Forza Horizon 5’s Horizon Realms update brings 12 Evolving Worlds, new cars, and a PS5 debut with cross-play. Race today!
Table of Contents
Playground Games has unleashed a thrilling new chapter for Forza Horizon 5 with the Horizon Realms update and its highly anticipated PlayStation 5 release, expanding its vibrant open-world racing festival to a broader audience.
Horizon Realms Update: A Nostalgic Race Through Time
Launched on April 25, 2025, the Horizon Realms update is a free content drop available across Xbox, PC, and PlayStation 5, celebrating the game’s rich history of Evolving World environments.
This update reintroduces 11 fan-favorite, previously limited-time locations, including the Stunt Park, Ice Rink, Neon Airstrip, Retrowave Highway, Día de Muertos, Winter Wonderland, Lunar Drift Arena, Oval Track, Summer Party, Cars and Coffee, and Stadium Maze.
A brand-new Horizon Stadium Circuit track joins the lineup, offering a permanent race route with its Rivals leaderboard for competitive players.
Players can explore these realms in two modes: Free Mode, for casual cruising with friends, and Skill Mode, which challenges drivers to climb world-specific leaderboards.
The update introduces over 60 new accolades under a dedicated Horizon Realms Accolades tab, rewarding players with #Forzathon Points for the first time.
Completing accolade sets unlocks 12 new badges and four exclusive cars: the 2024 Lamborghini Revuelto, 2023 Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato, 2018 Lotus Exige Cup 430, and 2022 Hennessey Mammoth 6×6.
These vehicles, ranging from hybrid hypercars to off-road beasts, add fresh firepower to the game’s roster of over 800 cars.
PlayStation 5 Launch: Forza Goes Cross Platform
Marking a historic shift for the franchise, Forza Horizon 5 debuted on PlayStation 5 on April 29, 2025, with Premium Edition owners gaining early access on April 25.
This release, developed by Panic Button in collaboration with Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios, brings the whole Forza Horizon 5 experience to Sony’s console, including all prior updates, Car Packs, and the Hot Wheels and Rally Adventure expansions.
The game supports cross-play, allowing PS5 players to race alongside Xbox and PC drivers in online convoys and events.
The PS5 version offers two graphical modes: a 60 FPS Performance Mode for smooth gameplay and a 30 FPS Quality Mode with enhanced visuals.
PS5 Pro players enjoy additional perks, including ray-traced car reflections in races, free roams, and increased visual fidelity in Performance Mode.
Pre-order bonuses include the 2021 Mercedes-AMG ONE cover car, 5,000 #Forzathon Points, and five Backstage Passes for rare car purchases.
The game is available in three editions: Standard ($59.99), Deluxe ($79.99, with Car Pass), and Premium ($99.99, including expansions and early access).
A new Nissan Retro Rides Car Pack, featuring four classic models (1989 Nissan Pao, 1991 Nissan Figaro, 1989 Nissan S-Cargo, and 1987 Nissan BE-1), was released alongside the update for $4.99, included in the Ultimate Car Pack Collection.
The PS5 version also introduces 111 base game trophies, 17 tied to Horizon Realms, enticing completionists to chase the Platinum Trophy.
A New Era for Forza Horizon
The Horizon Realms update and PS5 launch underscore Playground Games’ commitment to keeping Forza Horizon 5 fresh over three years after its 2021 debut, which saw over 10 million players in its first week.
However, recent signals, such as the community-voted Festival Playlist replays introduced in January’s Midnight Muscle update, suggest that new content may slow as the studio potentially gears up for Forza Horizon 6.
For now, Forza Horizon 5 remains a pinnacle of open-world racing. Its diverse Mexican landscape—from deserts and jungles to a towering volcano—is enhanced by dynamic weather and over 40 thematic updates.
Whether you are a veteran driver or a PS5 newcomer, the Horizon Festival invites all to leave their limits behind.
Visit the PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, or Steam to join the race, and check Forza.net for the latest updates.
About The Author
