Is Forza Horizon 5 bigger than 4?
Yes, Forza Horizon 5 features the largest map of the Horizon series so far, with the Mexico landscape being around 1.5 times larger than the Britain map from Forza Horizon 4. Based on analysis from experts, Forza Horizon 5‘s explorable game world spans approximately 107 km2 (41.3 mi2), making it roughly 50% bigger.
As an avid Forza fan and racing game commentator, I‘ve dug into the details to compare these two stellar titles in the franchise. In this post, let‘s analyze the map sizes, density of content, critical reception, and more key factors.
Map Size Comparison
First, the definitive stats on the actual map areas:
| Game | Map Location | Est. Map Size |
|---|---|---|
| Forza Horizon 5 | Mexico | 107 km2 (41.3 mi2) |
| Forza Horizon 4 | Britain | 71 km2 (27.4 mi2) |
Sources: Analysis by content creators like DonJoewonSong
With an extra 36 km2 to cover, Forza Horizon 5‘s Mexico promises drivers much more road to explore. From dense jungle to arid deserts, snowy peaks to tropical beaches, there‘s an incredible variety of terrain.
Map Design
However, some fans argue that Forza Horizon 4‘s Britain map felt more "dense" rather than empty space. The feedback is that Playground Games handcrafted FH4‘s world for more uniqueness between areas. According to streams and forums, Mexico‘s biomes feel too similar in landscape design outside main hubs.
So while FH5 is factually bigger, some players prefer FH4‘s personality. Though with 11 distinct biomes confirmed in FH5, developers likely applied learnings about diversity. We‘ll have to get our hands on the final product to compare!
Content Depth & Variety
As the next-gen evolution of the series, expectations are sky-high for Forza Horizon 5‘s activities. So how does content stack up to previous installments?
Facts on Forza Horizon 5 Content:
- Over 500 cars to collect and customize
- New racing modes like expeditions
- Upgrades like off-road racing mechanics
- More character creator options than FH4
- Graphics enhanced through Xbox Series X power
Additionally, the reviews so far already declare FH5 possibly the highest quality and most content-rich Horizon game ever crafted.
Post-Launch Support
Playground Games has also announced at least 2 years of ongoing content expansions planned after launch. So FH5 will continue growing long-term. Whereas FH4 capped out at Fortune Island and Lego expansions, this promises living world updates.
Expert Reception & Popularity
Speaking to reception by racing aficionados, Forza Horizon 5 already sets records for the franchise.
Forza Horizon 5 Key Milestones
- Highest Metacritic score for a Horizon Game
- Fastest selling Xbox Game Studios title ever
- Most popular game on Xbox Game Pass launch
Critics almost universally praise the sheer freedom to explore and mountain of automotive content. Reviewers at IGN and GameSpot already crown it the best racing experience in years.
As a long-time gearhead gamer myself, I fully celebrate Playground Games delivering their most ambitious Forza horizon yet. Mexico‘s living postcard visuals and limitless customization alone spark joy. Then add hundreds of accurate vehicles, tactical team races, and AAA polish? I‘m absolutely smitten with this automotive playground.
For any fellow petrolheads, I can‘t recommend FH5 enough for the vibrant world, content breadth, and masterful driving mechanics. Grab the wheel and let‘s race to Mexico!
