Game Edition Comparison
FM.net: Pre-Order Announcement
FM.net: Features Announcement (E3 reveal)
FM.net: FH3 Loyalty Rewards Announcement (in-game gift cars and credits)
Xbox.com: Game page / Free Demo / Buy Editions
Release Date: September 2016 (see below)
Rating: ESRB-E, PEGI-3
Pre-Order Editions:
$59.99 Standard Edition (digital Xbox One/Windows 10 and retail disc)
$79.99 Deluxe Edition (digital Xbox One/Windows 10)
$99.99 Ultimate Edition (digital Xbox One/Windows 10, and retail SteelBook disc)
Xbox Play Anywhere Program
When you buy any digital version of the game you will own it on both Xbox and Windows 10 PC. DLC and game progress are then available on both platforms under your account. Play Anywhere is not available for disc versions, so if you buy the disc and then want to play on PC you would need to make a separate purchase (at which point you would then have a digital version on your Xbox, and purchased DLC would be available for it.) There is only one set of Achievements for FH3 which are unlocked for your account regardless of which platform you play on. Play Anywhere is not required for cross-platform multiplayer (Xbox players and Windows players in the same session). See the official Play Anywhere FAQ page and FM.net forum discussion thread.
Purchase methods
- Digital versions are available from the Xbox dashboard or Xbox.com Store or Windows Store on your PC or via digital code printed on receipts at some retailers. Windows Store may redirect to Xbox.com Store - the result is still the same benefit. An actual Windows Store app for FH3 may appear closer to release date. See also the Gaming on Windows 10 support page at Xbox.com.
- Disc versions are available from the Microsoft Store and other retailers.
Physical Disc Editions
Disc editions do not include Play Anywhere. Most retailers sell softcase Standard Edition discs. Select retailers will offer a SteelBook Ultimate Edition. Pre-Order Bonus DLC was available from select retailers:
- Microsoft Store with bonus DLC: Ford Mustang GT350R
- Gamestop with bonus DLC: Ferrari 488 and Dodge Challenger Hellcat
- Amazon with bonus DLC: Audi R8 V10
-
Best Buy with bonus DLC: Jaguar F Type Project 7
Gamestop (US) and EB Games (Canada) are also offering a scale model Lamborghini Centenario with pre-orders.
Digital Edition Bundles/Bonuses
All digital versions include Play Anywhere. All digital editions purchased by 9/27/16 include the FH2 Rockstar Energy Car Pack DLC and the FM6 Meguiar’s Car Pack DLC.
Some retailers may sell codes to download digital editions, and select retailers include bonus DLC: Xbox dashboard purchases include the Mercedes C63 bonus DLC.
- Standard Edition = bonus DLC Mercedes C63 when purchased from the Xbox dashboard
- Deluxe Edition = bonus DLC Merc C63 + All-Stars Car Pack + VIP Membership
- Ultimate Edition = bonus DLC Merc C63 + All-Stars Car Pack + VIP Membership + Car Pass + Early Access
Early Access / Pre-loading Release Dates
All digital editions can be pre-downloaded for play starting 12:01 AM EST on the release date. Discussion thread.
September 23, 2016 - Ultimate Edition owners get full access to the game
September 27, 2016 - Standard and Deluxe edition owners release date
Loyalty Rewards
Gift cars from Forza Rewards and previous gameplay and other VIP ownership are not tied to pre-order purchase and are not DLC; they can be obtained through game progress like any other car in the game roster. If you would like to start with as many gift cars as possible, make sure you’ve 1) played FM6 and FH2, and 2) own VIP for either one, and 3) reached Tier 10 by the time you launch the game. See the Loyalty Rewards announcement and overview post in this thread.
Pre-Order notes and FAQ
- Early Access: Early Access cannot be purchased separately; only Ultimate Edition owners can play starting 9/23. Early Access is 12:01am EST worldwide, not midnight local time.
- “Ultimate” Edition: The Ultimate Edition does not guarantee access to all DLC that may be released. Some packs may be released during or after the Car Pass period (October-March) that are not included.
- Upgrading with DLC: currently VIP, Car Pass, and All-Stars pack are listed as Bundle Only but may be available separately later.
- Pre-Order availability: there is no guarantee that the pre-order retailer bonus cars will be made available for purchase from the store after release date.
- PC requirements: information is pending. See FM6:Apex requirements for a likely guide.
- Xbox One vs Windows 10: game features are the same for each version; quality differences will be noted when info is available.
FAQ: How does FH3 differ from other Forza games?
Both Motorsport and Horizon games in the Forza franchise feature solo and multiplayer gaming. Forza Horizon games feature a focus on open world driving across variable surface types - drive down long roads, smash through breakable fences, drive off-road or through forests, collide with trees and rocks. The Forza Motorsport games focus on closed circuit racing on tarmac. Horizon also includes closed circuit races, as well as Playground Game modes found in Motorsport such Tag. Forza Horizon 3 will be the first Forza game available on both Xbox One and Windows 10 PCs, and can be played against players on the same or other platform. Horizon games take place in the context of a music festival, with multiple music stations playing a curated songlist (FH3 includes the ability to play your own songlist from OneDrive). Horizon features dynamic transition of time of day and weather. FH3 plays at 30fps on the Xbox One but can be played at unlocked framerate and resolution on PC.
FAQ: How does FH3 gameplay differ from other racing/car games?
Forza games are typically rated E for Everyone (or T for Teen) similar to titles in the competitive sports genre. The game is designed to be accessible to a wide range of skill levels while delivering a realistic experience at high visual fidelity. Forza Horizon 3 includes both solo career and multiplayer gameplay (Xbox Live Gold membership required for multiplayer). Forza games do not feature out-of-car playable characters. Police and weapons are not typical features in Forza games.
FAQ: Do I need a wheel or other accessories to play FH3?
No extra equipment is necessary beyond an Xbox One and controller (or PC/keyboard/mouse) and a monitor. You can play with either the controller or compatible steering wheels. A headset is suggested for communicating in multiplayer but is not required. Kinect is not required but does have voice-activated GPS features when connected. An Xbox console is not required to play on the PC nor is a PC required to play the Xbox version.