You won't be able to play Forza Horizon 5 on PS5 without a Microsoft account

Microsoft has previously announced that Forza Horizon 5 will officially launch on PlayStation 5 starting April 29, 2025. This marks a significant expansion for the popular open-world racing game, previously exclusive to Xbox and PC. Now, an FAQ page on the game’s official website states that you’ll also need a Microsoft account to play it.

What’s the point of the Microsoft account if cross-platform saves aren’t supported?

To play Forza Horizon 5 on PS5, players must link their PlayStation Network (PSN) account to a Microsoft account when launching the game for the first time. This link is permanent—while unlinking is possible, re-linking will only be allowed with the initially associated Microsoft account. Additionally, cross-platform saves will not be supported, meaning progress made on the PS5 version cannot be transferred to Xbox or PC.

For multiplayer access on PS5, players will need an active PlayStation Plus subscription. The game will be available exclusively as a digital download on the PlayStation Store, with no physical disc release planned.

This move is part of Microsoft’s broader strategy to bring its games to more platforms. Similar to Sea of Thieves, which also required a Microsoft account on PS5, this approach aims to make games more accessible to players regardless of their preferred platform.

The PS5 version of Forza Horizon 5 will include all the content available on other platforms, ensuring a complete racing experience. It will also support cross-play, allowing PS5 players to compete with friends on Xbox and PC. Additionally, a new content update called “Horizon Realms” will introduce a selection of evolving worlds and other surprises, bringing fresh experiences for all players.

(Some) Gamers aren’t happy at all with this new requirement

The requirement for a Microsoft account has sparked discussions within the gaming community. While some players have raised concerns about data privacy and account linking, others appreciate the potential for a more unified gaming experience across platforms:

Pretty sure you had to do this with grounded and sea of thieves too, I know you couldn’t even play with friends on grounded without an account

That’s no surprise; Microsoft did the same thing when they purchased Minecraft.

I’m sure most people have an outlook account or Hotmail or live.co.uk account and therefore a Microsoft account.This isn’t going to be some massive requirement.The Sony one was overblown too

Such integrations will likely become more common as the gaming industry moves toward more interconnected ecosystems. Bringing Forza Horizon 5 to PS5 is a significant step in Microsoft’s efforts to expand its gaming reach, allowing PlayStation users to experience the vibrant and expansive world of the Horizon Festival.