Forza Horizon 5 is set to arrive on the PlayStation 5 on April 29, 2025, and this is the first time in history the critically acclaimed racing franchise has ever departed from the Xbox and PC platforms. However, this release has a major caveat as it will only be available as a digital download, with no disc release on the horizon.

This decision of not releasing a physical disc has caused controversy among the gaming community. Although digital distribution is increasingly prevalent these days, there remains a segment of the gaming community that has a place in their hearts for physical media for its advantages, such as collection and preservation.

Forza Horizon 5 PS5 will include all the content that has ever been released on Xbox and PC, including almost 900 cars and more than 40 thematic updates. The game will also include the upcoming Hot Wheels and Rally Adventure expansions, fulfilling the racing experience.

The PS5 Forza Horizon release will also introduce the Horizon Realms update, which will include hand-curated Evolving Worlds and some surprises. The update will offer new experiences for new and veteran players, increasing the game's replay value.

The digital-exclusive strategy is also a problem for the game's shelf life in the PlayStation Store. Forza games have been delisted previously when their licensing deals run out, usually four- or six-years post-launch. Nobody knows whether or not Forza Horizon 5's licenses were renewed so that the PS5 version may be time-limited.

In spite of these issues, the PS5 release is Microsoft's general strategy for launching its games on various platforms, possibly leading the way for subsequent launches.

FAQs

When is Forza Horizon 5 coming out on PS5?

April 29, 2025.

Will there be a PS5 physical edition?

No, it's web-only.

Does the PS5 version feature all expansions?

Yes, as with Rally Adventure and Hot Wheels.

Is there cross-platform support?

Yes, anywhere on PS5, Xbox, and PC.