Forza Horizon 5 is one of those games where the best moments happen with friends—random highway pulls, convoy chaos, or that one “one more race” session that turns into two hours.
Most players search this because they want to play with friends on different platforms (Xbox, PC, Steam, and now PS5) and they want a clear answer with zero confusion.
This guide gives you the clean truth for 2026: what crossplay supports, what cross-save does NOT support, how to invite friends properly, and what to do when it “should work” but doesn’t.
The real answer: is Forza Horizon 5 crossplay?
Yes, Forza Horizon 5 supports crossplay across every platform it’s available on.
That includes:
- Xbox One / Xbox Series X|S
- PC (Microsoft Store / Xbox app)
- PC (Steam)
- PlayStation 5
Crossplay is generally on by default (including PS5), and you can join convoys and online modes together.
Crossplay vs cross-save (this is what confuses everyone)
Here’s the key:
- Crossplay = playing together online ✅
- Cross-save / cross-progression = your progress carries over ✅/❌ depending on platform
FH5’s official support docs make it clear:
- Crossplay is supported broadly
- Steam cross-save with Xbox is not supported
- PS5 has no cross-save with Xbox/Steam (separate save profiles)
So you can race together… but your garage and progress may not travel with you.
Supported platforms in 2026 (crossplay + cross-save)
This table is the quickest “no arguments” answer.
| Platform | Crossplay | Cross-save / Cross-progression |
| Xbox (One / Series) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (within Xbox ecosystem) |
| PC (Microsoft Store / Xbox app) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes with Xbox (Play Anywhere style) |
| PC (Steam) | ✅ Yes | ❌ No cross-save with Xbox |
| PS5 | ✅ Yes | ❌ No cross-save with Xbox/Steam |
What this means in real life:
If you want “same account, same garage” between console and PC, go Xbox + Microsoft Store/Xbox app. Steam is fine for crossplay, but your save stays Steam-only.
What modes does crossplay work in?
In practice, crossplay applies to the stuff players actually care about:
- Freeroam / Horizon Life sessions
- Convoys
- Horizon Open
- Co-op events and seasonal activities
- General online matchmaking
The PS5 FAQ specifically confirms convoy and cross-platform play across the supported platforms.
How to play with friends cross-platform (convoys that actually work)
This is the smoothest method that avoids “why can’t I see you?” drama.
Step-by-step (works for Xbox/PC/Steam/PS5)
- Make sure everyone is online and in Horizon Life (not solo/offline).
- Add each other (you’ll typically use Microsoft/Xbox identity in FH5’s cross-platform flow, including PS5 linking).
- Create a convoy, set it to Friends Only (or Invite Only).
- Invite friends from the in-game social list.
If you’re on PS5 and crossplay seems “missing,” check the crossplay setting.
How to enable/disable crossplay (PS5-specific toggle)
On PS5, crossplay is on by default, but it can be toggled in settings.
Official flow (PS5):
- Title Screen → Settings → Extras → Toggle Crossplay On/Off
That single toggle explains a huge chunk of “I can’t join Xbox friends” cases.
Common crossplay issues and quick fixes
Most “crossplay is broken” situations are not the game. They’re session, privacy, or network.
Here’s a practical troubleshooting table you can actually use:
| Problem | What it usually is | Fix |
| You can’t see your friend online | Different mode/session | Both go Horizon Life, re-invite |
| Invite fails instantly | NAT / network restriction | Restart router, check NAT/Open |
| PS5 can’t join Xbox/PC | Crossplay toggled off | Turn Crossplay on |
| You joined, then got kicked | Server/session hiccup | Recreate convoy, re-invite |
| “Why is my progress missing?” | Cross-save limitation | Steam/PS5 saves are separate |
The biggest “gotcha” in 2026: account linking on PS5
If you’re new to FH5 on PlayStation:
- You’ll be required to link a Microsoft account to play
- That linking has rules around re-linking if you unlink later
- Cross-save still isn’t supported across platforms
That’s why PS5 crossplay works, but your old Xbox garage doesn’t magically appear.
Value-add: what most competitor pages miss (and why this is stronger)
Here’s the honest competitive gap:
Most ranking articles do one of these:
- Say “Yes it’s crossplay” and stop
- Mix up crossplay vs cross-save
- Skip PS5 details and the crossplay toggle
- Don’t give a clean platform matrix
- Don’t provide “real fix” troubleshooting when invites fail
This guide is stronger because it:
- Separates crossplay vs cross-save cleanly (no confusion)
- Covers PS5 crossplay + enabling steps (official flow)
- Gives tables for scanning + a troubleshooting matrix (better UX)
- Explains the real buying decision: Steam vs Microsoft Store if you want cross-progression
That’s not filler. That’s the stuff that prevents wrong purchases and wasted time.
When progression gaps ruin crossplay sessions (and the realistic fix)
Crossplay is awesome until one friend has:
- No credits for upgrades
- No cars for the playlist
- No time to grind the same races
At that point, you’re “playing together”… but not really.
That’s where a manual progression assist can make sense for some players—especially if the goal is to keep a friend group on roughly the same level without turning FH5 into a second job.
What MitchCactus is
MitchCactus provides manual gaming services that help players reduce grind and catch up—credits being the most common FH5 need.
If (and only if) credits are the blocker for playing with friends, one relevant option is:
A second option that fits the same “catch up fast” intent (without dumping links) is:
FAQs
Is Forza Horizon 5 crossplay between Xbox and PC?
Yes. Xbox and PC players can play together online.
Can Steam players play with Xbox players?
Yes. Steam supports crossplay.
Does Forza Horizon 5 have cross-save?
Cross-save works across Xbox + Microsoft Store/Xbox app PC, but not between Steam and Xbox.
Is FH5 crossplay on PS5?
Yes. FH5 supports crossplay on PS5, and crossplay can be toggled in settings.
Will my Xbox progress carry to PS5 or Steam?
No. PS5 and Steam have independent save profiles.
Conclusion
Yes—Forza Horizon 5 is crossplay across Xbox, PC (Microsoft Store), Steam, and PS5.
The only trap is thinking crossplay automatically means cross-save. It doesn’t.
Once you pick the right platform for your situation and use the convoy/invite flow correctly, playing cross-platform in FH5 is smooth—and honestly one of the best parts of the game.
