Playground Games has rolled out a new Forza Horizon 5 update across Xbox platforms and PC, enhancing the game's photo mode, adding new content, and more.

　　The new patch for the racer updates the game version to version 2.588.95.0 on Xbox One, 3.588,95.0 on Xbox Series X|S and PC, and 1.588.95.0 on PC. One of the most notable new features included with this update are updates to the game's photo mode, changing the time of day, wheel tilt, weather changes, bodykits, and more.  In addition, this new patch adds support for the "Explore the Horizon" series, which runs from later this week on May 25 through next month on June 22. This series includes 4 returning danger signs, Pathfinder challenges, returning trailblazers, San Juan jump, and other additions.

　　Another interesting change comes in the form of improvements to the boot-up time across PC and Xbox platforms as well as general stability and performance improvements. Playground Games has also fixed an issue with the weather management in multiplayer as some weather conditions could benefit certain players more than others.

　　Today we are rolling out a new #ForzaHorizon5 update, Explore the Horizon. Once downloaded, you can jump into the enhanced Photo Mode features. Here’s a snapshot of the new fixes and improvements in this version with the full release notes posted here: https://t.co/GsXVm72bev pic.twitter.com/kSSxezTFxU

　　— Forza Support (@forza_support) May 23, 2023

　　"One of the most important things for any competitive experience is fairness', Design Director Torben Ellert explains. "Forza Horizon has an exceptionally high skill ceiling, which means that player skill and interaction with the game is what ultimately determines success or failure, not an RNG attribute system. For this to work, competitive conditions must be as equal as possible while still allowing for tactical decisions (like your car and tune) and leaving space for player skill (like how well you handle a given corner)."

　　We suggest reading the full patch notes for this new update here.

　　Forza Horizon 5 is available globally now for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Here's what we wrote about the game in our launch review back in 2021.

　　I've noticed something; it's all been positive so far. Well, to keep up with that trend, I should say that Forza Horizon 5 is gorgeous. Honestly, it is. The environments are stunningly detailed, with weather effects adding to the scenery and atmosphere. That's before we account for new features like sandstorms and how the weather changes the world and how it looks.

　　Adding onto this is the music, with an excellent soundtrack full of music across the radio stations. I'm happy sticking to XS, listening to my rock music (with The Killers!) or the classical station now and then. One issue I had in the past, on the car and engine sounds, has been improved, but you still have some similarities. It's still an improvement, though.