For many players, drifting mode in Forza Horizon 4 is not just a way to have fun, but a real skid control art. Unlike simulators like Assetto Corsa, the physics here is arcade, but requires a precise understanding of how tire grip works in different weather conditions. The British landscape, changing four times a week, dictates its rules: wet asphlet in autumn requires a completely different approach than dry summer cover.
To consistently gain high points multipliers and win in competitions, it is necessary not only to choose the right car, but also to correctly adjust its suspension and transmission. Weight management A car in a corner is a key skill that distinguishes a beginner from a professional. In this article, we will examine all aspects of drifting, from the choice of the first car to advanced counter-shifting techniques.
It is important to understand that the mechanics of the game forgive many mistakes, but to achieve the maximum score you will have to learn to balance on the verge of losing control. Forza Horizon 4 It offers a unique system where driving style is encouraged no less than speed. Get ready to experiment with settings and look for your ideal driving style.
Understanding of physics and drift mechanics
The basis of any successful race lies in understanding how the game calculates skid. The physics engine in FH4 simulates inertia and clutch, but does so with a bias toward spectacle. When you tear the car into a skid, you are actually disturbing the balance between the front and rear axles. Rear-wheel drive. Cars are best suited for this, since the torque on the rear wheels allows you to initiate the sliding steering and gas.
The key parameter here is the angle of rotation of the wheels and the position of the throttle. If you just squeeze the gas on a full turn, the car will most likely turn around or fly off the track. It is necessary to work intermittently with the gas, controlling the vector of motion. This is especially true for high-power machines, where excess thrust instantly leads to uncontrolled rotation.
⚠️ Note: Using a Steering Assist at either Simulation or Normal levels can interfere with deep skids, as the game will try to level the car instead of letting you control the skid.
It is also important to consider the impact of the season. In winter, when the roads are covered with snow and ice, the coefficient of adhesion drops to almost zero. In such circumstances brake It becomes practically useless for speed reset, and you have to rely only on traction and steering. In summer, on dry asphalt, it takes much more power to tear the wheels into slip.
For skills development, long straight sections with subsequent gentle turns are ideal. Here you can safely experiment with the moment of skidding. Don’t be afraid to hit the fences at first, it’s part of the learning process.
Choosing the perfect car for drifting
Choosing the right car is half of the success. There are hundreds of cars in the game, but not all are suitable for drifting. The main division is by type of drive. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) It is considered a classic of the genre, allowing you to easily tear the rear axle in a slide. All-wheel drive (AWD) gives more stability and allows you to exit corners at a higher speed, but requires fine-tuning power distribution.
Among the players, a certain list of favorites has formed, which dominate the leaderboards. These machines have an optimal balance of power, weight and customizability. Often beginners choose supercars that are too powerful, not realizing that it is incredibly difficult to drive 1000 horsepower in skid without proper experience.
Below is a table of popular cars that have proven to be the best drifting platforms in different classes:
| Car | Class class | Driver. | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Silvia S15 | B / A | RWD | Perfect balance, easy, responsive |
| BMW M4 GTS | A / S1 | RWD | High power, requires precision |
| Formula Drift #911 | S2 | RWD | Designed specifically for drifting, maximum angle |
| McLaren 570S | S1 | RWD (with mod) | Stability at high speeds |
When choosing a car, pay attention to the possibility of installation wide-arch And adjusting the wheel breakup. Without these modifications, the car will rest against the arches in the tires at large corners, which will lead to loss of control. Mass is also important: too heavy cars are inert, and too light can be unstable at high speed.
If you are just starting out, pay attention to Nissan 240SX or Mazda MX-5. They forgive mistakes and let you understand the basics. For advanced pilots looking for adrenaline, powerful Mustang or Corvette with a forced engine.
Suspension and transmission setting
Factory car settings in Forza Horizon 4 are rarely suitable for professional drifting. To the car behaved predictably, you need to go to the tuning menu and change the suspension parameters. The first thing to do is to deal with the stiffness of the springs. For drifting, the suspension is usually made stiffer to reduce body rolls and speed up the response to the steering wheel.
Pay special attention to the differential. This is one of the most important elements of the setup. Blocking the differential The acceleration should be set to 100%. This ensures that both rear wheels rotate at the same speed, ensuring a stable skid and preventing the loss of traction on one of the wheels. The blockage is also placed close to the maximum (80-100%) to slow down the gas, so that the machine does not prowl when the gas is discharged.
☑️ Checklist of basic settings
The collapse of the front wheels is another critical parameter. Increased negative fracture (up to -3.5 or -4.0 degrees) improves the grip of the front axle in a deep skid, allowing better control of the trajectory. The back fracture is usually left close to zero or made slightly negative for stability.
Don't forget the tire pressure. Reducing pressure can increase the contact spot, but for drifting it is often recommended to keep the pressure within 28-32 PSI for a better slip sensation. Experiment with these values, as each machine behaves uniquely.
⚠️ Warning: Excessively increasing the stiffness of stabilizers can make the car too nervous. If the car constantly breaks into an uncontrolled skid, try softening the rear stabilizer.
It is also worth mentioning the transmission. For drifting, short main gear is often used to spin the wheels faster, but this can lead to the fact that the engine will constantly work at the limiting revs. Find a balance where you have enough traction at the exit of the turn, but the engine does not start too early.
Management techniques and techniques
Having mastered the basic setting, proceed to the development of techniques. The simplest one is Scandinavian Flick (Scandinavian puff). Before entering the corner, you briefly turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction, and then sharply shift it towards the turn. This causes a sharp weight transfer and a rupture of the rear axle into a skid.
Another important technique is the use of hand brakes. In FH4, it works effectively to dramatically change trajectory or stop rotation. Press it in short series to adjust the angle, but don't keep it clamped permanently, otherwise you'll lose speed and points.
Counter-steer is a skill that must be brought to automatism. When the rear of the car is pulled aside, you must quickly turn the steering wheel in the same direction to align the car. In the game, this is done by an analog stick or steering wheel. The main thing is to feel the moment when you need to start returning the steering wheel to the neutral, so as not to fly into a skid in the other direction.
Working with the transmission is also important. In manual mode, you can use the gear to control traction. Switching to a lower gear can cause a sharp jerk and increased skid (engine braking), which is useful in protracted corners.
The strategy of scoring points and multipliers
In Forza Horizon 4, drifting is not only beautiful, but also beneficial for pumping. The point system is multiplier-based. The longer the series and the more different elements you use, the higher the final score. Basic points are given by angle and length of slip, but bonuses are awarded for the angle. Close Call (traffic near traffic or objects) and oncoming skid.
To maximize profits, look for routes with dense traffic or narrow roads with fences. Drive close to the NPCs and touch them with mirrors. It’s risky, but it gives you a huge increase in points. Be careful, though: a violent collision will interrupt the series.
Use seasonal changes. There is more traffic on the roads in spring and summer, making it easier to set up bonuses for Close Call. In winter, you can use snowdrifts and forest to create spectacular “snow angels”, although points for this give less than for risky maneuvers on the track.
Don’t forget about the skills (perks). In the skill tree of the motorsporter, there are branches that increase points for drift. Pumping to the level of "Drift Legend" will significantly increase your earnings in credit points and skill points.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many players get stuck at a certain level, not understanding why their series is constantly interrupted. One of the most common mistakes is losing control of the angle. If you twist the steering wheel too much when counter-shifted, the car will turn 360 degrees or more, which often equates to stopping and resetting the multiplier.
Another mistake is ignoring the terrain. A collision with a curb or a bump at high speed can destabilize the car. Try to keep the wheels on a smooth surface. If you feel the car is starting to shake, it’s better to drop the gas and level the trajectory than try to keep the angle at all costs.
⚠️ Warning: Collision with another car or object at high speed instantly resets the drift series. Avoid head-on bumps while performing the trick.
The importance of the review should not be underestimated either. In pursuit of a beautiful hood view, players forget to look at the road. Turn on the camera with a view from the bumper or from the cabin to better feel the dimensions and distance to objects.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Which car is best for a drifting beginner?
It's perfect for a start. Nissan Silvia S15 or Mazda MX-5 Miata. They have rear-wheel drive, moderate power and forgive errors in management. They are easily found at auction or as a reward.
How to increase the angle of rotation of the wheels?
In standard tuning, the angle of rotation does not change, but the installation of wide arches and the change in the geometry of the suspension (castom suspension) allow the wheels to turn out stronger without contact with the body. There are also special engine and transmission swaps that affect physics.
Why am I dropping my drift series?
The series is reset if you stop, crash into an object, turn 360 degrees (sometimes), or drive off the track (in grass or water). Watch the series indicator in the corner of the screen.
Do I need to switch to a manual drift box?
No, on an automatic box with manual switching (or fully automatic) you can also drift. However, the manual box (Manual) gives more control over the engine traction, which is useful for advanced techniques.