Creating a column in Forza Horizon 4 is not just a way to diversify the gameplay, but a whole mechanic that allows you to feel like the leader of a car rally along the picturesque roads of Britain. Many players are either unaware of this feature or have difficulty setting it up. Unlike single races, convoy requires taking into account the behavior of AI allies, choosing a route, and even managing the difficulty of the race.
In this article we will look at all stages - from basic mechanics to advanced tactics that will help you avoid common mistakes. You'll learn which vehicles are best suited for a convoy, how to adjust difficulty settings to keep your allies from falling behind, and what to do if the convoy suddenly falls apart. And also secret tricks for getting bonus points for synchronized driving.
For beginners, the column may seem like a useless feature, but experienced players use it to farm influence points, test routes before races, and even create unique screenshots. The main thing is to understand the logic of the game and learn how to control a group of cars as if you were a professional rally organizer.
Let's proceed to a detailed analysis. Let's start with the basics - where to look for the column option in the menu and what requirements the game makes for your fleet.
Where to Find the Column Feature in the Forza Horizon 4 Menu
Unlike most modes, the column is hidden not on the main screen, but in a submenu Freeroam Rush (Free ride). To activate it, follow these steps:
- Load into the game and select any car from the garage.
- Click
Start(orMenuon the keyboard) to open the radial menu. - Go to section
Freeroam Rush β Convoy(Column). - Select an item
Create Convoy(Create a column).
If the option is grayed out, check two things:
- π You must have at least 3 cars in the garage (including the one you are currently driving).
- π You must not be in the arrival or event zone - a column can only be created in free mode.
If the "Convoy" button is gray, try changing the car to a rarer one (for example, with an S1 or S2 rating) - sometimes this works as a workaround for the bug.
After clicking Create Convoy the game will ask you to choose 5 additional cars from your garage. It is important to take them into account here class and drive type β more about this in the next section.
Which machines to choose for a column: criteria and recommendations
The composition of the column determines how comfortable it will be for you to manage the group. The game automatically adjusts the speed of your allies to yours, but there are some nuances:
1. Car class.
- π Optimal: cars of the same class (for example, all A-Class or S1). This ensures that teammates don't fall behind on straights or lose out in corners.
- β οΈ Risky: mix classes (eg B-Class and S2). In this case, weak cars will slow down on climbs, and strong cars will go ahead on high-speed sections.
2. Drive type.
It is better to choose cars with same type of drive:
- π All-wheel drive (AWD) β a universal choice for any roads.
- π Rear-wheel drive (RWD) - suitable for experienced players, but allies may go off track more often.
- βοΈ Front wheel drive (FWD) - the worst option for a column due to the tendency to lack of maneuverability.
3. Rarity and bonuses.
The game gives additional influence points if the column contains:
- π Legendary cars (for example, Ford GT 2017 or McLaren Senna).
- π¨ Cars with unique colors (for example, from sets Forzathon).
- π Cars that won races (they get a temporary speed bonus).
Configuring column parameters: complexity, route, AI behavior
After selecting the vehicles, the game will offer to configure the column parameters. Here, many players make mistakes that cause their allies to behave unpredictably. Let's look at each point:
1. Difficulty (Drivatars Difficulty).
This parameter determines how aggressive allies will behave:
- π’
Unbeatable(Invincible) - AI will overtake you and cut corners. Suitable for experienced players. - ποΈ
Highly Skilled(Highly Skilled) β balance between speed and accuracy. - π
Average(Medium) - Allies will drive slower than you, but will get into accidents less often.
β οΈ Attention: If you have chosen Unbeatable, but your car is weaker than that of the allies, they will move forward and the column will disintegrate. In this case, reduce the difficulty or change the car.
2. Route.
You can choose one of three options:
- πΊοΈ
Short(Short) - 5-10 minutes drive, suitable for testing. - π£οΈ
Medium(Medium) - 15β20 minutes, optimal for farming points. - π
Long(Long) - 30+ minutes, requires preparation (refueling, repairs).
3. AI Behavior (Convoy Behavior).
There are two key parameters here:
- π¦
Follow Leader(Follow the leader) - allies will copy your maneuvers. - π
Freestyle(Freestyle) - The AI chooses its own trajectory, which often leads to chaos.
Cars of the same class are selected|Adequate difficulty is set (not Unbeatable for weak cars)|The route corresponds to the fuel reserve|AI behavior is set to "Follow Leader"-->
How to drive a convoy: tips for stable driving
Even with the correct settings, the column can fall apart if simple rules are not followed. Here's what to do during check-in:
1. Speed control.
AI adjusts to your speed, but with a delay of 1-2 seconds. To avoid stretching the column:
- π’ On straight lines, do not accelerate to the maximum - keep your speed 10-15% below the limit.
- π When turning, brake smoothly so that your allies have time to react.
2. Avoiding obstacles.
If you crash into a fence or tree, your allies may stop or turn the wrong way. To avoid this:
- π§ Drive around obstacles in a wide arc.
- π If one of your allies is stuck, stop and wait 5-10 seconds - the AI will teleport to you.
3. Bonus points.
For synchronized driving (for example, simultaneously drifting or jumping), the game gives additional influence points. To get them:
- π― Use
Skill Songs(skill songs) - they increase the chance of synchronized actions. - π Drive through Speed Zones or Danger Signs the whole column.
β οΈ Attention: If you move too far from your allies (more than 300 meters), the column will automatically disintegrate. Keep an eye on the mini-map - car icons should not disappear from the screen.
What to do if the column crumbles?
If your allies are separated, stop and press Y (on Xbox) or T (on PC) to form a group. If this doesn't work, end the column manually via the menu and start again.
Typical bugs and how to get around them
Even in 2026 Forza Horizon 4 There are still bugs related to columns. Here are the most common ones and how to solve them:
| Problem | Reason | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The "Convoy" button is inactive | There are not enough cars in the garage or you are in the event zone | Buy/receive 3+ cars and drive to free territory |
| Allies disappear from the track | AI teleportation bug when stopped for a long time | Don't stand still for more than 20 seconds, move slowly |
| The column falls apart for no reason | Too high complexity or different vehicle classes | Reduce difficulty to Average and take one-class cars |
| Influence points are not awarded | Server synchronization bug | Restart the game or change the leader car |
If none of the methods help, try reset game cache:
- Close Forza Horizon 4.
- Delete the folder
%LocalAppData%\Packages\Microsoft.SunriseBaseGame_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalCache(for Windows 10/11). - Restart the game.
The only reliable way to avoid bugs is to create convoys on short routes (5-10 minutes) with cars of the same class and difficulty no higher Highly Skilled.
Advanced tactics: farming points and creating unique columns
Once you have mastered the basic mechanics, you can move on to advanced strategies. They will help you gain influence points faster, receive rare rewards, and even create columns for photographs.
1. Farming influence points.
To maximize profits:
- ποΈ Use cars with bonus Influence Multiplier (for example, Porsche 911 GT3 RS 2019).
- πΊοΈ Choose routes with a large number Speed Traps and Danger Signs.
- π΅ Turn it on Skill Song (for example, "Horizon Block Party") to double skill points.
2. Columns for photographs.
If you are doing photomod, create a column of visually compatible cars:
- πΈ JDM style: Nissan Skyline GT-R R34, Toyota Supra MK4, Mazda RX-7.
- ποΈ European tuning: BMW M3 E30, Audi RS2 Avant, Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16.
- π¦ American muscle cars: Dodge Challenger SRT Demon, Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.
3. Secret achievements.
For certain actions in the column you can get rare achievements:
- π "Convoy Leader" β go through 10 columns without falling apart.
- π "Synchronicity" - perform 5 synchronized jumps in a row.
- π₯ "Convoy Chaos" - cause an accident involving all cars in the convoy (yes, this is also an achievement!).
The most effective way of farming is a column of 6 S1 class vehicles with Skill Song along the route through Edinburgh (a lot Speed Zones).
Alternative uses of columns
Columns in Forza Horizon 4 can be used not only for entertainment, but also for practical purposes. Here are a few non-obvious options:
1. Testing routes before races.
If you are preparing for a difficult race (eg. Goliath), run the route in a column:
- πΊοΈ Remember dangerous turns and areas with traffic.
- π Set AI to
Follow Leaderso that they show optimal trajectories.
2. Fast movement on the map.
If you need to get from one end of the map to the other, create a convoy with a route to your destination. Allies will follow you, and you can:
- π£οΈ Drive at high speed without fear of cutting off (AI will protect you).
- π¦ Use the column as a βhuman shieldβ from traffic.
3. Training in new transport.
If you bought a new car and want to get used to its controls, add it to the column and watch how the AI behaves in different areas:
- π Compare braking distance and turning ability with other cars.
- π― Pay attention to the moments when allies lose control - these are the vehicleβs weak points.
β οΈ Attention: Do not use pillars for "afk farming" (for example, leaving the controller to vibrate on the table). The game recognizes this as cheating and can block your account for passive farming.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about columns in Forza Horizon 4
Is it possible to create a column in multiplayer mode?
No, columns are only available in single player mode (Freeroam Solo). This feature is disabled in online sessions to avoid lags and conflicts between players.
How many influence points does a column give?
The basic reward is 5,000β10,000 points for a short route. If you use Skill Songs and synchronized actions, you can get up to 30,000 points in 10 minutes.
Is it possible to add friends to the car column?
No, only your cars from the garage can participate in the convoy. Cars of other players or Drivatar-Friends versions are not available.
Why are my allies crashing into me?
This happens if you brake suddenly or change direction. AI has a reaction delay of 1-2 seconds. Use smooth maneuvers to avoid collisions.
Is it possible to save a column as a preset?
No, the composition of the column is not saved between sessions. Each time you have to select cars and settings again.