Forza Horizon 5: Can your PC run it? PC specs guide

It's just six weeks to go until the Forza Horizon 5 release date! We've seen the mega launch car list and we've scoured the map of Mexico for hidden details.

But PC players have one big question: what are the minimum specs for Horizon 5?

Will Forza Horizon 5 run on Linux or a Steam Deck?

Firstly, Forza Horizon 5 requires Windows 10. While 70% of the most popular games on Steam are now Linux compatible, Forza Horizon 5 will not join them. This is also bad news for those who have managed to get hold of a Steam Deck.

The minimum version of Windows 10 you need does vary slightly from the Steam store to the Microsoft store. Steam requires version 15063.0 or higher, which is a little older than the version 18362.0 or higher the Microsoft store demands. Worth knowing if you avoid running Windows Update!

PC minimum specifications

The minimum requirements to play Forza Horizon 5 are:

  • x64 architecture
  • 8GB RAM
  • 4GB video memory
  • Intel i5-4460 or AMD Ryzen 3 1200
  • NVidia GTX 970 or AMD RX 470
  • 110 GB storage

Of course, with the minimum specs, you won't get the best resolution or frame rate. You'll also likely miss out on the ray-tracing lighting in Forzavista.

For better performance, Microsoft recommends the following upgrades on the minimum spec:

  • 16GB RAM
  • 8GB video memory
  • Intel i5-8400 or AMD Ryzen 5 1500X
  • NVidia GTX 1070 or AMD RX 590

Xbox Game Studios have also shared an Ideal Spec which takes everything up a notch if you want the ultimate in visuals for Forza Horizon 5.

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Forza Horizon 5 PC specs

You'll be looking at the Ideal Spec if you're keen to experience the Horizon Festival in 4k and with features like HDR. Anyone with an ultrawide monitor will also want to be some way above the minimum spec to enjoy the game at its best!

Forza Horizon 5 graphical features

On PC, Forza Horizon 5 has support for ray-tracing, albeit only in Forzavista mode. Enhanced detail on objects such as the cholla cacti will also be a feature available for more powerful PCs and for the Xbox Series X.

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Ray tracing should look great, we're just a little sad it won't work in photo mode everywhere

Like its predecessor, the latest Forza Horizon game does have the option of HDR. You'll want to make sure this is on if you have a compatible monitor.

We're also expecting to see enhanced details in Quality mode when it comes to the wildlife of Mexico (including butterflies) and the more extreme weather such as dust storms and tropical storms.