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Choosing the best controller for Forza Horizon 5 can seem daunting given the wide range of excellent options available. However, finding the right gamepad isn't as difficult as it might appear. The key is to look for controllers with additional buttons and adjustable joysticks for complete customization and control.
We've compiled a list of our top controller picks based on price, reviews, and unique features, catering to both Forza Horizon 5 and even Forza Motorsport. Whether you're interested in a mid-range option like the PowerA FUSION Pro 2 or a premium choice like the Xbox Elite Series 2, we have recommendations to elevate your gaming experience.
To aid your decision, we've also addressed some frequently asked questions about what makes a controller ideal for racing. Let's dive into our top picks and find the perfect fit for your setup.
Best controllers for Forza Horizon 5
- Razer Wolverine V2 - best Xbox gamepad
- Xbox Elite Series 2 - best for next-gen gaming
- PowerA Spectra Infinity Enhanced - a great option for PC
- PowerA FUSION Pro 2 - a top mid-range choice
- Logitech F310 - best budget alternative
1. Razer Wolverine V2
Best Xbox controller for Forza Horizon 5
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* prices are accurate at the time of the latest update
Why we chose the Razer Wolverine V2
Razer's Wolverine V2 controller is a top-tier gamepad that doubles as an exceptional choice for racing.
With trigger-stop switches, braking becomes faster, and acceleration quicker when exiting corners, making it a must-have for Forza Horizon 5 players.
Furthermore, the remappable front-facing buttons are an added advantage, allowing players to assign frequently used controls such as gear shifts for smoother access.
Overall, the Razer Wolverine V2 controller is unrivaled as a pro controller for racing games, particularly for Forza Horizon 5.
Reasons to buy:
- The trigger-stops can speed up acceleration and braking times
- You get additional buttons for complete customization
Read More: Best headsets for Forza Horizon 5
2. Xbox Elite Series 2
Best next-gen controller for Forza Horizon 5
Today's best deals:
* prices are accurate at the time of the latest update
Why we chose the Xbox Elite Series 2
The Xbox Elite Series 2 is designed to be one of the best next-gen controllers available, so should suit even the most enthusiastic FH5 players.
It comes with swappable buttons, shifter-like bumpers, and the ability to adjust its pressure resistance to help you brake later into corners for a more aggressive racing style.
Also, with the supplied tool, you can adjust the stiffness of the joysticks which should help with the accuracy of your turning to help you hit every apex around the fictionalized Mexican landscape with ease.
A premium bit of kit, but one that's definitely worth checking out for FH5 in our opinion. However, keep an eye out for the rumored arrival of the Xbox Elite Series 3, which could potentially eclipse the Series 2 once it debuts.
Reasons to buy:
- The customizable components mean you can adjust the device to your preference
- The stiffness of the thumbsticks can be altered
Read More: Best sim racing deals
3. PowerA Spectra Infinity Enhanced
Best PC controller for Forza Horizon 5
Today's best deals:
* prices are accurate at the time of the latest update
Why we chose the PowerA Spectra Infinity Enhanced
While the PowerA Spectra Infinity Enhanced is an officially licensed Xbox controller, we consider it to be an excellent choice for playing FH5 on your PC. FH4 saw the franchise's first PC release and has continued as FH5 is available on Steam.
With that being said, this LED-lit controller should easily connect to your PC via its USB cable. It also comes with useful features for racing like threeway bumper locks for more precise braking and anti-friction analogs designed to stop your finger from slipping whilst going around a tight hairpin.
Reasons to buy:
- Threeway bumper locks can improve the speed of braking and accelerating
- The anti-friction analogs help with grip
Read More: Best wheels for Forza Horizon 5
4. PowerA FUSION Pro 2
Best mid-range controller for Forza Horizon 5
Today's best deals:
* prices are accurate at the time of the latest update
Why we chose the PowerA FUSION Pro 2
The PowerA FUSION Pro 2 looks to be a well-rounded and reasonably priced bit of kit for FH5 that should be more than capable of taking your racing skills to the next level.
For example, it comes with PowerA's pro pack which includes four programmable buttons that you can quickly customize mid-race, plus dual rumble motors and magnetic impulse triggers for added feedback from the race track.
For maximum control, you can switch between short, tall, and even convex-capped thumbsticks according to your preference. It's also worth noting the wired connectivity should provide you with zero latency to accurately capture your subtle racing adjustments during wheel-to-wheel action, thus making it a great pick for FH5.
Reasons to buy:
- It's very reasonably priced for the features it comes with
- Having multiple thumbstick caps is handy for accuracy
Read More: Best racing gloves for Forza Horizon 5
5. Logitech F310
Best budget controller for Forza Horizon 5
Today's best deals:
* prices are accurate at the time of the latest update
Why we chose the Logitech F310
If you find top-of-the-line pro controllers to be expensive, the Logitech F310 might be a better fit for you as a more casual Forza player.
Its retro appearance adds a nostalgic touch, and its layout resembles that of a PS4 controller, making it ideal for those who prefer the old-school feel and style of PlayStation. Moreover, this controller is more compact compared to most devices on the market today, so if you prefer a non-bulky option, the Logitech F310 is a solid choice.
Overall, this budget-friendly controller offers aesthetic charm and is a great option for anyone looking to enjoy FH5 in a more relaxed manner.
Reasons to buy:
- Much cheaper than rival controllers
- It's smaller than other gamepads on the market
Read More: Best wheels for Forza Motorsport
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When it comes to finding the right controller for gaming, there are usually a few questions that pop up, but we're here to answer some of the more common queries.
How much should I spend on a controller for Forza Horizon 5?
This really depends on your budget and what you're looking to get out of a controller for racing games.
You can pick up a relatively inexpensive third-party controller in the traditional layouts popularised by Xbox and PlayStation.
However, you'd be missing out on some of the useful features for racing some of the pro controllers have.
A pro controller will likely be a bit more expensive but they all typically come with adjustable bumpers, buttons, and joysticks which can give you more control, accuracy, and precision on games like FH5.
That's not to say there aren't any budget pro controllers available.
For example, the PowerA Spectra Infinity Enhanced features 3-way bumper locks as is typically found on some of the more premium devices; however, this particular controller won't necessarily break the bank.
Are all controllers compatible with Forza Horizon 5 on PC?
Most officially licensed Xbox controllers are immediately compatible with Windows PCs as Microsoft is the manufacturer behind both of them.
Unfortunately, PlayStation controllers will likely require additional software or adapters in order to plug in and play FH5.
However, if you plan on purchasing the game through Steam, you can connect a PS5 DualSense by going to Steam > Settings > Controller > General Controller Settings and selecting PlayStation configuration when you plug in your device.
Is a controller better for Forza Horizon 5 than a racing wheel?
We feel that there is a lot more to gain from using a wheel than a controller for FH5, especially once you’re used to using the device.
This is due to the added control and realism you get from a wheel for racing with the addition of force feedback or a direct drive device.
However, a controller offers you greater versatility away from racing, so, if you’re a more casual Forza player, then you may find picking up a top gamepad to be more beneficial.
What controller settings should you use for Forza Horizon 5?
This is a tricky one to answer as it will vary depending on your experience level and personal preference.
However, we believe there are a few minor adjustments you can make in Advanced Controls to take your racing to the next level.
For example, dropping the steering axis dead zone inside down to around 5 should give you a faster response to your controller inputs.
The same can be applied to the acceleration axis dead zone inside. The higher the number here, the more you'll need to press your controller's trigger to get the car to accelerate.
You may also find setting the outside dead zones to 100 for a smooth linear curve.
How can I improve my driving using a controller?
There are a number of tips to help you improve your FH5 driving performance whilst using a controller, for example, it is widely recommended you always push the analog stick forward and make any turns from there.
The smoother curve of the analog stick is usually reflected in-game, plus it can allow you to make minor adjustments a little easier.
Another handy tip is to not instantly press down the brake and throttle triggers as you wouldn't slam these on if you were racing with pedals.
It is therefore recommended you take a much smoother approach to braking and acceleration which, in turn, should improve performance.
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