All current discussions are centered around the Oblivion remaster and Clair Obscur Expedition 33. However, another game is set to release in the coming days: Forza Horizon 5 for PS5. This marks a significant event in video game history: Microsoft’s flagship title, Forza Horizon 5, will be available on PlayStation 5 starting April 29, 2025. This release represents the first instance of a Forza game appearing on a Sony console, symbolizing a major strategic move between the two industry leaders. Initially developed by Playground Games, Forza Horizon 5 has been ported to PS5 by Panic Button, known for its technical proficiency. The port includes all content available on Xbox and PC: over 900 vehicles, the major Hot Wheels and Rally Adventure expansions, along with the 40 post-launch updates that have enhanced the experience since release.
PS5 players will also have access to Horizon Realms, a free and unique update that introduces new community-created environments featuring twelve distinct zones, numerous challenges, and several new vehicles. On PlayStation 5, the game benefits from full optimization: rendered in 4K, with significantly reduced loading times, and support for the haptic feedback and adaptive triggers of the DualSense controller. Two display modes are offered: a Performance mode at 60 FPS and a Quality mode that integrates ray tracing.
To play Forza Horizon 5 on PS5, users must link their PlayStation Network account to a Microsoft account, which is required at first launch and cannot be changed later. Additionally, a PlayStation Plus subscription will be needed to access online multiplayer features. It is important to note that cross-progression between the Xbox/PC and PS5 versions is not available; therefore, players will need to begin anew even if they have already purchased the game on another platform.
Three editions will be offered:
Standard Edition: The base game only.
Forza Horizon 5, a significant release from Microsoft, is scheduled for launch on PlayStation 5 on April 29, 2025. Developed by Playground Games and ported by Panic Button, the game will include all existing content: over 900 vehicles, Hot Wheels and Rally Adventure expansions, and 40 post-launch updates. A distinctive feature is the Horizon Realms update, which introduces community-created environments, challenges, and new vehicles for PS5 players. The game supports 4K resolution, reduced loading times, DualSense controller integration, and two display modes (Performance at 60 FPS and Quality with ray tracing). Online multiplayer requires a PlayStation Plus subscription, and users must link their PlayStation Network account to a Microsoft account permanently. Three editions will be available: Standard, Deluxe, and Premium, each providing different levels of additional content. However, cross-progression between Xbox/PC and PS5 versions is not supported, meaning players who start on one platform will lose their progress if they switch to PS5.
Premium Edition: includes both extensions, exclusive content, and early access to the game starting midnight on April 25, 2025.
No physical release has been announced at this time; the game will be distributed exclusively in digital form via the PlayStation Store.
A major strategic move: The arrival of Forza Horizon 5 on PS5 is not just a commercial event; it underscores Microsoft’s broader strategy to make some of its titles accessible to a wider audience. This decision may indicate potential future partnerships or cross-platform releases, within a context where the boundaries between different technology ecosystems are becoming more flexible.
