Virtual expanses of Great Britain, recreated with amazing detail, have been winning the hearts of motorsport fans for several years. However, a new player often faces a dilemma: which version of the game to choose for the start? The basic edition offers a lot of content, but it is the Forza Horizon 4 Ultimate Edition It claims to be the most complete experience. In this article, we will analyze in detail what is hidden behind this name and whether the expanded functionality justifies its cost.
Since the release of the project, enough time has passed to form an objective opinion about its content. Many gamers wonder whether buying an expensive edition is relevant now or it is better to limit yourself to the standard version. The answer depends on how deep you plan to go into the world. Playground Games. We will analyze all aspects so that you can make an informed decision.
It is important to understand that the difference between the publications is not just cosmetic. It’s about dozens of hours of extra game time, unique cars and mechanics that dramatically change the perception of progress. If you value time and want to get the most out of it right away, this review will be a guide to the maze of digital bonuses.
What includes an extended edition
The main difference between the Ultimate Edition and the standard version is the availability of the Season Pass kit Car Pass. These are the two pillars on which the value of an expensive publication is based. The Season Pass provides access to two major expansion packs: Fortune Island and LEGO Speed Champions. Each of them adds new geography, storylines and specific game mechanics.
Set Car Pass This is a guarantee of 42 additional cars within a year of the game’s release. It is important to note that these machines are not just added to the shared garage, but are often exclusive or rare models that are difficult to obtain in other ways. For collectors, this is a critical argument for buying the full version.
⚠️ Warning: Buying the Season Pass separately after the game is released may cost more than the price difference between Standard and Ultimate Edition at the time of the sale. Always check the current prices in your platform store.
Ultimate Edition owners also have access to VIP status. This status gives double earnings of credits (game currency) in all races. In the long run, this allows you to pump your fleet much faster and buy luxury real estate in the game. The time savings here are measured by dozens of hours of real gameplay.
The bonuses also include a welcome package that gives four rare cars at once, and access to the exclusive event "The Eliminator" (Battle Royale mode), although the latter later became available to all players. However, the starting set allows you to immediately sit behind the wheel of powerful cars, bypassing the initial stages of pumping.
Extensive expansions: Fortune Island and LEGO
Supplement Fortune Island The player is transported to a fictional archipelago with a harsh climate. Here reign storms, snow drifts and dangerous rocks. It’s not just a new map, but a completely changed driving physics, requiring the player to drift and control slippery surfaces. The storyline is dedicated to the search for lost treasures and legends of shipwrecks.
The second major addition, LEGO Speed ChampionsIt offers a completely different visual style. The world, built of cubes, looks fabulous and bright. Here, too, the physics has been changed: machines behave more arcade, and the destructibility of the environment is a great pleasure. This expansion is often called the most fun in the entire Horizon series.
- 🏝️ Fortune Island: It adds 13 new cars, including the exclusive Ford RS200 Evolution, and new types of racing.
- 🧱 LEGO Speed Champions: Includes 8 new LEGO machines and the ability to build your own tracks from virtual cubes.
- 🏁 New tests: Each add-on brings unique championships and achievements that expand the list of awards.
Both add-ons are integrated into the shared world through dedicated portals, allowing you to switch between the UK, Treasure Island and the LEGO world without rebooting. It creates a sense of a single, vast space for experimentation. For fans of the series, the presence of these add-ons is a prerequisite for a full dive.
Version comparison: table of possibilities
To structure the information and demonstrate the difference between publications, we have prepared a comparative table. It will help you quickly assess what you are paying for. It is worth considering that the base game is also regularly updated with free content, but the pace and volume of paid add-ons are incomparable.
| Function/Content | Standard Edition | Ultimate Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Main game | There is. | There is. |
| Season Pass (2 DLC) | No (buy separately) | Included. |
| Car Pass (42 cars) | No (buy separately) | Included. |
| VIP status (x2 credits) | No. | Included. |
| Access to the game (early) | No. | It was (3 days before release) |
As you can see from the table, the main value of the Ultimate Edition lies in the package offer. Buying all components individually would be much more expensive. However, if you are not interested in LEGO racing or extreme drift on the island, then overpaying may not seem advisable.
Special attention should be paid to the VIP status. At the beginning of the game, when credits are sorely short of the right cars, doubling profits works wonders. This allows you to quickly get into the rhythm of the game and not feel a lack of resources for tuning and buying real estate.
Secret of VIP status
VIP status also gives you access to weekly super prizes in the form of rare cars that can’t be bought with loans.
Technical aspects and optimization
Speaking of the technical side, it should be noted that the game is perfectly optimized for various platforms. The PC game supports Ultra Wide Monitors and unlimited frame rate, which is critical for speed simulators. Xbox One X and Series X owners can expect native 4K resolution and a stable 60 FPS.
The system of changing the seasons deserves special attention. It’s not just a visual effect, it’s a completely changing driving mechanics. In winter, roads are covered with ice, in autumn the foliage reduces traction, and in spring the melt water creates puddles. All of these factors require adapting the driving style and setting up the car.
Recommended graphics settings for PC (Middle PC):Resolution: 1920x1080
Shadows: Tall
Reflections: Average
Anti-aliasing: FXAA
Anisotropic filtration: 16x
Owners of the next-generation consoles (Xbox Series X/S) received a free update that significantly improves the loading of textures and reduces screen loading time. This makes riding the open world even more enjoyable, removing annoying pauses.
⚠️ Note: Playing online on PC requires a Microsoft account and, in some cases, an Xbox Live Gold subscription (now Game Pass Core), even if you play on Steam.
The Economy of the Game: Is It Worth Buying Loans?
The in-game economy of Forza Horizon 4 is designed to encourage active play. Loans are needed to buy cars, houses (which give bonuses) and lottery tickets. With VIP status from the Ultimate Edition, capital accumulation is twice as fast, which reduces the desire to buy currency for real money.
There is an auction market where players can sell and buy rare cars. Prices for some cars can reach tens of millions of credits. The availability of start-up capital and bonus machines from the Ultimate Edition gives a huge advantage in this market. You can immediately put up a rare car you don’t need for sale and get a start-up capital.
- 🏠 Real estate: Buying homes gives bonuses like free car delivery or doubling of influence (XP).
- 🎰 Lottery: With 250,000 credits, you can win a rare car, but the odds are slim.
- 💰 Auction: The best place to find rare color schemes and tuning.
For those who don’t want to spend hours on farm loans, there are microtransactions. However, experience shows that given the bonuses of Ultimate Edition and competent game, there is no real need for them. The game is generous to those who participate in seasonal events.
Use the "Drift Zone" or "Speed Zone" mode at high speed with an influence multiplier to quickly pump the level and open new wheels of fortune.
The final verdict: who will fit the Ultimate Edition
In summary, it can be said that Forza Horizon 4 Ultimate Edition This is a choice for those who plan to devote more than 20-30 hours to the game. If you want to just take a ride a couple of evenings and forget, the basic version will be enough. But for full enjoyment and exploration of all aspects of the project, the extended edition is the leader.
Having all the DLCs, extra machines and VIP status creates a comfortable environment for the game, eliminating the need to buy content later, often at a higher price. It is an investment in the quality of your leisure. The game remains relevant thanks to an active community and regular seasonal updates.
☑️ Ready to buy?
Ultimately, it's up to you. But if budget allows, Ultimate Edition provides the best value for money. This is a reference arcade car simulator, which will give hundreds of hours of bright drive.
Ultimate Edition only pays off if you pass both DLCs and use VIP status in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I buy Season Pass separately if I already own the base game?
Yes, Season Pass and Car Pass can be purchased separately from the platform store (Microsoft Store, Steam, Xbox). However, the Ultimate Edition kit is often cheaper during sales than the base game and the pass separately.
Do you need a regular Internet connection to play Forza Horizon 4?
For single player play, constant internet is not required, but is desirable for downloading textures and data about other players. However, to activate the game and receive updates, a connection is necessary.
Are achievements moving from Xbox to PC?
Forza Horizon 4 supports Play Anywhere. Your saves, achievements and progress are synced between Xbox and Windows 10/11 using a single Microsoft account.
Is there support for steering controllers in the game?
Yes, the game supports most popular steering wheels (Logitech, Thrustmaster, Fanatec). The feedback force settings are flexible and allow you to customize the sensation of driving for yourself.
Can I play in a co-op with friends?
Yes, the game has a Horizon Life mode, allowing you to join friends, create teams and participate in joint races or explore the world together.