The virtual expanses of Great Britain open up to the player in Forza Horizon 4, offering not just a racing simulator, but a living ecosystem where the weather and seasons change the rules of the road. This is one of those rare games where the process of achieving a goal is more important than the victory itself, and every turn can lead to an unexpected discovery. The dynamic change of seasons here is not just a visual effect, but a fundamental mechanic that restructures the entire driving physics.
You have to master hundreds of cars, each of which has a unique character and requires an individual approach to customization. From classic British roadsters to modern hypercars, the game's garage is amazingly diverse. Playground Games We tried to recreate not only the appearance of the cars, but also their behavior on various surfaces, be it wet asphalt or snowy primer.
It is important to understand that Online season changes occur synchronously for all players, which creates a unique atmosphere of joint survival in changing conditions. At one moment you are rushing through flowering meadows, and after a week of game time you are already gliding on the ice of frozen lakes. This variability forces you to constantly adapt and change your driving style, which keeps the gameplay fresh even after hundreds of hours of play.
Choosing your first car and driving basics
Getting started in the world of motorsport always involves choosing your first vehicle, and in this case, that decision will determine your first impressions. The starting fleet of cars is quite diverse, allowing you to try yourself in different disciplines immediately after getting acquainted with the plot. You shouldn’t chase maximum power at first; it’s better to choose a car with balanced characteristics.
For beginners, class cars are the ideal choice B or A, which forgive errors in control and allow you to understand the basic physics of the engine. Heavy American muscle cars can be spectacular, but on narrow British roads they often become uncontrollable in the hands of an inexperienced driver. Lightweight Japanese coupes or European hot hatches will give you more freedom to maneuver.
⚠️ Attention: Do not rush to sell starting cars. Some of them, after proper tuning, can compete with cars of higher classes in specific disciplines.
Controls in the game can be customized by changing the sensitivity of the steering wheel and the degree of turning assistance in the menu Settings → Difficulty. If you feel that the car constantly skids or, conversely, reacts too sluggishly to steering wheel turns, check the assists settings. Disabling all assistants completely is recommended only for experienced players with a steering wheel; on a gamepad, this can make the game overly difficult.
The seasonal system and the influence of weather on physics
The main feature of the project is the cyclical change of seasons, which radically changes the landscape and the grip of the wheels on the road. In summer, the tracks are dry and fast, allowing you to reach maximum speed on any surface. In autumn, roads become slippery from fallen leaves and rain, requiring more careful use of the gas and brakes.
The winter period turns the game into a real ice driving simulator, where ordinary road routes become dangerous skating rinks. At this time of year, many roads are closed, opening up new routes through frozen ponds and fields. Snow significantly reduces braking efficiency, so the distance to the vehicle in front must be doubled.
- 🌸 Spring: The dirt washes away, opening up new off-road tracks, the asphalt is wet but dry.
- ☀️ Summer: Ideal conditions for high-speed races, maximum grip, all roads are open.
- 🍂 Autumn: Showers and fogs, foliage on the road reduces grip, water in lowlands can cause aquaplaning.
- ❄️ Winter: Snow and ice, many roads are closed, ice tracks on lakes are open, drifting becomes the main style.
It is worth noting that different classes of cars react differently to weather changes. All-wheel drive vehicles (AWD) show the best acceleration dynamics in winter, while rear-wheel drive sports cars require precision pedal work. Front wheel drive (FWD) can be useful in muddy areas due to the “raking” effect of the wheels.
Use the winter season to practice drifting skills: the low grip of ice makes it easier to skid, even on civilian cars.
Tuning and performance upgrades
A deep modification system allows you to turn any car into a racing projectile. On the menu Design and Tuning → Improvements You'll find plenty of options to upgrade the engine, transmission and suspension. It's important to not just buy the most expensive parts, but to understand how they affect weight balance and power distribution.
Particular attention should be paid to setting wide profile tires and differentials. A properly configured limited slip differential will help the car enter corners more willingly without losing traction on exit. For drifting, the settings will be diametrically opposite: here you need freedom of wheel rotation and less grip.
| Component | Impact on the car | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Turbocharging | Dramatically increases power, adds turbo lag | For straight sections |
| Compressor | Linear power delivery, less peak | For drift and dirt |
| Engine swap | Changes the class and character of the car | To change discipline |
| Suspension | Affects ground clearance and roll | Lower for track |
Don't forget about visual tuning, which, although it doesn't affect speed, allows you to stand out in the overall race. Wide body kits can visually change the perception of track width, although the physical parameters of the body will remain the same. Experiment with colors and vinyls in the editor Forza Livery Editor.
The secret to gaining PI points quickly
Purchasing the most expensive upgrades does not always provide the maximum increase in Performance Index. It is often more profitable to install several cheap parts that will add up to more points than one expensive component.
Map navigation and hidden locations
The game's map of Great Britain is filled with hundreds of points of interest, from simple billboards to secret races. Navigation system GPS helps to create routes, but the pleasure comes from exploring without a goal. Many hidden locations, such as "Danger Sign" or "Speed Trap", are scattered in hard-to-reach places.
To find collectible cars and player homes, it is useful to use online maps or carefully study the area near large estates. Some houses are hidden behind high fences or located deep in forests. By unlocking new houses, you gain access to fast travel and bonuses such as free repaints or daily super wheels.
- 🏡 Player houses: Give unique bonuses and serve as fast travel points.
- 🚗 Barn Finds: Hidden vintage cars that require restoration.
- 📸 Photo Ops: Points for beautiful photos against the backdrop of landmarks.
- 🏁 Races: Various types of competitions scattered throughout the map.
While exploring the map, you may come across a "Barn Find", indicated only by a rough circle on the map. You will have to use the sound of the engine and visual inspection of the barns in the indicated area to find the rarity. Restoring such cars may take in-game time, but the results are worth it, as these cars are often impossible to buy at a car dealership.
⚠️ Attention: When searching Barn Find, pay attention to the season. Some barns may be inaccessible or, alternatively, only open at certain times of the year due to water levels or snow.
Online modes and interaction with players
The multiplayer component is seamlessly integrated into the game, creating a feeling of a living world. You constantly meet other players (“Drone” are their projections), you can participate in spontaneous races or simply complete tasks together. On the menu Horizon Life You can create your own clubs or join existing ones.
There is a mode called "The Eliminator", which is a battle royale for survival, where the winner is determined in the final race. Crossover mode is also available with Forza Motorsport, allowing you to try your hand at professional tracks. Social activity is encouraged by a system of influence points, which provide access to new cars and items.
☑️ Preparation for online check-in
Interaction with other players is not limited to racing. You can share your designs, create race routes, and participate in weekly challenges. Activity online often brings more rewards than solo playthroughs, especially during special events.
The online mode in the game dynamically adjusts to the number of players: during rush hour the world is filled with racers, and at night it becomes more calm and meditative.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to play Forza Horizon 4 without the Internet?
Yes, the game supports offline mode. However, in this case, the dynamic change of seasons will be based on your local time, and not on the server loop, and you will not be able to see other players.
How to quickly earn credits at the beginning of the game?
The best way is to complete daily tasks and repeat high-paying races. It is also worth paying attention to the wheels of fortune that drop out for achieving certain indicators in races.
What is the difference between Forza Horizon 4 and 5?
The main difference is the location (UK vs. Mexico) and improved graphics in the fifth part. The mechanics of changing seasons in the fourth part are more pronounced and dramatic, especially in winter.
Do I need Xbox Game Pass to play?
No, a subscription is not required, but it does provide access to the game and many extras. You can buy the game separately in digital distribution stores.