No. If you own a PS5, you can play Forza Horizon 5 without buying an Xbox. The PS5 version launched on April 29, 2025, and supports cross-play with Xbox consoles and PC. You will still need accounts for initial sign-in, and online multiplayer on PS5 requires PlayStation Plus.
Can you play Forza Horizon 5 on PS5 without an Xbox?
Yes. Forza Horizon 5 is an officially supported PS5 game, so an Xbox console is not required to play it on PlayStation. Playground Games announced the PS5 launch on April 29, 2025, saying, “Forza Horizon 5 is now available for all players on PlayStation 5!” (PlayStation’s US game page; Playground Games’ launch announcement).
Playground Games said the PS5 release has the same content as the Xbox and PC versions. Its announcement also describes cross-play between PS5, Xbox consoles, and PC. That means you can play with people on those platforms; it does not mean an Xbox is needed to access the game.
What do you need to sign in and play?
Accounts and first launch
PlayStation support says the first launch requires signing in with both a PlayStation account and a Microsoft account. This account requirement does not require Xbox hardware. The PlayStation Store listing specifically says Microsoft account registration is required for cross-platform play. Check the local store page for current regional terms, since online features and requirements can vary by country and may change or be retired (PlayStation support for Forza Horizon 5; PlayStation Store listing).
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Offline play
According to PlayStation support, you can play offline after completing the first sign-in. That is the key distinction: the game requires an initial account sign-in, but PlayStation support does not say you must remain online for offline play afterward.
Online multiplayer
Playing online on PS5 requires an internet connection and PlayStation Plus, according to PlayStation support. The support page lists Horizon Open, Horizon Arcade, Horizon Tour, EventLab, The Eliminator, Hide & Seek, Festival Playlist, and Freeroam Convoys among the multiplayer modes and features.
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Does cross-play mean your Xbox progress transfers?
No such conclusion is established by the official sources cited here. Cross-play lets players on PS5, Xbox, and PC play together; it does not prove that a save, cars, credits, or career progress moves from Xbox to PS5. If you already have Xbox progress, do not assume it will carry over based on cross-play alone.
PS5 or Xbox: which makes sense for this game?
| Question | PS5 | Xbox |
|---|---|---|
| Do you need this console to play? | No extra console is needed if you already own a PS5; the game is available for PS5. | Xbox is another supported platform, but it is not necessary just to play the game. |
| Can you play with people on other platforms? | Yes. Playground Games says cross-play spans PS5, Xbox consoles, and PC. Microsoft account registration is required for cross-platform play. | Yes. Playground Games says cross-play spans Xbox consoles, PC, and PS5. |
| What is required for online play? | PlayStation Plus and internet access, according to PlayStation support. | Not stated in the cited sources. |
| Does progress transfer from Xbox? | Not established by the cited official sources. | Not established by the cited official sources. |
| Current price and edition availability | Check the local PlayStation Store; prices and editions can change. | Check the local Xbox store; current prices and availability are not established here. |
Release date and edition details
The standard PS5 edition’s US release date was April 29, 2025, according to the US PlayStation page. The UK PlayStation support page lists an April 25, 2025 release for the pre-order edition and April 29, 2025 for the standard edition, so dates can differ by edition and regional storefront display. Playground Games’ launch announcement said players could choose from three editions and described a Premium Add-Ons Bundle and two expansions; that historical launch packaging does not establish what is currently available in every market.
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For scale, Playground Games reported nearly 900 cars and more than 40 thematic updates in a January 30, 2025 announcement. Those are the publisher’s figures from that date, not a verified current count.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What this does—and does not—mean for buying an Xbox
For Forza Horizon 5 alone, an existing PS5 is enough: you do not need to buy Xbox hardware. That answer does not settle whether an Xbox makes sense for other games or services, and the official information cited here does not establish whether your Xbox save transfers to PS5. Check the local PlayStation Store and support pages for current price, edition availability, and online-service terms before purchasing.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
