What’s New With Forza Horizon 4’s Open World

Playground Games’ next entry in the open-world racing game series is looking to be an impressive step up from its predecessor. That certainly isn’t an easy task as Horizon 3 offered a sizable location to explore and an assortment of missions to take part in. However, Forza Horizon 4 will increase the scale considerably, adding in season changes, greater customization for Drivatars, and a roster of over 450 cars.

After spending some time checking out the game and its offerings, editor Alessandro Fillari and video producer David Ahmadi had a chat about what’s to come with Forza Horizon 4, and how much the series has grown over the years. While the Forza Motorsport series is strictly comprised of simulation-style racing games, the Horizon sub-series focuses on fast-paced open-world racing gameplay. Mixing in several different types of racing, such as off-road rallies and street competitions, Horizon goes for a more over-the-top and varied experience–which it has come to embrace more with each passing entry.

One of the biggest features that Horizon 4 will add is the introduction of Seasons. Set across summer, autumn, winter, and spring, the game world and its terrain will alter depending on the season–which includes changes to the type of missions you can take on, certain challenges opening up, and of course some noticeable changes to vehicle movement. In the online world, one real-world week will represent an entire season in-game, adding some pressure to take part in the challenges that are happening in the Forzathon online space.

We’ve got plenty more on Forza Horizon 4, which releases on October 2 for Xbox One and PC. Be sure to check out our full Gamescom interview with creative director Ralph Fulton about the state of Horizon 4, along with gameplay of the opening act of the game.