Microsoft must answer to a triple-A-sized void in the future Xbox lineup.

Bethesda Softworks announced plans to delay Starfield and Redfall on Thursday, pushing back its 2022 lineup into the first half of next year. The decision marks a huge setback for the Microsoft-owned publisher, delaying its first two Xbox console-exclusive titles under new ownership. It's a surprising shakeup for Microsoft's gaming efforts, gutting its schedule for what looked to be a promising year for upcoming Xbox first-party titles.

Microsoft has long battled with its perception as a video game publisher, previously failing to establish a strong identity around its in-house brands and development teams. The company has spent the past five years looking to fix its image, making high-profile acquisitions to scale Xbox Game Studios, its creative arm now housing 15 studios. The $7.5 billion acquisition of Bethesda parent ZeniMax Media later followed, with Activision Blizzard also set to join the family in an industry-shaking deal valued at $68.7 billion.

Microsoft has made serious investments in gaming, and while altering its image, we're still yet to see the results at scale. Starfield and Redfall look to be Bethesda's first IP launching exclusively between Xbox consoles and PC, fueling Microsoft's platforms and services, including the Xbox Game Pass subscription service at the center of its business. The latest delay has slowed that momentum, emptying its slate for the remainder of 2022.

Starfield continues to shape up as one of Bethesda's biggest titles in a decade, developed by Bethesda Game Studios, best known for its work on hit RPGs like The Elder Scrolls and Fallout. The sci-fi universe marks its first new IP in over 25 years, with understandably high hopes among longtime fans. While Bethesda has now defaulted on its once-planned Nov. 11 release date, the project is still expected to see a more extensive unveiling at the Xbox Bethesda showcase this June.

Redfall also marks a new IP for Arkane Studios, best known for prior work on Deathloop and the Dishonored series. The vampire-slaying shooter was first unveiled in 2021 with an ambition to release this summer but will now release sometime in 2023.

It's a surprising shakeup for Microsoft's gaming efforts, gutting the Xbox schedule for 2022.

"The teams at Arkane Austin (Redfall) and Bethesda Game Studios (Starfield) have incredible ambitions for their games, and we want to ensure that you receive the best, most polished versions of them," the publisher stated in its announcement. While a significant change for Microsoft, it's also not entirely unexpected, with the delayed effects of the COVID-19 pandemic still looming for many projects.

The delay will disappoint many, but the long-term benefits are evident. The scope and approach to projects can change with time, plus the additional polish won't go unappreciated. Both projects are also exclusive to the latest-generation Xbox hardware, and with stock shortages still ongoing, Microsoft gets more time to get consoles into players' hands.

But with Bethesda closely intertwined with the future of Xbox, the move has a rippling effect on Xbox and its games output for the remainder of 2022. With Starfield and Redfall now absent, Microsoft finds itself without a single first-party Xbox game this calendar year — a huge blow to Xbox Game Pass subscribers — at least based on official announcements to date.

A glimpse of hope comes via the Xbox Bethesda showcase, likely providing some insight into what's to fill the gap over the next six months. The upcoming next-gen Forza Motorsport entry seems likely for this fall, almost half a decade after Forza Motorsport 7 was released on Xbox One. Forza has traditionally followed the same schedule each year, seeing a reveal in June before releasing later in the fall.

343 Industries and Certain Affinity might also debut Halo Infinite's Tatanka, a large-scale mode expected to expand on the battle royale formula. Development on the mode started in 2020, with a potential release sometime later this year. And while from a third party, Xbox console exclusive STALKER 2 remains set for Dec. 8, with Ukrainian developer GSC Game World still committed to the date, despite current world events.

Between Xbox Game Studios and Bethesda, Microsoft has the studios and projects to maintain a steady output further down the line. However, the delay of Starfield and Redfall won't go unnoticed for Xbox, and with its June showcase fast approaching, the company will need to provide some answers about what's coming next.

This snapshot is for the players running servers.

What you need to know

• Minecraft: Java Edition tests upcoming updates and changes through its snapshot program, available to all players.
• Mojang Studios is now releasing Minecraft: Java Edition Snapshot 22w19a, which is based on The Wild Update.
• This release doesn't include any major new player-facing changes, and instead focuses on technical updates and bug fixes.
• One notable new feature is Chat Preview, which provides previews for chats before sending in servers.

Minecraft: Java Edition, the legacy version of Minecraft that started it all, gains a new snapshot almost every week that gives players a peek into the future of Minecraft. A new content update is arriving later this year, and Mojang Studios has been tirelessly developing the release ahead of its eventual launch. On Thursday, Minecraft: Java Edition Snapshot 22w19a began rolling out to interested players.

The latest Minecraft snapshot continues to build off The Wild Update, a sizeable content-filled update releasing at some point in 2022. This isn't the most exciting snapshot for most players, besides a handful of bug fixes and smaller changes, but those mired in the technical or creator aspect of Minecraft may be intrigued.

The headlining feature of this release is none other than the Chat Preview, a new feature that servers can now test through this snapshot, which allows a preview of server-altered chat to appear above the chat edit window for players. Mojang Studios' infamous PC game also enjoys a handful of other changes for command lines, and more.

In case you missed it, Minecraft: Bedrock Edition Beta 1.19.0.32 is also now available, alongside the news that some features originally slated for release with The Wild Update have now been cut, like fireflies.

The full changelog for Minecraft: Java Edition Snapshot 22w19a includes:

Changes

• Warden and Iron Golems now make sure to spawn above something solid

Technical updates

• Servers can now enable Chat Preview, which displays a server-controlled preview above the chat edit box
• Changes to the locate and place commands
• Point of Interest tags

Chat Preview

• Servers can enable Chat Preview by setting previews-chat=true in server.properties
• When enabled, a server-controlled preview appears above the chat edit box, showing how the message will look when sent
• This can be used by servers to preview messages with styling applied, such as emojis or chat coloring
• Chat Preview sends chat messages to the server as they are typed, even before they're sent
  • The server then sends back the styled preview in real time
  • This allows servers to apply dynamic message stylings while still allowing chat to be securely signed
• A warning screen is shown on the client when joining a server with Chat Preview, and it can be globally disabled in Chat Settings
• Dynamic chat styling can also be controlled by the server, although this is only signed when Chat Preview is enabled
  • Clients can prefer to always show the original, signed message by enabling "Only Show Signed Chat" in Chat Settings

Commands

• Added template sub-command to place command
• locate command moved to locate structure, locatebiome moved to locate biome
• Added locate poi <type: point_of_interest_type>
• Servers will now also send an additional icon and MOTD packet after a player has connected
  • This allows servers with enable-status=false to set an icon and MOTD for players that successfully connect
• place template
  • The place command can now also place templates at a given location
  • Syntax:
  • place template <template> [pos] [rotation] [mirror] [integrity] [seed] *place template works like using the load button in the UI for a structure block
  • Parameters:
  • template: The namespaced id of a template ("structure block file") to load and place
  • rotation: The rotation to apply (if omitted, none is used)
  • mirror: The mirroring to apply (if omitted, none is used)
  • integrity: The structure integrity value between 0 and 1
  • seed: The seed to use for the randomized degradation when integrity is less than 1

Point of Interest types

• Removed unemployed and nitwit point_of_interest_types
• Added tag point_of_interest_type/acquirable_job_site for all job sites seeked by Villagers with none profession
• Added tag point_of_interest_type/village for PoI that are part of Village
• Added tag point_of_interest_type/bee_home for all PoI targeted by Bees

Fixed bugs

• Players cannot jump off the edge of blocks when sneaking if they have a block above
• Sculk sensor continuously receives vibrations when next to a powered big dripleaf
• Tadpoles hatch inside of adjacent blocks, causing them to suffocate and die
• Frogs frequently get stuck below lily pads
• Warden's sniffing behavior continues after being distracted
• Warden despawns when far away
• Mineshafts can intersect ancient cities
• Warden is not angered when hit by a blaze fireball
• Warden "Nearby Closest" sound is unused
• Warden can stop chasing a target it just roared at
• Warden doesn't turn towards the direction it is firing the Sonic Boom attack
• A warden summoned from a spawn egg suddenly losing its AI
• Warden's Sonic Boom cannot hurt Ender Dragon, it only pushes it back
• Warden spawns in blocks that have no collision
• Warden cannot spawn on a single snow layer like other mobs
• Sculk sensors and Wardens detect when a player holds up a shield
• Warden's ranged attack is no longer affected by the game's difficulty
• Dying to the warden's sonic boom doesn't count as the warden's kill
• Warden froze and stopped being hostile towards the player
• "Invalid signature for profile public key" when trying to open a singleplayer world
• The game crashes when loading chunks that consist of jigsaw blocks
• Warden can be pushed by explosions while emerging
• /give @s goat_horn gives an unregistered goat horn
• java.lang.IllegalArgumentException: Name and ID cannot both be blank
• When passive mobs take damage from warden's sonic boom, they won't flee in panic

A catalog of games

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate

From $1/month at Xbox $45 at Amazon (3-month subscription) $15 at Amazon (1-month subscription)

All your gaming needs, in one subscription

Is the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate the best value in all of gaming? It's possible. Ultimate bundles your Xbox Live Gold subscription, Xbox Game Pass for Xbox consoles and PC Game Pass for Windows devices, and Xbox Cloud Gaming for on-the-go fun. Minecraft: Java Edition is now included in PC Game Pass, with all of its snapshots in tow.

Here's everything that Microsoft introduced in the last five previews for the next version of Windows 11.

Microsoft recently released Windows 11 build 22621 for computers in the Beta Channel, which ships with a new round of fixes and improvements as the development of the feature update winds down.

Although this preview doesn't include new features or visual changes, since our last roundup of builds, the company has also made available four other builds (including 22593, 22598, 22610, and 22616), which introduced a number of changes—for example, tweaks for File Explorer, Task Manager, desktop, and more.

In this Windows 11 guide, we will walk you through Microsoft's changes and improvements in the last five preview builds.

Windows 11 build 22621 and earlier previews

These are the new features and changes from the last five previews for the next feature update of Windows 11:

Taskbar

As part of the Taskbar improvements, on build 22593, the context menu for the Start button (Windows key + X) renames the "Windows Terminal" entry for "Terminal" and makes the Windows PowerShell entry the default if the console application isn't installed on Windows 11.

If you use the "Focus" feature, the system now includes increments of five minutes for anything under a half-hour to use focus sessions.

Also, the Microsoft Journal app will now be pinned by default on the "Pen" menu on devices with touch-enabled displays. If the app isn't already installed, clicking the icon will open the Microsoft Store to download the app.

Since build 22598, the volume tooltip in the System tray will show when you use spatial sound, and the tooltip for the battery icon will now show the estimated battery life.

Throughout the development cycle of version 22H2, Microsoft also introduced a new Taskbar experience optimized for tablets. However, since it needs more work before it's available to everyone, the experience has been removed since build 22621 to allow the company to continue adding refinements.

Also, Microsoft introduced some changes for the System tray, such as an option to disable the overflow flyout menu and rearrange icons in the flyout and other changes for the Taskbar settings. However, these settings have now been reverted to work the same as in the original release of Windows 11.

Spotlight for desktop

On Windows 11 build 22598, the Spotlight feature will be the default setting to set wallpapers on the desktop for new installations. Also, the feature will try to download 4K images whenever possible.

Snap layouts

If you typically snap windows when working with multiple apps, when you use the "Windows key + Z" keyboard shortcut, the Snap layouts will appear with numbers to make it easier to identify and snap windows using the keyboard. (This functionality has been available since build 22593.)

File Explorer

In the last five previews of Windows 11, File Explorer has received several tweaks. For example, on build 22593, the default file manager introduced a new main page known as "Home." This is the "Quick access" page, but with a different name. The term "Quick access" will continue to exist, but inside the "Home" page as the first section.

Also, the "Pinned files" section now is called "Favorites." In addition, you will now see results from the recent and pinned files section when searching in File Explorer.

On Windows 11 build 22610, Microsoft has also updated the icons for "Rename," "Optimize," and "Properties" in the File Explorer context menu to make them more consistent.

Task Manager

Since build 22610, Windows 11 ships with an updated version of the Task Manager app that uses the system accent color for the heatmap in the "Processes" tab. However, some accent colors do not allow a clear view of the heatmap, so in these cases, you will see the default blue accent color to make the information readable.

Input

As part of the input changes, since build 22593, the ADLaM keyboard layout adds access to brackets and ADLaM Hamza:

• Right Alt + \ will now input ».
• Right Alt + | will now input «.
• Right Alt + Shift + "[" will now input "{".
• Right Alt + Shift + "]" will now input "}".
• Ctrl + Shift + ; will now input the Hamza character.

Furthermore, Microsoft has also updated the "Pashto" keyboard layout to make the ې and ئ characters directly accessible on the keyboard.

Apps

Since build 22598, the "Get Started" app will now launch automatically after installing a new feature update to show users the new features and improvements.

Windows Security

Since build 22593, the system will alert you when Core isolation is turned off to protect the memory integrity. This way, you can take action to protect your device against malicious hacker attacks.

Group Policy

The new version of Windows 11 also packs several new policies to allow more granular control of the Start menu, Taskbar, and System tray.

For instance, on Windows 11 build 22610, Microsoft introduced policies to disable the Quick Settings and Notification Center flyouts. It's now possible to disable the Taskbar settings to prevent misconfigurations. Also, in the Start menu (and in the Taskbar), you can disable search, block customization of the "Pinned" section, remove the "Recommended" section, disable the Start menu context menu, and hide the "All apps" list.

These new policies are available on User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Start Menu and Taskbar.

Although these are useful settings, some of them are not available in the consumer version of Windows 11. For example, the ability to remove the "Recommended" section is only available in the Education edition.

SMB1 for Windows 11 Home

Starting with version 22H2, the SMB1 protocol will come disabled by default on Windows 11 Home to improve security. You will still be able to turn it on, but the company already has plans to remove the binaries from the OS. (This change was announced on build 22610.)

Settings

While the Settings app has received numerous updates through the development of version 22H2, in the last five previews, the only thing that has changed is that the "Your Phone" entry in the "Bluetooth & devices" section has been renamed to "Phone Link" to reflect the new name of the app.

Networking

In the early development cycle of version 22H2, the company made networking changes to disallow connections using the TKIP and Web security. However, on build 22610, the change was reverted to allow these connections again. However, the system will continue to notify users to connect using more secure technologies, such as WPA2 (WPA3 is the current standard).

Setup

Starting with build 22616 and higher releases, Windows 11 Pro removes the local account option and now requires a Microsoft account to set up the installation the first time. However, if you are setting up a computer for school or work, the experience won't change.

More Windows resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:

• Windows 11 on Windows Central — All you need to know
• Windows 11 help, tips, and tricks
• Windows 10 on Windows Central — All you need to know

These heroes would be significantly more viable with these changes.

Fans have finally had a chance to play Overwatch 2 thanks to the Overwatch 2 beta, and while the sequel's transition from 6v6 to 5v5 with one fewer tank hero per team is exciting, it also disrupts the balance of Overwatch PvP significantly. To address this, developer Blizzard has implemented a variety of balance tweaks and hero reworks in an effort to ensure that every hero has a place in the 5v5 era. Unfortunately, though, there are still a few characters that feel out of place in Overwatch 2 due to the lack of important utility in their kit.

As a result of this, these heroes are widely regarded as the worst heroes in the game — and for their viability to rise, each of them will need some big changes. Here's a closer look at each of these underperforming heroes that goes over why they struggle to find value in the 5v5 era, as well as what changes are needed to make them more effective.

Roadhog

The biggest issue with Roadhog in Overwatch 2 is that unlike every other tank hero in the game, he lacks an effective way to mitigate incoming damage for himself and his team. While his Take a Breather healing ability gives him 50% damage reduction when used, it has an 8-second cooldown and only gets value if Roadhog is injured already. Compared to other tanks that have barriers or abilities that allow them to destroy projectiles, Take a Breather simply isn't good enough.

On top of this, the feast-or-famine nature of Roadhog's Chain Hook and Scrap Gun combo fits poorly into Overwatch 2. The best tank and damage heroes are able to deal effective damage consistently, which has proven to be very important in the faster-paced 5v5 format. It's true that you can have large bursts of impact with Roadhog if you land hooks and pick off squishy targets, but his Scrap Gun shotgun is incredibly difficult to use otherwise. That means every whiffed hook results in 8 seconds where you're essentially an exploitable ult battery.

To solve these problems, I'd like to see Roadhog get a new tanking ability that he can use to effectively reduce damage, just like Overwatch 2's other tanks (the damage reduction of Take a Breather could be removed to compensate). It would also be nice to see the Scrap Gun get a tighter spread and some extra range so it's more consistent and effective between Roadhog's hook throws.

Symmetra

Symmetra was a solid close-range pick in the shield-heavy 6v6 era of Overwatch, as her Photon Projector's primary fire could rapidly destroy barriers and dish out strong damage to the tanks using them, too. However, the removal of a tank and the widespread nerfs to barriers brought by Overwatch 2 have made Symmetra's anti-shield niche feel rather useless. Though her damage is still effective, she lacks the range that damage characters need to succeed in the more open battlefields of Overwatch 2.

Therefore, I think the best way to buff Symmetra would be to give her beam weapon a longer effective range. It's currently 12 meters, so perhaps the developers could bump it up to 15. This would allow Symmetra to engage her opponents more effectively at medium range, giving her more overall damage uptime and preventing enemies from easily avoiding her.

Pharah

Pharah's Rocket Launcher is as devastatingly powerful as it's always been, but she has a very hard time shelling enemy teams with it since hitscan damage heroes are very strong in Overwatch 2. Characters like Soldier: 76, Ashe, and Widowmaker are all strong in 5v5 since there aren't as many tanks and barriers in their way, and all of these heroes excel at shooting Pharah out of the sky. And while you can still succeed as Pharah against these characters, it's generally a better idea to just switch to a different hero.

While it's still important for Pharah to have these counters, it's also crucial that they don't feel too oppressive against her. With that in mind, I think giving Pharah a small amount of armor health would be a good idea. Armor reduces all incoming damage by 30%, so this change would give her some extra survivability against hitscan heroes and would give her a chance to fly behind cover or fall back before being picked off.

Junkrat

Like Symmetra, Junkrat was a good pick in the original Overwatch if you needed to pump heavy damage into tanky shield compositions. With those compositions effectively gone in Overwatch 2, Junkrat struggles. His Frag Launcher does excellent damage, but it's difficult to use against non-tank heroes. This makes Junkrat's damage output inconsistent compared to other damage characters, and while his Concussion Mines give him some great burst damage and mobility, he's ultimately still less reliable than most other heroes.

To make Junkrat feel less awkward in Overwatch 2's 5v5 combat, I'd like to see the developers make his Frag Launcher projectiles faster and give them less of an arc. This would make the weapon more reliable, which would in turn help Junkrat dish out damage on a more consistent basis. Blizzard may need to reduce the damage of the Frag Launcher a bit to compensate for making it easier to use, but I think the tradeoff would be more than worth it.

Zenyatta

In an era where supports are significantly more vulnerable than they were in the original Overwatch due to the lack of a second tank, Zenyatta suffers the most. Unlike every other support hero in the game, Zenyatta doesn't have any way to escape from flankers who pounce on him. This means that unless Zenyatta players manage to land some difficult headshots up close, they'll likely be assassinated by characters like Genji very quickly.

Blizzard tried to address this in a recent patch for the Overwatch 2 beta by giving Zenyatta's melee attack more damage and extra knockback, but flankers can easily get around this by staying just outside of melee range. As funny as Zenyatta's "super kick" is, I think he needs a dedicated movement ability to be viable. Maybe the developers can give him a short dash with a long cooldown, which would help Zenyatta escape dives without completely removing his weakness to flanks.

Your thoughts?

What do you think of the balance changes I proposed here? Have you had any ideas for other balance tweaks? Do you agree that these heroes need changes to be competitive? Let me know.

The Overwatch 2 beta represents the Overwatch community's first taste of Overwatch 2, a massive (and free) overhaul to the original Overwatch that will rework many of the game's characters and shift the PvP to a 5v5 format by removing a tank from each team. If you'd like to try out the Overwatch 2 beta, you'll need to own a copy of the original game and then sign up for it. Overwatch is one of the best PC games available, so you should definitely pick it up if you don't have it already.

Get the game

Overwatch

$40 at Best Buy (PC) $39 at Amazon (Xbox) $60 at Xbox Store (Xbox)

The cavalry's here!

Overwatch is a competitive team-based shooter set in a futuristic world of cybernetics and robotics. All of your progress and cosmetics from Overwatch will carry forward into Overwatch 2, and you'll also need the game to be able to play the Overwatch 2 beta.

I want to live in these picturesque environments.

JPRGs are a vital component of video gaming history. This beloved sub-genre even housed many of the biggest titles available at one period. Gargantuan blockbusters like Pokémon Red & Blue and Final Fantasy VII dominated conversations and mindshare amongst hardcore and casual gaming enthusiasts. And while standout franchises such as Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest have gone on to be global sensations, there have unfortunately been countless critical darlings wholly lost to the annals of time. Suikoden is one such series.

When this cult hit landed on the original PlayStation back in 1996, it treated players to a unique blend of classic turn-based combat, political drama, and enormous threads of overarching character storylines. Fans enjoyed the complexity of the franchise's storytelling and evolving battle systems. Sadly, despite a passionate audience, the last Suikoden title was released exclusively in Japan in 2012 on PSP.

Understanding the desires of players, Rabbit and Bear Studios, established by key members of the Suikoden team, launched a Kickstarter for Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes. This ambitious RPG promised to serve as a spiritual successor to Suikoden and provide fresh gameplay mechanics. Ahead of the release of Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes in 2023, the team has also launched a companion title called Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising this week, which serves as a prequel to the events of the main game.

I've spent close to 20 hours meeting the acentric characters of Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising and exploring the stunning environments of this world. As a massive fan of titles like Steam World Dig, I genuinely enjoyed the 2D platforming action and emphasis on resource collecting. Although there are undoubtedly a handful of glaring shortcomings, the distinctive art style and enchanting glimpse into the future of Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes make this bite-sized JRPG one worthy of your time.

Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising

Bottom line: Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising is a promising taste of what players can expect from the visual presentation of this captivating franchise. What it's lacking in enemy variety and mission diversity, it makes up for in style and flashy combat.

The Good

• Beautiful art direction
• Compelling combat mechanics
• Satisfying progression loop

The Bad

• Limited enemy variety
• Unnecessary backtracking
• Tedious sidequests

$15 at Xbox From $1/month with Xbox Game Pass

Disclaimer: This review was made possible by a review code provided by 505 Games. The company did not see the contents of the review before publishing.

Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising — What you'll like

2D pixel art was once a staple of video game development, primarily due to hardware limitations. As consoles and PCs became more powerful, so did the expectations from 3D graphics and eventually saw many legacy franchises adopt the extra-dimensional approach. However, there's been a 2d model renaissance in recent years thanks to beautifully constructed releases like Octopath Traveler that combine classic pixels with bold 3D environments. Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising perfects this formula by delivering one of my new favorite art styles.

Category	GameNameXXX
Title	Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising
Developer	Rabbit and Bear Studios
Publisher	505 Games
Genre	JRPG
Xbox version	Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One
Game Size	5GB
Play time	15+ hours
Players	Single
Xbox Game Pass	Yes
Launch price	$15

Carefully crafted 2D character models seamlessly blend with fully rendered 3D backdrops. Gorgeous vistas explode with color, details, and physics in ways that just weren't possible during the era of Suikoden. Thanks to the attention to detail with lighting and reflections, I never got tired of stopping to absorb the genuine slender of the various locations in Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising. This attractive JRPG is a visual showcase that perfectly blends designs from the past with modern capabilities to implement unmatched art direction.

A genuinely compelling combat system that combines platforming action with intuitive button commands compliments the lush environments and picturesque backdrops. Initially, the battles in Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising felt disappointedly simple. Our main protagonist, CJ, controls precisely as you'd expect with a 2D side-scroller, with the A button being jump and X acting as your primary attack. Thankfully, things get far more engaging when your second and third companions join the fight.

Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising focuses heavily on resource collection, town management, and Metroidvania-inspired progression.

All three main heroes are assigned to a distinct action button. CJ is X. Garoo, the Kangaroo, is Y, and Isha, the mage, is B. Players can quickly swap between any character when confronting enemies by simply pressing their assigned attack button. This fluid combat system allows for an excellent assortment of combos and even hyper-flashy link attacks that can stun powerful enemies or bosses. The more I played Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising, the more I fell in love with the concealed depth of this JRPG's action-oriented gameplay mechanics.

In many ways, Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising has everything you'd expect from a classic action RPG. It's got experience, leveling, equipment, and magic. However, this apparent homage to the past also brings a great deal of fascinating current design elements to the equation. Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising focuses heavily on resource collection, town management, and Metroidvania-inspired progression. Back-tracking and double-jumping included.

Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising does a remarkable job rewarding your endeavors, from new equipment and ability upgrades to powerful elemental magic enhancements. Every objective you complete in your adventures goes towards various progress avenues. Some unlocks or achievements were clearly more worthwhile than others. Still, I appreciated how the game introduced new vendors, cooking upgrades, temporary buffs, and gear. If you enjoy the cozy, chore-centric loop of titles like Animal Crossing or SteamWorld Dig, you shouldn't instantly connect with these systems.

Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising — What you won't like

While Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising features an extensive cast of quirky and memorable characters, the same can't be said about its enemy variety. The game's introductory location, The Great Forest, does a decent enough job trickling in new enemy types. Unfortunately, after about 45 minutes, you've seen close to 75% of what Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising offers in terms of creatures and combatants.

Essentially there are flying gargoyles, oozing slime balls, wolves, bandits, and elemental sorcerers. Each of the game's biomes features slight variations of these enemies, but their appearance and behaviors aren't dramatically different. Ultimately, the excellent combat kept this repetition from growing overwhelmingly stale, but I couldn't help but feel disappointed by the limited assortment of enemies in Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising.

Many of the sidequests in Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising are tedious and pointless.

Another noteworthy criticism stems from the baffling amount of unnecessary back-tracking baked into this JRPG. I'm no stranger to the typical flow of games like Castlevania: Symphony of the Night or Hollow Knight that encourage re-exploration with a kit of new movement abilities. Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising mirrors these fundamentals, but unfortunately, it also ham-fists redundant sequences that force the player to explore fresh locations and immediately return to camp to complete fetch quests before proceeding. Frequently this incessant need to pad progression hurts the flow of the game.

Players aiming to 100% Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising can expect to spend roughly 20 hours fighting their way through a host of exotic locations and dungeons. However, I wouldn't expect all of the game's content to fire on the same caliber as the core campaign. Many of the sidequests in Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising are tedious and pointless.

In some cases, you are tasked with speaking with an NPC who wants you to report to another NPC that is 10 literally feet away. There are legitimately several sidequests that follow that exact structure and countless others that adhere to similarly uninspired formulas. While you can certainly skip over these optional missions, many critical upgrades and abilities are directly tied to completing at least several dozen of them, making their flaws all the more egregious.

Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising — Should you play it?

For fans of classic JRPGs, Metroidvanias, or the upcoming spiritual reboot of Suikoden, Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising is unquestionably worth your time. The excellent combat, eccentric characters, and impressive art direction confidently provide this action RPG a distinct sense of unmistakable identity. I know visuals aren't everything when it comes to delivering a satisfying overall package. Still, I can't stress enough how much I love the gorgeous mix of 2D and 3D elements in Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising.

While there are a handful of striking issues with this companion title from Rabbit and Bear Studios, the pros undoubtedly outweigh the cons. There is so much to enjoy at $15 or with your Xbox Game Pass subscription with Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising. I've absorbed basically everything this captivating JRPG offers and now can't wait for Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes in 2023.

Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising

Bottom line: Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising is brimming with visual splendor and engaging combat. Fans of classic JRPGs and Metroidvanias will certainly find a lot to love.

$15 at Xbox From $1/month with Xbox Game Pass

If you have questions about the Xbox Game Pass service, we're here to help.

Microsoft's Game Pass is a subscription-based service that opens up a whole library of games. It launched in mid-2017 and is available to anyone, regardless of whether they're a Gold subscriber or not.

Microsoft is pushing Game Pass hard, and it's going to be a very important service for Xbox going forward, both on console and on PC. Here's everything you need to know.

All you can play

Xbox Game Pass 3-month code

$30 at Amazon

More games than you'll ever need

Microsoft's Netflix-style subscription service serves a huge library of varied titles for a monthly fee. From hit franchises to experimental indies, Xbox Game Pass has value for all.

What is Xbox Game Pass?

Game Pass is a subscription service that gives Xbox gamers access to a library of games to download and play for as long as they continue to pay for the service. A similar example would be EA Play, except Game Pass isn't exclusive to one publisher.

How much does it cost?

Xbox Game Pass costs $9.99 a month, although its all-inclusive Xbox Game Pass Ultimate tier pushes up to $14.99 a month. In some locations, you can buy codes for multiple months in one go, often with promotions and discounts to consider.

Does it replace Xbox Live Games with Gold?

No. Game Pass is a completely separate service from Games with Gold and operates alongside it. If you want to enjoy multiplayer games, however, you will still need to have a Gold subscription to do that.

How do I get Xbox Game Pass?

You can sign up on the console or on the Microsoft website.

Once you're subscribed, you can manage your subscription from your console, too. On the latest versions of the OS, Game Pass has its own tab inside "My games and apps" and games can be installed directly from here without needing to go to the store.

How many games are there?

At launch, there were over 100 games covering both Xbox One and Xbox 360 backward-compatible games in the catalog. Every month, new games are added, and it now even stretches to a selection of original Xbox backward-compatible titles. The best Xbox Game Pass games now include projects of all sizes and genres.

Additionally, every new Microsoft first-party title will be added into Game Pass at launch. This includes recent big hitters like Halo Infinite and Forza Horizon 5 and forthcoming titles like Starfield.

But just as games regularly enter the rotation, games also regularly leave Game Pass. Any non-Microsoft game will likely leave at some point, so you should treat it as such and play those you like the look of as soon as you can.

The complete list of Xbox Game Pass titles

Do I need to have an Xbox Live Gold subscription?

No, Xbox Game Pass is a completely separate subscription program.

Are Xbox Play Anywhere games included?

Absolutely. With an Xbox Game Pass subscription, PC gamers are able to play Xbox Play Anywhere titles, such as Sea of Thieves, without purchase if they have a Game Pass subscription on their Xbox console.

Future first-party titles that are also Play Anywhere will also be included in the same way.

Is it available on Windows 10 and Windows 11?

It is! There's now also a dedicated PC Game Pass. It can be subscribed to on its own or as part of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which includes console, PC, and an Xbox Live Gold subscription.

On PC the easiest way to browse and manage Game Pass games is through the Xbox app, available on both Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate?

The latest Game Pass product, which essentially represents the absolute best value, with a single $15 a month subscription covers Xbox Live Gold on your Xbox X/S or Xbox One, Game Pass games on console, Game Pass games on PC, and access to the xCloud game streaming service on mobile devices and PC.

Are backward-compatible Xbox 360 titles included in Game Pass?

The catalog has a good selection, and it now goes even further, including original Xbox games, too.

Will I get a discount to buy the games if I like them?

Yep. Game Pass subscribers will get an exclusive discount to buy the games and related downloadable content (DLC).

Will I be able to play if I stop my subscription?

Games are available to play, in full, for as long as you're a paying subscriber. If you cancel your subscription, you lose access to said games.

Where can I get Xbox Game Pass?

The full list of countries currently reads as such:

Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and the United States.

Xbox Game Streaming now part of Game Pass app on Android

From Sept. 15, 2020, Microsoft's cloud gaming service, known as xCloud previously, became part of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and is built into the Xbox Game Pass app on Android. Folks on iOS, Mac, Windows, and Linux can also take part, with Xbox Game Streaming available through the browser, or on Windows, now through the Xbox app.

It adds another tick in the value box to Game Pass Ultimate over regular Game Pass, too. Games are added to the cloud library on a slightly different schedule to console and PC, but regular additions are coming along.

Additionally, Microsoft has been working on dedicated touch controls for some of these games allowing you to play on your phone or tablet without the need for a controller. Minecraft Dungeons was the first, but the feature has since come to titles such as Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice and Dead Cells.

xCloud on Game Pass

Xbox Game Pass

Download from Google Play

Take the finished version of xCloud for a run out

Game Pass subscribers can check out Xbox Cloud Gaming on their Android phone or tablet right now with the Xbox Game Pass app from the Google Play store.

How to save money on Xbox Game Pass

Just because Game Pass is a monthly subscription doesn't mean you can't save some money on it. You just have to know where to look.

Game Pass subscriptions can be bought and applied to your account by way of a code, which can be bought from a number of third-party retailers. One good place to keep an eye on is Amazon, where deals are fairly common, including such offers as buy one, get one free on three-month subscription codes which have been known in the past.

Another retailer to check out is CDKeys where you can always save some money, including on three-month subscription codes.

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This hopefully answers some of the questions you have about Xbox Game Pass, and we'll keep this post updated as any new information becomes available.

All you can play

Xbox Game Pass 3-month code

$30 at Amazon

More games than you'll ever need

Microsoft's Netflix-style subscription service serves a huge library of varied titles for a monthly fee. From hit franchises to experimental indies, Xbox Game Pass has value for all.

Hulu already gives subscribers access to thousands of TV shows and movies across its expansive streaming platform. Still, it seems the service wants to provide even more value to subscribers with its "Hulu Friends with Benefits" program. A new partnership with Xbox is behind the latest Hulu perk, and it may be perfect for those who love to game on PC; Hulu subscribers in the USA can now obtain three months of PC Game Pass completely for free.

PC Game Pass is the PC-centric portion of Microsoft's influential Xbox Game Pass service, and includes hundreds of incredible video games for one monthly cost, including EA Play. PC Game Pass provides a ton of value to subscribers, and those who have missed out on it can get started for free with a new promotion from Hulu. Simply head to the promotional page and sign in with your Hulu account. If your account is in good standing and is based in the USA, and you're a first-time customer of PC Game Pass, you'll have three months of unlimited PC gaming in no time.

PC Game Pass is filled with great PC games, and more are added all the time. Once you experience what three months of PC Game Pass offers, you may find yourself wishing to subscribe long-term. If you decide to stay connected to PC Game Pass after your trial through Hulu ends, Microsoft's service runs users $10 a month. Hulu subscribers can take advantage of this promotion until July 23, 2022.

If you upgrade to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for $15 a month, you'll also gain access to Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Cloud Gaming, which lets you play dozens of Xbox console games from practically any device, including mobile phones and tablets. There are even exclusive Xbox Game Pass Ultimate perks, which can include free in-game DLC, trials to other streaming services, and so much more.

The Forza Horizon 5 Festival Playlist is constantly breathing new life into an already fantastic game.

Forza Horizon 5 launched as one of the greatest racing games available to play, but Playground Games refuses to rest on its laurels and consider its masterpiece as "finished." The Forza Horizon 5 Festival Playlist brings new challenges, events, and rewards to the game every single week, with larger Series updates introducing even greater changes and additions over time. With the Festival Playlist, FH5 promises years of constant post-launch support and new content for players to explore.

Here's what you need to know about the Festival Playlist in Forza Horizon 5, and the current challenges and rewards this season.

The unchallenged champion

Forza Horizon 5

$60 at Xbox (Xbox & PC) $51 at Amazon (Xbox physical)

The best open-world racer

Playground Games has delivered their latest masterpiece with Forza Horizon 5, which features the series' most diverse map and largest car list yet. Forza Horizon 5 somehow fulfills its ambitious promises to be the best open-world racer right now, and one of the best racing games in general.

Forza Horizon 5 Festival Playlist: Winter, Series 7 (May 12-18, 2022)

The Forza Horizon 5 Festival Playlist updates every week as the in-game season changes, with larger updates slated for every month as a new Series begins. It can be difficult to keep track of everything there is to do in Forza Horizon 5's Festival Playlist and decide whether it's worth it to tackle the challenges. Fortunately, that's what we're here for.

We'll also cover how to complete specific Forza Horizon 5 Festival Playlist challenges if any particularly difficult missions pop up throughout the Festival Playlist.

Series 7 "Cinco de Mayo" (April 28-May 25, 2022)

Forza Horizon 5 Series 7 is, as the name suggests, an in-game celebration of the "Cinco de Mayo" holiday, which in turn celebrates everything about Mexican culture. FH5 is celebrating with in-game decorations and events, as well as five new cars for players to earn through the Festival Playlist, all from Ferrari.

• Series 7 rewards. Series 7 of Forza Horizon 5's Festival Playlist has a total of 213 Playlist Points across all Seasons. The Series rewards include:
  • 2020 Ferrari SF90 Stradale for 80 Playlist Points. This is a Legendary rarity car and is exclusive to the Festival Playlist
  • 2011 Ferrari 599 GTO for 160 Playlist Points. This is an Epic rarity car and is hard to find
• Monthly Events. There is one monthly event.
  • Playa Azul Circuit: Post a clean lap to complete this Rivals Event. Rewards 4 Playlist Points

Winter "Dry Season" (May 12-18, 2022)

This is the Winter Season of Forza Horizon 5's Series 7 Festival Playlist, which is available from May 12 until May 18, 2022.

• Season rewards. The Winter Season of Series 7 has a total of 53 Playlist Points across all Challenges. The main rewards include:
  • 1992 Ferrari 512 Testa Rossa for 20 Playlist Points. This is an Epic rarity car and is exclusive to the Festival Playlist
  • 2015 MG MG3 for 40 Playlist Points. This is a Rare rarity car and is hard to find
• Weekly Challenge. "Mexican Supercar" — The Weekly Challenge has four Chapters. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and 80 Forzathon Points.
  • Echieverria Production: Own and drive the 2017 VUHL 05RR
  • Road and Racing: Win any Road Racing Event with the 2017 VUHL 05RR
  • Light n' Fast: Maintain a speed over 170mph for 15 consecutive seconds with the 2017 VUHL 05RR
  • Like a Feather: Earn 3 Stars at any Danger Sign PR Stunt with the 2017 VUHL 05RR
• Daily Challenges. There are seven Daily Challenges. Each rewards 1 Playlist Point and 10 Forzathon Points.
  • Clean Fun: Earn 3 or more Clean Racing Skills in any Road Racing Event
  • The DK: Earn 3 Stars from any Drift Zone PR Stunt
  • Florist: Smash 15 flower stalls
  • On Board: Earn a Skillboard Skill by smashing any billboard
  • Dry Run: Reach 140mph or more in any Dirt Racing Event
  • In Reverse: Complete a Drift Theme Horizon Arcade Event in any Drift Car
  • Aged Well: Earn 3 Stars from any Speed Trap PR Stunt in a Class Racer car
• Season Events. There are eight Season Events.
  • Carrera de Resistencia: Win The Trial Event in an S1-Class Retro Supercar. Rewards 10 Playlist Points and the Mexican Racesuit Vanity Item
  • EventLab: Complete the EventLab Event in any Unlimited Offroad car. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and the 1998 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLK GTR Forza Edition
  • EventLab: Complete the EventLab Event in any car. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and the Falling Car Horn
  • Heights of Mulegé: Complete the Danger Sign PR Stunt Challenge in a C-Class Hot Hatch car. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Super Wheelspin
  • Atlantes de Tula: Complete the Speed Zone PR Stunt Challenge in an S2-Class Mercedes-Benz car. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Super Wheelspin
  • Offroad Tour: Win the Seasonal Championship in a B-Class Unlimited Buggy car. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and the 2015 Alumi Craft Class 10
  • Weather Perfect: Win the Seasonal Championship in a B-Class Pickups & 4x4s car. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and the 2019 Hennessey VelociRaptor 6x6
  • Co-op Championships: Complete a Horizon Tour Event. Rewards 3 Playlist Points
• Challenges. There are three Challenges.
  • On Top of the World: Complete the Treasure Hunt Challenge (Clue: Anything can break the Stone Door with a 3 Star rating). Hint: Earn 3 Stars at the Puerta Pétrea Trailblazer PR Stunt in any car. You can read more in our Forza Horizon 5 challenges guide. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and 100 Forzathon Points
  • #ReachingStars: Photograph any Hypercar at the Gran Telescopio. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the "To the moon" Forza LINK message
  • Only Fordward: Complete any Horizon Open Racing Event in a Ford car. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the 1978 Hoonigan Ford Escort RS1800
• Forzathon Shop. The Forzathon Shop offers the following items this Season:
  • 2013 Lamborghini Veneno for 700 Forzathon Points
  • 2017 VUHL 05RR for 100 Forzathon Points
  • Air Guitar Emote for 75 Forzathon Points
  • Natural Suit Vanity Item for 75 Forzathon Points
  • Wheelspin for 60 Forzathon Points
  • Super Wheelspin for 150 Forzathon Points

Spring "Hot Season" (May 19-25, 2022)

This is the Spring Season of Forza Horizon 5's Series 7 Festival Playlist, which is available from May 19 until May 25, 2022.

• Season rewards. The Spring Season of Series 7 has a total of 54 Playlist Points across all Challenges. The main rewards include:
  • 2020 Ferrari F8 Tributo for 20 Playlist Points. This is a Legendary rarity car and is exclusive to the Festival Playlist
  • 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Coupé for 40 Playlist Points. This is a Legendary rarity car and is valuable
• Weekly Challenge. "Old Red" — The Weekly Challenge has four Chapters. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and 80 Forzathon Points.
  • Predecessor of All Buggies: Own and drive the 1971 Meyers Manx
  • Origin Story: Win the Baja California Trail Event with the 1971 Meyers Manx
  • Jumping Buggy: Earn 3 Kangaroo Skills in the Dunas Blancas region with the 1971 Meyers Manx
  • Buggy Beats Bike in Baja: Earn 2 Stars at the Dustbowl Speed Trap PR Stunt with the 1971 Meyers Manx
• Daily Challenges. There are seven Daily Challenges. Each rewards 1 Playlist Point and 10 Forzathon Points.
  • Flock of Trucks: Earn 12 Stars in total from any PR Stunts in any Truck car
  • Playing by the Rules: Earn 3 Clean Racing Skills in a Cross Country Racing Event
  • Shocking: Smash 20 or more solar panels in 30 seconds or less
  • Zoomies: Drive above 250mph for 5 consecutive seconds in any car
  • Assemble: Earn 800 team score in a single Horizon Tour Race Event
  • Ultimate Talent: Earn and bank an Ultimate Skill Chain Skill
  • Short Story: Reach 140mph in any Horizon Story Chapter
• Season Events. There are eight Season Events.
  • Fiesta. Siesta. Repeat.: Win The Trial Event. Rewards the 1930 Bentley 8 Litre
  • EventLab: Complete the EventLab Event. Rewards the 2013 Donkervoort D8 GTO
  • Airs and Graces: Complete the Seasonal Playground Games. Rewards the Fireworks Car Horn
  • La Marisma: Complete the Trailblazer PR Stunt Challenge. Rewards a Super Wheelspin
  • Panorámica: Complete the Drift Zone PR Stunt Challenge. Rewards a Super Wheelspin
  • Inspiration from Japan: Win the Seasonal Championship. Rewards the 1969 Toyota 2000GT
  • Baja Mil: Win the Seasonal Championship. Rewards the Festival Sombrero Vanity Item
  • First Come, First Served: Win the Seasonal Championship. Rewards the La Cucaracha Car Horn
• Challenges. There are three Challenges.
  • #SleepingGiants: Photograph any Truck car at Atlantes de Tula. Rewards the Sleepy Emote
  • Small and Agile: Complete the Horizon Open Challenge. Rewards the 2017 Volkswagen Beetle #34 Andretti Rallycross
  • Battle Royale: Complete The Eliminator Challenge. Rewards the "I've got a bad feeling about this" Forza LINK message
• Forzathon Shop. The Forzathon Shop offers the following items this Season:
  • Unknown

What is the Festival Playlist in Forza Horizon 5?

The Forza Horizon 5 Festival Playlist is an ever-changing list of challenges and missions that players can complete as they play the game. Players can complete races, events, PR Stunts, and online activities as Festival Playlist challenges, sometimes with specific requirements, to earn rewards such as cars, Wheelspins, cosmetic items, and Forzathon Points, which can be redeemed at the Forzathon Shop.

The Festival Playlist has Series, with each Series lasting four weeks, and each week lasting about one week. Each week has its own unique challenges and rewards, giving players incentive to return week after week to complete the Festival Playlist and collect new cars and prizes. The Festival Playlist consistently adds new content to Forza Horizon 5, and is how Playground Games will seamlessly inject new ways to play into FH5 over time, including brand-new cars.

New cars, events, and much more can be added to Forza Horizon 5 through the Festival Playlist, and Series updates can even be themed and evolve Forza Horizon 5's world. Series 1, for example, welcomes players to Horizon Mexico, while Series 2 will apparently be Holidays themed and add new seasonal decorations to the FH5 world. EventLab creations from the community that gain popularity can also be surfaced through the Festival Playlist, adding even more variety to this constantly moving in-game feature.

Forza Horizon 5's Festival Playlist should provide years of support and content to the game, even after DLC expansions have been released and finished. Thanks to new creation features like EventLab, the Festival Playlist has practically endless content to pull from.

What is Forza Horizon 5?

Forza Horizon 5 is an open-world simul-arcade racing game from Playground Games and Xbox Game Studios. It's the latest in a long line of increasingly ambitious and successful Forza Horizon games, and it accumulates everything the studio has learned into one incredible package. FH5 is one of the best Xbox racing games of all time, and was even one of the best Xbox games of 2021.

Forza Horizon 5 accomplishes this feat with its largest and most diverse map yet, set in Mexico, that is freely explored behind the wheel of hundreds of cars and vehicles. Fan favorites like Barn Finds have returned, but every aspect of FH5 proves that it's not just another racing game.

Our Forza Horizon 5 review concluded that Playground has delivered the unchallenged champion of open-world racers, which is now available for Xbox, PC, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and Xbox Game Pass. If you want to learn more about what makes this expansive game so special, be sure to check out our ultimate guide to Forza Horizon 5.

What are the past Festival Playlists for Forza Horizon 5?

Playground Games may occasionally resurface older Series updates and challenges to give players another shot at earning those rewards. It can also be helpful to know what previous Festival Playlists included as rewards, in case you're missing any of those cars in your own collection. Whenever a Festival Playlist is retired, you can find it here.

Series 0 "Welcome Week" (Nov. 5-10, 2021)

The introductory Festival Playlist for Forza Horizon 5, Series 0 includes a handful of challenges and rewards for early adopters jumping into FH5. There aren't any exclusive additions or rewards included in this Series.

• Series 0 rewards. Series 0 of Forza Horizon 5's Festival Playlist is a shorter affair that only spans one Season, and is there to offer activities for players who join Forza Horizon 5 during the early access period or right at launch. Because of this, there are no overarching rewards for Series 0. Check back in for Series 1's rewards starting Nov. 11, 2021.
• Monthly Events. There is one Monthly Event.
  • Horizon Baja Scramble: Beat the Rivals challenge at Horizon Baja Scramble. Rewards 4 Playlist Points

Spring "Hot Season" (Nov. 5-10, 2021)

This is the Spring season of Forza Horizon 5's Series 0 Festival Playlist, which was available from Nov. 5 until Nov. 10, 2021.

• Season rewards. The Spring season of Series 0 has a total of 38 Playlist Points across all challenges. The main season rewards include:
  • 2017 Alpine A110 for 16 Playlist Points: This is an Epic rarity car that is hard to find in Forza Horizon 5
  • 2005 Honda NSX-R GT for 26 Playlist Points: This is an Epic rarity car that is hard to find in Forza Horizon 5
• Weekly Challenge. "Wouldn't It be Loverly?" — The Weekly Challenge has four Chapters. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and 81 Forzathon Points.
  • Chapter 1: Own and drive the 2003 Nissan Fairlady Z
  • Chapter 2: Earn 9 Stars from Drift Zones with the 2003 Nissan Fairlady Z
  • Chapter 3: Earn 5 Ultimate Drift or E-Drift Skills with the 2003 Nissan Fairlady Z
  • Chapter 4: Bank a total of 500,000 Skill Score with the 2003 Nissan Fairlady Z
• Daily Challenges. There are seven Daily Challenges. Rewards 1 Playlist Point and 10 Forzathon Points each.
  • Challenge 1: Earn three Clean Racing Skills in a single road race
  • Challenge 2: Complete a Horizon Open event
  • Challenge 3: Earn five Stars from PR Stunts in a Lamborghini
  • Challenge 4: Win a Drag Race in a Modern Sports Car
  • Challenge 5: Smash five phonebooths
  • Challenge 6: Send a Gift Drop to another player
  • Challenge 7: Earn 12 Stars from PR Stunts in a Truck
• Season Events. There are seven Season Events.
  • Horizon Arcade: Complete any Horizon Arcade event. Rewards 3 Playlist Points
  • Off the Grid: Complete the Seasonal Playground Games Championship in a B-Class in an Offroad vehicle. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and the 2018 Porsche Macan LP Racing T1 Rally Raid
  • Coast View: Complete the Coast View Speed Trap challenge in an S2-Class Track Toys vehicle. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and a Wheelspin
  • First Course: Complete the Seasonal Championship in an A-Class Super Saloon vehicle. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and the 2018 Mercedes-AMG E 63 S
  • Event Horizon: Complete the Event Horizon Danger Sign challenge in an S1-Class Ford vehicle. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Wheelspin
  • Ranchito: Complete the Ranchito Speed Zone challenge in an S2-Class Audi vehicle. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Wheelspin
  • Co-op Championships: Complete a Horizon Tour Championship. Rewards 3 Playlist Points
• Challenges. There are three Challenges.
  • #MuralCompass: Photograph any Modern Sports Car at Star 27's mural in Mulegé. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the "Beautiful!" Forza LINK phrase
  • Clean Sweep: Earn five Clean Racing Skills in Horizon Open. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and 25,000 Credits
  • Battle Royale: Finish 30th or better in The Eliminator. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the "Mwahahaha" Forza LINK phrase
• Forzathon Shop. The Forzathon Shop is not open for Spring of Series 0.

Series 1 "Welcome to Mexico" (Nov. 11-Dec. 8, 2021)

Series 1 of Forza Horizon 5's Festival Playlist welcomes players to Mexico with a wide range of challenges and events, and some exclusive rewards and cars for players to collect. There still aren't any major changes or additions included in this Series.

• Series 1 rewards. Series 1 of Forza Horizon 5's Festival Playlist has a total of 247 points across all Seasons. The Series rewards include:
  • 2021 Mercedes-AMG One for 120 Playlist Points: This is a Legendary Rarity car, and the cover car for Forza Horizon 5
  • 1993 McLaren F1 for 180 Playlist Points: This is a Legendary Rarity car, and is quite hard to find in Forza Horizon 5
• Monthly Events. There is one Monthly Event.
  • Horizon Mexico Circuit: Beat the Rivals challenge at Horizon Mexico Circuit. Rewards four Playlist Points.

Summer "Wet Season" (Nov. 11-17, 2021)

This is the Summer Season of Forza Horizon 5's Series 1 Festival Playlist, which was available from Nov. 11 until Nov. 17, 2021.

• Season rewards. The Summer Season of Series 1 has a total of 64 Playlist Points across all challenges. The main rewards include:
  • 1982 DMC DeLorean "DMC-12" for 26 Playlist Points: This is a Legendary Rarity car, and is exclusive to the Festival Playlist
  • 2019 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera for 46 Playlist Points: This is an Epic Rarity car, and is valuable in Forza Horizon 5
• Weekly Challenge. "A True Super GT" — The Weekly Challenge has four Chapters. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and 81 Forzathon Points.
  • Chapter 1: Own and drive the 2017 Nissan GT-R
  • Chapter 2: Drive the 2017 Nissan GT-R for a combined 13.5 miles
  • Chapter 3: Earn a total of six Stars from any Danger Sign PR Stunts in the 2017 Nissan GT-R
  • Chapter 4: Earn two Awesome Drifting Skills during any Road Racing Event in the 2017 Nissan GT-R
• Daily Challenges. There are seven Daily Challenges. Rewards 1 Playlist Point and 10 Forzathon Points each.
  • Challenge 1: Drive above 250mph for five uninterrupted seconds in any car
  • Challenge 2: Jump a distance of 1,500 feet in any car
  • Challenge 3: Complete any Showcase Event
  • Challenge 4: Complete a game of The Eliminator
  • Challenge 5: Post a clean lap on any Rivals Event
  • Challenge 6: Earn a total of nine Stars from any Trailblazer PR Stunts
  • Challenge 7: Smash 25 items in 30 seconds or less
• Season Events. There are 10 Season Events.
  • Horizon Arcade: Complete any Horizon Arcade event. Rewards 3 Playlist Points
  • Making a Splash: Complete The Trial challenge in a B-Class Pickup & 4x4 vehicle. Rewards 10 Playlist Points and the 2013 Mini X-Raid All4 Racing Countryman
  • No Rain, No Gain: Complete the Seasonal Playground Games challenge in a B-Class Modern Rally vehicle. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and the "Quick Draw" emote
  • Cordillera: Complete the Cordillera Speed Zone challenge in an A-Class BMW vehicle. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Wheelspin
  • Letting Off Steam: Complete the Seasonal Championship challenge in an A-Class Modern Sports Car. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and the "Steam Boat" car horn
  • It's Rainin' Sideways: Complete the Seasonal Championship challenge in a B-Class Classic Muscle vehicle. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and the 1965 Hoonigan Ford Mustang Gymkhana 10 "Hoonicorn"
  • Runway: Complete the Runway Danger Sign challenge in an S1-Class Retro Sports Car. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Wheelspin
  • Hillside: Complete the Hillside Drift Zone challenge in an S1-Class Drift Car. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Wheelspin
  • New Kid on the Block: Complete the Seasonal Championship challenge in an A-Class Super Hot Hatch. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and the 2019 Hyundai Veloster N
  • Co-op Championships: Complete any Horizon Tour Event. Rewards 3 Playlist Points
• Challenges. There are five Challenges.
  • New Heights: Locate the Treasure Chest hidden outside of Mulegé. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and 50,000 Credits
  • #NewDigs!: Photograph any vehicle outside the Casa Bella Player House. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the "Welcome to Mexico!" Forza LINK message
  • Gotta Go Fast: Reach 140mph in any Horizon Open Racing Event. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and 25,000 Credits
  • Welcome to Mexico!: Smash 100 cacti. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and the "Gotta smash 'em all!" Forza LINK message
  • Battle Royale: Finish 30th or higher in The Eliminator. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the "This isn't even my final form" Forza LINK message
• Forzathon Shop. The Forzathon Shop is not open for Summer of Series 1

Autumn "Storm Season" (Nov. 18-24, 2021)

This is the Autumn Season of Forza Horizon 5's Series 1 Festival Playlist, which was available from Nov. 18 until Nov. 24, 2021.

• Season rewards. The Autumn Season of Series 1 has a total of 61 Playlist Points across all challenges. The main rewards include:
  • 1984 Honda Civic CRX Mugen for 22 Playlist Points: This is an Epic Rarity car, and is exclusive to the Festival Playlist
  • 2015 Radical RXC Turbo for 42 Playlist Points: This is an Epic Rarity car, and is hard to find in Forza Horizon 5
• Weekly Challenge. "Baja Bug" — The Weekly Challenge has four Chapters. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and 80 Forzathon Points.
  • Chapter 1: Own and drive the 1969 Volkswagen Class 5/1600 Baja Bug
  • Chapter 2: Earn 500,000 Skill Score with the 1969 Volkswagen Class 5/1600 Baja Bug
  • Chapter 3: Win any three Cross Country Events with the 1969 Volkswagen Class 5/1600 Baja Bug
  • Chapter 4: Earn a total of 12 Stars from any Trailblazer PR Stunts with the 1969 Volkswagen Class 5/1600 Baja Bug
• Daily Challenges. There are seven Daily Challenges. Each rewards 1 Playlist Point and 10 Forzathon Points.
  • Challenge 1: Buy any car from the Auction House
  • Challenge 2: Earn three Stars at any Speed Trap PR Stunt in a Classic Racer vehicle
  • Challenge 3: Earn 12 Clean Racing Skills from Road Race Events
  • Challenge 4: Jump a distance of 1,000 feet in any car
  • Challenge 5: Win any Street Race Event in a Vans & Utility vehicle
  • Challenge 6: Complete any Expedition
  • Challenge 7: Complete any Horizon Story chapter
• Season Events. There are 11 Season Events.
  • Horizon Arcade: Complete any Horizon Arcade event. Rewards 3 Playlist Points
  • Going Down a Storm: Complete The Trial challenge. Rewards 10 Playlist Points and the 2010 Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SV
  • RabidMrNoodle Presents: Complete the EventLab "The Gauntlet of Fun" challenge. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and the "Windows Tada" car horn
  • The Thunderdome: Complete the Seasonal Playground Games challenge with an up to B-Class Rod and Custom vehicle. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and a Super Wheelspin
  • Drag Strip: Complete the Drag Strip Speed Trap challenge with an S2-Class Ferrari. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Wheelspin
  • When It Rains, It Pours: Complete the Seasonal Championship challenge with an A-Class Modern Sports Car. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and 50,000 Credits
  • Pick Up the Pace: Complete the Seasonal Championship challenge with a B-Class Pickup & 4x4 vehicle. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and the 2019 Ford Ranger Raptor
  • Mountain Top: Complete the Mountain Top Danger Sign challenge with an A-Class Classic Muscle vehicle. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Wheelspin
  • Río Fuerte: Complete the Río Fuerte Speed Zone challenge with an S1-Class Modern Supercar vehicle. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Wheelspin
  • Four on the Floor: Complete the Seasonal Championship challenge with an up to S1-Class Sports Utility Hero vehicle. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and the 2015 BMW X6 M
  • Co-op Championships: Complete any Horizon Tour Event. Rewards 3 Playlist Points
• Challenges. There are three Challenges.
  • #SleepingGiant: Photograph any Modern Rally vehicle at La Gran Caldera volcano. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the "Sleepy" emote
  • Rightful Heir: Steal a crown in Horizon Open Playground Games. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and 25,000 Credits
  • Battle Royale: FInish 30th or better in The Eliminator. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the "Mexican Hat Dance" car horn
• Forzathon Shop. The Forzathon Shop offers the following items this Season:
  • 2017 Koenigsegg Agera RS 2017 for 600 Forzathon Points
  • Sea of Thieves Theme Car Horn for 75 Forzathon Points
  • Spaik Short Sleeved Shirt Jacket for 75 Forzathon Points
  • 2016 Honda Civic Coupe for 400 Forzathon Points
  • Super Wheelspin for 300 Forzathon Points
  • Wheelspin for 80 Forzathon Points

Winter "Dry Season" (Nov. 25-Dec. 1, 2021)

This is the Winter Season of Forza Horizon 5's Series 1 Festival Playlist, which was available from Nov. 25 until Dec. 1, 2021.

• Season rewards. The Winter Season of Series 1 has a total of 61 Playlist Points across all challenges. The main rewards include:
  • 2018 Italdesign Zerouno for 22 Playlist Points: This is a Legendary Rarity car, and is exclusive to the Festival Playlist
  • 1998 Subaru Impreza 22B STI for 42 Playlist Points: This is a Legendary Rarity car, and is hard to find in Forza Horizon 5
• Weekly Challenge. The Weekly Challenge has four Chapters. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and 80 Forzathon Points.
  • Chapter 1: Own and drive the 2019 Porsche 911 Carrera S
  • Chapter 2: Earn nine Stars in total from any Speed Trap PR Stunts with the 2019 Porsche 911 Carrera S
  • Chapter 3: Take a picture of the 2019 Porsche 911 Carrera S
  • Chapter 4: Drive for a total of 15 miles with the 2019 Porsche 911 Carrera S
• Daily Challenges. There are seven Daily Challenges. Rewards1 Playlist Point and 10 Forzathon Points each.
  • Challenge 1: Earn three Clean Racing Skills in a Dirt Race Event
  • Challenge 2: Earn a total of six Stars from any Trailblazer PR Stunts
  • Challenge 3: Smash 20 Solar Panels in 30 seconds or less
  • Challenge 4: Win any Street Race event in a Modern Supercar
  • Challenge 5: Complete any Horizon Tour event
  • Challenge 6: Win any Drag Race event in a Retro Muscle vehicle
  • Challenge 7: Buy any three cars
• Season Events. There are 11 Season Events.
  • Horizon Arcade: Complete any Horizon Arcade Event. Rewards 3 Playlist Points
  • A Fine Tradition: Complete The Trial challenge in any Collector's Series car. Rewards 10 Playlist Points and the 1969 Ferrari Dino 246 GT
  • Pickerchu Presents: Complete the Eventlab "Domination Mode" challenge in an A-Class USA car. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and the "Referee Whistle" car horn
  • Black Friday Bonanza: Complete the Seasonal Playground Games challenge in an A-Class Unlimited Offroad car. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and the "Thumbs Up" emote
  • Pyramid of the Moon: Complete the Pyramid of the Moon Speed Zone challenge in an S2-Class Porsche. Rewards two Playlist Points and a Wheelspin
  • No Expense Spared: Complete the Seasonal Championship challenge in an S1-Class High Roller car. Rewards five Playlist Points and the 2005 Ford GT
  • The Real Deal: Complete the Seasonal Championship challenge in a C-Class Reasonably Priced car. Rewards five Playlist Points and the 2016 Pagani Huayra BC
  • Calle Principal: Complete the Calle Principal Speed Trap challenge in an S1-Class Retro Muscle car. Rewards two Playlist Points and a Wheelspin
  • Canyon Run: Complete the Canyon Run Trailblazer challenge in an A-Class Unlimited Offroad car. Rewards two Playlist Points and a Wheelspin
  • Midnight Battle: Complete the Seasonal Championship challenge in an A-Class Super Hot Hatch. Rewards five Playlist Points and a Super Wheelspin
  • Co-op Championships: Complete any Horizon Tour Event. Rewards three Playlist Points
• Challenges. There are three Challenges.
  • #TwilightSaga: Photograph any vehicle at night. Rewards the "Clock Tower" car horn
  • Prepare for Elimination: Eliminate two or more opponents in a single game of The Eliminator. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and 25,000 Credits
  • Battle Royale: Finish 30th or higher in The Eliminator. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the "Welcome to The Eliminator" Forza LINK message
• Forzathon Shop. The Forzathon Shop offers the following items this Season:
  • 2012 Hennessey Venom GT for 600 Forzathon Points
  • DOOM E1M1 High Car Horn for 75 Forzathon Points
  • 1970 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 for 400 Forzathon Points
  • Wheelspin for 80 Forzathon Points
  • Light Blue Hight Tops for 75 Forzathon Points
  • Super Wheelspin for 300 Forzathon Points

Spring "Hot Season" (Dec. 2-8, 2021)

This is the Spring Season of Forza Horizon 5's Series 1 Festival Playlist, which was available from Dec. 2 until Dec. 8, 2021.

• Season rewards. The Spring Season of Series 1 has a total of 61 Playlist Points across all Challenges. The main rewards include:
  • 2019 Raesr Tachyon Speed for 24 Playlist Points: This is an Epic Rarity car, and is exclusive to the Festival Playlist
  • 1985 Toyota Sprinter Trueno GT Apex for 44 Playlist Points: This is an Epic Rarity car, and is hard to find in Forza Horizon 5
• Weekly Challenge. "New Benchmark" — The Weekly Challenge has four Chapters. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and 80 Forzathon Points.
  • Chapter 1: Own and drive the 2019 Ferrari 488 Pista
  • Chapter 2: Earn five Ultimate Speed Skills with the 2019 Ferrari 488 Pista
  • Chapter 3: Win any three Road Racing Events with the 2019 Ferrari 488 Pista
  • Chapter 4: Earn three Daredevil Skills with the 2019 Ferrari 488 Pista
• Daily Challenges. There are seven Daily Challenges. Each rewards 1 Playlist Point and 10 Forzathon Points.
  • Challenge 1: Purchase any three Car Mastery Perks
  • Challenge 2: Earn three Clean Racing Skills in any Cross Country Event
  • Challenge 3: Earn three Stars from any Speed Trap PR Stunt
  • Challenge 4: Drive a total of 10 miles in Road Racing Events
  • Challenge 5: Beat Round Three of any Horizon Arcade Event
  • Challenge 6: Drive above 150mph in any car for 15 seconds uninterrupted
  • Challenge 7: Earn three Stars from any Drift Zone PR Stunt
• Season Events. There are 10 Season Events.
  • Horizon Arcade: Complete any Horizon Arcade Event. Rewards 3 Playlist Points
  • Rite of Passage: Complete The Trial challenge in a D-Class to A-Class Classic Sports Car. Rewards 10 Playlist Points and the 1967 Ferrari Spa 330 P4 #24
  • Party Time: Complete the Season Playground Games challenge in a D-Class to B-Class Retro Hot Hatch car. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and the 1981 Ford Fiesta XR2
  • Avenida: Complete the Avenida Speed Trap challenge in an S1-Class Nissan car. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Wheelspin
  • Drop It Like It's Hot: Complete the Seasonal Championship challenge in an S1-Class Retro Supercar. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and a Super Wheelspin
  • High Noon: Complete the Seasonal Championship challenge in a D-Class to B-Class Retro Saloon car. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and the 2016 Jaguar F-TYPE Project 7
  • Los Jardines: Complete the Los Jardines Danger Sign challenge in an S1-Class GT Car. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Wheelspin
  • Orilla Del Río: Complete the Orilla Del Río Speed Zone challenge in an A-Class Modern Rally car. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Wheelspin
  • Holidays are Comin': Complete the Seasonal Championship challenge in a D-Class to A-Class Truck. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and the "Jingle Bells" car horn
  • Co-op Championships: Complete any Horizon Tour Event. Rewards 3 Playlist Points
• Challenges. There are four Challenges.
  • Hold Your Horses: Find the Treasure Chest (Clue: Earn 10 Stars from any PR Stunts in any Mustang car). Rewards 3 Playlist Points and 50,000 Credits
  • #ShoppingSpree: Photograph any Vans & Utility vehicle in Guanajuato. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the "Special Delivery!" Forza LINK message
  • Getting Sideways: Perform 5 Ultimate Drift Skills in Horizon Open Drifting Race Events. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and 25,000 Credits
  • Battle Royale: Finish 30th or better in The Eliminator. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the "La Cucaracha" car horn
• Forzathon Shop. The Forzathon Shop offers the following items this Season:
  • 1998 Porsche 911 GT1 Strassenversion for 600 Forzathon Points
  • "Beautiful Morning" Car Horn for 75 Forzathon Points
  • 2013 Audi R8 Coupé V10 plus 5.2 FSI Quattro for 400 Forzathon Points
  • Wheelspin for 80 Forzathon Points
  • "The Robot" Emote for 75 Forzathon Points
  • Super Wheelspin for 300 Forzathon Points

Series 2 "Holiday Special" (Dec. 9, 2021-Jan. 5, 2022)

Series 2 of the Festival Playlist introduces a community-wide gifting event, in which all Gift Drops and Forzathon Shop gifts (available just for the duration of this series) contribute towards exclusive rewards, including a new car. The world also enjoys some unique holiday decorations and a new ice rink during this Series.

• Series 2 rewards. Series 2 of Forza Horizon 5's Festival Playlist has a total of 266 Playlist Points across all Seasons. The Series rewards include:
  • Gingerbread Outfit cosmetic item for 120 Playlist Points: This is a Legendary Outfit, and is exclusive to the Festival Playlist
  • 2019 Lamborghini Aventador SVJ for 200 Playlist Points: This is a Legendary car, and is exclusive to the Festival Playlist
• Monthly Events.
  • Cathedral Circuit: Post a clean lap and complete the Horizon Rivals event. Rewards 4 Playlist Points
  • Horizon Secret Santa: Gift Forzathon Shop items or Gift Drops to other players with the community to reach the cumulative goal. Rewards the Santa Outfit cosmetic item and an exclusive, Legendary mystery car at two separate milestones

Summer "Wet Season" (Dec. 9-15, 2021)

This is the Summer Season of Forza Horizon 5's Series 2 Festival Playlist, which was available from Dec. 9 until Dec. 15.

• Season rewards. The Summer Season of Series 2 has a total of 68 Playlist Points across all Challenges. The main rewards include:
  • 2018 Mercedes-AMG E 63 S for 25 Playlist Points: This is an Epic rarity car, and is exclusive to the Festival Playlist
  • 1939 Maserati 8CTF for 45 Playlist Points: This is a Legendary rarity car, and is exclusive to the Festival Playlist
• Weekly Challenge. "Future Classic" — The Weekly Challenge has four Chapters. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and 80 Forzathon Points.
  • Chuki: Own and drive the 1993 Nissan 240SX SE
  • Hayasa: Upgrade the 1993 Nissan 240SX SE and reach a top speed of at least 175mph
  • Dori: Earn 10 Ultimate Drift Skills with the 1993 Nissan 240SX SE
  • Hashiriya: Win 4 Street Race Events with the 1993 Nissan 240SX SE
• Daily Challenges. There are seven Daily Challenges. Each rewards 1 Playlist Point and 10 Forzathon Points.
  • Break the Bank: Bank 250,000 Skill Points in any car
  • Triple Drop: Drive three different cars in a single game of The Eliminator
  • No Signal: Smash five Phonebooths in any car
  • Designed to Win: Win a Cross-Country Race Event in an Offroad car
  • Go Wild: Take a picture at the Horizon Wilds Outpost
  • Mixology: Complete three different Event Blueprints
  • In Three Minds: Buy any three cars
• Season Events. There are 11 Season Events.
  • Mini Games: Complete any Horizon Arcade theme. Rewards 3 Playlist Points
  • Elf on the Shelf: Complete The Trial challenge in a B-Class Offroad car. Rewards 10 Playlist Points and the Elf Outfit cosmetic item
  • Bowling in the Deep: Complete the EventLab challenge by knocking down pins while racing to the finish in an A-Class Rally Monster car. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and the Elf Hat cosmetic item
  • Ready, Set, Glow: Complete the Seasonal Playground Games in any A-Class car. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air
  • Estadio: Complete the Speed Trap challenge in a B-Class Classic Muscle car. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Wheelspin
  • Toys Under the Tree: Complete the Seasonal Championship in an S1-Class Track Toy car. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and the Red Nose cosmetic item
  • Yule the Boss: Complete the Seasonal Championship in an S1-Class Ford Mustang car. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and the 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 302
  • Desert Dunes: Complete the Danger Sign challenge in an S1-Class Rally Monster car. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Wheelspin
  • Riviera Maya: Complete the Speed Zone challenge in an A-Class Rods and Customs car. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Wheelspin
  • Good Tidings We Bring: Complete the Seasonal Championship in a B-Class Modern Rally car. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and the 2017 Ford Fiesta #14 Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing GRC
  • Co-Op Championships: Complete a Horizon Tour Championship. Rewards 3 Playlist Points
• Challenges. There are four Challenges.
  • Blazing Thunder: Find the Treasure Chest (Clue: Come as you are for a blazing trilogy across any trails). Rewards 3 Playlist Points and 50,000 Credits
  • #MerryLilLambo: Take a photo of the 1997 Lamborghini Diablo SV at the Mulegé Holiday Market. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the "Smile, you're on camera!" Forza Link message
  • Road Racer: Complete any Horizon Open Race Event. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and 25,000 Credits
  • Battle Royale: Finish 30th or better in The Eliminator. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the "Last man standing!" Forza Link message
• Forzathon Shop. The Forzathon Shop offers the following items this Season:
  • 2015 Mercedes-Benz #24 Tankpool24 Racing Truck Forza Edition for 600 Forzathon Points
  • 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 for 200 Forzathon Points
  • 1992 Bugatti EB110 Super Sport for 400 Forzathon Points
  • Wheelspin for 80 Forzathon Points
  • 2020 Ford Performance Bronco R #2069 for 300 Forzathon Points
  • Super Wheelspin for 300 Forzathon Points

Autumn "Storm Season" (Dec. 16-22, 2021)

This is the Autumn Season of Forza Horizon 5's Series 2 Festival Playlist, which was available from Dec. 16 until Dec. 22, 2021.

• Season rewards. The Autumn Season of Series 2 has a total of 65 Playlist Points across all Challenges. The main rewards include:
  • 2015 Koenigsegg One:1 for 25 Playlist Points. This is a Legendary rarity car and is exclusive to the Festival Playlist
  • 2018 Exomotive Exocet Off-Road Forza Edition for 45 Playlist Points. This is a Forza Edition car and is exclusive to the Festival Playlist
• Weekly Challenge. "I Wanna Be a Rockstar" — The Weekly Challenge has 4 Chapters. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and 80 Forzathon Points.
  • Super Star: Own and drive the 2016 RJ Anderson #37 Polaris RZR-Rockstar Energy Pro 2 Truck
  • Rugged Racer: Win two Cross-Country Circuit Race Events with the 2016 RJ Anderson #37 Polaris RZR-Rockstar Energy Pro 2 Truck
  • Like a Pro: Earn a total of 15 Stars from Danger Signs with the 2016 RJ Anderson #37 Polaris RZR-Rockstar Energy Pro 2 Truck
  • Trophy Truck: Win two Cross-Country Circuit Race Events with the 2016 RJ Anderson #37 Polaris RZR-Rockstar Energy Pro 2 Truck
• Daily Challenges. There are seven Daily Challenges. Each rewards 1 Playlist Points and 10 Forzathon Points.
  • That's an A Game: Beat three Rivals in A-Class Rivals Events
  • Flagman: Score a Flag in a Flag Rush Playground Game
  • Clean Fun: Earn three Clean Racing Skills in any Road Race Event
  • Lucky: Drive a Level 7 car in The Eliminator
  • All Hands on Deck: Win a Horizon Tour Championship
  • High Roller: Complete a Horizon Arcade Event driving any car worth more than 1 million Credits
  • Collateral Damage: Earn five Wreckage Skills within 20 seconds
• Season Events. There are 10 Season Events.
  • Mini Games: Complete a Horizon Arcade Event. Rewards 3 Playlist Points
  • Make It Rein: Complete The Trial challenge in an A-Class Super Saloon car. Rewards 10 Playlist Points and the Snowman Outfit cosmetic item
  • Snowball Fight: Complete the Seasonal Playground Games in a B-Class Unlimited Buggy car. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and the 2011 Penhall "The Cholla"
  • Pyramid of the Sun: Complete the Speed Trap challenge in an S1-Class 2003 Audi RS 6. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Wheelspin
  • Carol of the Bel Airs: Complete the Seasonal Championship in a B-Class 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and the Holiday Sweater cosmetic item
  • Drivin' Home for Xmas: Complete the Seasonal Championship in any B-Class car. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and the "Merry Christmas!" Forza Link message
  • Cascadas: Complete the Danger Sign challenge in an A-Class Ford car. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Wheelspin
  • Costa Rocosa: Complete the Speed Zone challenge in an A-Class Unlimited Buggy car. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Wheelspin
  • Getting Hyped: Complete the Seasonal Championship in an S1-Class Hypercar. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and the 2012 Lamborghini Aventador J
  • Co-op Championships: Complete a Horizon Tour Championship. Rewards 3 Playlist Points
• Challenges. There are five Challenges.
  • #HolidaySpirit: Take a photo of the 2002 Mazda RX-7 Spirit R Type-A at the Giant Holiday Tree in Guanajuato. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the Sleigh Bells Car Horn
  • Dream Team: Deny five Flags in any Team Flag Rush Events. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and 25,000 Credits
  • Battle Royale: Finish 30th or better in The Eliminator. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and 50,000 Credits
  • Frosty Friends: Smash 15 Snowmen. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and the Snowman Outfit cosmetic item
• Forzathon Shop. The Forzathon Shop offers the following items this Season:
  • 1987 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTA Forza Edition for 600 Forzathon Points
  • 2017 Porsche Panamera Turbo for 200 Forzathon Points
  • 2019 Hennessey VelociRaptor 6x6 for 400 Forzathon Points
  • 2015 Ferrari F12tdf for 300 Forzathon Points
  • Wheelspin for 80 Forzathon Points
  • Super Wheelspin for 300 Forzathon Points

Winter "Dry Season" (Dec. 23-29, 2021)

This is the Winter Season of Forza Horizon 5's Series 2 Festival Playlist, which was available from Dec. 23 until Dec. 29, 2021.

• Season rewards. The Winter Season of Series 2 has a total of 65 Playlist Points across all Challenges. The main rewards include:
  • 2011 Ferrari 599 GTO for 25 Playlist Points: This is an Epic rarity car and is exclusive to the Festival Playlist
  • 1971 Meyers Manx for 45 Playlist Points: This is a Forza Edition car and is exclusive to the Festival Playlist
• Weekly Challenge. "Game Changing" — The Weekly Challenge has four Chapters. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and 80 Forzathon Points.
  • Pininfarina Style: Own and drive the 2009 Ferrari 458 Italia
  • Limit Breaker: Maintain a speed over 200mph for at least 10 seconds with the 2009 Ferrari 458 Italia
  • True Grip: Earn 6 Stars from any Speed Zones in five minutes or less with the 2009 Ferrari 458 Italia
  • Go Go Go: Win two Road Circuit Race Events with the 2009 Ferrari 458 Italia
• Daily Challenges. There are seven Daily Challenges. Each rewards 1 Playlist Point and 10 Forzathon Points.
  • Family Sport: Win any Road Race Event in a Super Saloon car
  • The Eliminator: Complete a game of The Eliminator
  • Air Force Three: Earn three Stars from any Danger Sign
  • Control Master: Drive above 100mph for at least 20 seconds in any car
  • Parking Ticket: Smash 25 Bikes in Guanajuato
  • Camper Convoy: Complete a Horizon Tour in the 1963 Volkswagen Type 2 De Luxe
  • Challenging: Complete any Challenge Card
• Season Events. There are 10 Season Events.
  • Mini Games: Complete a Horizon Arcade Event. Rewards 3 Playlist Points
  • Santamental Feelings: Complete The Trial challenge in a B-Class Retro Sports Car. Rewards 10 Playlist Points and the 1995 Nissan NISMO GT-R LM
  • Jungle Bells: Complete the Seasonal Playground Games in a B-Class Classic Rally Car. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and the 2017 Volkswagen Beetle #34 Andretti Rallycross
  • Bulevar: Complete the Speed Trap challenge in an S1-Class 1997 Mazda RX-7. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Wheelspin
  • Feliz Navidad: Complete the Seasonal Championship in a C-Class 1970's car. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and the 1978 Hoonigan Ford Escort RS1800
  • Oh, Deer: Complete the Seasonal Championship in an A-Class Land Rover Range Rover car. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and the Reindeer Antlers cosmetic item
  • Basejump: Complete the Danger Sign challenge in a B-Class Retro Sports Car. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Wheelspin
  • Barranco: Complete the Trail Blazer challenge in an A-Class UTV car. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Wheelspin
  • '20 Supra GR Championship: Complete the Seasonal Championship in an A-Class 2020 Toyota Supra GR. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and the Toyota Race Suit cosmetic item
  • Co-op Championships: Complete a Horizon Tour Championship. Rewards 3 Playlist Points
• Challenges. There are five Challenges.
  • #SnowGiant: Take a photo of any car at the top of La Gran Caldera. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the "Ho Ho Ho!" Forza Link message
  • People Person: Eliminate five players in The Eliminator. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and 25,000 Credits
  • Battle Royale: Finish 30th or better in The Eliminator. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the "Happy Holidays!" Forza Link message
  • It's Raining Gifts!: Smash 25 present piles at Horizon Outposts. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and the "Merry Christmas" Car Horn
• Forzathon Shop. The Forzathon Shop offers the following items this Season:
  • 2003 Nissan Fairlady Z Forza Edition for 600 Forzathon Points
  • "Ho Ho Ho" Car Horn for 75 Forzathon Points
  • "Deck the Halls" Car Horn for 75 Forzathon Points
  • 2015 Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR for 300 Forzathon Points
  • Wheelspin for 80 Forzathon Points
  • Super Wheelspin for 300 Forzathon Points

Spring "Hot Season" (Dec. 30, 2021-Jan. 5, 2022)

This is the Spring Season of Forza Horizon 5's Series 2 Festival Playlist, which was available from Dec. 30, 2021, until Jan. 5, 2022.

• Season rewards. The Spring Season of Series 2 has a total of 68 Playlist Points across all Challenges. The main rewards include:
  • 2012 Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder Performante LP570-4 for 25 Playlist Points. This is an Epic rarity car and is exclusive to the Festival Playlist
  • 1965 Peel Trident for 45 Playlist Points: This is a Rare rarity car and is exclusive to the Festival Playlist
• Weekly Challenge. "The Cossie" — The Weekly Challenge has four Chapters. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and 80 Forzathon Points.
  • 90's Icon: Own and drive the 1992 Ford Escort RS Cosworth
  • RS is for Rallye Sport: Win three Dirt Trail Race Events with the 1992 Ford Escort RS Cosworth
  • Hoon Again: Earn a total of 100,000 Skill Points with the 1992 Ford Escort RS Cosworth
  • Wing Commander: Earn nine Stars in total from Danger Signs with the 1992 Ford Escort RS Cosworth
• Daily Challenges. There are seven Daily Challenges. Each rewards 1 Playlist Point and 10 Forzathon Points.
  • Street Gentleman: Earn 12 Clean Racing Skills from any Street Race Events
  • Grand Touring: Complete a Horizon Tour in any GT car
  • Rubbish: Smash five Bins in 60 seconds or less
  • Ideal Make: Win a Street Race Event in a Rods and Customs car
  • Route One: Earn three Stars from any Trailblazer
  • Bunny Hopping: Earn 10 Air Skills within 30 seconds
  • Spotless Drive: Earn 12 Clean Racing Skills from any Dirt Race Events
• Season Events. There are 11 Season Events.
  • Mini Games: Complete a Horizon Arcade Event. Rewards 3 Playlist Points
  • Tis the Season to be Hooning: Complete The Trial challenge in an S1-Class Hoonigan car. Rewards 10 Playlist Points and the 1994 Hoonigan Ford Escort RS Cosworth WRC "Cossie V2"
  • Upgrade 2 Exit: Collect chests and upgrade your 2017 Ford Focus RS. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and the "Knock knock" Forza Link message
  • No Small Wonder: Complete the Seasonal Playground Games in a B-Class Volkswagen car. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and the "Dial Up Modem" Car Horn
  • Los Árboles: Complete the Speed Trap challenge in an A-Class 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 302. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Wheelspin
  • Auld Lang Syne: Complete the Seasonal Championship in an A-Class 2010's car. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and the 2019 Aston Martin Vantage
  • Down for the Countdown: Complete the Seasonal Championship in a C-Class Pickups & 4x4's car. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and the 2014 Mercedes-Benz G 63 AMG 6x6
  • Boardwalk: Complete the Danger Sign challenge in an A-Class Super Saloon car. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Wheelspin
  • Punto de Vista: Complete the Speed Zone challenge in a C-Class Pickups & 4x4's car. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Wheelspin
  • New Beginnings: Complete the Seasonal Championship in an A-Class GT Car. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and the 2002 Ferrari 575M Maranello
  • Co-op Championships: Complete a Horizon Tour Championship. Rewards 3 Playlist Points
• Challenges. There are four Challenges.
  • Too Cool to Air: Find and smash the Treasure Chest (Clue: I hear 25 bells ringing in the air like it's 1957). Rewards 3 Playlist Points and 50,000 Credits
  • #UnPeelievable: Take a photo of the 1965 Peel Trident at Teotihuacán. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the Air Guitar Emote
  • Driftacular: Complete any Horizon Open Drift Racing Event. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and 25,000 Credits
  • Battle Royale: Finish 30th or better in The Eliminator. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the "Happy New Year!" Forza Link message
• Forzathon Shop. The Forzathon Shop offers the following items this Season:
  • 2011 Lamborghini Sesto Elemento Forza Edition for 600 Forzathon Points
  • Santa Hat cosmetic item for 75 Forzathon Points
  • 1977 Ford Escort RS1800 MKII #5 for 300 Forzathon Points
  • Wheelspin for 80 Forzathon Points
  • Happy Snowman Head cosmetic item for 75 Forzathon Points
  • Super Wheelspin for 300 Forzathon Points

Series 3 "Happy New Year" (Jan. 6-Feb. 2, 2022)

Series 3 builds off of Series 2's holidays theme by celebrating the New Years, again with unique decorations and changes to the world. There are more exclusive cars added in this Festival Playlist as well, with unique challenges and Accolades attributed to them.

• Series TK rewards. Series 3 of Forza Horizon 5's Festival Playlist has a total of 266 Playlist Points across all Seasons. The Series rewards include:
  • 2016 Zenvo TS1 for 120 Playlist Points: This is a Legendary rarity car, and is exclusive to the Festival Playlist
  • 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1 for 200 Playlist Points: This is an Epic rarity car, and is exclusive to the Festival Playlist
• Monthly Events. There is one monthly event.
  • Plaza Circuit: Post a clean lap at the Rivals challenge. Rewards 4 Playlist Points

Summer "Wet Season" (Jan. 6-12, 2022)

This is the Summer Season of Forza Horizon 5's Series 3 Festival Playlist, which was available from Jan. 6 until Jan. 12, 2022.

• Season rewards. The Summer Season of Series 3 has a total of 68 Playlist Points across all Challenges. The main rewards include:
  • 2015 Ferrari 488 GTB for 25 Playlist Points: This is an Epic rarity car and is valuable
  • 2003 Toyota Celica SS-I for 45 Playlist Points: This is a Rare rarity car and is exclusive to the Festival Playlist
• Weekly Challenge. "No Expense Spared" — The Weekly Challenge has 4 Chapters. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and 80 Forzathon Points.
  • One of 500: Own and drive the 2010 Lexus LFA
  • Best Speedometer Ever: Reach 200mph in the 2010 Lexus LFA
  • Apex is in the Name: Win two Road Circuit Race Events in the 2010 Lexus LFA
  • Ring Wraith: Drive 20 miles in the 2010 Lexus LFA
• Daily Challenges. There are 7 Daily Challenges. Each rewards 1 Playlist Point and 10 Forzathon Points.
  • Check This Out!: Create and publish an Event Blueprint with EventLab
  • Short Story: Reach 140mph in any Horizon Story chapter
  • Seeing Double: Beat any ghost in Rivals
  • Audi Here: Complete Round 3 of any Horizon Arcade event in an Audi car
  • Next Level: Unlock a Car Mastery
  • Off to the Races: Win a Dirt Scramble Race Event in any S1-Class car
  • Open Road: Smash five traffic cones
• Season Events. There are 11 Season Events.
  • Mini Games: Complete any Horizon Arcade event. Rewards 3 Playlist Points
  • Winner Winner: Complete The Trial challenge in a B-Class Rare Classics car. Rewards 10 Playlist Points and the 1961 Jaguar E-Type
  • Stunters' Paradise: Complete the Event Blueprint challenge in a B-Class Unlimited Offroad car. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and a Wheelspin
  • Soaked: Complete the Seasonal Playground Games event in an A-Class UTV car. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and the "I'm the best at games" Forza LINK phrase
  • Ringroad: Complete the Speed Zone challenge in a B-Class 1998 Toyota Supra RZ. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Wheelspin
  • Come Rain or Shine: Complete the Seasonal Championship in an A-Class Unlimited Offroad car. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and the 2017 Ford Bronco #25 Ultra4 Racing "Brocky"
  • A Mini Adventure: Complete the Seasonal Championship in a B-Class Mini car. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and the 2018 Mini X-Raid John Cooper Works Buggy
  • Colina: Complete the Danger Sign challenge in a C-Class Rods and Customs car. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Wheelspin
  • Desert Descent: Complete the Trail Blazer challenge in an A-Class 2017 Ford Bronco #25 Ultra4 Racing "Brocky." Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Super Wheelspin
  • Grand Gesture: Complete the Seasonal Championship in an S1-Class GT Car. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and the 2010 Maserati Gran Turismo S
  • Co-op Championships: Complete a Horizon Tour. Rewards 3 Playlist Points
• Challenges. There are 5 Challenges.
  • #HeardingCats: Photograph any Jaguar car at Farid Rueda's mural in Playa Azul. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the "Cat Meow" Forza LINK phrase
  • I'm Gonna Get Ya!: Infect another player in Infected or Survival Playground Games. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the Mexican Traffic Light Car Horn
  • Battle Royale: Finish 30th or better in The Eliminator. Rewards 2 Playlist Points
  • Lights Out: Smash 25 solar panels. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and 25,000 Credits
• Forzathon Shop. The Forzathon Shop offers the following items this Season:
  • 2019 McLaren Speedtail for 700 Forzathon Points
  • Star27 Face Mask cosmetic item for 75 Forzathon Points
  • 2015 Alumi Craft Class 10 for 400 Forzathon Points
  • Jump On It Emote for 75 Forzathon Points
  • Wheelspin for 80 Forzathon Points
  • Super Wheelspin for 300 Forzathon Points

Autumn "Storm Season" (Jan. 13-19, 2022)

This is the Autumn Season of Forza Horizon 5's Series 3 Festival Playlist, which was available from Jan. 13 until Jan. 19.

• Season rewards. The Autumn Season of Series 3 has a total of 65 Playlist Points across all Challenges. The main rewards include:
  • 2013 Donkervoort D8 GTO for 25 Playlist Points. This is an Epic rarity car and is exclusive to the Festival Playlist
  • 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser Arctic Trucks AT37 for 45 Playlist Points. This is a Rare rarity car and is exclusive to the Festival Playlist
• Weekly Challenge. "Blower Bentley" — The Weekly Challenge has 4 Chapters. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and 80 Forzathon Points.
  • Boys Own: Own and drive the 1930 Bentley 1-1/2 Litre Supercharged
  • Break the Record: Earn a total of 9 Stars at Speed Zones in the 1930 Bentley 1-1/2 Litre Supercharged
  • Sweet Taste: Win three Road Racing Events in the 1930 Bentley 1-1/2 Litre Supercharged
  • Secret Agent: Drive 100 miles in the 1930 Bentley 1-1/2 Litre Supercharged
• Daily Challenges. There are 7 Daily Challenges. Each rewards 1 Playlist Point and 10 Forzathon Points.
  • Getting Started: Drive 10 miles in Horizon Tour events
  • Playception: Complete any Festival Playlist activity
  • Rawrsome: Win two Road Racing Events in any Jaguar car
  • Ultimate Talent: Earn and bank an Ultimate Skill Chain
  • Waterways: Take a picture at Sierra Water Dam
  • Taking Stock: Spend 50,000 Credits on car upgrades
  • Lightning Speeds: Reach 100mph in any Expedition
• Season Events. There are 10 Season Events.
  • Mini Games: Complete any Horizon Arcade event. Rewards 3 Playlist Points
  • Baja California: Complete The Trial challenge in an A-Class Unlimited Offroad car. Rewards 10 Playlist Points and a Super Wheelspin
  • Temple Runner: Complete the Seasonal Playground Games event in a B-Class Retro Rally car. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and the 1999 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI GSR
  • Swamplands: Complete the Speed Trap challenge in an A-Class 1987 Ferrari F40. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Wheelspin
  • Welcome to the Jungle: Complete the Seasonal Championship in an A-Class 2016 Jeep Trailcat. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and the Tiger Roar Car Horn
  • Underground, Overground: Complete the Seasonal Championship in a B-Class Hot Hatch car. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and the 2011 Volkswagen Scirocco R
  • Eagle's Perch: Complete the Danger Sign challenge in a B-Class Mitsubishi car. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Wheelspin
  • Watersplash: Complete the Speed Zone challenge in a B-Class Classic Rally car. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Wheelspin
  • Calm Before the Storm: Complete the Seasonal Championship in an S2-Class Extreme Track Toys car. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and the 2013 Ariel Atom 500 V8
  • Co-op Championships: Complete a Horizon Tour event. Rewards 3 Playlist Points
• Challenges. There are 4 Challenges.
  • Lucky Skills: Complete the Treasure Hunt (Clue: Cause a wreck in the 2017 Nissan GT-R, with the number of tries matching the generation). Rewards 3 Playlist Points and 50,000 Credits
  • #Purfect: Take a photograph of the 1999 Ford Racing Puma in La Selva. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the "I'm in the zone!" Forza LINK phrase
  • Clean Up Nicely: Earn three Clean Racing Skills in Horizon Open Racing Events. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the White Skinny Jeans Vanity Item
  • Battle Royale: Finish 30th or better in The Eliminator. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the Gong Car Horn
• Forzathon Shop. The Forzathon Shop offers the following items this Season:
  • 2008 Koenigsegg CCGT for 600 Forzathon Points
  • Red Round Shades Vanity Item for 75 Forzathon Points
  • 1994 Ford Supervan 3 for 400 Forzathon Points
  • Wheelspin for 80 Forzathon Points
  • Wah Wah Wah Wahhh Car Horn for 75 Forzathon Points
  • Super Wheelspin for 300 Forzathon Points

Winter "Dry Season" (Jan. 20-26, 2022)

This is the Winter Season of Forza Horizon 5's Series 3 Festival Playlist, which was available from Jan. 20 until Jan. 26, 2022.

• Season rewards. The Winter Season of Series 3 has a total of 65 Playlist Points across all Challenges. The main rewards include:
  • 2003 Porsche Carrera GT for 25 Playlist Points: This is an Epic rarity car and is valuable
  • 2014 Toyota Hilux Arctic Trucks AT38: This is a Rare rarity car and is exclusive to the Festival Playlist
• Weekly Challenge. "Ultimate Offroader" — The Weekly Challenge has 4 Chapters. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and 80 Forzathon Points.
  • Safari Concept: Own and drive the 2016 Jeep Trailcat
  • Hellcat Power: Win three Dirt Trail Race Events in the 2016 Jeep Trailcat
  • Natural Instincts: Earn 15 Air Skills in the 2016 Jeep Trailcat
  • Treacherous Terrain: Win three Cross-Country Race Events in the 2016 Jeep Trailcat
• Daily Challenges. There are 7 Daily Challenges. Each rewards 1 Playlist Point and 10 Forzathon Points.
  • Dry Run: Reach 140mph in any Dirt Racing Event
  • Plot Twist: Earn five Drift Skills in any Horizon Story chapter
  • Taco This: Smash a taco cart
  • In Reverse: Complete a Drift Theme Horizon Arcade event in any Drift car
  • Hyper Equipment: Win a Road Race Event in a Hypercar
  • Play by the Rules: Play an Event Blueprint created by another player
  • A Little Something: Send a Gift Drop to another player
• Season Events. There are 10 Season Events.
  • Mini Games: Complete any Horizon Arcade event. Rewards 3 Playlist Points
  • Grand Finale: Complete The Trial challenge in an S1-Class Classic Racers car. Rewards 10 Playlist Points and a Super Wheelspin
  • Cat and Mouse: Complete the Seasonal Playground Games event in an A-Class car. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and the 1983 GMC Vandura G-1500
  • Bypass: Complete the Speed Trap challenge in any S2-Class car. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Wheelspin
  • Cross-Country Skiing: Complete the Seasonal Championship in an A-Class Unlimited Buggies car. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and the 2016 Ariel Nomad
  • Athletes: Complete the Seasonal Championship in an S2-Class car. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and the Classic Running Man Emote
  • La Cruz: Complete the Danger Sign challenge in an A-Class 2016 Bentley Bentayga. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Wheelspin
  • Over the Dune: Complete the Trail Blazer challenge in an A-Class 2017 Ford Bronco #25 Ultra4 Racing "Brocky." Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Super Wheelspin
  • Speed Skating: Complete the Seasonal Championship in an S1-Class Super Saloon car. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and the 2012 BMW M5
  • Co-op Championships: Complete a Horizon Tour event. Rewards 3 Playlist Points
• Challenges. There are 4 Challenges.
  • #BigCityLights: Photograph Guanajuato at night. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the "Action!!!" Forza LINK phrase
  • Third Time Lucky: Score three Car Drops in one game of The Eliminator. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the "Kinda sus" Forza LINK phrase
  • Battle Royale: Finish 30th or better in The Eliminator. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the "I have the high ground" Forza LINK phrase
  • Light the Beacons!: Smash 50 floating Chinese lanterns in the Dunas Blancas. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and the "Eat my dust!" Forza LINK phrase
• Forzathon Shop. The Forzathon Shop offers the following items this Season:
  • 2018 Bugatti Chiron for 700 Forzathon Points
  • Pink Blazer Vanity Item for 75 Forzathon Points
  • 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon for 400 Forzathon Points
  • Pop 'n' Lock Emote for 75 Forzathon Points
  • Wheelspin for 80 Forzathon Points
  • Super Wheelspin for 300 Forzathon Points

Spring "Hot Season" (Jan. 27-Feb. 2, 2022)

This is the Spring Season of Forza Horizon 5's Series 3 Festival Playlist, which was available from Jan. 27 until Feb. 2, 2022.

• Season rewards. The Spring Season of Series 3 has a total of 68 Playlist Points across all Challenges. The main rewards include:
  • 2015 Jaguar XKR-S for 25 Playlist Points. This is an Epic rarity car and is exclusive to the Festival Playlist
  • 1989 Lotus Carlton for 45 Playlist Points. This is a Rare rarity car and is exclusive to the Festival Playlist
• Weekly Challenge. "Mid-Engine Madness" — The Weekly Challenge has 4 Chapters. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and 80 Forzathon Points.
  • Garden Gate: Own and drive the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette C8 Stingray Coupé
  • Racing Heritage: Win two Road Racing Events in the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette C8 Stingray Coupé
  • Jet Fighter Inspo: Earn 10 Ultimate Air Skills in the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette C8 Stingray Coupé
  • Sting in the Tail: Reach 194mph in the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette C8 Stingray Coupé
• Daily Challenges. There are 7 Daily Challenges. Each rewards 1 Playlist Point and 10 Forzathon Points.
  • On Board: Earn a Skillboard Skill by smashing any billboard
  • Made for This: Win any Cross-Country Race Event in a Rally Monster car
  • Challenge Accepted: Complete a Challenge Card in free roam
  • Rock Out: Take a picture at Valle De Las Ranas
  • Sandwich: Smash three picnic tables
  • Fresh Air: Earn three Air Skills during Cross-Country Race Events
  • Organized Chaos: Complete a Chaos Theme Horizon Arcade event
• Season Events. There are 11 Season Events.
  • Mini Games: Complete any Horizon Arcade event. Rewards 3 Playlist Points
  • Eye of the Tiger: Complete The Trial challenge in any S1-Class car. Rewards 10 Playlist Points and Horizon Exclusive Pencil Dress Vanity Item
  • Airfield UTV Cup: Complete the Event Blueprint challenge in a UTV car. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and the Halo Shield Recharge Car Horn
  • Spring Festival Gala: Complete the Seasonal Playground Games event in an A-Class Unlimited Offroad car. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and the 2004 Nissan Pickup #23 Rally Raid
  • Escarpment: Complete the Speed Trap challenge in a B-Class 2014 Volkswagen Golf R. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Wheelspin
  • Hear Me Roar: Complete the Seasonal Championship in a B-Class Retro Muscle car. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and the 1987 Buick Regal GNX
  • Battle of the Big Cats: Complete the Seasonal Championship in an A-Class Jaguar car. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and the 2015 Jaguar XE-S
  • Hotel: Complete the Danger Sign challenge in an A-Class Unlimited Offroad car. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Wheelspin
  • La Subida: Complete the Speed Zone challenge in a D-Class Buggies car. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Wheelspin
  • Earn Your Stripes: Complete the Seasonal Championship in an S1-Class Modern Sports Car. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and the Purple Stripe Knee High Socks cosmetic item
  • Co-op Championships: Complete a Horizon Tour event. Rewards 3 Playlist Points
• Challenges. There are 4 Challenges.
  • High Five: Complete the Treasure Hunt (Clue: You'll need to get "defenderously" high to prove you're five-star rated). Rewards 3 Playlist Points and 50,000 Credits
  • #PartyTillDawn: Photograph any car at Horizon Mexico. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the Fireworks Car Horn
  • Spoilt for Choice: Win any Horizon Open Event. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Wheelspin
  • Battle Royale: Finish 30th or better in The Eliminator. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the Raúl Urias Cap cosmetic item
• Forzathon Shop. The Forzathon Shop offers the following items this Season:
  • 2019 Aston Martin Valhalla Concept Car for 600 Forzathon Points
  • 2018 McLaren 600LT Coupé for 400 Forzathon Points
  • Gold Leather Boots Vanity Item for 75 Forzathon Points
  • Duck Quack Car Horn for 75 Forzathon Points
  • Wheelspin for 80 Forzathon Points
  • Super Wheelspin for 300 Forzathon Points

Series 4 "Horizon World Cup" (Feb. 3-March 2, 2022)

Forza Horizon 5 Series 4 is all about the Horizon World Cup, a community-wide event that pits fans of different country's cars against each other. Pick your favorite cars from France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, and then participate in The Trials, Playground Games, and Seasonal Championships throughout the Festival Playlist to add points to your country of choice. The winning country will reward all FH5 players. Series 4 is all about racing.

• Series 4 rewards. Series 4 of Forza Horizon 5's Festival Playlist has a total of 219 Playlist Points across all Seasons. The Series rewards include:
  • 2004 Saleen S7 for 100 Playlist Points. This an Epic Rarity car that is hard to find
  • 2020 Koenigsegg Jesko for 160 Playlist Points. This is a Legendary Rarity car that is hard to find
• Monthly Events. There is one monthly event.
  • Estadio Circuit: Beat the Rivals challenge at Estadio Circuit. Rewards 4 Playlist Points

Summer "Wet Season" (Feb. 3-9, 2022)

This is the Summer Season of Forza Horizon 5's Series 4 Festival Playlist, which was available from Feb. 3 until Feb. 9, 2022.

• Season rewards. The Summer Season of Series 4 has a total of 54 Playlist Points across all Challenges. The main rewards include:
  • 2016 NIO EP9 for 25 Playlist Points. This is a Legendary Rarity car and is exclusive to the Festival Playlist
  • 1965 Hoonigan Ford Mustang Gymkhana 10 "Hoonicorn" for 40 Playlist Points. This is an Epic Rarity car and is hard to find
• Weekly Challenge. "Triathlon of Racing" — The Weekly Challenge has four Chapters. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and 80 Forzathon Points.
  • Take Your Pick: Own and drive any car from France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, or the United States
  • Stage 1 Road Racing: With your chosen car, win a Road Circuit Race Event
  • Stage 2 Dirt Racing: With your chosen car, win a Dirt Scramble Race Event
  • Stage 3 Cross Country: With your chosen car, win any Cross Country Race Event
• Daily Challenges. There are seven Daily Challenges. Each rewards 1 Playlist Point and 10 Forzathon Points.
  • Put On a Show: Win a Showcase Event. Hint: Win the Showcase Remix Event featured in the Festival Playlist
  • That was Intensa: Reach 200mph or more in the 2018 Apollo Intensa Emozione
  • Elite Athlete: Drive a Level 4 car in The Eliminator
  • Pass, Shoot, Score: Score three flags in Flag Rush or Team Flag Rush Playground Games
  • Push-State: Win 2 Road Circuit Race Events in any Volkswagen car
  • Crafted for Greatness: Earn a total of 5 Stars from Trailblazer PR Stunts in any Alumi Craft car
  • Doesn't Ring a Bell: Smash a football. Hint: Head to El Estadio
• Season Events. There are seven Season Events.
  • Just Warming Up: Complete The Trial challenge in a C-Class car from France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, or the United States. Rewards 10 Playlist Points and the 1967 Lamborghini Miura P400
  • Temple of Doom 2 Circuit: Complete the EventLab Event in a B-Class Modern Rally car. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and the 1995 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1
  • Opening Ceremony: Win the Showcase Remix Event. Rewards the Announcer Countdown Car Horn
  • Ahead of the Game: Complete the Seasonal Playground Games Event in a C-Class car from France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, or the United States. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and the 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Velar First Edition
  • Off Track: Win the Seasonal Championship Event in a C-Class car from France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, or the United States. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and the 2008 Renault Mégane R26.R
  • Sky's the Limit: Win the Seasonal Championship Event in a C-Class car from France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, or the United States. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and the 1993 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec
  • Turbo Charged: Win the Seasonal Championship Event in a C-Class car from France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, or the United States. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and the 2019 Porsche Macan Turbo
• Challenges. There is one Challenge.
  • #CountrySports: Photograph the 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Super Sport Coupé at the Tierra Prospera fields
• Forzathon Shop. The Forzathon Shop offers the following items this Season:
  • 2019 Zenvo TSR-S for 600 Forzathon Points
  • 2002 Koenigsegg CC8S for 400 Forzathon Points
  • Macarena Emote for 75 Forzathon Points
  • Countdown Timer Car Horn for 75 Forzathon Points
  • Wheelspin for 80 Forzathon Points
  • Super Wheelspin for 300 Forzathon Points

Autumn "Storm Season" (Feb. 10-16, 2022)

This is the Autumn Season of Forza Horizon 5's Series 4 Festival Playlist, which was available from Feb. 10 until Feb. 16, 2022.

• Season rewards. The Autumn Season of Series 4 has a total of 54 Playlist Points across all Challenges. The main rewards include:
  • 2013 Wuling Sunshine S for 25 Playlist Points. This is a Rare Rarity car and is exclusive to the Festival Playlist
  • 2019 Rimac Concept Two for 40 Playlist Points. This is a Legendary Rarity car and is valuable
• Weekly Challenge. "Country Rivals: USA vs. Germany" — The Weekly Challenge has four Chapters. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and 80 Forzathon Points.
  • We Don't Need Roads: Own and drive any car from Germany or the United States made before 2010
  • Face the Competition: With your chosen car, win a Cross Country Circuit Race Event
  • Go, Go, Go!: With your chosen car, earn 3 Stars at any Trailblazer PR Stunt
  • Crash and Dash: With your chosen car, earn five Crash Landing Skill Combos
• Daily Challenges. There are seven Daily Challenges. Each rewards 1 Playlist Point and 10 Forzathon Points.
  • Catch!: Infect another player in Infected or Survival Playground Games
  • Teamwork: Complete two Horizon Tour drives
  • Speed Run: Earn 10 Speed Skills in the 2018 DeBerti Design Ford F-150 Prerunner
  • C You Later: Win a Cross Country Race Event in a C-Class car
  • Rise to the Challenge: Complete any Challenge Card
  • The Very Best: Beat an S2-Class Rival
  • To Infinity!: Earn 3 Stars at a Danger Sign PR Stunt in any Infiniti car
• Season Events. There are six Season Events.
  • Mini Games: Complete any Horizon Arcade Event. Rewards 3 Playlist Points
  • Full Speed Ahead: Complete The Trial Event in a B-Class car from France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, or the United States. Rewards 10 Playlist Points and the 2013 Caterham Superlight R500
  • Contact Sport: Complete the Seasonal Playground Games Event in a B-Class car from France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, or the United States. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and the 2016 BMW M2 Coupé
  • Super Sonic: Complete the Seasonal Championship Event in a B-Class car from France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, or the United States. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and the 2007 Peugeot 207 Super 2000
  • Home Street Home: Complete the Seasonal Championship Event in a B-Class car from France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, or the United States. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and the 2018 Honda Civic Type R
  • The Big Leagues: Complete the Seasonal Championship Event in a B-Class car from France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, or the United States. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and the 2019 Lamborghini Urus
• Challenges. There are three Challenges.
  • #FastTrack: Photograph the 2017 Ferrari 812 Superfast racing on the Horizon Mexico Road Circuit. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the Applause Car Horn
  • Good Sport: Earn 5 Clean Start Skills in Horizon Open Racing Events. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the "World's Fastest!" Forza LINK message
  • Two-Wheel Challenger: Smash 10 bicycles. Hint: Go to Guanajuato. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
• Forzathon Shop. The Forzathon Shop offers the following items this Season:
  • 1987 Porsche 959 for 600 Forzathon Points
  • 2016 RJ Anderson #37 Polaris RZR-Rockstar Energy Pro 2 Truck for 400 Forzathon Points
  • Spaik Crew Socks Vanity Item for 75 Forzathon Points
  • Goalll Car Horn for 75 Forzathon Points
  • Wheelspin for 80 Forzathon Points
  • Super Wheelspin for 300 Forzathon Points

Winter "Dry Season" (Feb. 17-23, 2022)

This is the Winter Season of Forza Horizon 5's Series 4 Festival Playlist, which was available from Feb. 17 until Feb. 23, 2022.

• Season rewards. The Winter Season of Series 4 has a total of 54 Playlist Points across all Challenges. The main rewards include:
  • 2012 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 for 25 Playlist Points. This is an Epic Rarity car and is exclusive to the Festival Playlist
  • 1993 Jaguar XJ220 for 40 Playlist Points. This is a Legendary Rarity car and is hard to find
• Weekly Challenge. "Country Rivals: Italy vs. France" — The Weekly Challenge has four Chapters. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and 80 Forzathon Points.
  • We Do Need Roads: Own and drive any car from Italy or France
  • Straight to the Point: In your chosen car, win a Road Sprint Race Event
  • Silenzio Bruno!: In your chosen car, earn a total of 5 Stars from Danger Sign PR Stunts
  • Unstoppable: In your chosen car, earn 5 Ultimate Speed Skills
• Daily Challenges. There are seven Daily Challenges. Each rewards 1 Playlist Point and 10 Forzathon Points.
  • Participation Cup: Drive 5 miles in Horizon Open Events
  • Take a Brake: Paint your car's brake calipers
  • Winter as in Ice: Earn 5 Drift Skills at the top of La Gran Caldera
  • Heated Tournament: Win a Dirt Race Event in any Super Hot Hatch car
  • Front Runner: Earn a total of 8 Stars from Speed Zone PR Stunts in the 1971 Lotus Elan Sprint
  • Horizon Mascot: Smash five piñatas during a Horizon Arcade Wreckage Theme Event
  • Winning Streak: Eliminate three opponents in The Eliminator
• Season Events. There are six Season Events.
  • Full Throttle: Win The Trial Event in an A-Class car from France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, or the United States. Rewards 10 Playlist Points and the 1992 Bugatti EB110 Super Sport
  • Mulegé Hillclimb: Complete the EventLab Event in an S1-Class Rally Monster car. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and the 2015 McLaren 570S Coupé
  • Play It Cool: Complete the Seasonal Playground Games Event in an A-Class car from France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, or the United States. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and the 2014 Lamborghini Huracán LP610-4
  • All Star Style: Win the Seasonal Championship Event in an A-Class car from France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, or the United States. Rewards the 2017 Ford GT
  • Going for Gold: Win the Seasonal Championship Event in an A-Class car from France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, or the United States. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and the 1998 Nissan R390 (GT1)
  • Running Cool: Win the Seasonal Championship Event in an A-Class car from France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, or the United States. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and the 2016 Porsche 911 GT3 RS
• Challenges. There are three Challenges.
  • On Target: Find the Treasure Chest (Clue: Look! Rallying beasts chasing five bulls!). Hint: Participate in Horizon Arcade Air Theme Events while driving any Rally Monster car and hit the Bullseyes, or use an EventLab that features Bullseyes. You can read more in our Forza Horizon 5 challenges guide. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and 50,000 Credits
  • #AheadoftheGame: Photograph the 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Velar First Edition at the Baja Circuit. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the Banjo-Kazooie Spiral Mountain Part Two Car Horn
  • Battle Royale: Finish 30th or better in The Eliminator. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the "Are you not entertained?" Forza LINK message
• Forzathon Shop. The Forzathon Shop offers the following items this Season:
  • 2012 Ferrari 599XX Evolution for 600 Forzathon Points
  • 2011 Bugatti Veyron Super Sport for 400 Forzathon Points
  • Blue Stripe Casual Shirt Vanity Item for 75 Forzathon Points
  • Halo Theme Part 2 Car Horn for 75 Forzathon Points
  • Wheelspin for 80 Forzathon Points
  • Super Wheelspin for 300 Forzathon Points

Spring "Hot Season" (Feb. 24-March 2, 2022)

This is the Spring Season of Forza Horizon 5's Series 4 Festival Playlist, which was available from Feb. 24 until March 2, 2022.

• Season rewards. The Spring Season of Series 4 has a total of 57 Playlist Points across all Challenges. The main rewards include:
  • 2015 MG MG3 for 25 Playlist Points. This is a Rare Rarity car and is exclusive to the Festival Playlist
  • 2010 Pagani Zonda R for 40 Playlist Points. This is a Legendary Rarity car and is valuable
• Weekly Challenge. "Country Rivals: UK vs. Japan" — The Weekly Challenge has four Chapters. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and 80 Forzathon Points.
  • Start Your Engines: Own and drive any car from Japan or the United Kingdom made after 1999
  • Down to Dirt: In your chosen car, win a Dirt Race Event
  • Raise a Dust: In your chosen car, earn a total of 4 Stars from Drift Zone PR Stunts
  • People's Choice Award: In your chosen car, bank a total of 100,000 Skill Score
• Daily Challenges. There are seven Daily Challenges. Each rewards 1 Playlist Point and 10 Forzathon Points.
  • Car Package: Send a Gift Drop to another player
  • Assemble: Earn 1,000 team score in Horizon Tour
  • Utility Player: Complete Round 1 of any Horizon Arcade Event in a Sport Utility Hero car
  • Hyperspeed: Earn a total of 9 Stars from Speed Trap PR Stunts in any Hypercar
  • Trial of Two Runs: Win two Dirt Trail Race Events
  • I See Pride! I See Power!: Earn 5 Showoff Skills in a Modern Muscle car
  • Hot Snacks: Smash 10 market stall carts. Hint: Go to Guanajuato. You can read more in our Forza Horizon 5 challenges guide
• Season Events. There are seven Season Events.
  • Mini Games: Complete any Horizon Arcade Event. Rewards 3 Playlist Points
  • Sprint to the Finish: Win The Trial Event in an S1-Class car from France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, or the United States. Rewards 10 Playlist Points and the 2014 Porsche 918 Spyder
  • Closing Ceremony: Complete the Showcase Remix Event. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and the 2017 VUHL 05RR
  • Getting Hot in Here: Complete the Seasonal Playground Games challenge in an A-Class car from France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, or the United States. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and the Tape Rewind Car Horn
  • Thrillseekers: Win the Seasonal Championship Event in an S1-Class car from France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, or the United States. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and the 2017 Ferrari 812 Superfast
  • Natural Selection: Win the Seasonal Championship Event in an S1-Class car from France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, or the United States. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and the 1985 Ford RS200 Evolution
  • Home and Away: Win the Seasonal Championship Event in an S1-Class car from France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, or the United States. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and the 1998 TVR Cerbera Speed 12
• Challenges. There are two Challenges.
  • Blind Sided: Find the Treasure Chest (Clue: There are two star-shaped Duanas and a Desert Flyer sibling). Hint: Earn 2 Stars at the Las Dunas Drift Zone PR Stunt in the 1989 Porsche 911 #65 Rothsport Racing "Desert Flyer." You can read more in our Forza Horizon 5 challenges guide. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and 50,000 Credits
  • #HighJump: Photograph any Buggy car at the Dunas Blancas. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the "Preparing for take-off" Forza LINK message
• Forzathon Shop. The Forzathon Shop offers the following items this Season:
  • 1985 Toyota Sprinter Trueno GT Apex for 600 Forzathon Points
  • 2013 Mini X-Raid All4 Racing Countryman for 400 Forzathon Points
  • Raúl Urias Pencil Dress Vanity Item for 75 Forzathon Points
  • Windows Tada Car Horn for 75 Forzathon Points
  • Wheelspin for 80 Forzathon Points
  • Super Wheelspin for 300 Forzathon Points

Series 5 "Horizon Rush Takeover" (March 3-30, 2022)

Forza Horizon 5 Festival Playlist Series 5 falls under the "Horizon Rush Takeover" moniker, and is a game-wide celebration of PR Stunts and everything they entail. During this Festival Playlist, the Horizon Rush Festival Site dominates the map with new PR Stunts and challenges, a full stunt park installed in the stadium, new cars, and more.

• Series 5 rewards. Series 5 of Forza Horizon 5's Festival Playlist has a total of 208 Playlist Points across all Seasons. The Series rewards include:
  • 1965 Mini Cooper S Forza Edition for 80 Playlist Points. This is a Forza Edition car and is exclusive to the Festival Playlist
  • 1970 Porsche 917 LH #3 for 160 Playlist Points. This is a "Legendary" rarity car and is valuable
• Monthly Events. There is one monthly event.
  • Lookout Circuit: Beat the Rivals challenge at Lookout Circuit. Rewards 4 Playlist Points

Summer "Wet Season" (March 3-9, 2022)

This is the Summer Season of Forza Horizon 5's Series 5 Festival Playlist, which was available from March 3 until March 9, 2022.

• Season rewards. The Summer Season of Series 5 has a total of 53 Playlist Points across all Challenges. The main rewards include:
  • 2018 KTM X-Bow GTR for 20 Playlist Points. This is an "Epic" rarity car and is exclusive to the Festival Playlist
  • 2009 Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadster for 40 Playlist Points. This is a "Legendary" rarity car and is valuable
• Weekly Challenge. "Field Trip" — The Weekly Challenge has four Chapters. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and 80 Forzathon Points.
  • Water Can't Stop Me: Own and drive the 2013 Formula Drift Chevrolet Corvette #777. Hint: This challenge is currently bugged for many players. Read our Forza Horizon 5 challenges guide for potential workarounds and tips
  • A Way of Life: Earn a total of 6 Stars at Drift Zone PR Stunts with the 2013 Formula Drift Chevrolet Corvette #777
  • Drifting Season: Earn 10 Ultimate Drift or E-Drift Skills with the 2013 Formula Drift Chevrolet Corvette #777
  • 2 for 1: Earn 100,000 points or more at Drift Zone PR Stunts within two minutes with the 2013 Formula Drift Chevrolet Corvette #777
• Daily Challenges. There are seven Daily Challenges. Each rewards 1 Playlist Point and 10 Forzathon Points.
  • Welcome!: Visit the Horizon Rush Festival Site
  • High Drive: Earn 6 Stars at any Danger Sign PR Stunts in an Aston Martin car
  • You Shore Can: Take a picture at the Salto de Río Danger Sign PR Stunt
  • I'm a Snake!: Earn scores totaling 300mph or more at Speed Zone PR Stunts in the 2016 Dodge Viper ACR
  • Speechless: Visit the Stadium Stunt Park at El Estadio
  • Take a Bow: Earn 3 Stars at Speed Trap PR Stunts in the 2018 KTM X-Bow GTR
  • Tippy Taps: Earn 5 Air Skills at the Stadium Stunt Park in any Buggy car
• Season Events. There are nine Season Events.
  • Mini Games: Complete any Horizon Arcade Theme. Rewards 3 Playlist Points
  • Ready, Set Focus: Complete The Trial Event in a B-Class Ford Focus car. Rewards 10 Playlist Points and the 2016 Hoonigan Ford Focus RS Gymkhana 10 RX
  • Metal Bird: Complete the Danger Sign PR Stunt challenge in an S1-Class Hypercar. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the 2012 Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4
  • Desierto Viviente: Complete the Speed Zone PR Stunt challenge in a B-Class Classic Rally car. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the 1991 Hoonigan Ford Escort Cosworth Gymkhana 10 Group A
  • River Rapids: Complete the Trailblazer PR Stunt challenge in an A-Class Unlimited Buggy car. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Wheelspin
  • East Resort: Complete the Speed Trap PR Stunt challenge in the 2018 KTM X-Bow GTR. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the 2013 Formula Drift Chevrolet Corvette #777
  • Giro Encorvado: Complete the Drift Zone PR Stunt challenge in the 2019 DeBerti Design Toyota Tacoma TRD "The Performance Truck." Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Wheelspin
  • Party Animal: Complete the Seasonal Championship in an S1-Class Jaguar. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and the 2019 McLaren 720S Spider
  • Horizon Parade: Complete the Seasonal Special in the Horizon Rush Parade Float. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and the Green Piñata Outfit Vanity Item
• Challenges. There are two Challenges.
  • #PrtaaayTime: Photograph any Track Toys car at the Horizon Rush Festival Site mainstage area. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the Horizon Rush Tee Vanity Item
  • Battle Royale: Finish 30th or better in The Eliminator. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the Quick Draw Emote
• Forzathon Shop. The Forzathon Shop offers the following items this Season:
  • 1997 Lotus Elise GT1 for 650 Forzathon Points
  • 2019 DeBerti Design Toyota Tacoma TRD "The Performance Truck" for 400 Forzathon Points
  • Blue Polka Dot Summer Skirt Vanity Item for 75 Forzathon Points
  • Parade Car Horn for 75 Forzathon Points
  • Wheelspin for 60 Forzathon Points
  • Super Wheelspin for 150 Forzathon Points

Autumn "Storm Season" (March 10-16, 2022)

This is the Autumn Season of Forza Horizon 5's Series 5 Festival Playlist, which was available from March 10 until March 16, 2022.

• Season rewards. The Autumn Season of Series 5 has a total of 52 Playlist Points across all Challenges. The main rewards include:
  • 2019 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro for 20 Playlist Points. This is a "Rare" rarity car and is exclusive to the Festival Playlist
  • 2014 Ferrari FXX K for 40 Playlist Points. This is a "Legendary" rarity car and is valuable
• Weekly Challenge. "Bubble Trouble" — The Weekly Challenge has four Chapters. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and 80 Forzathon Points.
  • Bubble Bath: Own and drive the 1957 BMW Isetta 300 Export
  • Micro Machine!: Reach 55mph at any Speed Trap PR Stunt with the 1957 BMW Isetta 300 Export
  • Multi-tasking: Earn 4 Stars at any type of PR Stunt with the 1957 BMW Isetta 300 Export
  • Small Wonder: Earn 2 Stars at Danger Sign PR Stunts with the 1957 BMW Isetta 300 Export
• Daily Challenges. There are seven Daily Challenges. Each rewards 1 Playlist Point and 10 Forzathon Points.
  • What a Treet: Take a photograph at the start gates of the Jungle Traversal Trailblazer PR Stunt
  • Drift Off: Earn 8 Drift Skills at the Stadium Stunt Park in any Formula Drift car
  • Perfection: Earn scores totaling 300mph or greater at Speed Trap PR Stunts in any Cult Classic car
  • Turkey: Earn 3 Strike Skills at the Stadium Stunt Park
  • Running Machine: Jump a total of 4,000 feet at Danger Sign PR Stunts in the 2019 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro
  • Air Time: Earn an Ultimate Air Skill at the Stadium Stunt Park
  • Animal Crossing: Earn 2 Stars from Trailblazer PR Stunts in any Mustang car
• Season Events. There are eight Season Events.
  • All Wheel Adventure: Complete The Trial Event in an A-Class Audi. Rewards 10 Playlist Points and the 2016 Audi R8 V10 plus
  • Escape: Complete the EventLab Event in an A-Class Super Utility Hero car. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and the Green Piñata Head Vanity Item
  • Jeep Thrills: Complete the Seasonal Playground Games in an A-Class Jeep car. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and the 1973 AMC Gremlin X
  • Pantano Pass: Complete the Speed Trap PR Stunt challenge in a C-Class Chevrolet car. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the Black Speed Trap Tee Vanity Item
  • Arbolada: Complete the Drift Zone PR Stunt challenge in an S1-Class Drift Car. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the 2018 Ford Mustang RTR #88
  • San Juan Jump: Complete the Danger Sign PR Stunt challenge in an A-Class UTV car. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the Black Danger Sign Tee Vanity Item
  • Camino Del Cielo: Complete the Speed Zone PR Stunt challenge in an A-Class Rods and Customs car. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Wheelspin
  • Jungle Traversal: Complete the Trailblazer PR Stunt challenge in a B-Class Offroad car. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Wheelspin
• Challenges. There are four Challenges.
  • Incey Wincey Spyder: Complete the Treasure Hunt challenge (Clue: See the stars by taking your spyder for a high jump, but beware of the river, we don't want to wash the spyder out!). Hint: Drive the 2014 Porsche 918 Spyder and jump the Salto de Río Danger Sign PR Stunt. You can read more in our Forza Horizon 5 challenges guide. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and 50,000 Credits
  • #WingIt: Photograph the 2019 Zenvo TSR-S at the Metal Bird Danger Sign PR Stunt. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the "This is fine" Forza LINK message
  • Drift King: Earn 50 Drift Skills in Horizon Open Racing Events. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the "Driftacular!" Forza LINK message
  • Tank you!: Smash 10 Tank piñatas in Horizon Arcade Wreckage Theme or EventLab Events. Hint: Use the EventLab to complete this challenge quickly. You can read more in our Forza Horizon 5 challenges guide. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and the "Tanks for the memories" Forza LINK message
• Forzathon Shop. The Forzathon Shop offers the following items this Season:
  • 2011 Lamborghini Sesto Elemento for 700 Forzathon Points
  • 1998 Subaru Impreza 22B STI for 450 Forzathon Points
  • Silver Leather Boots Vanity Item for 75 Forzathon Points
  • Confetti Cannon Car Horn for 75 Forzathon Points
  • Wheelspin for 60 Forzathon Points
  • Super Wheelspin for 150 Forzathon Points

Winter "Dry Season" (March 17-23, 2022)

This is the Winter Season of Forza Horizon 5's Series 5 Festival Playlist, which was available from March 17 until March 23.

• Season rewards. The Winter Season of Series 5 has a total of 51 Playlist Points across all Challenges. The main rewards include:
  • 2010 Noble M600 for 20 Playlist Points. This is an "Epic" rarity car and is exclusive to the Festival Playlist
  • 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Coupé for 40 Playlist Points. This is a "Legendary" rarity car and is valuable
• Weekly Challenge. "Offroad Revolution" — The Weekly Challenge has four Chapters. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and 80 Forzathon Points.
  • Living the Dream: Own and drive the 1986 Hoonigan Ford RS200 Evolution
  • The B's Knees: Earn 3 Stars at the La Subida Speed Zone PR Stunt with the 1986 Hoonigan Ford RS200 Evolution
  • History of Evolution: Bank 100,000 Skill Points with the 1986 Hoonigan Ford RS200 Evolution
  • I Can Fly!: Earn 6 Stars at Danger Sign PR Stunts with the 1986 Hoonigan Ford RS200 Evolution
• Daily Challenges. There are seven Daily Challenges. Each rewards 1 Playlist Point and 10 Forzathon Points.
  • Numbers Game: Earn scores totaling one minute remaining at Trailblazer PR Stunts
  • Stunt Master: Bank 100,000 Skill Points at the Stadium Stunt Park
  • Running in the '90s: Earn a total of 200,000 points at Drift Zone PR Stunts in any car from the 1990s
  • Time Flies: Earn 6 Stars from PR Stunts in one minute
  • No Fear: Earn 4 Speed Skills at the Stadium Stunt Park
  • Coast is Clear: Take a photograph at the Tulum Speed Trap PR Stunt
  • A Noble Feat: Earn a score totaling 600mph at Speed Trap PR Stunts in the 2010 Noble M600
• Season Events. There are eight Season Events.
  • Blast from the Past!: Complete The Trial Event in a B-Class Retro Rally car. Rewards 10 Playlist Points and the 1984 Opel Manta 400
  • Krazy Karts!: Complete the EventLab Event in an S1-Class Track Toy car. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and the Orange Piñata Head Vanity Item
  • Ramas Saltarinas: Complete the Danger Sign PR Stunt challenge in an A-Class 1953 Morris Minor 1000. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the 1971 Meyers Manx
  • Airfield Speed Zone: Complete the Speed Zone PR Stunt challenge in an S1-Class 2010 Noble M600. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the Black Speed Zone Tee Vanity Item
  • Festival Descend: Complete the Trailblazer PR Stunt challenge in a C-Class Pickups and 4x4s car. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the 1986 Lamborghini LM 002
  • Horizon Baja Speed Trap: Complete the Speed Trap PR Stunt challenge in a B-Class Baja Truck car. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Wheelspin
  • Precipice: Complete the Drift Zone PR Stunt challenge in an S1-Class 2007 Formula Drift Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano #117. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Wheelspin
  • After Party: Complete the Seasonal Championship in an S2-Class car worth 2,000,000 Credits or more. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and the 1994 Ferrari F335 Berlinetta
• Challenges. There are three Challenges.
  • #StuntParadise: Photograph any Hoonigan at the Stadium Stunt Park. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the "Time to Hoon?" Forza LINK message
  • Battle Royale: Finish 30th or better in The Eliminator. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the "Never tell me the odds!" Forza LINK message
  • Collectasaurus: Smash 15 Dinosaur Piñatas. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and the Orange Piñata Outfit Vanity Item. Hint: Use EventLab. You can read more in our Forza Horizon 5 challenges guide
• Forzathon Shop. The Forzathon Shop offers the following items this Season:
  • 1964 Jaguar Lightweight E-Type for 750 Forzathon Points
  • 2007 Formula Drift Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano #117 for 400 Forzathon Points
  • Tan Winter Boots Vanity Item for 75 Forzathon Points
  • Minecraft Theme Car Horn for 75 Forzathon Points
  • Wheelspin for 60 Forzathon Points
  • Super Wheelspin for 150 Forzathon Points

Spring "Hot Season" (March 24-30, 2022)

This is the Spring Season of Forza Horizon 5's Series 5 Festival Playlist, which was available from March 24 until March 30.

• Season rewards. The Spring Season of Series 5 has a total of 52 Playlist Points across all Challenges. The main rewards include:
  • 2020 Nissan GT-R Nismo (R35) for 20 Playlist Points. This is an "Epic" rarity car and is exclusive to the Festival Playlist
  • 1984 Honda Civic CRX Mugen for 40 Playlist Points. This is an "Epic" rarity car and is exclusive to the Festival Playlist
• Weekly Challenge. "Light as a Feather" — The Weekly Challenge has four Chapters. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and 80 Forzathon Points.
  • Fit for Purpose: Own and drive the 2010 Mosler MT900S
  • Mosler Tingle: Earn 10 Stars from Speed Trap PR Stunts with the 2010 Mosler MT900S
  • All-Rounder: Earn a score totaling 300mph from Speed Zone PR Stunts with the 2010 Mosler MT900S
  • Supercharged: Complete a Speed Trap and a Speed Zone PR Stunt within two minutes in the 2010 Mosler MT900S
• Daily Challenges. There are seven Daily Challenges. Each rewards 1 Playlist Point and 10 Forzathon Points.
  • Muscle Power: Earn 6 Stars at Speed Trap PR Stunts in any Modern Muscle car
  • Stay on Target: Hit 10 bowling pins within 10 seconds at the Stadium Stunt Park with the 2020 Nissan GT-R Nismo (R35)
  • No Wings Required: Jump a total of 6,000 feet at Danger Sign PR Stunts
  • Hot Shot: Earn a score totaling 150mph at Speed Zone PR Stunts in any Hot Hatch car
  • Scenic Route: Take a photograph at the River Rapids Trailblazer PR Stunt start gates
  • Speedy Speed Boy: Earn 5 Stars at Speed Trap PR Stunts in any S2-Class car
  • Shining Star: Earn 10 Stars from PR Stunts within three minutes
• Season Events. There are nine Season Events.
  • Mini Games: Complete any Horizon Arcade Theme Event. Rewards 3 Playlist Points
  • Blooming Lovely: Complete The Trial Event in an A-Class Lotus car. Rewards 10 Playlist Points and the 2016 Lotus 3-Eleven
  • Horizon Rush Touge-Style Circuit: Complete the EventLab Event in a B-Class car from Japan. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and the Black Drift Zone Tee Vanity Item
  • Jungle Boogie: Complete the Seasonal Playground Games in a B-Class Super Hot Hatch car. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and the 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI
  • Tulum: Complete the Speed Trap PR Stunt challenge in the S1-Class 2020 Nissan GT-R Nismo (R35). Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the 2016 Pagani Huayra BC Forza Edition
  • Punto Norte: Complete the Drift Zone PR Stunt challenge in an S1-Class Hoonigan car. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Wheelspin
  • Salto de Rio: Complete the Danger Sign PR Stunt challenge in an S1-Class Rally Monster car. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Wheelspin
  • Trébol: Complete the Speed Zone PR Stunt challenge in an S1-Class open-top car. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the 1926 Bugatti Type 35 C
  • Cruze de Granja: Complete the Trailblazer PR Stunt challenge in a B-Class Mini car. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the White Trailblazer Finish Tee Vanity Item
• Challenges. There are three Challenges.
  • Acura Me Treasure!: Complete the Treasure Hunt challenge (Clue: Acura a clue by traveling fast to see new stars on the Horizon, a quick flash and you'll see). Hint: Earn 2 or more Stars at the Horizon Baja Speed Trap in an Acura car. You can read more in our Forza Horizon 5 challenges guide. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and 50,000 Credits
  • #ItsaTrap: Photograph the 1988 Mitsubishi Starion ESI-R at the Pantano Pass Speed Trap PR Stunt. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the "It is the way!" Forza LINK message
  • You Shall Not Pass: Deny 3 or more flags in Team Flag Rush. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the "I'm a games master" Forza LINK message
• Forzathon Shop. The Forzathon Shop offers the following items this Season:
  • 2013 McLaren P1 for 600 Forzathon Points
  • 2018 Porsche Macan LP Racing T1 Rally Raid for 450 Forzathon Points
  • Festival Sombrero Vanity Item for 75 Forzathon Points
  • Welcome Spring for 75 Forzathon Points
  • Wheelspin for 60 Forzathon Points
  • Super Wheelspin for 150 Forzathon Points

Series 6 "Horizon Customs" (March 31-April 27, 2022)

Series 6 of Forza Horizon 5 focused on community creations, with new highlights for EventLab Events, community photos used for Seasonal Championships, and a ton of Vanity Items celebrating the various ways in which the FH5 community can contribute to the game. This Festival Playlist also introduced the first brand-new post-launch Horizon Story to Forza Horizon 5.

• Series 6 rewards. Series 6 of Forza Horizon 5's Festival Playlist has a total of 230 Playlist Points across all Seasons. The Series rewards include:
  • 2005 Honda NSX-R GT for 80 Playlist Points. This is an Epic rarity car and is hard to find
  • 1966 Ford GT40 MK II #2 Le Mans for 160 Playlist Points. This is a Legendary rarity car and is valuable
• Monthly Events. There are two monthly events.
  • Drift Club Mexico: Complete all six chapters of the Drift Club Mexico Horizon Story. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E 1400
  • Emerald Circuit: Post a clean lab in the monthly Rivals Event. Rewards 4 Playlist Points

Summer "Wet Season" (March 31-April 6, 2022)

This is the Summer Season of Forza Horizon 5's Series 6 Festival Playlist, which was available from March 31 until April 6, 2022.

• Season rewards. The Summer Season of Series 6 has a total of 58 Playlist Points across all Challenges. The main rewards include:
  • 2012 Ascari KZ1R for 20 Playlist Points. This is an Epic rarity car and is exclusive to the Festival Playlist
  • 2010 Jaguar C-X75 for 40 Playlist Points. This is a Legendary rarity car and is valuable
• Weekly Challenge. "Rise to the Challenge" — The Weekly Challenge has four Chapters. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and 80 Forzathon Points.
  • Flex Those Muscles: Own and drive the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
  • In the Groove: Win an A-Class Drag Race Event with the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
  • Power Up: Win an S1-Class Drag Race Event with an upgraded 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
  • Limited Edition: Take a photo of the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
• Daily Challenges. There are seven Daily Challenges. Each rewards 1 Playlist Point and 10 Forzathon Points.
  • Play by the Rules: Play an EventLab Blueprint created by another player
  • Full Potential: Earn 9 Stars at Danger Sign PR Stunts in a Vans & Utility car upgraded to S1-Class
  • My Precious: Take a photo of any vehicle
  • Lick of Paint: Paint any car's body
  • A French Revolution: Spend 25,000 Credits or more upgrading any French vehicle
  • Go One Better: Win any Road Race Event in a car upgraded to X-Class
  • Throwing Shade: Change the color of any car's window tint
• Season Events. There are eight Season Events.
  • Fine Art: Complete The Trial Event in an S1-Class Classic Racer car. Rewards 10 Playlist Points and the 1959 Porsche 356 A 1600 Super
  • Airfield Rally X Circuit: Complete the EventLab Event in an S1-Class Rally Monster car. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and the 2014 Toyota Hilux Arctic Trucks AT38
  • Stunt Race Circuit: Complete the EventLab Event in any S1-Class car. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and the Builder's Gloves Vanity Item
  • Retro Wave: Complete the Seasonal Playground Games Event in a C-Class Retro Hot Hatch car. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and the 1992 Honda NSX-R
  • Northern Passage: Complete the Speed Trap PR Stunt challenge in an S1-Class Super GT Car. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Super Wheelspin
  • Hand Crafted: Complete the Seasonal Championship in a B-Class Alumi Craft car. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and the 2014 Morgan 3 Wheeler
  • Eagle's Perch: Complete the Danger Sign PR Stunt challenge in a D-Class 1972 Reliant Supervan III. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Super Wheelspin
  • Orilla del Río: Complete the Speed Zone PR Stunt challenge in a B-Class 1973 Alpine A110 1600s. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Super Wheelspin
• Challenges. There are four Challenges.
  • #CircleofLife: Photograph the 2016 Porsche Cayman GT4 at the Farid Rueda mural in Playa Azul. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the Farid Rueda's Lion Relaxed Fit Tee Vanity Item
  • Just Getting Started: Earn 2 Levels in Horizon Open. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and 50,000 Credits
  • Choices, Choices!: Complete a Custom Race in Horizon Open. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the 2016 Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Coupé
  • Color Festival: Smash 25 paint barrel collectibles. Hint: Search around Festival Sites. You can read our Forza Horizon 5 challenges guide for more information. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and the Doodle Pattern Face Mask Vanity Item
• Forzathon Shop. The Forzathon Shop offers the following items this Season:
  • 1993 McLaren F1 for 700 Forzathon Points
  • 2019 Hyundai Veloster N for 500 Forzathon Points
  • Builder's Outfit Vanity Item for 75 Forzathon Points
  • Pinball Machine Car Horn for 75 Forzathon Points
  • Wheelspin for 60 Forzathon Points
  • Super Wheelspin for 150 Forzathon Points

Autumn "Storm Season" (April 7-13, 2022)

This is the Autumn Season of Forza Horizon 5's Series 6 Festival Playlist, which is available from April 7 until April 13, 2022.

• Season rewards. The Autumn Season of Series 6 has a total of 57 Playlist Points across all Challenges. The main rewards include:
  • 2021 McLaren 765LT for 20 Playlist Points. This is an Epic rarity car and is exclusive to the Festival Playlist
  • 2002 Ferrari Enzo Ferrari for 40 Playlist Points. This is a Legendary rarity car and is valuable
• Weekly Challenge. "Sports Car Supreme" — The Weekly Challenge has four Chapters. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and 80 Forzathon Points.
  • One Car, Three Names: Own and drive the 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  • MX-5 Cup: Win 3 A-Class Road Race Events with an upgraded 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  • Freshen Up: Paint the body of a 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  • Suited and Booted: Take a photo of a 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata
• Daily Challenges. There are seven Daily Challenges. Each rewards 1 Playlist Point and 10 Forzathon Points.
  • Challenge Accepted: Complete a Challenge Card in Freeroam
  • Watering Hole: Take a photo of the Cascadas de Agua Azul in the Jungle
  • Classically Trained: Play an EventLab Event in a Classic Sports Car
  • New Ground: Win a Dirt Race Event in any Retro Rally car upgraded to X-Class
  • Italian Powerhouse: Spend 15,000 Credits or more upgrading any Italian car
  • Take a Brake: Paint any car's brake calipers
  • You Rock!: Take a photo of the Copper Canyon
• Season Events. There are seven Season Events.
  • Artistic Expression: Win The Trial Event in any C-Class car. Rewards 10 Playlist Points and the 2005 Ford GT
  • Bounce House V2: Complete the EventLab Event in a B-Class Super Hot Hatch car. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and the Builder's Helmet Vanity Item
  • Piñata Power! V1: Complete the EventLab Event in any B-Class car. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and the 1981 Ford Fiesta XR2
  • Punta Allen: Complete the Speed Zone PR Stunt challenge in an S1-Class Retro Supercar. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Super Wheelspin
  • Granjas: Complete the Trailblazer PR Stunt challenge in a B-Class Hot Hatch car. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Super Wheelspin
  • East Coast: Complete the Drift Zone PR Stunt challenge in an A-Class Modern Muscle car. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Super Wheelspin
  • Creative Spark: Win the Seasonal Championship in a D-Class Cult Car. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and the 1999 Lotus Elise Series 1 Sport 190
• Challenges. There are five challenges.
  • Double Up: Complete the Treasure Hunt challenge (Clue: Special offer! Buy a new upgrade and get 200 miniature painter hats for your Gremlins!). Hint: Upgrade the 1973 AMC Gremlin X and reach at least 200mph with it. You can read more in our Forza Horizon 5 challenges guide. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and the Painter Hoodie Vanity Item
  • #FlytheCoupe: Photograph the 2016 BMW M2 Coupé at the Raúl Urias mural in Colinas Áridas. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the Raúl Urias Relaxed Fit Tee Vanity Item
  • Level Up!: Earn 3 Levels in Horizon Open. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the Police Siren Car Horn
  • Battle Royale: Finish 30th or better in The Eliminator. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Super Wheelspin
  • Dust Off: Complete a Dirt Race Event in Horizon Open Custom Racing. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the 2015 Subaru WRX STI
• Forzathon Shop. The Forzathon Shop offers the following items this Season:
  • 2015 Radical RXC Turbo for 700 Forzathon Points
  • 1995 Porsche 911 GT2 for 300 Forzathon Points
  • Green Suit Vanity Item for 75 Forzathon Points
  • Mechanical Waltz Car Horn for 75 Forzathon Points
  • Wheelspin for 60 Forzathon Points
  • Super Wheelspin for 150 Forzathon Points

Winter "Dry Season" (April 14-20, 2022)

This is the Winter Season of Forza Horizon 5's Series 6 Festival Playlist, which was available from April 14 until April 20, 2022.

• Season rewards. The Winter Season of Series 6 has a total of 57 Playlist Points across all Challenges. The main rewards include:
  • 2018 ATS GT for 20 Playlist Points. This is an Epic rarity car and is exclusive to the Festival Playlist
  • 1998 Porsche 911 GT1 Strassenversion for 40 Playlist Points. This is a Legendary rarity car and is valuable
• Weekly Challenge. "Peelin It" — The Weekly Challenge has four Chapters. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and 80 Forzathon Points.
  • Teeny Tiny Peely: Own and drive the 1962 Peel P50
  • Smash Hit: Smash 10 Piñatas with the 1962 Peel P50
  • Get Creative: Reach a speed of at least 110mph in an upgraded A-Class 1962 Peel P50
  • The Peel Deal: Take a photo of the 1962 Peel P50
• Daily Challenges. There are seven Daily Challenges. Each rewards 1 Playlist Point and 10 Forzathon Points.
  • Mega Evolution: Win a Cross Country Race Event in an Unlimited Offroad car upgraded to S2-Class
  • A Little Something: Send a Gift Drop to another player
  • Take Off: Take a photo of the plan at the Horizon Mexico Festival Site
  • Splash of Color: Paint any car's hood
  • Bring Your A Game: Complete an EventLab Event in an A-Class car
  • First Love: Win a Street Race Event in any Hot Hatch car upgraded to S1-Class
  • Holden on Tight: Take a photo of any Holden car
• Season Events. There are seven Season Events.
  • Mini Games: Complete any Horizon Arcade Event. Rewards 3 Playlist Points
  • Cross Roads: Win The Trial Event in an A-Class Super Utility Hero car. Rewards 10 Playlist Points and the 2015 BMW X6 M
  • Jungle Vortex: Complete the EventLab Event in an A-Class Rally Monster car. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and the 1963 Volkswagen Type 2 De Luxe
  • Photo Studio V3: Complete the EventLab Event in any car. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and the Photo Hoodie Vanity Item
  • Forward Thinking: Complete the Seasonal Playground Games Event in a C-Class front-wheel drive (FWD) car. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and the 2016 Honda Civic Type R
  • A Whole New World: Win the Seasonal Championship Event in an S1-Class Super GT car. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and the 2017 Bentley Continental Supersports
  • Cloverleaf: Complete the Speed Trap PR Stunt challenge in a B-Class Vintage Racer car. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Super Wheelspin
• Challenges. There are four Challenges.
  • #BearNecessities: Photograph the 2009 Ford Focus RS at the Farid Rueda mural in Playa Azul. Hint: Locate the mural near the beach. You can read our Forza Horizon 5 challenges guide for more information. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the Farid Rueda's Bear Relaxed Fit Tee Vanity Item
  • Made to Order: Earn 10 Pass Skills in Horizon Open Custom Racing. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the Dial Up Modem Car Horn
  • T-Rex on the Run: Find and smash 15 T-Rex Collectibles. Hint: Find a hidden t-rex and smash it repeatedly. You can read our Forza Horizon 5 challenges guide for more information. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and the Creative Tee Vanity Item
  • Street Smart: Complete a Street Racing Horizon Open Custom Racing Event. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
• Forzathon Shop. The Forzathon Shop offers the following items this Season:
  • 1962 Peel P50 for 500 Forzathon Points
  • 1981 BMW M1 for 300 Forzathon Points
  • Gray Suit Vanity Item for 75 Forzathon Points
  • Wheelspin Win Car Horn for 75 Forzathon Points
  • Wheelspin for 60 Forzathon Points
  • Super Wheelspin for 150 Forzathon Points

Spring "Hot Season" (April 21-27, 2022)

This is the Spring Season of Forza Horizon 5's Series 6 Festival Playlist, which was available from April 21 until April 27, 2022.

• Season rewards. The Spring Season of Series 6 has a total of 58 Playlist Points across all Challenges. The main rewards include:
  • 2014 McLaren 650S Spider for 20 Playlist Points. This is an Epic rarity car and is exclusive to the Festival Playlist
  • 2019 Lamborghini Aventador SVJ for 40 Playlist Points. This is a Legendary rarity car and is hard to find
• Weekly Challenge. "Camp Out" — The Weekly Challenge has four Chapters. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and 80 Forzathon Points.
  • Hip, Hip, Hooray!: Own and drive the 1963 Volkswagen Type 2 De Luxe
  • Through the Looking Glass: Take a photo of the 1963 Volkswagen Type 2 De Luxe
  • Wheels on the Bus: Complete an EventLab Event with the 1963 Volkswagen Type 2 De Luxe
  • Go Round and Round: Win a Cross Country Race Event with an upgraded A-Class 1963 Volkswagen Type 2 De Luxe
• Daily Challenges. There are seven Daily Challenges. Each rewards 1 Playlist Point and 10 Forzathon Points.
  • Trading Stock: Spend 50,000 Credits on upgrades
  • American Eagle: Paint the wing on any American car
  • Seven Wonders: Complete a Super7 Event
  • Speed of Light: Earn 9 Stars at Speed Trap PR Stunts in any car upgraded to X-Class
  • Dodgeball: Complete an EventLab Event in any Dodge car
  • Car Meet: Take a photo of the Horizon Tour mural at the Horizon Mexico Festival Site
  • Wheely Nice: Paint any car's rims
• Season Events. There are eight Season Events.
  • Red vs Blue: Win The Trial Event in a B-Class in a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution or Subaru Impreza car. Rewards 10 Playlist Points and the Tuning Hoodie Vanity Item
  • Trial of the Grasses: Complete the EventLab Event in a B-Class Retro Saloon car. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and the 2013 Audi R8 Coupé V10 plus 5.2 FSI Quattro
  • Festival of Forzakart: Complete the EventLab Event in an A-Class all-wheel-drive (AWD) car. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and the Piñata Pop Car Horn
  • Stadium Jump: Complete the Danger Sign PR Stunt challenge in an S2-Class Extreme Track Toy car. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Super Wheelspin
  • Puerta Pétrea: Complete the Trailblazer PR Stunt challenge in a B-Class Buggy car. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Super Wheelspin
  • Co-Op Championships: Complete a Horizon Tour Event. Rewards 3 Playlist Points
  • Dustbowl: Complete the Speed Trap PR Stunt challenge in an A-Class 2016 Ariel Nomad. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Super Wheelspin
  • Street Art: Win the Seasonal Championship Event in an A-Class Modern Muscle car. Rewards the 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T
• Challenges. There are four Challenges.
  • Fine Tuned: Complete the Treasure Hunt (Clue: Don't try to sprint before you found your tunes, it's hard to win). Hint: Win a Road Racing Sprint Event in a custom-tuned car. You can read our Forza Horizon 5 challenges guide for more information. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and 100 Forzathon Points
  • #RacingSpots: Photograph the 2013 Toyota 86 at the Senkoe mural in Playa Azul. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and Senkoe's Relaxed Fit Tee Vanity Item
  • Spring Clean: Earn 10 or more Clean Racing Skills in a Horizon Open Custom Racing Event. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Super Wheelspin
  • Country Charm: Complete a Cross Country Horizon Open Custom Racing Event. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the 2011 BMW X5 M
• Forzathon Shop. The Forzathon Shop offers the following items this Season:
  • 2013 Ferrari 458 Speciale for 700 Forzathon Points
  • 2019 Ford Ranger Raptor for 500 Forzathon Points
  • Orange Suit Vanity Item for 75 Forzathon Points
  • Paint Spray Car Horn for 75 Forzathon Points
  • Wheelspin for 60 Forzathon Points
  • Super Wheelspin for 150 Forzathon Points

Series 7 "Cinco de Mayo" (April 28-May 25, 2022)

Forza Horizon 5 Series 7 is, as the name suggests, an in-game celebration of the "Cinco de Mayo" holiday, which in turn celebrates everything about Mexican culture. FH5 is celebrating with in-game decorations and events, as well as five new cars for players to earn through the Festival Playlist, all from Ferrari.

• Series 7 rewards. Series 7 of Forza Horizon 5's Festival Playlist has a total of 213 Playlist Points across all Seasons. The Series rewards include:
  • 2020 Ferrari SF90 Stradale for 80 Playlist Points. This is a Legendary rarity car and is exclusive to the Festival Playlist
  • 2011 Ferrari 599 GTO for 160 Playlist Points. This is an Epic rarity car and is hard to find
• Monthly Events. There is one monthly event.
  • Playa Azul Circuit: Post a clean lap to complete this Rivals Event. Rewards 4 Playlist Points

Summer "Wet Season" (April 28-May 4, 2022)

This is the Summer Season of Forza Horizon 5's Series 7 Festival Playlist, which was available from April 28 until May 4, 2022.

• Season rewards. The Summer Season of Series 7 has a total of 54 Playlist Points across all Challenges. The main rewards include:
  • 1962 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso for 20 Playlist Points. This is a Legendary rarity car and is exclusive to the Festival Playlist
  • 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1 for 40 Playlist Points. This is an Epic rarity car and is hard to find
• Weekly Challenge. "Original Hot Hatch" — The Weekly Challenge has four Chapters. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and 80 Forzathon Points.
  • VW Caribe: Own and drive the 1983 Volkswagen Golf GTI
  • Puebla Legacy: Win a Street Race Event with the 1983 Volkswagen Golf GTI
  • Project Sport Golf: Earn a total of 5 Stars from Speed Zone PR Stunts with the 1983 Volkswagen Golf GTI
  • Best Selling Model: Earn an Ultimate Skill Chain with the 1983 Volkswagen Golf GTI
• Daily Challenges. There are seven Daily Challenges. Each rewards 1 Playlist Point and 10 Forzathon Points.
  • Plot Twist: Earn 5 Drift Skills in any Horizon Story Chapter
  • Care Package: Send a Gift Drop to another player
  • Blasting Through: Earn 9 Stars in total from Trailblazer PR Stunts
  • Hold Fast: Drive above 150mph in any car for 15 consecutive seconds or more
  • Sparkling Clean: Post a clean lap on any Rivals Event
  • Sandwich: Smash 3 picnic tables
  • Fast Lane: Win a Drag Race Event in a Modern Sports Car
• Season Events. There are eight Season Events.
  • Aid of the Party: Win The Trial Event in an A-Class Truck car. Rewards 10 Playlist Points and the Puebla Mexican Suit Vanity Item
  • Horizon Jungle Course: Complete the EventLab Event in a B-Class Pickups & 4x4s car. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and the 1986 Lamborghini LM 002
  • La Mesa: Complete the Danger Sign PR Stunt Challenge in an A-Class 2008 BMW M3. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Super Wheelspin
  • Camino de Montaña: Complete the Drift Zone PR Stunt Challenge in an S1-Class Drift Car. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Super Wheelspin
  • San de las Minas: Complete the Speed Trap PR Stunt Challenge in a B-Class Subaru car. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Super Wheelspin
  • VW Caribe Legends: Win the Seasonal Championship in a B-Class Volkswagen Golf car. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and the Mexican Traffic Light Car Horn
  • Chihuahua Express: Win the Seasonal Championship in any S1-Class car. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and the 2008 BMW M3
  • La Fiesta: Win the Seasonal Championship in an A-Class Ford car. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and the 2017 Ford Fiesta #14 Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing GRC
• Challenges. There are three Challenges.
  • Fireflies: Complete the Treasure Hunt Challenge (Clue: Fly the Fire like a bird to collect 5 Stars). Hint: Earn 5 Stars or more at Danger Sign PR Stunts with the 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am. You can read more in our Forza Horizon 5 challenges guide. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and 100 Forzathon Points
  • #FestiveColors: Photograph any car in Guanajuato while the city is decorated for Cinco de Mayo. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the Raúl Urias Cap Vanity Item
  • Skilled in Speed: Maintain a speed of 100mph or more for 10 consecutive seconds in any Horizon Open Custom Racing Event. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and 50,000 Credits
• Forzathon Shop. The Forzathon Shop offers the following items this Season:
  • 1998 Subaru Impreza 22B STI for 700 Forzathon Points
  • 2018 DeBerti Design Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Drift Truck for 200 Forzathon Points
  • Macarena Emote for 75 Forzathon Points
  • Bass Drop Car Horn for 75 Forzathon Points
  • Wheelspin for 60 Forzathon Points
  • Super Wheelspin for 150 Forzathon Points

Autumn "Storm Season" (May 5-11, 2022)

This is the Autumn Season of Forza Horizon 5's Series 7 Festival Playlist, which was available from May 5 until May 11, 2022.

• Season rewards. The Autumn Season of Series 7 has a total of 52 Playlist Points across all Challenges. The main rewards include:
  • 2014 Ferrari California T for 20 Playlist Points. This is an Epic rarity car and is exclusive to the Festival Playlist
  • 2015 Jaguar XKR-S for 40 Playlist Points. This is an Epic rarity car and is hard to find
• Weekly Challenge. "Lobo" — The Weekly Challenge has four Chapters. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and 80 Forzathon Points.
  • Lobo Raptor: Own and drive the 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor
  • Unstoppable: Win any Cross Country Race Event with the 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor
  • Express Delivery: Earn 9 Stars or more from Trailblazer PR Stunts with the 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor
  • Through Rain and Shine: Earn 500,000 or more Skill Score with the 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor
• Daily Challenges. There are seven Daily Challenges. Each rewards 1 Playlist Point and 10 Forzathon Points.
  • Racing Miles: Drive a total of 10 miles in Road Racing Events
  • Bulk Smash: Smash 25 or more items in 30 seconds or less
  • Air Force Three: Earn 3 Stars from any Danger Sign PR Stunt
  • Next Level: Unlock a Car Mastery Perk
  • Next Day Delivery: Win a Street Race Event in a Vans & Utility car
  • Fresh Air: Earn 3 or more Air Skills in any Cross Country Race Event
  • Bargain Hunt: Buy a car from the Auction House
• Season Events. There are nine Season Events.
  • Mini Games: Complete the Horizon Arcade challenge. Rewards 3 Playlist Points
  • Rallying Around Mexico: Win The Trial Event in a B-Class Modern Rally car. Rewards 10 Playlist Points and the 1986 Hoonigan Ford RS200 Evolution
  • Baja California Stage: Complete the EventLab Event in any car. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and the 2013 Mini X-Raid All4 Racing Countryman
  • Black Jaguar: Complete the Seasonal Playground Games in an A-Class Jaguar car. Rewards 3 Playlist Points and the Farid Rueda Lion Racesuit Vanity Item
  • El Gancho: Complete the Speed Zone PR Stunt Challenge in an A-Class Porsche. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Super Wheelspin
  • Caballo Blanco: Complete the Speed Trap PR Stunt Challenge in a B-Class Mitsubishi car. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Super Wheelspin
  • City Escape: Complete the Trailblazer PR Stunt Challenge in a B-Class Volkswagen car. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and a Super Wheelspin
  • Cross Countryside: Win the Seasonal Championship in a B-Class Offroad car. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and the Mexican Hat Dance Car Horn
  • Second Home: Win the Seasonal Championship in an S1-Class Nissan car. Rewards 5 Playlist Points and the 1973 Nissan Skyline H/T 2000GT-R
• Challenges. There are two Challenges.
  • #CulturalHeritage: Photograph any car at Teotihuacán. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the White Modern Puebla Dress Vanity Item
  • Spread the Joy: Complete the Horizon Open Challenge. Rewards 2 Playlist Points and the "Brrraaiiinnnnsssss" Forza Link message
• Forzathon Shop. The Forzathon Shop offers the following items this Season:
  • 1985 Toyota Sprinter Trueno GT Apex for 700 Forzathon Points
  • 2017 Porsche Panamera Turbo for 100 Forzathon Points
  • Farid Rueda Lion Face Mask Vanity Item for 75 Forzathon Points
  • Tiger Roar Car Horn for 75 Forzathon Points
  • Wheelspin for 60 Forzathon Points
  • Super Wheelspin for 150 Forzathon Points

The unchallenged champion

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Emotional connections are formed and shattered in rapid succession.

In the eighth episode of the Halo TV series, the tension across the main cast finally stops building. Instead, we get an explosion as sides are chosen and passions inflamed. It's not exactly where I thought the show was headed, but it works well enough, and I'm more invested than ever in this interpretation of Master Chief.

That said, there are a couple of shortcomings given just how little of the show we have left for now. With only one more episode to go from here, there's still a lot that this series will have to juggle going into the finale. As long as things stay focused on Master Chief and the rest of the characters currently on Reach, I'm excited to see where it stops for this season.

Note: This review contains spoilers for Halo Season 1, Episode 8, "Allegiance."

Halo TV series

Bottom line: The penultimate episode of the Halo TV series' first season delivers passion and action. There are a few questions about where we go from here though.

The Good

• Surprisingly tender connection between Master Chief and Makee
• Spartan-on-Spartan action
• Halsey being Halsey

The Bad

• My faith in getting to the Halo ring this season is shaken

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If you haven't checked it out yet, be sure to read our review of Halo Season 1, Episode 7.

The episode surprisingly doesn't open with a flashback. Instead, we get Master Chief drawing circles in the steam of his bathroom mirror, seemingly entranced by the vision of the Halo ring in Episode 6. Makee is similarly absentminded, and the two take a walk through the grounds of Reach, seemingly to the frustration of the UNSC personnel around them.

We get to see a neat framing, as various pairs of individuals discuss the strange blossoming friendship between John and Makee. Captain Keyes notes that John has changed, to Parangosky's frustration, while Halsey finds John's burgeoning connection with the woman fascinating.

As John pushes Makee for answers about Halo, the woman finally shares why the Covenant is searching for it. She recites a prophecy that divine wind will rush through and take believers on a path to becoming god-like. It's a cool moment for fans of the games, as it's essentially a paraphrased version of what the Prophets directly say in Halo 2.

The differences between the three non-Master Chief members of Silver Team are amusingly highlighted as Vannak and Riz run tests on a captured Covenant Phantom. While Vannak brusquely asks what Kai's status is, Riz carefully tries to play it off.

Smash cut to Kai, who is currently showing off by pulling on a cord, lifting first an engine block and then a Warthog, to the enthusiasm of a gaggle of gambling Marines around her.

I have to say, Kai has really grown on me. I wasn't sure about how well the presentation of another Spartan besides Master Chief experiencing emotions and feelings would go, but her wide-eyed naivete is played well by Kate Kennedy. She has a refreshingly optimistic, happy, near-overwhelming vibe, and I hope she continues to shine in the future of the show.

We get another cute moment between Miranda Keyes and her father. Miranda is trying without success to clean up and translate the intercepted Sangheili language fragments from earlier in the season. Even as her father assures her she'll get it, she ominously notes that it's almost as if there are different pitches being used.

John again checks in on Makee, dismissing her guard and delivering her a book, recalling that earlier in the episode, she told him about how a childhood friend would read to her. After a few moments of tension, Makee kisses him. The two remove their shirts, inspecting each other's scars ...

Oh, yeah, they have sex.

Of course, Cortana secretly watches them the entire time. This is a good time to recall that Cortana, as a smart AI, was created by using a clone of Halsey. In turn, let us recall that Halsey, having abducted the children for the Spartan program in the first place, is something of a mother figure to all of them, including John. Frankly, there are more layers to this whole thing than a celebrity's wedding cake. Freud is spinning so fast in his grave he's likely to open a wormhole.

All right, I can hear the cries of confusion already. "Master Chief having sex?" It took me off guard. It's more than a little funny. "Master Chief? You mind telling me what you're doing with that woman?" "Sir, finishing this fight."

But the reality is, it kind of makes sense. I think the implementation here is a little messy, but these two have been through a fair bit of trauma. Both are trying to understand what it means to be human. This isn't the stoic warrior of the games anymore. He's a different version of Master Chief, with (at least right now) a different struggle. I haven't talked about differences between the games and show a lot, but I think it warranted a mention here.

Makee also agrees to help John with understanding the artifacts under UNSC supervision, even secretly removing the plasma knife embedded in her finger.

As Cortana relays her findings to Halsey, the latter only piles on the subtext by insisting that John was never alone; he had her. Halsey is then informed by Captain Keyes that she's being removed from Reach ASAP and to quickly pack anything important. Ever the schemer, Halsey makes her play, using a hacked device created by her assistant Adun. Ignoring Keyes' warnings that her ambition has cost her every relationship she has, Halsey quickly hacks into Makee's room, telling the woman to not trust the UNSC and instead abscond with her.

As Makee understandably panics, Halsey uses Cortana to shut down communication across the base, telling Kai, Riz, and Vannak to report only to her and grab Master Chief as she prepares her ship to escape. When Kai questions these orders, she's quickly knocked out and handcuffed to a stone seat by Riz and Vannak.

Miranda, meanwhile, has made some progress with her decryptions, isolating one particular voice. A woman's voice. With horrific realization, she sprints away to warn Parangosky and her father. Cortana, clearly feeling conflicted about what's about to happen, warns Master Chief of his impending abduction. Kai breaks free from the stone seat in a limber display of strength, smashing through it with her armored boots.

Heeding Cortana's warning, Master Chief engages Vannak and Riz. Being unarmored, he's at a significant disadvantage, even with Cortana's assistance. Kai joins the fray, and as multiple members of Silver Team get their hands on Magnum pistols, it becomes a dangerous standoff.

I have to say that I loved this fight scene. The weight of the Spartans can be felt as they smash, grapple, and slam into each other. It's brutal but coordinated.

Less enjoyable is how Miranda bursts in on Makee and the assembled UNSC. When Miranda explains that it was Makee who led the slaughter of the crew on the stranded cruiser, Makee begs for forgiveness but is brutally shocked. It's frustrating and heartbreaking, watching any chance of happiness or steps along the path to recovery being brutally snatched away. Whatever connection she's made with humanity is burned out in these moments.

As Makee desperately grabs the alien artifact, a pulse of power ripples across the base, ending the stalemate and knocking the Spartans unconscious.

With only one episode left, I'm thrilled to see where the story is going, especially for Silver Team. Unfortunately, I'm also convinced we won't physically see the Halo ring this season, meaning I'm not quite sure where the show wants to hang its audience until we get to the officially confirmed Season 2.

Halo Season 1, Episode 8 is available now, exclusively on Paramount+. For a better experience, watch it on one of the best 4K TVs available.

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Paramount+ features TV shows beyond just Halo, and more will be coming in the future, so check frequently for new things to try out.

The best allies you can take into battle.

In the many encounters and boss fights that you'll inevitably find yourself in while exploring Elden Ring's open world, you'll have the ability to conjure Spirit Ash Summons. These spirits will fight by your side and are extremely helpful in most situations, as they can distract enemies and make it easier for you to hit them, tank some hits, and even dish out solid damage — especially if you upgrade them using the Grave or Ghost Glovewort materials you'll often find while exploring.

Due to the sheer number of Spirit Ash Summons in the game, though, it can be difficult to know which ones are the best and which ones you should probably avoid using. In this guide, we'll go over a complete tier list that ranks each Spirit Ash Summon in the game, as well as an overview of all of the best summons, what they do, and where you can find them in the Lands Between.

Jump to:

• Spirit Summon tier list
• Mimic Tear Ashes
• Latenna the Albinauric Ashes
• Lhutel the Headless Ashes
• Banished Knight Oleg Ashes
• Black Knife Tiche
• Bloodhound Knight Floh Ashes
• Omenkiller Rollo Ashes
• Nightmaiden and Swordstress Puppets Ashes
• Kaiden Sellsword Ashes
• Mad Pumpkin Head Ashes
• Ancestral Follower Ashes
• Lone Wolf Ashes

Elden Ring: Spirit Ashes tier list

While the vast majority of Elden Ring's Spirit Ash Summons are very helpful, some of them are more effective than others. With that in mind, we've created a definitive tier list that should give you an idea of which ones are the best and which ones aren't worth upgrading or building your character around.

Note that just because a Spirit Ash Summon is in a low tier, it does not mean that they are useless. It simply means that they're generally less useful than the summons we put higher on the list.

Tier	Spirit Ash Summons
S	Mimic Tear, Latenna the Albinauric, Lhutel the Headless, Banished Knight Oleg
A	Black Knife Tiche, Bloodhound Knight Floh, Omenkiller Rollo, Nightmaiden & Swordtress Puppets, Mad Pumpkin Head, Ancestral Follower, Lone Wolf, Kaiden Sellsword, Twinsage Sorcerer, Azula Beastman
B	Page, Cleanrot Knight Finlay, Ancient Dragon Knigth Kristoff, Banished Knight Engvall, Battlemage Hugues, Soldjars of Fortune, Nepheli Loux Puppet
C	Redmane Knight Ogha, Demi-Humans, Godrick Soldiers, Raya Lucaria Soldiers, Avionette Soldiers, Leyndell Soldiers, Mausoleum Soldiers, Haligtree Soldiers, Radahn Soldiers, Vulgar Militia, Skeletal Bandit
D	Albinaurics, Fanged Imps, Glintstone Sorcerer, Winged Misbegotten
F	Jellyfish, Giant Rat, Wandering Nobles, Rotten Stray, Stormhawk Deenh, Warhawk

Elden Ring: Mimic Tear Ashes location

• FP requirement: None (uses 50% of the player's HP)

In our view, the Mimic Tear Spirit Summon is the best one available in Elden Ring, even after the recent nerf it got in Patch 1.03. This unique Spirit Summon creates an exact copy of your character when you use it, including your stats, armor, weapons, spells, and equipped consumables. It will then fight alongside you, effectively acting like an NPC ally. When upgraded, the Mimic Tear is incredibly tanky and can dish out plenty of damage, making it an invaluable summon that we highly recommend using in Elden Ring's challenging boss fights. Note that using the Mimic Tear uses 50% of your HP instead of your mana, so make sure you drink a healing potion after summoning it.

You can find the Mimic Tear Ashes in the southwestern portion of the Night's Sacred Ground area in Nokron, Eternal City, located in a chest behind a fog wall you need a Stonesword Key to access. There's an enemy inside the room, but you should be able to get a free backstab on them as long as you don't sprint up to them.

Elden Ring: Latenna the Albinauric Ashes location

• FP requirement: 74

In situations where you're fighting bosses that have a large arena, the Latenna the Albinauric Spirit Summon will often be your best option. She stays exactly where you summon her and pelts enemies with a constant barrage of heavy-hitting magic arrows, and while she doesn't have much health, she does have a crazy long range. This means that you can summon her far away from the boss and then engage it with melee yourself, drawing its aggro while Latenna wears it down from afar.

Getting the Latenna the Albinauric Ashes is a little complicated. First, you have to locate and talk to Latenna at the Slumbering Wolf's Shack in Liurnia of the Lakes, located just after the exit of the Lakeside Crystal Cave. Then you have to travel to the Village of the Albinaurics found west of her position and get the left half of the Secret Haligtree Medallion there. She'll then give you her Spirit Ash Summon once you show the medallion to her. For more details on how to do this, refer to our guide on how to find the Malenia, Blade of Miquella secret boss.

Elden Ring: Lhutel the Headless Ashes location

• FP requirement: 104

Lhutel the Headless is Elden Ring's best tank Spirit Summon, as she's equipped with heavy armor and a greatshield. She can also throw her spear for solid ranged damage and will constantly teleport around enemies, making it difficult for them to hit her. There are better options if you want big damage from your summons, but Lhutel is the best when it comes to soaking up damage and distracting your opponents.

To get Lhutel, you'll need to complete the Tombsward Catacombs in the center of the Weeping Peninsula region. The dungeon isn't very challenging and only requires you to beat a fairly easy miniboss, so you shouldn't have any trouble.

Elden Ring: Banished Knight Oleg Ashes location

• FP requirement: 100

Banished Knight Oleg is one of the earliest Spirit Summons you can get in the game, and he also happens to be one of the best. With his thick, heavy armor and extremely high poise, he's an excellent brawler that commands the attention of enemies. His wind attacks do great damage, and while they usually don't stagger bosses, they'll often break the stance of regular enemies quite easily.

Banished Knight Oleg is awarded to you after you kill the final boss of the Fringefolk Hero's Grave dungeon located next to the Stranded Graveyard Site of Grace at the start of the game. Note that you'll need two Stonesword Keys to enter this dungeon.

Elden Ring: Black Knife Tiche Ashes location

• FP requirement: 132

Black Knife Tiche is a very powerful Spirit Summon that not only dishes out strong damage, but is also very good at avoiding incoming damage as well. This is because she dodges very frequently, making it difficult for enemies and bosses to hit her with any of their attacks. Several of her attacks also reduce enemy HP and deal damage over time since her knife is imbued with the power of the Rune of Death, similar to Maliketh, the Black Blade's greatsword.

To get Black Knife Tiche, you'll need to defeat the boss at the Ringleader's Evergaol on the northwestern tip of the Moonlight Altar area in Liurnia of the Lakes. Once the boss is dead, Black Knife Tiche's Ashes will be awarded to you.

Elden Ring: Bloodhound Knight Floh Ashes location

• FP requirement: 95

If you like Black Knife Tiche but want a summon that's more aggressive, Bloodhound Knight Floh will be your best bet. Like Tiche, Floh has the mobility to keep up with any enemy, though Floh will commit to more attacks in situations where Tiche would dodge. As a result, Floh generally dies faster than Tiche does, though he deals more damage overall.

To unlock the Bloodhound Knight Floh Ashes, you'll need to complete the Gelmir's Hero Grave on the eastern border of the Mt. Gelmir region. It can be found in a chest that players can open once the Red Wolf of the Champion boss at the end of the dungeon is defeated.

Elden Ring: Omenkiller Rollo Ashes location

• FP requirement: 113

If you're struggling to deal with enemies or a boss that blocks with shields a lot, look no further than the Omenkiller Rollo Spirit Summon. This summon is identical to the boss you fight at the Village of the Albinaurics, and uses two massive machetes that can easily break the guard of any enemy in the game. These weapons also do an amazing job of stance breaking bosses, giving you an opportunity to crit them with a riposte. Omenkiller Rollo will also occasionally breathe fire if he encounters several enemies at once, crowd controlling them.

You can obtain the Omenkiller Rollo Ashes by defeating the Fell Twin bosses that ambush you on the bridge leading up to the Divine Tower of East Altus. This location is directly next to the elevator that takes you to the Forbidden Lands region.

Elden Ring: Nightmaiden and Swordstress Puppets Ashes location

• FP requirement: 97

The Nightmaiden and Swordstress Puppets Ashes are an excellent choice if you need versatile summons capable of a variety of different types of offense, though they don't have much health and won't last long if you don't fight closely alongside them. Still, if you keep enemy and boss aggro off of them, they'll do a huge amount of damage over time together with their wide variety of melee and ranged attacks. Their attacks also do plenty of stance damage, ensuring that whatever you're fighting will get staggered.

You can obtain the Nightmaiden and Swordstress Puppets in the southern portion of Nokstella, Eternal City, in a chest located behind a barrier that requires a Swordstone Key to open. Note that there are two Nightmaiden enemies guarding the chest, so be ready for a fight.

Elden Ring: Kaiden Sellsword Ashes location

• FP requirement: 88

The Kaiden Sellsword is a powerful Spirit Summon that uses several heavy attacks that can stagger enemies and bosses similar to the way Omenkiller Rollo can. The Kaiden Sellsword attacks more frequently and dodges incoming attacks more than Omenkiller Rollo does, but is also less tanky and has less health overall.

You can get the Kaiden Sellsword Ashes by defeating the final boss of the Cliffbottom Catacombs dungeon, which is located in southeastern Liurnia of the Lakes.

Elden Ring: Mad Pumpkin Head Ashes location

• FP requirement: 110

The Mad Pumpkin Head is an excellent summon that can Bleed enemies with his massive flail, and he also has excellent damage protection thanks to the large metal helmet he wears that significantly reduces damage taken from anything that hits it. He's not as tanky as some other summons, but his ability to Bleed can contribute quite a large chunk of damage during boss fights.

You can get the Mad Pumpkin Head Ashes by defeating the final boss of the Minor Erdtree Catacombs dungeon found on the northwestern tip of the Caelid region. There's an Erdtree Guardian right next to the dungeon entrance, so be careful when you enter it.

Elden Ring: Ancestral Follower Ashes location

• FP requirement: 86

The Ancestral Followers of the Siofra River region are incredibly flexible in combat since they have plenty of health and fight with both bows and with axes. When summoned using the Ancestral Follower Ashes, this spirit will serve as an excellent "jack of all trades, master of none" ally. They're not as tanky or powerful as other more specialized spirits, but their well-rounded stats and ability to fight at any range makes them incredibly useful.

You can get the Ancestral Follower Ashes by defeating the Ancestor Spirit boss in the Siofra River region. To access this boss, you'll need to light eight fires in the area and then awaken the spirit in the Hallowhorn Grounds.

Elden Ring: Lone Wolf Ashes location

• FP requirement: 55

Believe it or not, the first Summon Spirits you get in Elden Ring are also some of the best ones in the entire game once you upgrade them. While the Lone Wolf summon starts off relatively weak due to the pitiful damage and low HP of the three wolves, they become surprisingly tanky when upgraded fully. This, coupled with their high agility and ability to stagger enemies and bosses by breaking their stance with rapid attacks, makes them an incredibly effective Spirit Summon in many instances.

All you have to do to get the Lone Wolf Ashes is go to the Church of Elleh in Limgrave after you get your mount, Torrent. Note that the Church of Elleh is located just north of The First Step Site of Grace.

Elden Ring is finally here, and it's available for $60 on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, and PC. It's one of the best Xbox games you can play right now if you're a fan of challenging RPGs, and we strongly recommend it.

The successor to Dark Souls

Elden Ring

$60 at Amazon (Xbox & PlayStation) $60 at Best Buy (Xbox, PlayStation, & PC) $60 at Walmart (Xbox)

Elden Ring ... oh, Elden Ring!

Elden Ring is FromSoftware's latest fantasy epic, featuring a focus on open-ended design in a universe created by both FromSoftware president Hidetaka Miyazaki and A Song of Ice and Fire author George R.R. Martin.

If the mouse wheel scrolling doesn't feel right, Windows 11 lets you set it to your preferences.

On Windows 11, the default mouse scrolling behavior is typically suited for most users. However, if you feel it needs tuning, you can set the number of lines to roll at a time or specify to roll one screen with a single roll.

In addition, you can even control whether you can scroll inactive windows as you hover over them while working on another application.

In this Windows 11 guide, we will walk you through the steps to customize the scrolling settings on your laptop or desktop computer.

How to change mouse scrolling settings on Windows 11

On Windows 11, you can decide how the mouse wheel should scroll and whether you should be able to scroll inactive windows when hovering over.

Change scroll wheel behavior

To change the scroll wheel behavior on Windows 11, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Bluetooth & devices.

3. Click the Mouse page on the right side.

   

4. Under the "Scrolling" section, use the "Roll the mouse wheel to scroll" setting and select one of the options.

   • Multiple lines at a time.
   • One screen at a time.

   

5. (Optional) Use the slider to select the number of lines to scroll at a time.

Once you complete the steps, the next time you roll the mouse wheel, the scrolling should occur based on your configuration.

Configure inactive windows scrolling

To scroll on windows that are not active, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Bluetooth & devices.

3. Click the Mouse page on the right side.

   

4. Under the "Scrolling" section, turn on the Scroll inactive windows when hovering over them toggle switch.

   

After you complete the steps, you will now be able to scroll windows even when they are not focused and you are hovering over them.

More Windows resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:

• Windows 11 on Windows Central — All you need to know
• Windows 11 help, tips, and tricks
• Windows 10 on Windows Central — All you need to know

Microsoft Edge's new VPN will protect your privacy, but it isn't for viewing streaming content from other regions.

What you need to know

• Microsoft is now testing out its Secure Network feature for its Edge browser.
• The tool allows users to securely connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
• In its preview phase, Microsoft Edge Secure Network is only available for select Edge Canary users.

Microsoft Edge Canary has a new feature in testing that allows people to securely connect to public Wi-Fi networks. Microsoft Edge Secure network is now available for select users of Edge Canary. It protects people's data by masking a device's IP address, encrypting user data, and routing web connections through a secured network.

Microsoft Edge Secure Network was already available for some Edge Canary users before this week, but Microsoft officially announced the feature on May 12, 2022. A blog post by the company explains how Secure Network works.

The tool, which is powered by Cloudflare, makes it more difficult for internet service providers (ISPs) to collect browsing data. It also prevents advertisers from using your information to show targeted ads.

Microsoft will give users 1 GB of free data each month, at least while the feature is in preview. It's unclear if Microsoft will remove this free allotment in the future. Streaming video will use up data more quickly than generally browsing the web, so it would be wise to use Secure Network's controls to customize when you enable the tool.

Just like the best VPNs, Microsoft Edge Secure Network protects privacy by encrypting data and routing connections through a server. The feature, however, won't replace other VPNs for some people.

While VPNs are often used to protect privacy and data, they are also popular for their ability to bypass region restrictions for streaming content. This use case doesn't appear to be an option for Microsoft Edge Secure Network.

In areas where VPNs are allowed, Secure Network will connect devices to a "local data center and the IP address your browsing data flows through will be geographically similar to your actual region," according to Microsoft. This will protect privacy because it won't share your IP address, but it will not allow you to pretend to be in another region.

Microsoft is on the hunt for the best Windows apps available through the Microsoft Store.

What you need to know

• Voting for the Microsoft Store App Awards 2022 recently opened.
• There are three categories of applications with awards up for grabs: file management, utility, and open platform.
• Voting opened on May 12, 2022 and will close on May 17, 2022 at 11 PM ET.

Microsoft is looking for the best Windows apps available through the Microsoft Store. The company recently opened voting for its Microsoft Store App Awards 2022. There are three categories of apps to vote for: file management, utility, and open platform.

"We'd like to recognize apps which are amazing, beautiful, and useful -- the apps which make your day better, more productive, or more enjoyable. This vote is about you and the apps you love to use," explained Microsoft on the voting form.

Here are the nominees for file management applications:

• HEIC to JPEG
• Mp3tag
• 8 Zip
• Metro Commander
• IrfanView64
• Shrestha Files
• Rufus
• Files
• One Commander
• NanaZip
• QuickLook

Below are the options for the best utility apps:

• ShareX
• MyASUS
• 2fast - Two Factor Authenticator
• Speedtest by Ookla
• Fluent Screen Recorder
• Torrex
• Screenbits
• WiFi Analyzer
• Visum Photo Viewer

These are the nominees for the open platform category, which focuses on modifying Windows:

• Ink Workspace
• EarTrumpet
• ModernFlyouts
• TranslucentTB
• CopyAndPaste
• RoundedTB
• Dynamic Theme
• Lively Wallpaper
• Auto Dark Mode
• Fluent Search

Voting runs from May 12, 2022 to May 17, 2022 at 11 PM ET. We plan to take a look at some of these apps over the coming weeks and months, so keep an eye out for reviews.

Yesterday, perhaps somewhat expectedly, Starfield grabbed a sizeable delay.

Xbox has had some solid momentum lately, with the division showcasing record revenue on an almost quarterly basis, while announcing a not-E3 Xbox + Bethesda showcase set for June. Xbox managed to outsell its competitors in the U.S. during the last quarter, buoyed in part by the more affordable Xbox Series S. However, some of the wind was quite firmly taken out of those sails yesterday.

Microsoft has struggled to produce a consistent cadence of high-quality broad-appeal action-oriented games in recent years. Even though titles like Flight Simulator, Forza Horizon 5, Psychonauts 2, and Age of Empires IV did a lot of the heavy lifting last year, fans have been clamoring for more mature action-oriented games and RPGs. Xbox has yet to deliver.

With Halo Infinite struggling to find its feet in the service shooter world, many Xbox fans had pinned their hopes for 2022 exclusives on Starfield, the next game from Todd Howard's Bethesda Softworks, of Fallout and Elder Scrolls fame. The mysterious sci-fi RPG is known to be an ambitious space opera RPG, although little is actually known about how it plays, what systems it has, and what it'll even look like outside of some brief in-engine teasers. Unfortunately, Starfield was delayed this week, sending its launch window spiraling into the far reaches of 2023. Vampire shooter Redfall from Arkane, followed alongside it, which has left Xbox with a gaping hole in its 2022 games lineup.

Xbox lead Phil Spencer took to Twitter to respond to the news, emphasizing that the decision was to ensure the games would be "ready." Spencer also acknowledged the ongoing criticism that Xbox is struggling to deliver consistently.

These decisions are hard on teams making the games & our fans. While I fully support giving teams time to release these great games when they are ready, we hear the feedback. Delivering quality & consistency is expected, we will continue to work to better meet those expectations.

Outside of Forza Horizon 5, the Age of Empires operation, and Flight Simulator, it feels like Xbox has struggled to find its feet in a post-pandemic world, with many games like Halo Infinite and now Starfield seemingly wracked with disruption. Jason Schreier of Bloomberg noted that developers he'd spoken to from the Starfield team had been worried about the launch date, and even described the potential for Starfield to become the next "Cyberpunk," in reference to CD Projekt RED's notoriously fraught sci-fi RPG Cyberpunk 2077.

Last spring before E3, I spoke to some folks on Starfield who were extremely worried about committing to a 11-11-22 date based on the progress they'd made so far. ("Next Cyberpunk" was the term floated.) Good on Bethesda for delaying even after announcing that specific date."

There's every chance we could see a glimpse of how Starfield and Redfall actually play at June's Xbox + Bethesda showcase, but it may do little to satisfy fans who are lamenting Xbox's exclusive lineup for the remainder of 2022.

Either way, avoiding a Cyberpunk-like catastrophe for Starfield is absolutely paramount, given how complex and deep Bethesda RPGs typically are. Starfield and Redfall now target a vague "first half of 2023" launch window, meaning that if all goes well, we should see them before summer 2023. As for third-party, here's every upcoming Xbox game we know about thus far.

Dell's hot new XPS 13 Plus is here. We answer some burning questions about the redesigned flagship laptop.

The Dell XPS 13 has long been one of our favorite Windows laptops, and a recent redesign that added the "Plus" moniker has shaken up a design that was already nearly flawless. New speakers, new keyboard, new touchpad, new camera, and new performance hardware are all on board, giving even those who have a recent XPS 13 model a bit of envy. I can attest. We're here to answer a bunch of questions surrounding the new XPS 13 Plus 9320.

Dell XPS 13 Plus

Dell's new XPS 13 Plus sets a fresh standard for Windows 11 laptops thanks to a clean and minimalist look with tons of performance inside.

From $1,273 at Dell

What's new in the Dell XPS 13 Plus?

The XPS series is Dell's flagship lineup of laptops, reserved for those who want the best of the best. Compared to other Dell brands like Inspiron, Latitude, and Precision, XPS laptops have that extra attention to design and ease of use that often puts them at the forefront of Dell's marketing.

The Dell XPS 13 has seen many revisions over the years, with each new model inching toward a new level of perfection. The last major redesign came with the XPS 13 9300 model (which I still use as a daily driver), ushering in a taller 16:10 display, larger keyboard and touchpad, and better performance. This carried over to the Dell XPS 13 9310, which was reviewed by our Executive Editor Daniel Rubino.

The XPS 13 Plus 9320 received another significant redesign. The keyboard is wider, with larger keycaps reaching to the edges of the laptop. There's almost no space between the keys, but the gaps are wide enough to allow sound to pass through from the new upward-firing speakers installed underneath the deck. These complement the usual dual down-firing speakers on the bottom of the laptop. Above the keyboard are new capacitive function buttons with LEDs instead of depressibles.

The touchpad is no longer a visible portion of the laptop. It resides below a seamless glass palmrest that blends into the rest of the internal deck. The touchpad takes up the middle portion, but there are no visible markers to show where it ends. And instead of a physical click, there are multiple haptic feedback sensors that simulate the feel.

Dell kept the same 720p resolution for the webcam, but it separated the RGB and IR portions to deliver a better quality picture. You still get facial recognition through Windows Hello, and there are about 20% more pixels for the RGB portion.

The inside of the laptop is another area that received a big upgrade. Intel's 12th Gen Core mobile CPUs are on board, with i5 and i7 28W P-series chips available to configure. This is the most powerful XPS 13 Dell has ever released, with performance gains nearly doubling the XPS 13 9310 in some benchmarks. Memory has been bumped up to faster LPDDR5-5200MHz, and the M.2 SSDs now use PCIe 4.0 for blistering transfer speeds. Be sure to check out our comparison of the XPS 13 Plus and the XPS 13 9310 for more information.

What kind of specs are available in the XPS 13 Plus?

The XPS 13 Plus 9320 is packing some impressive hardware options, and Dell has quite a few customizable configurations available. Here's a breakdown of the XPS 13 Plus 9320's specifications.

Category	Dell XPS 13 Plus
OS	Windows 11 Home Windows 11 Pro Ubuntu (Dev Edition)
Processor	12th Gen Intel 28W Core i5-1240P Core i7-1260P Core i7-1280P
RAM	8GB, 16GB, 32GB LPDDR5-5200MHz Dual-channel Soldered
Graphics	Intel Iris Xe
Storage	512GB, 1TB, 2TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD Upgradeable
Display	13.4 inches 16:10 aspect ratio Dolby Vision 1920x1200 (FHD+) Non-touch, 60Hz, 500 nits, anti-glare 1920x1200 (FHD+) Touch, 60Hz, 500 nits, anti-glare 3456x2160 (3.5K) OLED, touch, 60Hz, anti-reflective, 400 nits 3840x2400 (UHD+) Touch, 60Hz, anti-reflective, 500 nits
Ports	Two Thunderbolt 4
Wireless	Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX211 Bluetooth 5.2
Camera	Front-facing 720p RGB IR camera
Security	Fingerprint reader IR camera
Battery	55Wh 60W AC adapter
Dimensions	11.63 x 7.84 x 0.60 inches (295mm x 199mm x 15mm)
Weight	From 2.71 pounds (1.23kg)
Color	Platinum Graphite

How does the XPS 13 Plus compare to other XPS models?

The XPS 13 Plus is the smallest XPS available. Dell also offers the 15-inch XPS 15 and the 17-inch XPS 17 for those who need the extra screen real estate, H-series Intel Core processors, and discrete graphics. The XPS 13 sits at the top of the best Dell laptops thanks to its broad appeal, but the XPS 15 and XPS 17 are monster laptops in their own right.

While the XPS 13 Plus is best suited for professional or casual users who like to remain as mobile as possible, the XPS 15 is a better choice if you want more power for creative apps or even some gaming. And the XPS 17 is the ultimate creator's laptop thanks to more powerful hardware and a huge screen.

Our comparison of the Dell XPS 13 vs. XPS 15 vs. XPS 17 goes into a lot more detail about the differences and similarities between these laptops.

Can you upgrade RAM and SSD in the XPS 13 Plus?

Memory in the XPS 13 Plus is dual-channel, but it's integrated into the motherboard. That means you cannot upgrade after purchase; choosing enough at checkout to handle your workload is highly recommended.

As for the SSD, it's still accessible for upgrades after purchase. The m.2 PCIe 4.0 slot is visible as soon as you remove the laptop's bottom cover. In this case, you might want to save some money at checkout and upgrade later to something with more capacity or faster transfer speeds.

Does the Dell XPS 13 Plus have a headphone jack?

No, the XPS 13 Plus does not have a 3.5mm headphone jack. Ports are limited to just two Thunderbolt 4. This is no doubt a sticky point for many users, though Bluetooth 5.2 handles wireless audio. If you do need more ports, the XPS 13 Plus is compatible with the best Thunderbolt 4 docking stations.

Does the Dell XPS 13 Plus have 4G LTE or 5G?

No, the XPS 13 Plus does not have 4G LTE or 5G capabilities. It does offer Wi-Fi 6 for fast and reliable wireless internet.

When is the XPS 13 Plus release date?

Dell's XPS 13 Plus was officially released on April 28, 2022. This was months after the initial unveiling at CES 2022. You can reliably find the XPS 13 Plus for sale at Dell's website, alongside older XPS 13 9310 models.

What kind of support does Dell offer?

Buying an XPS 13 Plus from Dell's official website lands you by default one year of included Premium Support. This encompasses hardware, repairs, international travel support, and live chat help. This coverage can be bumped up to four years if you're willing to pay the extra cost. You can also add accidental damage coverage (drops, spills, surges, etc.), but it costs more.

Dell also offers Premium Support Plus, which ties in the accidental damage coverage as well as parental controls, virus removal, and more. This coverage is available for up to four years.

How much does the XPS 13 Plus cost?

The XPS 13 Plus currently starts at around $1,273 for a model with Core i5-1240P CPU, 8GB of RAM, 512GB M.2 SSD, and FHD+ non-touch display. Jumping up to a Core i7-1260P CPU, 16GB of RAM, 512GB SSD, and the same non-touch display costs about $1,518.

Bumping performance with the Core i7-1280P CPU adds about $100 to the overall cost. For 32GB of RAM you're looking at about a $150 premium over 16GB, and it looks like a 1TB SSD costs an extra $100 compared to 512GB. The 2TB SSD is another $200 on top of that.

Adding an FHD+ touch display costs about $100, while the 3.5K OLED or UHD+ screen is about another $200 on top of that. These prices will no doubt fluctuate as the PC ages; they're currently about as high as they'll go due to the recent launch.

Where is the best place to buy an XPS 13 Plus?

Dell's official website is currently the best place to buy an XPS 13 Plus. Third-party retailers will eventually jump on board, but the recent release date means Dell offers the best mix of configurations and support.

Dell XPS 13 Plus

Dell's new XPS 13 Plus sets a fresh standard for Windows 11 laptops thanks to a clean and minimalist look with tons of performance inside.

From $1,273 at Dell

The Kanto YU2 PC gaming desktop speakers have dropped to just $179.99 at Amazon, and this deal is available in several color options including black, white, red, teal, and more. Choose your favorite, or the one that goes best with your workstation's aesthetic, and save money no matter what. The drop to $180 is the second lowest price we've ever seen, only $10 above what they were selling for on Black Friday. If you consider the speakers have actually jumped in price in the new year and sold regularly for as much as $270, it's actually an even better deal.

One of the great things about these speakers is that they have multiple ways you can connect to them, including USB and a 3.5mm aux input. Stream digitally straight from your computer to the speakers through its USB port in probably the simplest way to connect to the speakers. You can also use your mobile device via the aux input, playing from multiple sources. You could even play from multiple sources at the same time if, for some reason, that appeals to you.

They are powerful speakers with 3-inch composite drivers, 3/4-inch silk dome tweeters, and a 100W Class D amplifier. What that means for you is fantastic sound with no distortion and great clarity. The speakers also stay relatively compact at just around 6 inches tall, so you can place them on your desktop and still have plenty of room for everything else.

The speakers come with everything you need to get up and running right out of the box, including speaker wires, a 3.5mm mini-jack audio cord, and a USB cable.

The best of Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S releases dropping in 2022.

Ever since the Xbox Series X|S launched in 2020, Microsoft has provided audiences with a healthy supply of stellar titles that have enriched the video game industry to new heights. These video games have ranged from AAA blockbuster epics that push the hardware capabilities of the Series X to its limits or humble indie titles that evoke nostalgic memories with pixel-art inspired visuals and thought-provoking stories.

As 2022 rolls on, the Xbox platform continues to expand its library with more exciting games. With so many titles in the works, it can be tricky to keep track of them. And that's without mentioning the plethora of rumors surrounding unannounced games for Xbox consoles.

As such, we at Windows Central will help you out by highlighting the latest upcoming AAA and indie games confirmed to release for Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S. With this list, you can stay up to date on what's to come and not miss out on potentially playing the best Xbox games these platforms have to offer.

Best upcoming Xbox games 2022:

• New releases
  • Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising
  • Evil Dead: The Game
• Release dates confirmed
  • Moo Lander
  • The Quarry
  • Shadowrun Trilogy
  • Sonic Origins
  • Capcom Fighting Collection
  • Outriders Worldslayer
  • Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series
  • Saints Row
  • Soul Hackers 2
  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge
  • Warhammer 40,000: Darktide
  • JoJo's Bizarre Adventure All Star Battle R
  • Scorn
  • Hogwarts Legacy
  • Hello Neighbor 2
  • S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl
  • A Plague Tale: Requiem
  • Atomic Heart
  • Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn
  • Gundam Revolution
  • One Piece Odyssey
  • SD Gundam Battle Alliance
  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection
  • The DioField Chronicle
  • War Hospital
  • Warhammer 40,000: Shootas, Blood & Teef
  • Dead Space remake
  • Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes
  • Exoprimal
  • Redfall
  • Starfield
  • The Wolf Among Us 2
• To be confirmed
  • Avowed
  • Contraband
  • Deathloop
  • Diablo 4
  • Elder Scrolls VI
  • Everwild
  • Fable
  • Forza Motorsport 8
  • Ghostwire: Tokyo
  • Indiana Jones
  • Mandragora
  • Overwatch 2
  • Perfect Dark
  • Pragmata
  • Senua's Saga: Hellblade II
  • State of Decay 3
  • The Last Night
  • There Is No Light

New releases

Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising (May 10, 2022)

Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising is an action-RPG that serves as a prequel to the upcoming JRPG, Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes. You play as a group of adventurers that arrived at the mining town of New Neveah to explore recently uncovered ruins for treasure. Your journey will involve hacking and slashing through the monsters infesting the ruins, strengthening the bond of your party, and uncovering dark secrets that could put in the world in grave danger.

Evil Dead: The Game (May 12, 2022)

Evil Dead: The Game is a multiplayer horror game based on the Evil Dead franchise. Step into the demon-kicking shoes of Ashley Williams and lead a group of survivors to stop the evil Deadites from destroying the world by blasting them with "Boomstick" shotguns and slicing them up with chain saws. Or you can play as the forces of evil like the Deadites and the Kandarian Demon and hunt down Ashley Williams and his friends, controlling the environment to trap them, or turn Ash's friends against each other by possessing their bodies.

Release dates confirmed

Moo Lander (May 27, 2022)

Moo Lander is a Metroidvania-style platformer developed and published by The Sixth Hammer. In this game, you have been given the daunting task of piloting your civilization's last functioning spaceship to gather the galaxy's greatest energy source — milk. To accomplish your mission, you must travel to distant worlds and use your ship's advanced weaponry to hunt down and tame the Mighty Cows. These are a breed of super-intelligent and super-strong alien cows that will destroy anything that invades their territory.

The Quarry (June 10, 2022)

The Quarry is an upcoming, cinematic horror game developed by Supermassive Games, the dev team responsible for Until Dawn and The Dark Pictures Anthology. You play as nine teenage camp counselors enjoying their last day of summer camp before they go back to their regular lives. However, their vacation takes a horrifying turn for the worst when they start being hunted by crazed, bloodthirsty locals and supernatural forces beyond their wildest nightmares.

Shadowrun Trilogy (June 21, 2022)

The Shadowrun Trilogy is a collection of tactical RPGs based on the cult-classic tabletop role-playing game Shadowrun. These games are set in a cyberpunk world where the wonderous powers of magic and unchecked advancement of technology and corporations collide. If you hope to survive in this magically empowered dystopian future, you will need to use your smarts and enlist the aid of Shadowrunners to help you overcome enemies in intense turn-based battles where one wrong move could be your last.

This collection features Shadowrun Returns, Shadowrun Dragonfall — Director's Cut, and Shadowrun Hong Kong — Extended Edition, now reimagined for modern home consoles.

Sonic Origins (June 23, 2022)

Relive the beginnings of Sega's super-speedy mascot, Sonic the Hedgehog, with Sonic Origins. This collection features remasters of Sonic's iconic 16-bit titles including Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles, and Sonic CD. In addition, there will be new features added like the ability to play as Sonic, Tails, or Knuckles in all four titles, Classic and Anniversary modes, animated cutscenes, and more.

Capcom Fighting Collection (June 24, 2022)

Celebrate Capcom's fighting game legacy with the Capcom Fighting Collection. This collection contains ten classic Capcom fighting games such as Hyper Street Fighter II: The Anniversary Edition, Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo, Super Gem Fighter Mini Mix, Cyberbots: Fullmetal Madness, the entire Darkstalkers series, and the once-arcade exclusive, Red Earth. All these games can be played be solo or against other players in casual or ranked online matches, supported by rollback netcode to ensure stability during online gameplay.

Outriders Worldslayer (June 30, 2022)

Outriders Worldslayer is an upcoming expansion to Outriders, a third-person looter shooter developed by People Can Fly and published by Square Enix. This title plans to build upon the foundation of the base game with a new standalone campaign, new progression, upgrade and endgame systems, new weapons and gear to obtain, and much more.

Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series (July 8, 2022)

The Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series is an upcoming remastered collection of the Klonoa series. These games are cute and charming side-scrolling platformers where you play as the titular Klonoa, a young cat-like boy on a quest to the save world from evil.

This collection contains "Klonoa: Door to Phantomile" and "Klonoa 2: Lunatea's Veil," both of which have received visual upgrades and new difficulty options for modern audiences to experience Klonoa's colorful world how they see fit. This title will be releasing on the Nintendo Switch on July 8, 2022, but it will also be arriving on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam at a later date.

Saints Row (Aug. 23, 2022)

Saints Row is an upcoming open-world, action-adventure game that is set to reboot Deep Silver Volition's over-the-top, Saints Row franchise. You play as the boss of a criminal gang called "The Saints," and your goal is to eliminate all rival gangs and take over the city of Santo Ileso so you can forge your criminal empire.

Soul Hackers 2 (Aug. 26, 2022)

Soul Hackers 2 is an upcoming JRPG created and brought to you by Atlus, the team behind the Shin Megami Tensei and Persona franchises. This game is about the "Devil Summoners", a group of young people who have the ability to summon demons and use their powers. It is your job to lead these Devil Summoners on a mission to stop the mysterious "Phantom Society" from calling the "Great One" and bring about the end of the world.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge (Summer 2022)

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge is an upcoming beat 'em up developed by Tribute Games Inc. and published by Dotemu. This game is based on the 1980s era of TMNT and follows the Ninja Turtles as they fight to save New York City from the evil Shredder. You can fight against Shredder's Foot Clan ninjas solo or with your friends in 4-player co-op.

Warhammer 40,000: Darktide (Sept. 13, 2022)

From the developers of Vermintide, Warhammer 40,000: Darktide is an upcoming 4-player co-op shooter that shares familiarity with the likes of Left4Dead. Set in the harrowing universe of Warhammer 40K, players battle a heretical cult known as the Admonition, hellbent on taking over the planet Atoma Prime. Battle all sorts of Chaos monstrosities in this class-based evolving shooter, which also arrives first on Xbox Series X/S consoles as a timed exclusive.

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure All Star Battle R (Fall 2022)

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure All Star Battle R is a fighting game based on the popular JoJo's Bizarre Adventure manga and anime series. This game will allow JoJo fans to duke it out with their favorite characters such as Jonathan Joestar, DIO, Joseph Joestar, Jotaro Kujo, Josuke Higashikata, Giorno Giovanna, Jolyne Kujo, and many more in online matches and offline game modes.

This game is also an updated remaster of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure All Star Battle, a PlayStation 3-exclusive fighting game released back in 2013. This version of All Star Battle will include an improved 60 FPS frame rate, adjustments to the combat system like hit-stops and jump dashes, and 50 playable characters from every story arc of the original manga.

Scorn (Fall 2022)

Scorn is an upcoming horror title that leans heavily into H.R. Giger's art styles to create its grotesque world. Not a huge amount is known about the game besides the fact that it is firmly survival horror, set in a first-person, and is exclusive to Xbox Series X and PC.

Hogwarts Legacy (Winter 2022)

Hogwarts Legacy is an upcoming action-RPG based on the Harry Potter franchise. In this game, you create your own wizard or witch attending the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry during the 1800s. You will embark on a journey of self-discovery where you will learn how to wield magic, form friendships with your fellow classmates, and fight villains seeking to exploit magic for their own gain.

Hello Neighbor 2 (Dec. 2, 2022)

Hello Neighbor 2 is a sequel to the popular indie stealth horror game Hello Neighbor. You play as a journalist who has moved to the small town of Raven Brooks to uncover an unsolved mystery surrounding a suspicious, mustachioed gentleman known as the "Neighbor." However, he isn't the only shady character in this town as the rest of its citizens are all acting strange and keeping secrets they don't anybody, especially you, to find out ...

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl (Dec. 8, 2022)

Microsoft also unveiled STALKER 2: Heart of Chernobyl at their July showcase as a timed exclusive for Xbox Series X and PC. STALKER is an open-world shooter with survival elements, tasking players to navigate a radiated Chernobyl filled with physics anomalies and other threats lurking in the dark.

At the start of 2022, it was revealed STALKER 2 is sadly being delayed until the end of the year.

A Plague Tale: Requiem (2022)

A Plague Tale: Requiem is the next installment in the Plague Tale franchise, and it's launching directly onto Xbox Game Pass in 2022. A Plague Tale: Requiem is a next-gen-only affair, following Amicia and Hugo on an all-new quest in a plagued, infested world.

Atomic Heart (2022)

Atomic Heart is an upcoming first-person shooter set in an alternate universe where the USSR became the leading global superpower after it developed a powerful resource known as "Polymer." However, not all is well in Russia as a disastrous incident has occurred at the facility where Polymer was invented, and you, as the KGP agent Sergey Nechaev, have been dispatched to investigate it. What follows will be a terrifying adventure filled with killer robots, bloodthirsty mutants, and all sorts of science experiments gone horribly wrong.

Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn (2022)

Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn is an upcoming, open-world, action RPG published by Kepler Interactive and developed by A44 Games. It takes place in a world where the old gods have unleashed an army of the undead to destroy humanity. You play as Nor Venek, a gunslinging warrior who, along with her magical animal companion Enki, embark on a quest of vengeance to destroy the old gods.

Gundam Revolution (2022)

Gundam Evolution is a team-based, free-to-play first-person shooter based on the Gundam franchise. This game pits players against one another in 6v6 matches where they pilot various Mobile Suits with unique abilities and weapons to complete objectives and destroy the enemy team.

One Piece Odyssey (2022)

One Piece Odyssey is an upcoming RPG based on one of the most popular Shonen Jump manga and anime franchises ever made, One Piece. The story will follow the adventures of the Straw Hat Pirates as they get stranded on a mysterious island filled with fascinating creatures, quirky characters, and dangerous villains.

Not much is currently known about the gameplay except that you will get to control as various members of the crew. This includes their happy-go-lucky captain Monkey D. Luffy, the master swordsman Roronoa Zora, the weather-controlling navigator Nami, the cowardly but crafty marksman Usopp, and more.

SD Gundam Battle Alliance (2022)

SD Gundam Battle Alliance is an upcoming action RPG based on the giant robot anime franchise Gundam. This game will have the player pilot Super Deformed (SD) versions of the iconic Gundam mechs to stop a mysterious phenomenon called "Breaks" from destroying the world. Take control of Gundams from the original "Mobile Suit Gundam" series to the modern "Mobile Suit Gundam Iron-Blooded Orphans" series in an action-packed single campaign that can be played solo or alongside your friends in 3-player co-op.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection (2022)

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection is a compilation of retro TMNT games from the 8-bit and 16-bit eras of gaming. This collection features 13 classic TMNT games including Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tournament Fighters, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Hyperstone Heist, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time, one of the most beloved arcade beat 'em ups of all time.

The DioField Chronicle (2022)

The DioField Chronicle is an upcoming strategy RPG from Square Enix. The story is set in the realm of Rowetale, which is currently the midst of a war between the Empire and the Alliance. Take control of the Blue Fox Mercenaries and use their special skills and magic to fight back the Empire in battles that mixes turn-based strategy with real-time combat.

War Hospital (2022)

War Hospital is an evocative strategy game that puts you in command of a hospital in World War 1. You'll be tasked with healing the wounded in dire conditions, in a game that seems to draw inspiration from the likes of Frostpunk.

Warhammer 40,000: Shootas, Blood & Teef (2022)

From the team that brought you Guns, Gore, & Cannoli comes Rogueside's next bloodstained, side-scrolling shooter, Warhammer 40,000: Shootas, Blood & Teef. Take control of a gun-crazed Ork from the Warhammer 40K universe and embark on a violent campaign across the planet of Luteus Alpha. Chop and shoot everything in your way including humans, Genestealer Cultists, and even other Orks in order to rescue your precious squig from Warboss Gutrekka.

Dead Space remake (Jan. 27, 2023)

EA's classic survival-horror game set in the dark corners of the universe, Dead Space, will be getting a remake sometime in 2023. In the original Dead Space, you play as Isaac Clarke, an engineer who has been dispatched alongside a crew to repair a spaceship called the USG Ishimura. The mission goes awry immediately as Isaac's crew discovers that the Ishimura has become infested with horrific alien lifeforms that can only be destroyed by dismembering them into pieces.

The Dead Space Remake promises to take the original game's beloved gameplay, chilling atmosphere, and horrifying visuals and rebuild them using the power of next-gen hardware to terrify new audiences and old fans alike.

Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes (2023)

Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes is upcoming JRPG developed by Rabbit and Bear Studios and published by 505 Games. The game takes place on Allraan, a continent that is currently being torn apart by the tyrannical Galdean Empire, which is searching for ancient artifacts to increase their military might and conquer the land.

Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes' story will chronicle the journey of a young imperial officer named Seign Kesling, and Nowa, a young warrior from a remote village on the outskirts of Allraan. As the fires of war rage, these two friends will be forced into a bitter conflict where their beliefs and ideologies will be put to the ultimate test.

Exoprimal (2023)

Exoprimal is a brand-new, online-only cooperative third-person shooter created by Capcom. The year is 2043, and humanity is under attack by hordes of dinosaurs emerging from portals all over the globe. To combat this threat, the Aibius Corporation has developed powerful exosuits armed with an array of weapons to stand up to the prehistoric menace.

Players will pilot these exosuits and form teams of five to take on waves of dinosaurs in arcade-style game modes that feature PvE and PvP missions to complete.

Redfall (2023)

From Arkane we have Redfall, an upcoming co-operative shooter/immersive sim, where you go toe to toe with vampiric forces of darkness. Not a huge amount is known about Redfall, besides the fact it's Xbox and Windows exclusive. It's expected to launch sometime in 2023.

Starfield (2023)

Microsoft grabbed Starfield with its ground-shaking purchase of Bethesda in 2020. Starfield is a singleplayer sci-fi RPG set in space, although almost nothing is known about the game so far. We know that Starfield will launch in 2023.

The Wolf Among Us 2 (2023)

The Wolf Among Us 2, the long-awaited sequel to Telltale's narrative-focused adventure game, The Wolf Among Us, has finally been unveiled with a tentative release date for 2023. This series tells the story of Bigby Wolf, the former sheriff of "Fabletown" — a secret community within the streets of New York City that houses characters from fairy tales and folklore. The first game had Bigby track down an enigmatic serial killer murdering the citizens of "Fabletown," and it looks like Bigby will once again be pulled into another murder mystery in the sequel, whilst also trying to keep a leash on his own inner wolf.

Release dates to be confirmed

Avowed

Avowed was revealed at Microsoft's July Xbox showcase and is a next-gen, Xbox Series X, RPG experience from Obsidian, set in the Pillars of Eternity universe. Not a huge amount is known about the game, save for the fact it will have first-person gameplay Elder Scrolls-style and has a slick cinematic trailer to keep us appetized.

Contraband

Contraband is an upcoming Xbox exclusive developed in partnership with Avalanche, known for Mad Max and Just Cause. Contraband has been described to us as a multiplayer smuggler sandbox, where players come together to plan heists and execute them, in a vehicular-combat extravaganza. There's no known planned launch window for Contraband as of yet.

Deathloop

Deathloop was commissioned as a PlayStation-timed exclusive, but with the exclusivity period set to end in 2022, you can expect to see it on Xbox sooner rather than later. Deathloop is a puzzle FPS, where players examine time loops to make a series of assassinations in a set time limit.

Diablo 4

Diablo 4 was revealed at BlizzCon 2019, and what a reveal it was.

Ditching the previous game's cartoony, colorful aesthetic, Diablo 4 goes all-in on a haunting, gothic realism and brutal violence. Blizzard notes that Diablo II has been the template for the franchise's fourth installment, both in tone and in the game's more methodical pacing.

There's no known launch window as of yet. We'll probably be waiting a long time for this one.

Elder Scrolls VI

Like Starfield, Elder Scrolls VI is now part of Microsoft's Xbox Game Studios, alongside Bethesda's acquisition. And just like Starfield, almost nothing is known about the game. It will be singleplayer and a traditional Elder Scrolls-style open RPG, but we may be waiting a long while to see this game materialize.

Everwild

The next title from Rare was revealed in late 2019, showing us another gorgeous and colorful world from the British studio. Very little is known about Everwild, but the trailer seems to indicate that it's some form of multiplayer experience, complete with stealth mechanics and uniquely gorgeous creatures.

Fable

Microsoft finally revealed Fable after years of rumors and speculation. Fable is being built for Xbox Series X and PC and will showcase the talents of Playground Games, which has grown into a huge studio over the past few years.

Forza Motorsport 8

Microsoft and Turn 10 are rebuilding the Forza engine from the ground up, aiming to launch as an Xbox Series X exclusive in the future. Forza Motorsport 8 may be something of a reboot of sorts, dropping the numbered entries. Not a huge amount is known about the game, but we may be waiting awhile before we get our steering wheels on this one.

Ghostwire: Tokyo

Ghostwire: Tokyo is from the legendary mind of Shinji Mikami, famed for work on The Evil Within and Resident Evil. Not a huge amount is known about Ghostwire, but this is another PlayStation-timed exclusive ... at least for now. With Microsoft now owning Tango Gameworks, much like Deathloop, you can expect to see this game on Xbox in 2023 most likely.

Indiana Jones

Randomly and out of the blue, Microsoft and ZeniMax's Machine Games revealed that the studio known for Wolfenstein's popular reboot is building an Indiana Jones game, in partnership with Disney's revived Lucasfilms' Games division. There are practically no details about this whatsoever, but we're already hyped. I wouldn't expect to see this game any time soon, though.

Mandragora

Mandragora is an upcoming Metroidvania-style, side-scrolling action RPG developed by Primal Game Studio and published by Marvelous Europe. This game takes in a dark fantasy world where mankind has fallen to entropy and monsters lurk behind every corner. It is up to you to explore this decaying realm, slay the monsters preying upon humanity, and find a way to restore peace and happiness to the land.

Overwatch 2

Announced at BlizzCon 2019, Overwatch 2 finally adds a story mode to the colorful hero shooter, filling in some of the gaps in the game's lore.

While Overwatch 2 will be a separate game with its own content, Blizzard won't be splitting up the playerbase between the first and second games, instead uniting both in the same multiplayer pool with the same heroes. There's no known launch window at this point, but we'll be sure to update you when there is.

Perfect Dark

At the 2020 Game Awards, Microsoft unveiled the long-rumored project of The Initiative — a full reboot of Rare's classic sci-fi spy adventure Perfect Dark. Details are scant on exactly how Perfect Dark will look and play, but we've heard it will take cues from the gadgetry of Perfect Dark Zero and may draw comparisons to the likes of Splinter Cell: Conviction for stylish stealth-action gameplay.

Pragmata

Pragmata is an upcoming title from Capcom set in an extraordinary futuristic setting. Almost nothing is known about the game, besides the fact it's coming to next-gen systems and looks incredibly sleek.

Senua's Saga: Hellblade II

Another huge surprise announcement recently was that of Hellblade II, built from the ground up for the next-gen Xbox Series X. The in-engine trailer showcases the insane visuals Ninja Theory will achieve when the game hits the Xbox Series X.

Little is known about the game, but Senua is a Pict warrior who navigates the horrors of Helheim to rescue the soul of a loved one. The game pushed extremely incredible visuals for its time, with stunning atmospherics, but was a bit limited in scope due to the studio's independent nature. Now, as part of Microsoft, Hellblade II may push further into more action-oriented territory.

State of Decay 3

State of Decay 3 is also a bit of an enigma, offering us a cinematic trailer and not much else. Set in a more wintry environment, there are possibilities that you'll have to manage your internal temperature in addition to other survival needs, as the plague seems to have now spread to animals and not just humans.

The Last Night

The Last Night is an upcoming "2D open-world" title from Odd Tales Games. The neon-blasted cyberpunk title features action-infiltration-oriented gameplay, complete with a branching narrative and stunning art that combines retro-2D sprites and modern lighting with 3D elements.

There's no launch date listed at the time of writing, but The Last Night is seeking investment due to some developmental issues.

There Is No Light

There Is No Light is a Kickstarter success story that came to Xbox and PC in November 2021. This self-proclaimed "brutal" action game sports a gothic retro-pixel art style and looks to have tight (and gory) combat. Escape a deadly cult, and kill hordes of enemies while doing so.

What are you hyped for?

As you can see, there are a lot of Xbox games to look forward in 2022 and beyond. With this many games, coupled with Microsoft's Netflix-styled Xbox Game Pass service that lets consumers download hundreds of Xbox games for a small monthly fee, it's safe to say the future of the Xbox brand is looking brighter than ever.

A catalog of games

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate

From $1/month at Xbox $40 at Amazon (3-month subscription) $15 at Amazon (1-month subscription)

All your gaming needs, in one subscription

Is the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate the best value in all of gaming? It's possible. Ultimate bundles your Xbox Live Gold subscription, Xbox Game Pass for Xbox consoles and PC Game Pass for Windows devices, and Xbox Cloud Gaming for on-the-go fun. That means access to hundreds of games, with more added all the time, for a single monthly subscription cost.

The annual Atlus survey is heading to the west.

Xbox has a notorious problem with JRPGs, although the situation has improved in recent years. Historically, Xbox missed out on many great and classic Japanese RPGs and other games, with the famous Persona franchise being among the most-wanted of the lot. In this year's annual Atlus survey, however, there may be a glimmer of hope.

Every year, famed Shin Megami Tensei (SMT) publisher Atlus sends out a survey to gain feedback from its fans and community. The company has also published its survey in English, specifically to gauge feedback from North American countries.

【Atlus Survey 2022 for North American territories】
From Atlus to our dear fans: Please take part in our annual survey!https://t.co/LUqpfTVX4o　#atlus pic.twitter.com/9vlMVgi5kQ

— アトラス公式アカウント (@Atlus_jp) May 13, 2022

Question 38 of the lengthy survey pertains to the famous Persona franchise, whose anime leanings and turn-based tactical combat has won itself millions of fans across the globe. The mainline franchise has long been absent from Xbox, although spinoffs like Persona 4 Arena have hit the box in the past, and the upcoming SMT spinoff Soul Hackers 2 has already been announced for Xbox, to fans' surprise.

Question 38 asks fans what platforms they would like to play Persona on, with one option reading "I would want to play on Xbox," alongside smartphones, VR, PlayStation, alongside other major platforms.

While this is by no means a guarantee Atlus would consider putting mainline games like Persona 4 Golden or Persona 5 Royal on Xbox, it does at least offer an opportunity for Xbox fans to make their voices heard. We have long called on Xbox to expand its support of Japan and JRPGs, and if Xbox fans feel the same way, this is a unique opportunity to offer feedback.

The survey can be found in English right over here. While we wait (and hope) for Persona, there are dozens of other great JRPGs on Xbox to try in the interim.

AUO has speedy 480Hz panels on the way for gaming monitors and laptops.

What you need to know

• AUO demoed its 480Hz panels at SID Display Week 2022.
• The company has a 480Hz 24-inch panel for desktop monitors and a 480Hz 16-inch model for laptops.
• Many manufacturers use AUO displays, including Acer, ASUS, and MSI.

AUO briefly showed off its 480Hz panels at SID Display Week 2022. The company has two 480Hz displays in the works, a 24-inch model for desktop monitors and a 16-inch model for laptops. Both displays have response times of under 1 ms and have FHD (1920 x 1080) resolution. ComputerBase first spotted the panels (via Tom's Hardware). We don't have a full spec list, a release date, or pricing information for any devices that will feature AUO's new panels.

You may not have heard of AUO, but you've likely seen their displays. Many of the best gaming monitors and best gaming laptops have AUO panels. Acer's new Predator X32 monitor uses AUO's AmLED technology, and several well-known companies such as ASUS and MSI frequently use AUO panels.

Around the 56-second mark of the video, you'll see AUO's 24-inch panel and then its 16-inch display. The same video also includes a look at AUO's ultra-wide AmLED panel, its 16-inch QHD AmLED panel, and a display with an integrated camera to allow for a thinner bezel.

Some people will debate if a 480Hz panel is discernable from a 360Hz panel or even from slower ones. Regardless of how many frames the human eye can see in a second, AUO's displays will be among the fastest on the market. Enthusiasts that want to get the most out of the best PC games may want to look AUO's way to future-proof their setups.