What Console is Forza Horizon 2 On? A Deep Dive into the Forza Series

The question of what consoles you can play Forza Horizon 2 on is a common one, especially for those looking to revisit this classic racing title. The short and direct answer is: Forza Horizon 2 was developed for and released on the Xbox One and Xbox 360 consoles. Notably, this made it the first multi-console installment within the Forza Horizon series. However, with the passage of time and changes in the gaming landscape, there are some important nuances to understand regarding its availability and playability today. This article will explore all of these nuances and address common queries related to Forza Horizon 2.

A Look Back at Forza Horizon 2

Forza Horizon 2, a racing video game developed in 2014, served as a sequel to 2012’s Forza Horizon and as the seventh entry in the larger Forza series. The game was set in the beautiful locales of Southern France and Northern Italy, where players participated in the fictional Horizon Festival, an open-world racing competition. This blend of high-octane racing and picturesque scenery made it a hit with fans, offering a vibrant and engaging gameplay experience.

Multi-Console Release

Unlike its predecessor, Forza Horizon 2 marked a significant shift by being released on both the Xbox One and the Xbox 360. This dual-platform approach allowed a broader audience to enjoy the game at a time when the Xbox One was still gaining traction. This also meant that players could choose the console that suited them best. While the core experience was similar, there were differences in the visual fidelity and some features due to the hardware limitations of the Xbox 360.

Current Availability and Playability

Although Forza Horizon 2 was initially released on Xbox One and Xbox 360, its current availability and playability are quite different in 2024. It’s vital to note that the game has been delisted from the Xbox Store since September 30, 2018. This means it is no longer available for purchase digitally. Furthermore, the online services for Forza Horizon 2 were shut down on August 22, 2023. This has major implications for anyone wanting to engage with the online components of the game.

What This Means for Players Today

• No New Digital Purchases: You cannot buy a new digital copy of Forza Horizon 2 from the Xbox Store.
• Offline Play Still Possible: If you already own a digital copy or have the physical disc, you can still download it and play the game offline in single-player mode. You can also access owned content that is stored in your library for download and play.
• Online Features Unavailable: The online features, such as multiplayer matchmaking, leaderboards, browsing, and downloading user-generated content like liveries, tuning setups, and photos are no longer functional.

Forza Horizon 2 on Xbox Series X/S

The article mentioned that “Forza Horizon, is as a whole, playable on Xbox One, & Series X|S. Forza Horizon, Forza Horizon 2, Forza Horizon 3, Forza Horizon 4, and Forza Horizon 5 are all playable and Backwards Compatible.”. This means that yes, Forza Horizon 2 is playable on Xbox Series X/S through backward compatibility, provided you already own a digital license or have the original Xbox One disc. It will not, however, benefit from any enhanced graphics or performance enhancements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Forza Horizon 2

Here are 15 common questions that will help you understand the intricacies of playing Forza Horizon 2 today:

1. Can I buy Forza Horizon 2 on the Xbox Store now?

No, Forza Horizon 2 has been delisted from the Xbox Store since September 30, 2018. You cannot buy it digitally.

2. Can I still play Forza Horizon 2 offline?

Yes, if you own the game, either through a digital purchase previously or through a physical disc, you can download and play it in single-player offline mode.

3. Are Forza Horizon 2 online servers still running?

No, the online services for Forza Horizon 2 shut down on August 22, 2023. Online multiplayer, leaderboards, and user-generated content features are no longer available.

4. Why was Forza Horizon 2 removed from the store?

The game was removed from the Xbox Store due to the expiration of licensing agreements for the cars, music, and branding within the game.

5. Can I play Forza Horizon 2 on a PS4 or PS5?

No, the Forza series is exclusive to Microsoft and is not available on Sony PlayStation consoles. You need an Xbox console or a PC to play Forza games.

6. Is Forza Horizon 2 available on PC?

No, Forza Horizon 2 was not released on PC. It is exclusive to Xbox consoles.

7. Can I play Forza Horizon 2 on Xbox Series S/X?

Yes, Forza Horizon 2 is playable on Xbox Series S/X via backward compatibility.

8. Can I play Forza Horizon 2 with friends now?

You cannot play online multiplayer anymore as the servers are shut down. However, you may be able to play locally if the game supports split-screen play, if the feature is available on the version you have.

9. How does the delisting affect my existing digital copy?

If you previously purchased Forza Horizon 2 digitally, you can still access it in your library and download it. You are still able to play it, just not online.

10. Is there a difference in playing the game on Xbox One versus Xbox 360?

Yes, the Xbox One version generally had improved visual fidelity and some additional features. The Xbox 360 version was adapted to the older console’s capabilities.

11. What was the setting for Forza Horizon 2?

The game was set in the open-world regions of Southern France and Northern Italy, based on a fictional Horizon Festival.

12. What features are lost when the online services shut down?

The main features lost include: multiplayer racing, leaderboards, browsing user-generated content, and downloading custom liveries and tunes.

13. Is the Forza Horizon series playable on Xbox?

Yes, all mainline Forza Horizon games from Forza Horizon through Forza Horizon 5 are playable on Xbox One and Series X/S via backwards compatibility.

14. Is there any way to get Forza Horizon 2 now?

The only way to play Forza Horizon 2 is by using a pre-owned disc or by downloading the digital version if you previously purchased it.

15. When was Forza Horizon 2 originally released?

Forza Horizon 2 was released in 2014 for both Xbox One and Xbox 360.

Conclusion

While Forza Horizon 2 is no longer a new title, it remains a cherished part of the Forza franchise. Although its online services have been discontinued, players who own a copy can still enjoy the single-player experience. Remember, the game was released on the Xbox One and Xbox 360 but is now playable through backward compatibility on the Xbox Series X/S. Understanding its current availability and limitations will help you appreciate the classic racing experience Forza Horizon 2 still provides. The expiration of licenses and the closure of online services are common in older games, and this is why Forza Horizon 2 is no longer sold but still enjoyed by its owners.