When and How to Play Forza Horizon 5 Early on PS55 min read

Forza Horizon 5 early access is finally here for PlayStation 5 players, making it the first time a Forza title has landed on Sony’s console. If you’re eager to get behind the wheel ahead of the general launch, here’s everything you need to know about when and how to play Forza Horizon 5 early on PS5.

Early Access Starts April 25

The game officially hits PS5 with early access starting on April 25, 2025. However, this is only available to players who pre-order the Premium Edition of the game. The rest of the players who purchase the Standard or Deluxe Edition will be able to join the Horizon Festival starting April 29.

The unlock time is 12:01am local time for each region. That means if you’re in Australia, you’ll get access earlier than players in the US or Europe. In the US, early access begins at 12:01am EST, translating to 9:00pm on April 24 for West Coast players.

What You Get With the FH5 PS5 Premium Edition

To play Forza Horizon 5 early on PS5, the Premium Edition is required. This version not only unlocks the game four days before the official release but also includes bonus content. That includes both expansions (Hot Wheels and Rally Adventure), the Car Pass, VIP Membership, and the Welcome Pack.

This bundle offers excellent value if you’re planning to spend serious time in the game. With over 800 cars and new content from the Horizon Realms update, there’s a lot to explore right from day one.

How to Preload the Game

If you’ve already pre-ordered the Premium Edition, the game should be available to preload. Preloading lets you download the entire game before the release time so you can start racing the moment the clock hits midnight. Check your PlayStation 5 library to confirm the download status.

Horizon Realms Adds Even More Reasons to Start Early

The Horizon Realms update also launched alongside the PS5 release. This content refresh introduces 12 revamped Evolving Worlds from previous seasonal playlists and a brand-new Stadium Track. Each Realm includes new Skill Mode challenges, Accolades, Trophies, and Reward Cars.

Access Horizon Realms through the Campaign tab or head directly to the in-game stadium. For new players, unlocking the Festival Playlist is required first. This gives access to Horizon Realms and its unique gameplay loop of skill score banking, time-limited objectives, and specialized Accolades.

New Accolades and Reward Cars

Early access players can begin working toward the new Horizon Realms Accolades. Completing specific goals rewards you with powerful cars that aren’t available through regular means. These include:

All of these are accessible during the early access window. By starting early, you can finish these before the general player base even logs in.

PS5-Specific Performance

The game on PS5 supports full 4K resolution and 60fps in performance mode. The PS5 version mirrors the Xbox Series X version in fidelity, while the PS5 Pro delivers denser foliage and better pop-in distance in performance mode. There’s also support for ray-traced reflections in Quality mode.

Even with all the upgrades, cross-play works across all platforms. So your PS5 session will include races with Xbox and PC players alike.

Can You Transfer Progress?

Currently, save game transfers between Xbox, PC, and PlayStation are not supported. If you previously played on Xbox or PC, your progress will not carry over. You’ll start fresh on PS5.

That also means leaderboards, unlocked cars, and Trophies begin from scratch. This creates a level playing field for PlayStation players and gives everyone a fair chance to compete for top spots.

Forza Horizon 5 PS5 Access

Early access to Forza Horizon 5 on PS5 opens the door to rare events, legendary cars, and a real head start in Horizon Realms. To take full advantage of this opportunity, many players choose to buy Forza Horizon 5 Credits PS5 before launch day. With millions of Credits ready to spend, you can jump into the best rides, customize your garage, and participate in exclusive early competitions without waiting.

Final Thoughts

Forza Horizon 5 early access gives PS5 players a massive head start, complete with exclusive cars and full access to the new Horizon Realms experience. Grab the Premium Edition, preload the game, and race through Mexico before the rest of the world joins on April 29.

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