While we already know that former Xbox-exclusive Forza Horizon 5 is headed to the PS5 this spring, some might not know that there are extra requirements in order to play it.
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Apparently, you can’t just buy Forza Horizon 5 on PS5 and start playing it, as you’ll have to register for a Microsoft account first.
Forza Horizon 5 Requires Microsoft Account Even On PS5
Tucked away in the Forza Horizon 5 PS5 FAQ page is the confirmation that players will need to sign up to a Microsoft account in order to play the racing game on their PlayStation console. I can imagine this being the norm for every big Xbox game crossing over to the PS5 that has an online component.
Q: Do I need a Microsoft account to play Forza Horizon 5 on PlayStation 5?
A: Yes, in addition to a PSN account you’ll need to link to a Microsoft account in order to play Forza Horizon 5 on PS5. This process begins the first time you start up the game on your console.
I’m not sure if this will be a deal-breaker for some people, but it’s definitely not ideal. Anythig that involves jumping through more hoops in order to play a game instead of just purchasing it, downloading the game, and then booting it up is another added layer of inconvenience.
Elsewhere in the FAQ, it confirms that there will be no cross-progression support for Xbox Series X|S to PS5.
Q: I am already playing Forza Horizon 5 on either Xbox or PC. Will my progress from these other platforms cross over into PlayStation 5?
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A: No, Forza Horizon 5 for PlayStation 5 will not carry over save files from versions of the game released on other platforms. This is also the same behavior between the Xbox and Steam versions of the game, where game files are separate and not synchronized.
While that’s a bummer, it’s not surprising. Thankfully, when it comes to user-generated content (UGC), the PS5 version will be able to check out stuff from other platforms.
Q: Can PS5 players download and play Forza Horizon 5 UGC (EventLab, liveries, tunes) originally published on Xbox consoles and PC?
A: PS5 players can enjoy all the UGC (User Generated Content) shared by other players from the Xbox and Steam versions of Forza Horizon 5. In addition, Xbox and PC players will be able to check out all the content created by PS5 players.
I gather, this is similar to what PC gamers felt when Sony mandated they create PlayStation Network accounts in order to play PlayStation games on PC. Thankfully, Sony seems to be backtracking on that based on their current releases.
Forza Horizon 5 will be available on PS5 on April 28, 2025, and it will even have features its Xbox brethren doesn’t have.
Will this mandatory Microsoft account creation deter you from getting Forza Horizon 5 on PS5? Leave a comment and let us know your thoughts.
