Forza Horizon 5 is officially set in Mexico and coming this year

Xbox has officially announced Forza Horizon 5 for release on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PC on November 9, 2021.

The new instalment will take place in Mexico, which Playground Games’ creative director Mike Brown described as “the most diverse open-world yet in a Horizon game” and a “truly astounding showcase” for Xbox Series X.

Players will be able to discover “living deserts, lush jungles, historic cities, hidden ruins, pristine beaches, vast canyons, and a towering snow-capped volcano – the highest point ever in a Horizon game,” according to Playground.

The game will feature a new Expedition mode which encourages players to explore the open-world environment, new mini-games and a creation tool called Events Lab.

Brown said: “Forza Horizon 5 showcases powerful, all-new graphical features. Experience sweeping vistas and scan the distance to see the adventure that lies ahead.

“Encounter the smallest of details throughout the world which is rendered with striking realism, down to the smallest details like the light that glows through each needle on a Cholla cactus.

“Our Mexican HDR sky captures illuminate the world to the point that you will feel as if you are right there. And thanks to Xbox Series X|S, ray tracing is utilized in Forzavista to make the cars look even more true to real life.”

Horizon 5 will be available in Standard, Deluxe, and Premium versions, the latter of which grants early access to the game on November 5. Game Pass players will have access to the Standard version.