Forza Horizon 5 is finally gearing up to hit the PlayStation 5 track, and the news is a mixed bag of high-octane excitement and a few speed bumps. The sprawling open-world racer, which originally launched to critical acclaim on PC and Xbox in 2021, is making its surprising debut on Sony's console in 2025. This move by Microsoft has certainly turned heads in the gaming community. While the core experience of exploring a vibrant, dynamic Mexico remains untouched, the PS5 version brings its own set of trophies, bonuses, and a notable requirement that has some players tapping the brakes.
🏆 The Platinum Trophy: A Manageable Marathon
Here’s the good news that has trophy hunters revving their engines: you won't need to collect all 165 trophies to earn the coveted Platinum. According to the detailed list uncovered by TrueTrophies, players only need to complete the 53 trophies from the original base game. Unlocking these will automatically grant the Platinum as the 54th reward. That's a huge relief, honestly—it means you can bag the top prize without diving into every last piece of DLC content.
However, don't think it's a quick Sunday drive. TrueTrophies estimates a 40+ hour commitment to secure that Platinum. The journey includes some classic Forza Horizon challenges:
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Smash 250 Bonus Boards scattered across the map.
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Win 80 race events across various disciplines.
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Earn Manufacturer Bonuses for at least 25 different cars.
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Complete key story chapters and showcase events.
The remaining 111 trophies are tied to expansive post-launch add-ons like the Hot Wheels and Rally Adventure DLCs. These are entirely optional for the Platinum but offer plenty of extra content for completionists who want to spend, well, way more time behind the wheel.
🎁 Pre-Order Perks and PS5 Pro Power
Microsoft is sweetening the deal for early adopters. The PS5 pre-order bonuses are nothing to sneeze at:
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A stash of Forzathon Points, the in-game currency used for exclusive items in the Festival Playlist.
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A free 2021 Mercedes-AMG ONE hypercar to add to your garage from the get-go. That's one heck of a starter car!
The game will be available in two editions:
| Edition | Price | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $60 | Base game access on April 29 |
| Premium | $100 | Base game + 4 days early access + other DLC benefits |
Furthermore, for players with the more powerful hardware, Forza Horizon 5 will have full PS5 Pro support. The base PS5 version already offers Performance and Quality modes, but on the PS5 Pro, these modes are promised to receive "substantial boosts." This likely means even higher resolutions, more stable frame rates, or enhanced graphical features, making Mexico look more stunning than ever. It's a smart move to leverage the new hardware.
⚠️ The Catch: Mandatory Microsoft Account
Now, here's the part that's got some PlayStation purists grumbling. Microsoft has confirmed that playing Forza Horizon 5 on PS5 will require a Microsoft Account. Yep, you read that right. This login will be mandatory, primarily to support the crossplay functionality that was promised as a key feature for the PS5 release. It allows players on PlayStation to race seamlessly against friends on Xbox and PC.
While this is a logical step for a multi-platform ecosystem, it has raised concerns about data privacy and the annoyance of managing yet another account. It's a bit of a hassle, no doubt. But let's be real—for a game of this caliber, is logging into one more account really a deal-breaker? The developers argue it's a necessary trade-off for a unified, social racing experience.
🏁 The Finish Line
Despite the account hurdle, the outlook for Forza Horizon 5 on PS5 is overwhelmingly positive. The game is still widely hailed as one of the greatest racing titles ever made. Its arrival on PlayStation opens up this breathtaking open world to a massive new audience. The streamlined Platinum trophy chase is a welcome design choice, and the PS5 Pro enhancements ensure it will be a visual showcase.
So, for PlayStation gamers who've been waiting to experience the Horizon Festival, April 29 (or earlier for Premium Edition owners) can't come soon enough. Get ready to hit the roads, smash those boards, and maybe, just maybe, forgive Microsoft for that extra login screen once you're drifting through a desert storm in your new AMG ONE. The horizon is calling, and it's looking pretty sweet from here. 😉