With Forza Horizon 5 releasing in just a few weeks, gamers will undoubtedly be looking to see just what edition is right for them. Just like Forza Horizon 4 and games before it, Forza Horizon 5 has multiple editions at different price points. Each edition includes certain perks that you may want to take advantage of. By now, you’re likely asking yourself which edition of Forza Horizon 5 you should purchase. Not to worry, as we’ve covered in our Forza Horizon 5 buyers guide, and we’ve provided what we feel is the best buy for you.
Thanks to Play Anywhere, Forza Horizon will be released on November 9th, 2021, for the Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Windows and Steam. However, the game has been optimized for those platforms for those who own an Xbox Series X or S.
Are there any pre-order bonuses for Forza Horizon 5?
No. While preview versions of Forza Horizon did include pre-order cars or other DLC bonuses, they won’t be able to with Forza Horizon 5. The reason for this is that many gamers were left out and couldn’t get access to those pre-order cars. So this time around, there aren’t any, and the playing field is somewhat level.
Just how many editions of Forza Horizon 5 are there?
Forza Horizon 5 Standard Edition ($59.99) – This edition includes the base game and nothing else and can be purchased for Xbox and PC. If you’re looking to pick up a physical edition of Forza Horizon 5, you’ll have to pick up the standard edition. Now, this edition only includes the standard edition. The Car Pass, VIP Membership, and access to the first two expansions are not included. If you want those perks, you’ll have to purchase the premium Add-Ons then.
Forza Horizon 5 Deluxe Edition ($79.99) – The Deluxe Edition includes the base game, plus the Car Pass. Like the Standard Edition, you’ll need to purchase the premium Add-Ons if you want access to the VIP Membership and access to the first two expansions.
Forza Horizon 5 Premium Edition ($99.99) – Previously called the Ultimate Edition, though I’m not sure why the name changed. The Forza Horizon 5 Premium Edition includes everything in the Deluxe Edition. In addition, the Premium Edition allows early access to the game, starting on November 5th, instead of waiting until November 9th, 2021.
Included in the Forza Horizon 5 VIP Membership are the following:
- Three Exclusive Forza Edition cars (which cars have not been mentioned)
- Crown Flair
- Vanity Items
- Emote and Car Horn
- Gift Player House
- 2x Credit race rewards
- Weekly bonus Super Wheelspins
Lastly, the Forza Horizon 5 Premium Add-Ons will be available for $49.99, or $44.99 if you’re an Xbox Game Pass member. This includes everything that’s in the Forza Horizon 5 Premium, minus the game. You’ll only need this if you purchase the standard or deluxe versions of the game.
Is there any Forza Horizon 5 content that doesn’t come with the game?
Well, there is. Again, there aren’t any pre-order bonuses like before. However, the Forza Horizon 5 Limited Edition Controller does include a Forza Horizon Edition Car, a cosmetic item, and a victory emote. There’s no word if these items will be available outside of purchasing the controller.
What about Xbox Game Pass?
If you’re on the fence about purchasing Forza Horizon 5 or don’t want to drop the case on it but have access to Xbox Game Pass, then you’re in luck. The standard edition of Forza Horizon 5 will be available on Xbox Game Pass for all members. You’re able to pre-load Forza Horizon 5 for Xbox Game Pass right now if you want to get a head start.
Which Forza Horizon 5 Edition should I purchase?
This is a loaded question, but we’ll do our best to answer it. If you’re a fan of physical editions, the Forza Horizon 5 Standard Edition is the only option. To get access to everything else, you’ll also have to purchase the Forza Horizon 5 Premium Add-Ons, making the bundle cost more than the Forza Horizon 5 Premium Edition. You don’t want to spend more money, do you?
If you’re a fan of Forza Horizon 5, then the Forza Horizon 5 Premium Edition is the way to go. Yes, it does cost more than the Forza Horizon 5 Deluxe Edition, but you’re getting everything out of the gate. Plus early access to the game. The Forza Horizon 5 Deluxe Edition seems like a bad deal no matter how you look at it. It doesn’t give you access to the VIP Membership, should you want it. Nor does it provide access to the first two Forza Horizon 5 expansions or early access. If you’re going to want those other perks, you’ll have to fork over another $50 for them, pushing the cost way past the Forza Horizon 5 Premium Edition, which is just $20 more.
But then there’s the Xbox Game Pass wrench that’s been tossed in to wreck your plans. Since this is a first-party Xbox-published title, Forza Horizon 5 will be included with the Xbox Game Pass for the duration of the service. This means you can pick up the Forza Horizon 5 Premium Add-Ons and pay $44.99 to get everything that the premium edition of the game includes, paying less than the base game.
We hope that helps you decide which version of Forza Horizon 5 to purchase, and we’ll see you online on November 9th, 2021, or November 5th, 2021, if you do pick up the premium edition.
Affiliate Link Disclosure: One or more of the links above contain affiliate links, which means at no additional cost to you, we may receive a commission should you click through and purchase the item.