Forza Horizon 5, a premium racing title developed by Playground Games and published by Xbox Game Studios, is not available as a permanently free download on platforms like Steam or Xbox. However, players can acquire a significant number of vehicles within the game without spending additional real-world money by completing specific in-game challenges known as Accolades. These Accolades are part of the game's progression system and reward players with new cars for achieving various feats, from competitive racing to exploration and creative activities. This article details the methods for obtaining these free vehicles, the specific requirements for each, and the legitimate avenues for accessing the game itself at a reduced cost.
Understanding In-Game Car Acquisition
Within Forza Horizon 5, cars can be acquired through several means: earning in-game credits from races, purchasing them from the autoshow, or receiving them as rewards for completing specific challenges. The latter method is the focus of this guide, as it allows players to add vehicles to their collection without spending credits or real money. These rewards are tied to the game's Accolade system, which is divided into categories such as Online, Expeditions, Creative, Festival, Discovery & Collections, and Hall of Fame.
The cars awarded through these Accolades are identical to those available for purchase or included in downloadable content packs, but they are earned through gameplay. The process does not require any external purchases or subscriptions beyond owning the base game. Players must simply meet the stated criteria within the game's various modes and activities.
Free Cars from Online Accolades
The Online Accolades category rewards players for participating in competitive and social modes like Rivals, Horizon Arcade, and The Eliminator. Each challenge has a specific requirement, and completing it grants the associated vehicle.
- Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG: Post your time in the top 5% of a S2-Class Rivals Leaderboard.
- Lotus Evija: Take part in and complete one round of 20 Horizon Arcade Events.
- TVR Sagaris: Post your time in the top 5% of an S1-Class Rivals Leaderboard.
- Funco Motorsports F9: Take part and complete three rounds in five Horizon Arcade Themes.
- Ferrari 430 Scuderia: Post your time in the top 5% of an A-Class Rivals Leaderboard.
- Ford Falcon XA GT-HO: Earn 5,000 scores total in Horizon Tour events.
- Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X GSR: Post your time in the top 5% in a B-Class Rivals Leaderboard.
- Porsche Macan Turbo: Win a total of 20 Horizon Tour Races.
- BMW M5: Post your time in the top 5% of a C-Class Rivals Leaderboard.
- Nissan GT-R Black Edition R35: Win a total of 20 Horizon Tours.
- Ford Mustang Shelby GT500: Post your time in the top 5% of a D-Class Rivals Leaderboard.
- Ford Ranger T6 Rally Raid: Win three of the Eliminator games.
- Lamborghini Aventador Superveloce: Eliminate two opponents in total in a game of The Eliminator.
- Porsche 918 Spyder: Achieve 50 Car Drops (a mechanic in The Eliminator).
- Mini Cooper S: Win a "The Eliminator" game.
- Lamborghini Urus: Eliminate three opponents in total in the same game of The Eliminator.
- Mercedes-Benz G 65 AMG: Win two "The Eliminator" games.
- Hoonigan Gymkhana 10 Ford Focus RS RX: Secure five car drops in the same game of The Eliminator.
Free Cars from Expeditions Accolades
Expeditions are a core part of Forza Horizon 5's narrative, guiding players through different biomes of the Mexican open world. Completing these story-driven sequences unlocks specific vehicles.
- DeBerti F-150 Prerunner: Complete the Forza Horizon 5 Baja Expedition.
- BAC Mono: Finish the Tulum Expedition in Forza Horizon 5.
- Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec: Complete the Forza Horizon 5 Guanajuato Expedition. This quest also allows you to unlock Fast Travel.
- Peugeot 207 Super 2000: Finish the Jungle Expedition in Forza Horizon 5.
Free Cars from Creative and Festival Accolades
These categories reward players for engaging with the game's creative tools and participating in seasonal events.
- Porsche 911 GT2 RS: Take pictures of 200 different Forza Horizon 5 vehicles.
- Mazda Savanna RX: Complete the Forza Horizon 5 Super7 three times.
- Ford GT: Spend 2,000,000 in-game credits on upgrades in Forza Horizon 5.
- Nissan Skyline GTS-R HR31: Win the Forza Horizon 5 Colossus road race.
- Dodge Charger R/T: Win the Forza Horizon 5 Goliath road race.
- Toyota Celica GT-Four RC ST185: Win the Forza Horizon 5 Marathon.
Free Cars from Discovery & Collections and Hall of Fame Accolades
These Accolades are tied to exploration, collection milestones, and high-level gameplay achievements.
- Cadillac CTS-V Sedan: Drive 1,000 miles in Forza Horizon 5.
- Porsche Taycan Turbo S: Discover all the Forza Horizon 5 points of interest.
- Jaguar D-Type: Complete the "Sold Out" Accolade.
- Lexus RC F: Set the Drivatar difficulty to "Unbeatable" and win 10 Road Races.
- Toyota Supra RZ: Set the Drivatar difficulty to "Unbeatable" and win a Road Race.
- Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera: Buy all seven player houses in Forza Horizon 5.
- TVR Cerbera Speed 12: Achieve player level 175 in Forza Horizon 5.
- Aston Martin Vantage GT12: Achieve player level 100 in Forza Horizon 5.
- Sierra Cars RX3: Set the Drivatar difficulty to "Unbeatable" and win 10 Cross-Country Races.
- Audi Sport Quattro: Set the Drivatar difficulty to "Unbeatable" and win a Dirt Race.
- Aston Martin Vulcan AMR Pro: Achieve player level 125 in Forza Horizon 5.
- Dodge Viper ACR: Achieve player level 75 in Forza Horizon 5.
- Local Motors Rally Fighter: Set the Drivatar difficulty to "Unbeatable" and win 10 Dirt Races.
- Jaguar I-PACE: Set the Drivatar difficulty to "Unbeatable" and win 10 Street Races.
- Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale: Achieve player level 50 in Forza Horizon 5.
- Koenigsegg Regera: Complete every "Hall of Fame" Accolade.
- Auto Union Type D: Earn three stars for winning all final events.
Legitimate Avenues for Accessing Forza Horizon 5
While the cars listed above are free within the game, the game itself is a premium title. According to available information, there are no legitimate methods to obtain a permanent, free copy of Forza Horizon 5 on platforms like Steam or Xbox. However, there are several ways to play the game at a reduced cost or for a limited time.
Xbox Game Pass
The most common method to play Forza Horizon 5 without purchasing it outright is through an Xbox Game Pass subscription. Forza Horizon 5 is consistently included in the Game Pass library. A subscription allows players to download and play the full game on Xbox consoles or PC. This is a subscription service with a monthly fee, not a free giveaway.
Free Play Weekends and Demos
Xbox Game Studios occasionally offers free play weekends for Forza Horizon 5. During these promotional periods, which typically last a weekend, players can download and play the full game without a Game Pass subscription or purchase. These events are announced officially by Xbox or featured on gaming news sites.
Additionally, a demo for Forza Horizon 5 is available. The demo allows players to sample a portion of the game's gameplay, graphics, and open-world environment before deciding to purchase or subscribe.
Steam and Other Platform Promotions
Steam periodically features sales and promotions for Forza Horizon 5. While these do not make the game free, they can offer substantial discounts, reducing the purchase price. Similar promotions may occur on other digital storefronts like the Microsoft Store.
Editions and Bundles
For players who choose to purchase the game, several editions are available, each offering different content at varying price points. These include the Standard Edition (base game), Deluxe Edition (base game + Car Pass), and Premium Edition (base game, Car Pass, VIP Membership, two expansions, and the Welcome Pack). The Car Pass grants access to a selection of new cars, but these are separate from the free cars earned via Accolades.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Forza Horizon 5 permanently free on Steam? No, Forza Horizon 5 is not permanently free on Steam. It is a paid game, though Steam may offer discounts or promotions periodically.
Can I play Forza Horizon 5 for free with Xbox Game Pass? Yes, Forza Horizon 5 is included with Xbox Game Pass. As long as a subscription is active, the full game can be played on Xbox console or PC.
Are there any legitimate ways to get Forza Horizon 5 for free? Temporary free play weekends offered by Xbox Game Studios are the only legitimate way to play the full game for free, albeit for a limited time. The demo also allows you to try a portion of the game for free.
Is Forza Horizon 5 free on Xbox if I already own an Xbox console? No, owning an Xbox console does not grant free access to Forza Horizon 5. The game must be purchased or accessed via Xbox Game Pass.
Are the cars in Forza Horizon 5 free? Some cars can be acquired using in-game credits earned through gameplay, and some are awarded for completing specific challenges like the Accolades listed in this article. However, many cars must be purchased using in-game credits or are included in DLC packs. The Car Pass, included in certain editions, grants one free addition of each car it includes.
Conclusion
Forza Horizon 5 offers a substantial collection of vehicles that can be earned through gameplay without additional expenditure. By completing the diverse range of Accolades across Online, Expeditions, Creative, Festival, Discovery, and Hall of Fame categories, players can unlock cars from manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari, Porsche, and Lamborghini. These challenges range from competitive racing and exploration to creative tasks and collection milestones.
It is important to note that while these cars are free within the game's ecosystem, the game itself is a premium title. Legitimate access without purchase is limited to temporary free play weekends, a demo, or a subscription to Xbox Game Pass. No permanent free version of the game exists on major platforms. Players seeking to expand their in-game collection should focus on the specific Accolade requirements detailed above to earn new vehicles through dedicated gameplay.