Forza Horizon 5 introduces upgraded Photo Mode features, new Pathfinder accolades and overlanding modifications in its new series update, Explore the Horizon.
From races and stories to road trips and expeditions, since arriving in Mexico you’ve embarked on the most incredible journeys through beautiful landscapes, vibrant towns and diverse biomes. There is so much rich heritage and culture to discover in this locale, so just how well do you know it?
Explore the Horizon will test your Forza Horizon 5 map knowledge and lead you to breathtaking scenery along the way. With 6 new-to-Forza cars, upgraded Photo Mode features, overlanding modifications for select vehicles, and Pathfinder accolades to complete, this will be a Mexican journey like no other.
Dust off your camera and charge up your sat-nav, we're going on an adventure!
Game Fixes & Release Notes
Explore the Horizon will be available to download on Xbox, Windows and Steam from Tuesday, May 23. Players can immediately try out the new Photo Mode improvements and explore Mexico under a new lens with Pathfinder accolades. Series content will be available on Thursday, May 25 until June 22.
Here is a snapshot of the new fixes and improvements included in this version:
- Launch Control settings would not save after restarting the game.
- Vehicle wheels would sometimes return to their default position in Photo Mode.
- On PC, the mouse cursor would occasionally disappear after some time.
- Missing side-marks on the 2020 Lamborghini Huracan STO when installing the race splitter.
- On the 2018 Italdesign Zerouno, the incorrect color was shown the front wheel rims and the engine frame incorrectly displayed when opening the front hood.
- Taller tires option was missing on the 2014 Mercedes-Benz Unimog U5023.
- Improvements have been made for some EventLab Blueprints which could cause a game crash when editing saved projects.
- Fixed an issue with weather management in Multiplayer races where weather conditions in certain conditions were not consistent between players.
- Controller vibration would suddenly stop working after disconnecting from an online session.
- Playground Games Team Flag Rush match score could revert to 0 once a player from the opposite team left the match.
- Scoreboards in Playground Games Survival Mode would disappear instead of minimizing.
The full list of fixes will be published in our release notes once the update is available. Click here to see the issues that we’re currently investigating. You can also report any bugs that you’re encountering on the Troubleshooting Hub, our dedicated issues tracker on the Forza Forums.
Upgraded Photo Mode
Horizon Festival organizers have sent drivers enhanced Photo Mode cameras that will make capturing incredible moments all the easier and more fun!
Here’s a look at the new features and selectable options for each one:
- Time of Day Changes: Default, Dawn, Sunrise, Morning, Early Afternoon, Late Afternoon, Sunset, Evening, Night.
- Weather Changes: Default, Clear, Clear Post Rain, Cloudy, Cloudy Post Rain, Overcast, Light Precipitation, Heavy Precipitation, Gale, Fog.
- Wheel Tilt: Default, Straight, Left, Right.
- Guidelines: Disabled, Different Aspect Ratios, 9x9 Grids, Golden Ratios.
- Character Positions*: Driver Seat, Centre Front, Left Front, Right Front, Centre Back, Left Back, Right Back, Left Side and Right Side.
- Character Emotes: Various emotes unlocked by the player are supported.
- Photo Presets: Added to the “Effects” menu, players can save, rename and delete Photo Mode presets to quickly load their favorite Photo Mode settings.
- Portrait Mode Toggle: Accessed through the Guidelines, this allows players to view how the photo will appear in portrait view.
*The vehicle must be stationary to access character positions outside of the car.
These improvements have been inspired by your feedback, and we would love to hear ideas for other features, changes and additions you would like to see in Photo Mode in the future. Let us know over on the Suggestions Hub where the team will review your submissions.
Overlanding Modifications
Players who have completed Forza Horizon 5 Rally Adventure may have noticed that the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum features a unique overlanding modification that can be fitted. It’s the perfect way to ensure your vehicle is setup for “car camping” and in Explore the Horizon, we’re rolling out this customization option to 16 additional trucks in Forza Horizon 5:
- 2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2
- 1972 Chevrolet K-10 Custom
- 2019 DeBerti Ford Super Duty F-250 Lariat 'Transformer'
- 2020 Ford Super Duty F-450 DRW Platinum
- 2019 Ford Ranger Raptor
- 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor
- 2011 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor
- 1986 Ford F-150 XLT Lariat
- 2022 GMC HUMMER EV Pickup
- 2019 Hennessey VelociRaptor 6x6
- 2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon
- 1997 Land Rover Defender 90
- 2014 Mercedes-Benz G 63 AMG 6x6
- 2018 Mercedes-Benz X-Class
- 2016 Nissan TITAN Warrior Concept
- 2017 RAM 2500 Power Wagon
Future series updates introducing new car customization pieces like body kits, parts and rims will feature a “New” label to help players locate the latest additions.
New EventLab Props
The Blueprint Builder Library in EventLab continues to expand with new props and structures to help you bring your creations to life in Forza Horizon 5. In this series, we’re introducing a set of snappable asphalt pieces used to build the Horizon Oval Circuit. These can be found in a new category called “Racing.”
In addition, five new props featuring lights and a backdrop, ideal to build a photo studio, can be found in the “Decorations” tab.
Pathfinder Challenges
Prove your mastery of Forza Horizon 5’s map in all-new Pathfinder Challenges. A total of 12 unique routes highlighted by markers have been added to Free Roam, with 3 available to complete in each week of the series. An associated accolade is also unlocked upon reaching the Pathfinder destination.
Each season, the first accolade is automatically unlocked and pinning it will set a GPS marker to the start of the first route. They will be marked by a series of trail marker balloons, which will be green at the start and finish line, and red along the route.
Once the first route has been completed, a second accolade will be unlocked, however it will not be marked on your GPS – you'll need to refer to the accolade description to find out where the next one starts. This also applies to the third accolade that is unlocked upon completion of the second route.
Once all 3 routes in a week have been finished, a Treasure Chest is unearthed near the end of the third route. By achieving all the Pathfinder accolades, a new Player Badge and the 1953 Morris Minor Series II Traveler is unlocked.
Festival Playlist
Explore the Horizon features the return of eight Seasonal PR Stunts with four Danger Signs; Ranas Saltarinas, San Juan Jump, Salto De Rio, and Metal Bird, as well as four Trailblazers; River Rapids, Cruse De Granja, Festival Descend, and Jungle Traversal. These are visible on the map with a unique purple and blue hue icon. You’ll have to drive fast to get 3 stars in all of them as they’ll only be available until the end of the series.
There’s a new Showcase Remix available in the Summer “Wet” season – the “Splash of the Titans” event features the all-new 2019 DeBerti Ford Super Duty F-250 Lariat ‘Transformer’ racing a competitive team of jet skis. This Showcase Remix is only unlocked once the “Flood, Sweat and Gears” event (which is the standard version of this Showcase) is complete.
New cosmetics available in Explore the Horizon include 3 Car Horns: Raptor Rawr, Reaper Cackle and Predator Howl. Players can also unlock the CUPRA Race Suit in celebration of the new CUPRA vehicles that will be gifted to all players during the series.
Each Weekly Photo Challenge in Explore the Horizon has a different mini-camp site location to discover. In addition, smashable animal-shaped cardboard cut-out collectibles can also be found in different destinations each week.
Explore the Horizon introduces 6 new-to-Forza cars including four that can be unlocked in the Festival Playlist and two CUPRA EVs – here are the details on each one:
Forza Horizon players are already familiar with how DeBerti can truly transform both the looks and performance of a vehicle with unique and outlandish modifications. Their conversion of the Ford Super Duty F-250 might just be their biggest and most unforgettable build ever! It’s called the 'Transformer' for a reason with utility bedsides that can be unlocked to reveal additional stowage compartments. While the factory fitted 6.7-liter diesel engine remains under the hood, DeBerti made extensive modifications to achieve 850 brake horsepower and ensured the truck was all-terrain ready with a robust suspension system, high-visibility LED beacons and massive 37-inch tires. The load bed is also fully custom with two spare wheels at disposal and a pull-out utility box so you can always have the tools necessary to Explore the Horizon.
1986 Ford F-150 XLT Lariat
The Ford F-Series of trucks have been America’s best-selling truck for the past 46 consecutive years, and America’s best-selling vehicle for 41 years. An F-Series was sold every 49 seconds in 2022! This seventh-generation “bullnose” 1986 F-150 was the model that helped secure this incredible sales feat and was a revolutionary model for Ford. With its independent Twin I-Beam 4x4 front suspension and modern, comfortable interior styling, the F-150 bridged the gap between car and truck better than ever before – a workhorse of a vehicle suitable for any task. This F-150 has the 5.0 (302) V8 under its hood producing a modest 185 horsepower. In stock form this F-150 will leave you plenty of time to see the sights of Mexico, but a quick Festival visit to explore the upgrades available will reveal that this truck can be hopped up into a serious overlanding rig.
1972 Chevrolet K-10 Custom
Chevrolet’s C/K Series trucks are some of the most popular collector trucks. This 1972 K-10 Custom is from the last year of the second generation of C/K trucks, nicknamed “Action Line.” With features including an immediately recognizable egg-crate front grille, a big squared off hood and the highly desirable Fleetside short bed, this K-10 has a truckload of retro style! The “C/K” model code refers to the drivetrain of the truck, this 1972 K-10 is fitted with a 4x4 driveline (whereas a “C-10” would be rear-wheel drive). Under the hood is the faithful Chevrolet 350 Small block V8 engine, in this application pushing out 175 horsepower. While it may be tuned for rugged reliability and not outright performance, this V8 powered 4x4 truck has all the ingredients to make a great fun Horizon exploration vehicle.
2022 GMC HUMMER EV Pickup
Super cruise the roads of Mexico with the GMC HUMMER EV. This fully-equipped electric truck has 3 motors that can reach up to 355 miles of electric range on a full charge. Performance numbers include 1,000 horses of raw power with up to 11,500 lb-ft of wheel torque. There are zero tailpipe emissions and a brief 12-minute charge can get you towards an impressive 100 miles of range. Built to Explore the Horizon and traverse its most rugged terrain with ease, the HUMMER EV has unique four-wheel steering with the rear wheels capable of turning an impressive 10°, extreme off-road tires and adaptive air ride suspension options. Combined they ensure the HUMMER EV is ready to surpass all obstacles, from massive boulders to fording water. In Forza Horizon 5, it is set to “Terrain Mode” and players can fit an optional roof tent upgrade or enable its convertible functionality to remove the four modular sky panels and achieve that “infinity” setup. The truck can even reach 0-60mph in just 3 seconds – a remarkable feat for a vehicle of such sheer size and off-roading capabilities.
UPGRADE HIGHLIGHT: This vehicle features a Motor and Battery Swap which also changes the EV audio for the car, try it out!
Dream fast and break all limits in the CUPRA Formentor VZ5. This powerful road-going car features the biggest engine ever seen in a CUPRA, a 2.5-liter TSI 5-cylinder that reaches 0-62mph in 4.2 seconds with a top speed of 155mph (250km/h), and a unique firing order to minimize acceleration vibration. Its race-inspired sculpted bodywork is accentuated by matte black details, a carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, and the distinctively CUPRA use of copper on the exhaust pipes and 20-inch alloy wheels. The rear of the car features an infinite light that illuminates brightly with a VZ5 emblem that beams onto the ground. Its suspension is also reduced for more precise control, especially when approaching corners at speed to ensure stability and max drivability.
2022 CUPRA Tavascan Concept
This vehicle will be distributed at no cost to everyone who plays Forza Horizon 5 during the Explore the Horizon series. It can be redeemed by navigating to Pause > My Horizon > Message Center > Gifts from May 24 through June 26, 2023. In the following series, Upgrade Heroes, it will be available to purchase from the Autoshow for 50,000CR.
Meet the first all-electric SUV coupé from CUPRA. Set to arrive in the real-world in 2024, Forza Horizon 5 players can get their hands on the Tavascan early as its concept car will be made readily available to all Horizon Festival drivers. It’s the second fully-electric car from CUPRA and it’s both stylish and functional with Incredible aerodynamics and zero tailpipe emissions. Two motors housed in each axle produce a combined 250kW of power to all four wheels, while the 77kWh lithium-ion battery pack allows drivers to venture out onto the open road for up to 280 miles (450km) before a recharge. The Tavascan is also illuminated with bright coast-to-coast lights and logos, sleek exterior lines and a liquid metal paint that emphasizes its unique design details.
UPGRADE HIGHLIGHT: This vehicle features a Motor and Battery Swap which also changes the EV audio for the car, try it out!
HOW TO REDEEM YOUR CUPRA CARS
Available to claim from May 24 through June 26, 2023:
- Once in-game open the pause menu and navigate to the "My Horizon" tab.
- Open the Message Center.
- Select the Gifts tab and look for a new message.
- With the gift message highlighted press the "Download" button as indicated in the bottom left corner of the screen.
- Enjoy your gift!
What’s Next
On June 22, Forza Horizon 5 celebrates Upgrade Heroes with the Horizon Test Track, new cars, new rims, new Player Badges, and more! Stay tuned for details closer to release.
