How to Use the Clutch in Forza Horizon 5 on Xbox: A Simple Guide4 min read

The use of the clutch on Forza Horizon 5 for XBOX can take it to another level. Of course, driving by hand with a clutch can have its advantage on your lap times, and it will even give you a sense of control over the shifting of gears. 

This post simplifies how one could use the clutch in Forza Horizon 5 on XBOX.

Why Use the Clutch in Forza Horizon 5?

Driving with the clutch in Forza Horizon 5 offers several advantages:

• With proper use of the clutch, you can shift gears faster.
• You can rev the engine to control your speed better.
• It provides a more realistic racing experience for dedicated players.

Setting Up the Clutch

Before diving into the mechanics of using the clutch, you’ll need to adjust your control settings. 

Here’s how:

1. Enable Manual with Clutch: Go to the difficulty settings and turn on the “Manual with Clutch” option.
2. Controller Mapping: It’s crucial to map the controls in a way that feels comfortable. The default setup assigns the clutch to the left bumper (LB), and the gear shifts to the B and X buttons for upshifts and downshifts.

How to Shift Gears Using the Clutch

Shifting gears manually with the clutch adds an extra step, but it’s simple once you get the rhythm. 

Here’s how to do it:

• Upshifting: To shift up a gear, press and hold the clutch (LB), release the throttle, then press B to shift up.
• Downshifting: Similarly, press LB, release the throttle, and press X to downshift.

The key is to time the release of the throttle while pressing the clutch. Once you shift, get back on the throttle to accelerate smoothly.

Adjusting Control Settings for Easier Shifting

Many players find it helpful to reassign the clutch button for a more streamlined experience:

1. Remap the Clutch to the A Button: This brings the clutch closer to the gear shift buttons (B and X), making it easier to shift using your thumb.
2. Shift and Clutch Together: With this setup, press A and B together to shift up, or A and X to shift down. This makes it simpler to perform smooth shifts without taking your fingers off the controller.

Practicing Shifting with the Clutch

To get used to the manual transmission with the clutch, start by practicing on a straight road with a slower car. This will give you time to understand the process without the pressure of fast speeds. 

Here’s a quick practice routine:

1. Drive in a Straight Line: Focus on shifting up and down the gears without worrying about cornering or braking.
2. Shift Slowly at First: Start with slow shifts, pressing LB and B (or X) together, and release the throttle.

As you get more comfortable, gradually increase your speed and attempt faster gear changes.

Tips for Racing with the Clutch

Once you’re comfortable with basic shifting, start using the clutch in races. This is where things get more intense, but practice makes perfect. 

Here are some tips:

• Choose the Right Car: Start with cars that have slower acceleration to ease into clutch control. Once you feel confident, switch to faster vehicles.
• Don’t Forget the Throttle: When downshifting, try blipping the throttle (briefly pressing it) to stabilize the car. This is especially useful for preventing spins when cornering.

Launch Control with the Clutch

You can perform advanced launch control with a manual clutch. Hold the clutch and throttle at the same time before a race starts. Release the clutch while keeping the throttle pressed to get a perfect launch, giving you a jumpstart in competitive races.

Practice Makes Perfect

Driving with the clutch on in Forza Horizon 5 might seem a little intimidating at first, but after some time, it’ll become second nature. You can master clutch use with a guarantee of having the edge in both performance and fun. But with Forza Horizon 5 Mods from MitchCactus, you can take that experience to the next level. These modes are designed to push the limits of what you can enjoy in Forza Horizon 5. So, jump into a car, start practicing, and see your racing skills improve.