 racing games want. There were 526 cars at launch, and the roster has only grown since then. And it's not just about the number—it's about the personality. Every car feels unique, from the grumbling beast of a Ford Bronco to the buttery smooth elegance of a Porsche Taycan. And thanks to the absurdly detailed Forzavista mode, you can pore over every curve, knob, and stitching thread in these machines. There's a nerdy thrill in flipping open the scissor doors of a Lamborghini Aventador and marveling at the way sunlight dances off its carbon fiber trim.

But Forza Horizon 5 doesn't just invite you to admire cars; it dares you to drive them in ways you never thought possible. Case in point: a few weeks ago, I found myself in an online Horizon Arcade event. Imagine twenty players, all gunning it in wildly different cars, smashing through piñatas in an open field while mariachi music blared in the background. The chaos was glorious. It's the kind of absurd, joy-fueled moment that could only exist in Forza Horizon's world.

Mexico: The Real Star

The real MVP of Forza Horizon 5 is its setting. Mexico isn't just a backdrop; it's a character in its own right. From the golden sands of Playa Azul to the dense greenery of the jungle, every inch of the map is bursting with detail and personality. And the lighting? Don't get me started on the sunsets. There's something transcendent about tearing down a highway as the sky shifts from a burnt orange to a deep indigo, the warm glow of neon billboards flickering to life around you.

The game's take on Mexican culture, while undeniably filtered through the relentlessly upbeat lens of the Horizon Festival, is heartfelt. Whether you're racing through a Day of the Dead parade or listening to the banter of your festival crew about local traditions, there's a genuine effort to celebrate the richness of Mexico's history and culture. Of course, it's not without its awkward moments. A storyline that essentially boils down to "rich people have feelings too" feels tone-deaf when juxtaposed with the fantasy of being gifted free mansions and multi-million-dollar hypercars. But honestly, that's easy to overlook when the rest of the game is so infectiously joyful.

The Festival Atmosphere

One of the things that keeps me coming back to Forza Horizon 5 in 2025 is its social aspect. Convoys—essentially small groups of players driving together—are the perfect way to explore the map. There's something magical about forming an impromptu caravan of strangers, cruising along the winding mountain roads, and occasionally breaking into a spontaneous drag race. Then there's Horizon Arcade, a series of zany, cooperative mini-games scattered across the map. I'll never forget the time a dozen of us teamed up to launch our cars off a massive ramp, trying to land on a bullseye target in a cactus-filled field. Did we succeed? Not really. Did we laugh until our stomachs hurt?  I lost by a hair, but the post-race thumbs-up emoji from my opponent made it all worth it.

Why It's Still Worth Playing in 2025

Forza Horizon 5 is one of the best racing games, even though it doesn't try to fix what isn't broken. The driving mechanics strike that perfect balance between accessibility and realism. The world is breathtakingly beautiful and packed with things to do. And the social features ensure that no two sessions ever feel the same.

The narrative moments can feel a little out of touch, and there's an argument to be made that the series plays it too safe in terms of innovation. But honestly? None of that really matters when you're barreling down a mountainside at 200 mph, the roar of your engine mixing with the pounding bass of the in-game radio, and the horizon stretching out endlessly before you. In 2025, Forza Horizon 5 isn't just a game; it's a vibe. 

Pros:

• Visual excellence: Stunning graphics, dynamic weather, and breathtaking lighting (especially sunsets) create a cinematic driving experience.
• Sound design (mostly strong): Engine growls, roars, and purrs enhance immersion, even if not flawless.
• Customization depth: Extensive tuning and creative freedom — from realistic builds to wild, imaginative modifications.
• Familiar yet fresh: Builds on Forza Horizon 4's foundation while introducing enough new features to feel evolved.
• Future potential: Hints at DLC expansions promise more cars, maps, and modes to keep the game alive.

Cons

• Sound inconsistencies: Some engines sound synthetic or mismatched to their cars, breaking immersion.
• Minor tuning/menu changes: Adjustments to the tuning system may feel unnecessary or less intuitive to longtime players.