Introduction
Forza Horizon 5, set in the vibrant landscapes of Mexico, is a car enthusiast’s paradise with a roster of over 500 vehicles as of 2025. Whether you’re a completionist, a competitive racer, or simply want to cruise in your favorite ride, unlocking every car is a monumental but rewarding challenge. This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the methods to unlock every car in Forza Horizon 5, offering tips, tricks, and resources to help you build your dream garage.
Core Car Acquisition Methods
1. Autoshow Purchases
The Autoshow is your primary in-game dealership, where most cars can be purchased using Credits (CR), Forza Horizon 5’s main currency.
- How to Access:
Go to the main menu, select “Buy & Sell,” then choose “Autoshow.” - Tips:
- Save up Credits by completing races, events, and challenges.
- Some cars unlock only after reaching certain progression milestones.
- Resource:
Forza Horizon 5 Car List (Autoshow)
Pro Tip: Grind credits by participating in races or selling duplicate cars at the Auction House. For more on unlocking characters and items in other games, see How to unlock all characters in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: A complete guide.
2. Wheelspins and Super Wheelspins
Wheelspins are slot-machine style rewards that can grant you cars, Credits, clothing, and more.
- How to Get Wheelspins:
- Level up your player rank.
- Complete certain accolades and festival playlist challenges.
- Purchase properties like the Hotel Castillo for daily Wheelspins.
- Unlock via Car Mastery perks on specific vehicles.
- Super Wheelspins offer three rewards at once and can be earned through certain car mastery perks or by buying specific houses.
Tip: Save up your spins for special events when certain cars have boosted drop rates. For more on unlocking secret characters in other games, check How to unlock secret characters in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
3. Car Mastery Perks
Each car has a unique Car Mastery skill tree. Some trees include perks that unlock exclusive cars or additional Wheelspins.
- How to Use:
- Earn Skill Points by performing stunts, drifts, and combos.
- Spend points in the Car Mastery menu for each vehicle.
- Example:
The 1995 Toyota Supra RZ’s mastery tree can unlock a 2019 Porsche 911 GT3 RS.
4. Festival Playlist and Seasonal Events
The Festival Playlist is a rotating set of challenges and events that refreshes every week and season.
- How to Participate:
- Access the Festival Playlist from the main menu.
- Complete events to earn points.
- Accumulate enough points to unlock exclusive seasonal cars.
- Note:
Some cars are only available during specific seasons, so check the official Forza Horizon 5 Festival Playlist regularly.
5. Barn Finds
Barn Finds are hidden classic cars scattered across the map. You’ll receive hints as you progress through the game.
- How to Unlock:
- Progress through the Horizon Adventure.
- Listen for rumors and search the marked areas.
- Once found, wait for the restoration to complete.
- Barn Find Guide:
IGN’s Forza Horizon 5 Barn Find Locations
6. Auction House
The Auction House allows players to buy and sell cars, including rare and exclusive vehicles.
- How to Use:
- Access via the “Buy & Sell” menu.
- Search for specific cars or browse listings.
- Bid or buy out cars instantly.
- Tips:
- Learn market values and be patient for bargains.
- “Sniping” (quickly buying out newly listed rare cars at low prices) can be effective but requires speed and luck.
7. Car Pass, DLC, and Expansions
Some cars are only available through paid content:
- Car Pass:
Grants access to a set of new cars released weekly. - Expansions:
DLC packs like “Hot Wheels” or “Rally Adventure” introduce new cars. - How to Get:
Purchase from the Microsoft Store or your platform’s marketplace.
8. Accolades and Achievements
Completing certain Accolades (in-game achievements) can reward you with unique cars.
- How to Check:
Open the Accolades menu and look for car rewards. - Examples:
- Completing all street races.
- Reaching a high player level.
For more on achievements in other games, see Total number of achievements in Hollow Knight.
9. Gift Drops and Community Events
Occasionally, Playground Games gifts cars to players during special events or as part of community challenges.
- How to Claim:
Check your in-game message center for gifts.
10. Forzathon Shop
Completing weekly and daily Forzathon challenges earns you Forzathon Points (FP). These can be spent in the Forzathon Shop, which features a rotating stock of cars, cosmetic items, and Wheelspins.
- Tip:
Check the shop regularly, as its inventory changes with each new season.
Rare and Exclusive Cars: How to Get Them
Some cars in Forza Horizon 5 are notoriously difficult to obtain due to their exclusivity. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Car Name | Unlock Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ferrari 599XX Evo | Festival Playlist or Wheelspin | Often a seasonal reward. |
| Toyota Trueno AE86 | Barn Find or Auction House | Iconic drift car; check map hints. |
| Mercedes-AMG Project One | Accolade (Hall of Fame) | Requires significant progression. |
“Patience is key with rare cars. If you miss a seasonal reward, it often returns in future playlists or can be snagged via the Auction House with enough credits.” – Veteran Forza Player
Maximizing Your Garage: Tips and Tricks
- Complete Accolades: These in-game achievements often reward cars.
- Join a Club: Playing with friends or joining a club can net you bonus rewards and shared cars during events.
- Stay Updated: Follow the official Forza Twitter account for announcements on new cars, events, and updates.
- Track Your Progress: Use the in-game “Car Collection” menu or community spreadsheets to monitor your collection.
For more on collecting and unlocking items in other games, check out How many outfits are available in Fall Guys as of 2025? and The rarest skins in Fortnite and how to get them.
Summary Table: Car Unlock Methods
| Method | Example Cars | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Autoshow | Most standard cars | Requires Credits |
| Wheelspins | Random selection | Earned via gameplay |
| Car Mastery | Porsche 911 GT3 RS, etc. | Requires Skill Points |
| Festival Playlist | Seasonal exclusives | Time-limited |
| Barn Finds | Classic cars | Requires exploration |
| Auction House | Rare/exclusive cars | Player-driven market |
| Car Pass/DLC | New releases, expansions | Paid content |
| Accolades | Unique reward cars | Complete in-game challenges |
| Gift Drops | Event cars | Limited-time, check message center |
| Forzathon Shop | Rotating selection | Requires Forzathon Points |
Final Tips
- Stay Active: Participate in weekly events and check the Festival Playlist for new opportunities.
- Save Credits: Some cars are expensive; prioritize your purchases.
- Engage with the Community: Join Forza forums and Reddit for trading tips and event news.
- Explore Regularly: New cars are added frequently, so keep an eye on updates and special events.
“The joy of Forza Horizon 5 isn’t just in the racing, but in the thrill of the hunt for every car.”
Unlocking every car in Forza Horizon 5 is a marathon, not a sprint. With dedication, smart resource management, and a bit of luck, you’ll soon be scrolling through a garage filled with every vehicle the game has to offer. Happy collecting, and see you on the roads of Mexico!
If you enjoy completionist challenges, you might also be interested in How many levels are there in Homescapes as of 2025? and How many planets can you explore in No Man’s Sky?.