Forza Horizon 5 PS5: Microsoft Account Required

To play Forza Horizon 5 on PlayStation 5, you'll need a Microsoft account in addition to your PlayStation Network account, as confirmed by Microsoft's Forza support website. This requirement mirrors the policy for other Xbox games on PlayStation, such as Minecraft, Grounded, and Sea of Thieves. The initial setup begins when you first launch the game.

This policy has sparked debate, with concerns raised about long-term game preservation. Some worry that if Microsoft discontinues account linking in the future without updating the game, Forza Horizon 5 on PS5 could become unplayable, even for those who purchased it. Losing access to a linked Microsoft account also poses a risk. This concern is amplified by the game's digital-only release on PS5; there's no physical disc version.

This situation recalls the controversy surrounding Helldivers 2, where Sony initially required PSN account linking for PC players, a decision later reversed following online backlash. While Sony subsequently removed the requirement for some PC games, offering incentives for those who linked accounts, the reaction to Forza Horizon 5's Microsoft account requirement on PS5 has been mixed.

Importantly, Forza Horizon 5 on PS5 does *not* offer cross-progression with Xbox or PC versions. Save files are separate and not synchronized across platforms. While you can share User Generated Content (UGC) between platforms, editing is only possible on the original save profile. However, online statistics, like leaderboard scores, *are* synchronized if you use the same Microsoft account.

Forza Horizon 5's PS5 release is another step in Microsoft's multi-platform strategy, suggesting more Xbox games on rival consoles are likely in the future.