Playground GamesForza Horizon 5 has finally arrived on PlayStation 5, meaning plenty of new players are diving into the beautiful racing world of Mexico. However, if you’re heading into the game for the first time, all the game’s features can be a little overwhelming.
At its heart, Forza Horizon 5 is a racing game, but it’s also got plenty of exciting features for you to check out. However, if you want to win those races or just explore with ease, you’ll need to grab some great cars that thrive on the road, when drifting, while exploring, and during off-road races.
So, if you’re diving into Forza Horizon 5 for the first time, here’s how to start your adventure on the best footing, including the best cars to focus on, how to get rich quickly, and a few key barn finds to prioritize.
Best cars to get first
There are just under 1,000 cars to grab in Forza Horizon 5, making grabbing yourself a good ride a little overwhelming.
Nevertheless, when heading into Mexico for the first time, you’ll want to get the following cars:
- NSX-R 1992
- Dodge Viper GTS Anniversary Edition
The NSX-R 1992 is one of the best beginner cars in the game. It’ll cost you 90,000 Credits in the Autoshow, making it extremely easy to grab. Combine this with the fact that it’s got some of the best handling in the A-Class, and you have the ideal car to get you used to racing and perfecting your skill. It’s not the fastest, but this is where you can begin to understand tuning and racing all in one.
The Dodge Viper GTS Anniversary Edition is a fantastic car to drive and is one of the best all-around cars in S1. You’ll unlock it by completing the Horizons Origins questlines, also letting you explore the world while you earn it. As such, it won’t cost you a penny, and you’ll master the same while earning it. Sure, it’s a little tough to drive at the beginning, but if you want to learn how to race well, this is the one for you.
Best drift & off-road car to get early
If you’re looking to complete drift challenges, then you’ll want to focus on unlocking the Hoonigan Ford RS200 Evolution.
Playground GamesIt’s a little more expensive to get hold of, coming in at 500,000 CR, but if you’re into drifting, then you’ll want to make this a priority. Head into the Auction House or unlock it in the Wheelspins. This is easily the best off-road and drift car you’ll get in Forza Horizon 5.
Best fast car to get early
Truly fast cars are achieved a lot later in Forza Horizon 5, so you’ll need to work up your Credits, explore the game, and compete in races to access cars above 180mph. Nevertheless, the best beginner fast car is undeniably the 2018 Ford Mustang GT.
Playground GamesWith a speed rating of 6.9 at stick and the ability to either unlock it from the Wheelspin, buy it at the Auction House, or purchase it in the Autoshow for 40,000 CR, this isn’t a car to be ignored. If you’re just starting out, put the 2018 Ford Mustang GT on your to-buy list for quick and easy races.
How to get money fast
To win races in Forza Horizon 5, you’ll need money (Credits). These are best unlocked by focusing on the following three features:
- Races
- Wheelspins
- Skill Points
Naturally, given the theme of the game, you’ll earn the most Credits by competing in Races. As soon as you get into Forza, be sure to sign up for as many races as you can qualify for. As you do, you’ll earn more money, unlocking more cars, therefore unlocking more races, and so on. Once you have it, the best race for earning money is the Goliath. It also lets you explore the entire map, so it’s well worth doing.
Playground GamesWheelspins are earned as you progress through Forza Horizon 5 and give you the chance to unlock Cars, clothes, and, of course, Credits. Keep on top of this, as your rewards can often get away from you. Whenever you level up or a notification appears, check on your Wheelspins. Who knows, you may get the car you were saving up for.
Lastly, you’ll need to spend skill points. These are often forgotten about in Forza as the game doesn’t make a massive deal of them. However, alongside increasing the power of the car you unlocked the skill with, you’ll be able to grab Credits. Keep an eye on these, as they can be ideal if you just need 25,000 more to grab that car.
Best barn finds
As you explore the beginning of Forza Horizon 5, you’ll uncover Barn Finds. However, they can be a little confusing to complete. So, below are some of the best barn finds to get you started:
- Dodge Viper GTS ACR 1999
- Ferrari F40 Competizione 1989
- Ford F100 1956
Playground GamesYou’ll find the Dodge Viper GTS ACR 1999 in the Gran Pantano region north of the Ek’ Balam landmark. Head along the dirt roads until you spot a small opening in the fence. Down the path will be a white barn with a wooden door. Once you’ve unlocked it, you’ll need to wait a while for it to be built. Then you’ll have a solid car with great speed and handling.
The Ferrari F40 Competizione 1989 is a fantastic car that you’ll want to unlock as soon as it appears in the story. Head to the Riviera Maya coast and look west of the Horizon Apex Outpost. It’s relatively deep in the first, so be sure to drive slowly and carefully to get to the white barn. Keep an eye out for marshes, this tells you you’re in the right place.
A Ford F100 1956 is ideal for off-road racing and for just driving around in a vintage classic. When you’ve unlocked it, head to the right of El Estadio Horizon and look for a Drift Zone on your way there. When you get to that zone, take a right and look for the barn.
So, that’s how to start Forza Horizon 5. While there are some great cars, barn finds, and ways to earn money, the best thing to do in Forza Horizon 5 is to just enjoy it. Go at your own pace, unlock your dream cars, and race in the adventures that appeal to you. When you’ve mastered the basics, see all that Mexico has to offer.
