Map size/locations, weather and environmental features in FH5
August 2021 update: Map reveal!
Here is the full map image revealed during the Forza Horizon 5: Let’s ¡Go! Episode 5 livestream on August 9th
Some of FH5’s map and weather features were detailed on the first day of its announcement, June 13th. See also the Q&A from previous Let’s ¡Go! episodes:
Official Announcement Article with links to trailer and gameplay demo videos
IGN article interview with Mike Brown
FH5 Road to Mexico: June Update
FH5 Road to Mexico: July Update
MAP SIZE AND LOCATIONS
Q: How big is the map?
The map is one-and-a-half times the size of Forza Horizon 4’s Britain.
Q: Will FH5 feature a big city?
It will feature arguably one of the most beautiful cities ever built, Guanajuato! This city features winding streets and an underground aqueduct system that runs throughout the city.
Q: Will there be long highways?
Not only is the Mexico map the largest in Forza history, it features corner-to-corner highways for maximum cruising.
Q: Are there any good mountain roads?
Oh yes, make sure to check out the volcano as soon as you can.
SEASONS AND WEATHER
Q: Are the seasons going to switch on a weekly basis again like Forza Horizon 4?
Yes! More info about this to come as we approach game launch.
Q: Are there different skies for different weather patterns?
We captured the skies for each unique season and the weather that appears in each one. The lighting for each weather is condition is so drastically different that we wanted to represent each.
Q: Do the storms move to different parts of the map?
Storms can be found in different locations across the map, and are localized but do swell and grow over time.
ENVIRONMENT: BIOMES
Xbox Wire: From a Living Desert to a Volcano’s Peak: Exploring Forza Horizon 5’s Biomes and Seasons
"Seasons will also be returning to Forza Horizon 5, adding a new layer of diversity and complexity to the experience than previous Forza Horizon games. What’s more, each of the 11 unique biomes will transition though the seasons differently. As an example, spring means the rainy season in the jungles and farmland of Mexico, while summer could bring intense tropical thunderstorms along the coasts. Forza Horizon 5 seasons ensure Mexico is constantly evolving, encouraging players to explore the world in full each time the seasons change.
But what about the biomes themselves? Spread out over a map that’s about one-and-a-half times the size of Forza Horizon 4’s, the 11 biomes represent the most diverse map a Forza Horizon game has ever delivered. Let’s take a closer look:
Canyon
You might recognize this as the biome that was shown in the Forza Horizon 5 reveal trailer in June. It’s filled with rock formations patterned with unique striations, many of which erode into hoodoos that are only found in the canyon. Fun fact: each of the biomes have unique audio and the canyon has more echoes than any of the others.
Tropical Coast
This might be what you think of when you imagine a tropical Mexican vacation. Filled with palm trees, seagulls, white sand beaches and calm waters, it feels a lot like a postcard come to life. At least that’s the case until you reach storm season, which completely changes how you need to navigate it. Watch out for flying palm trees!
Farmland
Unlike the flatter or drier farmland found in some of the previous Forza Horizon games, these rolling hills are filled with lush vegetation, fruit-bearing trees, and wide, shallow rivers. You’ll have plenty of fences to smash through and picturesque homesteads to explore while you’re cruising through here.
Arid Hills
As you might suspect given the name, this biome is full of dry grasses on rolling hills and plains, providing plenty of open spaces to drive across if you feel like off-roading. One of the coolest features in this biome is a lake that actually dries up in the winter season, opening up shortcuts via fast passages and secret areas.
Jungle
Filled with lush, dense vegetation and towering trees that let beautiful rays of sun through the canopy, this biome also sports some impressive waterfalls and winding rivers. There are also a number of hidden temples in this area, all of which are based on real locations in Mexico.
Living Desert
In a first for the Forza Horizon series, Forza Horizon 5 features a cactus desert that’s full of towering saguaros. There are also a number of rock formations and rock piles that are unique to the area. As the name implies, it’s full of life and features plenty of flowers and wildlife.
Rocky Coast
While the tropical coast features lots of trees and vegetation, this one has a completely different vibe. Since there aren’t many trees, you’ll get a full view of the ocean and some excellent views of the sun setting at the end of the day. As a bonus to all you golfers out there, you can even take a spin around (read: through) a golf course.
Sand Desert
Full of towering sand dunes, this biome is perfect for cruising around in a buggy and carving into the sand. If you don’t feel like getting sand between your toes, many of the roads in this area feature long straightaways so there are plenty of opportunities to see how fast your favorite ride really goes.
Swamp
Although a swamp might not sound like the best place for a race, this biome’s shallow waters are a great place for it. The swamp also features a lot of mangrove trees that sport very thick, interconnected roots. You can actually smash through these during races, changing the route depending on whether or not your car can handle it.
Urban City of Guanajuato
Like a number of cities in Mexico, there’s a good deal of amazing architecture and vibrant colors everywhere you look. Unlike a lot of cities, however, it features a lot of rolling hills and tunnels, making for some really fun race routes. As with the Canyon, you’ll hear plenty of echoes bouncing around the city’s tight roadways.
Volcano
In another first for the Forza Horizon series, this massive mountain is situated right next to the Living Desert. It’s a very high-altitude volcano, so driving to the top is a unique experience that rewards players by seeing way off into the horizon. This is also the only place in the game that you’ll encounter snow, so be sure to pack an extra jacket."
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