One of the top releases of 2021 was undoubtedly Forza Horizon 5, the latest open-world racing game from Playground Games and Xbox Game Studios. Similar to previous entries in the long-running Forza Horizon franchise, there are multiple ways to buy and play Forza Horizon 5, with players able to choose from a variety of editions, DLC, and add-ons.
Forza Horizon 5 is absolutely one of the best Xbox racing games you can buy, but it can be confusing to know which version to buy if you're not certain for what you're looking. In our Forza Horizon 5 buying guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about purchasing this epic racing game or any of its DLC and add-ons.
Every Forza Horizon 5 edition
When it comes to buying Forza Horizon 5, players are actually met with a decent number of choices and questions. Do you desire the convenience of digital or the familiarity of physical? Which edition is best for you, and what are the bonuses for buying certain editions?
There's also plenty of DLC to consider with Forza Horizon 5, which may give you rare or exclusive cars, Player Houses, help with finding Bonus Boards and Barn Finds, and much more.
One thing to keep in mind: Forza Horizon 5 fully supports Xbox Play Anywhere. If you purchase a digital copy of Forza Horizon 5 (any edition or its DLC) for Xbox or Windows through the Microsoft Store, you immediately own the game on both of those platforms. FH5 also supports cloud saves, so your progress won't be lost even if you play on both platforms (cross-save is not supported by Forza Horizon 5 on Steam).
Here's every edition of Forza Horizon 5, what they include, and who should consider buying them.
Forza Horizon 5 Standard Edition
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Forza Horizon 5 editions have to start somewhere, which brings us to the Standard Edition. This is the base version of the game, and doesn't include any other DLC content or expansions.
You also have access to the full Forza Horizon 5 Festival Playlist and its free Series updates, which adds new challenges, events, and cars to the game over time. Even the base game will continue to evolve and grow as you play it.
Forza Horizon 5 Deluxe Edition
Forza Horizon 5 Deluxe Edition is the middle child in the FH5 family, and as such includes the base game and exactly one other piece of DLC to justify the added cost. This is the edition for the car collectors.
- Includes Forza Horizon 5 Car Pass. Forza Horizon 5 Deluxe Edition includes the Forza Horizon 5 Car Pass, a DLC that introduces an additional 42 cars to the game.
- Eight cars gifted immediately with the Forza Horizon 5 Formula Drift Cars Pack
- One car added to Forza Horizon 5 every week, for a total of 34 additional cars
- The Forza Horizon 5 Car Pass is available through Forza Horizon 5 Deluxe Edition, Premium Edition, the Premium Add-Ons Bundle, and as a standalone purchase
- You can check out the cars included in the Car Pass in our Forza Horizon 5 car list
Forza Horizon 5 Premium Edition
The quintessential edition for Forza Horizon fans and lovers, Forza Horizon 5 Premium Edition ramps up the cost again but includes a compelling number of DLC additions and perks over previous editions.
- Includes Forza Horizon 5 Car Pass. Forza Horizon 5 Deluxe Edition includes the Forza Horizon 5 Car Pass, a DLC that introduces an additional 42 cars to the game.
- Eight cars gifted immediately with the Forza Horizon 5 Formula Drift Cars Pack
- One car added to Forza Horizon 5 every week, for a total of 34 additional cars
- The Forza Horizon 5 Car Pass is available through Forza Horizon 5 Deluxe Edition, Premium Edition, the Premium Add-Ons Bundle, and as a standalone purchase
- You can check out the cars included in the Car Pass in our Forza Horizon 5 car list
- Includes Forza Horizon 5 Welcome Pack. Forza Horizon 5 Premium Edition includes the Forza Horizon 5 Welcome Pack, a DLC that adds several in-game perks and bonuses when first playing the game.
- Five specially pre-tuned cars gifted immediately
- One Player House gifted immediately
- An included one-time voucher that lets you purchase any car from the Autoshow
- Three included one-time vouchers that let you purchase any Common or Rare clothing items
- The Forza Horizon 5 Welcome Pack is available through Forza Horizon 5 Premium Edition, the Premium Add-Ons Bundle, and as a standalone purchase
- You can check out the cars included in the Welcome Pack in our Forza Horizon 5 car list, and the included house in our Forza Horizon 5 Player Houses guide
- Includes Forza Horizon 5 VIP Membership. Forza Horizon 5 Premium Edition includes the Forza Horizon 5 VIP Membership, a DLC that adds several in-game perks and bonuses throughout playing the game.
- Three exclusive Forza Edition cars gifted immediately
- One Player House gifted immediately
- A Crown Flair, Vanity Items, Emote, and Car Horn gifted immediately
- Races provide double the Credit rewards
- Players gain extra Super Wheelspins every week
- Additional bonuses and perks
- The Forza Horizon 5 VIP Membership is available through Forza Horizon 5 Premium Edition, the Premium Add-Ons Bundle, and as a standalone purchase
- You can check out the cars included in the VIP Membership in our Forza Horizon 5 car list, and the included house in our Forza Horizon 5 Player Houses guide
- Includes Forza Horizon 5: Hot Wheels. Forza Horizon 5 Premium Edition includes Forza Horizon 5: Hot Wheels, the first DLC expansion for FH5.
- Forza Horizon 5: Hot Wheels officially released on July 19, 2022, and includes a myriad of new content like a new floating island with four diverse biomes, 10 new cars, a standalone single-player or co-op campaign, and plenty of new challenges, events, and races
- Forza Horizon 5: Hot Wheels is available through Forza Horizon 5 Premium Edition, the Premium Add-Ons Bundle, and the Forza Horizon 5 Expansions Bundle
- Includes Forza Horizon 5 Expansion Two. Forza Horizon 5 Premium Edition includes Forza Horizon 5 Expansion Two, which is the second unannounced DLC expansion coming to Forza Horizon 5 in the future.
- Forza Horizon 5 Expansion Two has not been revealed yet, but will be included in Forza Horizon 5 Premium Edition when it does eventually launch
- Forza Horizon 5 Expansion Two is available through Forza Horizon 5 Premium Edition, the Premium Add-Ons Bundle, and the Expansions Bundle
Forza Horizon 5 (physical)
Digital games have effectively taken over the video game industry, but there remains a large number of players who still prefer physical copies of all their games. Forza Horizon 5 is absolutely available as a physical disc, but players will be more limited in their options.
Here's what you need to know about Forza Horizon 5's physical edition.
- Forza Horizon 5 Standard Edition only. If you want to buy Forza Horizon 5 as a physical disc, you'll be limited to Forza Horizon 5 Standard Edition, which only offers the base game.
- Can be upgraded. If you want the additional DLC and content included in Forza Horizon 5 Premium Edition, you are able to purchase the Forza Horizon 5 Premium Add-Ons Bundle and pair it with your physical copy of Forza Horizon 5, or purchase other DLC individually.
- Xbox Series X and Xbox One compatible. Physical editions of Forza Horizon 5 support Smart Delivery, and are compatible with Xbox Series X and Xbox One consoles. Xbox Series S and Xbox One S All-Digital are not supported since they don't have disc drives.
- No PC support. At the moment, there is no option to purchase a physical copy of Forza Horizon 5 for PC.
Every Forza Horizon 5 DLC & add-on
Forza Horizon 5 features a ton of optional DLC content that players can opt for if they want the full experience. Most of this DLC is included in some form or another with Forza Horizon 5 editions, but a lot of the DLC is also available to purchase separately, for those who wish to personalize their FH5 experience.
Forza Horizon 5 Premium Add-Ons Bundle
The best way to get Forza Horizon 5 and all of its DLC is undoubtedly through Forza Horizon 5 Premium Edition, but players going through Xbox Game Pass, buying a physical copy of FH5, or planning to upgrade after release should consider the Forza Horizon 5 Premium Add-Ons Bundle. You get everything offered in the Premium Edition, minus the base game.
Forza Horizon 5 Expansions Bundle
The Forza Horizon 5 Expansions Bundle is for those who desire Forza Horizon 5 and all of its expansions, but have no need for the extra tidbits that come attached to the Premium Edition. This DLC includes two Forza Horizon 5 game expansions, each of which will add tons of new content and cars, when they become available.
Forza Horizon 5: Hot Wheels is already available through the Expansions Bundle, and adds hours of additional content to Forza Horizon 5, as well as a brand-new map packed with diverse Hot Wheels tracks and cars.
Forza Horizon 5: Hot Wheels
Forza Horizon 5: Hot Wheels is the first major DLC expansion for FH5, and it ushers in a wave of fresh content for players to explore and enjoy. While interested players can access the expansion through the Premium Edition or Premium Add-Ons Bundle, or the Expansions Bundle, FH5: Hot Wheels is also available as a standalone purchase.
Forza Horizon 5 Treasure Map
The Forza Horizon 5 Treasure Map is one of the more interesting DLC in this list, if only because it's not included in any other bundles or editions. This standalone DLC is very straightforward: Pay a small sum to see the locations of every Bonus Board and Barn Find on the FH5 map.
Forza Horizon 5 VIP Membership
The Forza Horizon 5 VIP Membership is for those who desire every advantage when playing, as it provides a whole host of exclusive perks and bonuses in FH5, including extra reward credits, Wheelspins, unique cars, cosmetic items, and more.
Forza Horizon 5 Welcome Pack
While not as long-lasting as the VIP Membership DLC, the Forza Horizon 5 Welcome Pack is a cost-effective way for new or returning players to get a boost at the beginning of the game. This DLC includes five pre-tuned cars, vouchers for cars and cosmetic items, and more.
Forza Horizon 5 Car Pass
For those who just want a boost to their garage in FH5, the Forza Horizon 5 Car Pass can be purchased as a standalone DLC. This DLC included the Formula Drift Cars Pack right off the bat with eight cars, and introduced a new car each week until its grand total of 42 cars, all of which are available right now.
Forza Horizon 5 Formula Drift Cars Pack
The Forza Horizon 5 Formula Drift Cars Pack includes eight fantastic vehicles and adds them to your garage immediately, without having to splurge for the additional cars included in the Car Pass or Premium Add-Ons Bundle. If you love to drift and little else, this may be the pack for you.
Every Forza Horizon 5 accessory
It's obvious that Forza Horizon 5 possesses a mind-boggling amount of DLC and add-ons, but there are also a handful of accessories available to the most committed of racing fans. Here's what you need to know about every Forza Horizon 5 accessory.
Xbox Wireless Controller Forza Horizon 5 Limited Edition
The Xbox Wireless Controller Forza Horizon 5 Limited Edition may be a mouthful, but it's an incredible-looking piece of hardware that captures the best of both worlds: high-speed action in Forza Horizon 5 and the high-tech comfort of the Xbox Wireless Controller. This is the new design for Xbox Series X|S, including the added Share button. This Limited Edition controller features design elements like a semi-translucent yellow body and custom racing-like grips.
On top of that, this controller actually features exclusive in-game DLC for Forza Horizon 5, including:
- 1932 Ford De Luxe Five-Window Coupé Forza Edition with custom FH5-themed livery
- Exclusive Vanity Item
- Exclusive Emote
The Forza Horizon 5 Limited Edition Xbox Wireless Controller is now available. However, you might want to act fast, as this controller likely has limited stock and has been in high demand.
This limited-edition controller is totally gorgeous and grants exclusive in-game DLC, making it the perfect purchase for any hardcore Forza Horizon 5 fan.
Razer Quick Charging Stand for Xbox Forza Horizon 5 Limited Edition
The Razer Quick Charging Stand for Xbox Forza Horizon 5 Limited Edition is a custom version of the excellent Razer Quick Charging Stand for Xbox. This model is color-coded to perfectly match the aforementioned FH5 LE Xbox Wireless Controller, but it's also an attractive and premium charging stand that can be effectively paired with any Xbox Wireless Controller.
This limited-edition Razer accessory is identical in form to its other excellent Xbox charging stands, but it perfectly matches the Forza Horizon 5 Limited Edition Xbox Wireless Controller. Charge and display your FH5 controller in style with this stand.
Is there a demo for Forza Horizon 5?
Previous Forza Horizon games have historically featured a demo that lets players experience a slice of the full game before purchasing, often with in-game rewards for doing so. However, Forza Horizon 5 does not feature a demo, and it's not going to at any point in the future.
Playground Games' reasoning is that the constant influx of new information and gameplay for Forza Horizon 5 ahead of launch negated the need for a demo. FH5 is also available through Xbox Game Pass from day one on Xbox, PC, and the cloud. While this will inevitably disappoint players looking forward to playing a little bit of Forza Horizon 5 before buying (or players looking for those demo rewards), it just didn't make sense for Playground to divert resources to build a demo this time around.
