Summary
The Build-Off is a structured Horizon Play! mode where players:
Race it stock → Upgrade it → Compete & Refine
Each session evolves step-by-step, turning Horizon into a true test of driving skill, car knowledge, and adaptability.
How It Works
1. Convoy Leader Chooses the Session
The convoy leader selects:
-
A specific car
-
A race type (Road, Street, Rally, Drag, etc.)
Optional:
- Car and/or race type can be randomized for experienced lobbies
2. 
Stock Race (Baseline)
- All players race using the completely stock version of the selected car
Everyone starts equal. No builds. No advantages.
3. 
Class Vote
After the stock race, players vote on what class to build to:
- D → C → B → A → S1 → S2
4. 
15-Minute Build Phase
(Ready-Up Enabled)
Players have up to 15 minutes to:
-
Upgrade their car
-
Tune it
-
Test drive
Ready-Up System:
-
Players can mark themselves as ready at any time
-
If all players are ready, the phase ends early
5. 
3-Race Championship
-
3 races
-
10 minutes each
-
Based on the selected race type
6. 
5-Minute Pit Stops
(Ready-Up Enabled)
Between each race:
Players have up to 5 minutes to:
-
Adjust builds
-
Fine-tune setups
-
Test changes
Ready-Up applies here as well
7. 
Continue or End Vote
After the championship:
Players vote to:
- Extend the Build-Off
→ Increase to a higher performance class and repeat the loop
OR
- End the session
→ Finalize results and return to free roam
Points & Leaderboards
Each race awards points based on finishing position.
Total points across the championship determine session standings.
Over time, players build a Build-Off profile, tracking:
-
Total points earned
-
Average finishing position
-
Championships won
-
Sessions completed
Leaderboards can include:
-
Global rankings
-
Weekly resets
-
Win / consistency tracking
Accessibility — Car Borrowing
If a player doesn’t own the selected car:
- They can borrow the convoy leader’s car
No lockouts. Anyone can participate.
Why This Mode Works
True Level Playing Field
Everyone starts with the same stock car.
Combines Building + Racing
You don’t just drive—you:
-
Build
-
Tune
-
Adapt
Real Progression Loop
Each session feels like a full race weekend:
- Baseline → Setup → Race → Adjust → Improve
No Downtime
Ready-up system keeps everything moving.
Scales With Skill
-
New players → structured experience
-
Experienced players → randomized challenges
Competitive Potential
While The Build-Off is designed first as a fun and accessible Horizon Play! mode, it also creates a strong foundation for a future competitive experience.
Because each session tests:
-
Driving skill
-
Build strategy
-
Adaptation across multiple races
…it naturally measures a player’s complete ability, not just lap time or car choice.
With its structured format, time-based phases, and consistent scoring system, The Build-Off has the potential to become Horizon’s most complete competitive mode—while still maintaining the creativity and variety that define the Horizon experience.
Why FH6 Needs This
Horizon already offers:
-
Incredible cars
-
Deep upgrade systems
-
Open-world freedom
But there’s no mode that connects them into a complete experience.
The Build-Off does exactly that.