Can You Play Forza Horizon Without Game Pass? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, you can absolutely play Forza Horizon without an Xbox Game Pass subscription. However, the answer isn’t quite that simple, as it depends on what kind of gameplay you’re looking to experience. While owning the game outright allows you to play offline, accessing certain features and multiplayer capabilities requires further consideration. This article breaks down the intricacies of playing Forza Horizon with and without Game Pass, providing a complete guide to help you navigate your gaming options.
Understanding Game Ownership vs. Game Pass
The first crucial element is understanding the difference between owning the game and accessing it through Game Pass. When you purchase a digital copy or a physical disc of Forza Horizon, you own the game. This ownership grants you the ability to play the game, mainly in offline single-player mode, without any additional subscriptions.
However, Xbox Game Pass provides a subscription-based service where you gain access to a library of games, including Forza Horizon. This access, however, is contingent on maintaining an active subscription. If you don’t own the game, your access depends entirely on your Game Pass subscription. Therefore, you don’t need Game Pass to play Forza Horizon, provided you already own the game.
The Importance of Online Play
While single-player offline modes are fully functional without any subscriptions, things shift when you want to venture into the online world of Forza Horizon. This is where an Xbox Live Gold or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (which includes Xbox Live Gold) subscription becomes necessary. Online multiplayer features, including races and social aspects, require a valid subscription.
Platform Differences
The way you play Forza Horizon, and the requirements, also differ across platforms. The game is available on:
- Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One: On consoles, online multiplayer requires Game Pass Core or Game Pass Ultimate.
- Windows PC: You can play Forza Horizon on PC, and Game Pass offers both console and PC versions of the game. However, online play on PC doesn’t necessarily require a Game Pass subscription. Instead, if you bought the game on PC via the Microsoft Store or Steam, online play should be available to you without a separate subscription. If you accessed it via Game Pass, then an active subscription is required to play any of it.
- Steam: Similar to the Microsoft Store, if you purchased the game through Steam, you should be able to access online play without Game Pass, though this is dependent on whether you purchased it standalone or have it through the PC version of Gamepass.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To further clarify the different aspects of playing Forza Horizon without Game Pass, here are 15 frequently asked questions:
1. Do I need Game Pass to play Forza Horizon 5 offline?
No, if you own Forza Horizon 5, you can play the offline, single-player mode without needing any Game Pass subscription.
2. Can I play Forza Horizon 5 online without Game Pass?
On consoles, you will need either Game Pass Core or Game Pass Ultimate to play Forza Horizon 5 online. On PC, if you purchased the game standalone, online play may be available without Game Pass but this will depend on your version of the game.
3. What’s the difference between Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass Core?
Xbox Live Gold was the previous online multiplayer subscription service. Xbox Game Pass Core is its successor, offering online play and a curated catalog of games. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate includes both these services, along with a larger library of games across both console and PC.
4. If I have the game on disc, do I need Game Pass to play it?
If you own the physical disc of Forza Horizon, you can play the single-player mode without Game Pass. However, online multiplayer will still require either Game Pass Core or Game Pass Ultimate for Xbox consoles.
5. If I buy Forza Horizon 5 on Steam, do I need a Game Pass subscription?
If you purchase Forza Horizon 5 directly on Steam, you typically don’t need a Game Pass subscription to access online play. However, if you are using the PC Gamepass version via the Xbox App then you will require an active subscription to play.
6. How does Xbox Game Pass Ultimate affect Forza Horizon 5 gameplay?
With Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, you gain access to Forza Horizon 5, along with a vast library of other games, both on console and PC. It also allows you to play online multiplayer on consoles and also includes cloud gaming to play on Android devices.
7. Can I use the same copy of Forza Horizon 5 across Xbox and PC?
No, you will need to purchase a digital copy that includes both platforms or subscribe to Game Pass Ultimate to access the game on both Xbox and PC. There may be specific bundles that permit this, but usually a version is purchased for either console or PC.
8. What are the benefits of having Xbox Game Pass for Forza Horizon?
Besides access to the game itself, Game Pass offers a continuous catalog of games and the opportunity to discover new titles that you may not normally purchase. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate gives the ability to play across console, PC and cloud.
9. Can I play other Forza games offline without Game Pass?
Yes, similar to Forza Horizon, other Forza titles can be played offline without a Game Pass subscription, provided you own the game. However, online multiplayer will usually require Game Pass Core or Ultimate on Xbox consoles.
10. Is Forza Horizon 4 free to play?
No, Forza Horizon 4 is not free to play. However, a demo of Forza Horizon 4 is available which will let you explore a limited portion of the game.
11. Can I get Xbox Game Pass for free?
Yes, you can earn free Xbox Game Pass months by participating in the Microsoft Rewards program, which offers points for using Microsoft products and services. Also, new Xbox accounts are often granted a free trial.
12. Do I keep the games if my Game Pass subscription expires?
No, your access to games through Game Pass ends when your subscription expires. However, games you purchase with your Game Pass discount, you retain even if your subscription expires.
13. Will Forza Horizon 5 ever leave Game Pass?
As a first-party title, Forza Horizon 5 is unlikely to be removed from the Xbox Game Pass catalog.
14. How much does Xbox Game Pass cost?
The price of Xbox Game Pass varies depending on the plan you choose. Game Pass Core is generally the most affordable, and Game Pass Ultimate is a more comprehensive option. Monthly prices are typically in the $10-$17 range.
15. Can I play Forza Horizon 5 offline on PC?
Yes, if you own the game on PC, you can play the offline single-player mode without a Game Pass subscription. If you are using the PC Gamepass version, it requires an active subscription at all times.
Conclusion
In summary, playing Forza Horizon without Game Pass is entirely possible if you own the game. While Game Pass Core or Game Pass Ultimate are necessary for online multiplayer on Xbox consoles, offline gameplay remains accessible without any subscriptions. The best approach depends on your gaming habits, the platforms you play on, and whether or not you intend to enjoy the online capabilities. Understanding these nuances ensures you get the most from the vibrant world of Forza Horizon.