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Is Forza Horizon 3 Always Online? A Deep Dive into Offline Play and Online Features

No, Forza Horizon 3 does not require an always-online connection for single-player modes. This means you can enjoy the vast Australian open-world environment, participate in races, complete challenges, and progress through the main campaign without being constantly connected to the internet. However, like most modern games, certain features and functionalities require an internet connection. Let’s delve into the details of what you can do offline and where online connectivity is necessary.

Offline Gameplay in Forza Horizon 3

The core single-player experience of Forza Horizon 3 is fully accessible offline. Once you’ve downloaded the game and launched it for the first time with an internet connection, you can disconnect from the internet and still:

Explore the entire open-world map: Freely drive around Australia, discovering new locations and hidden gems.
Participate in races and championships: Compete in a variety of events against AI opponents.
Complete Bucket List challenges: Take on unique driving tasks and showcase your skills.
Progress through the campaign: Expand your Horizon Festival by earning fans and completing various in-game milestones.
Customize your vehicles: Upgrade your cars with performance parts and aesthetic enhancements.
Enjoy the game’s vibrant atmosphere: Experience the sights and sounds of the Australian landscape.

The ability to enjoy these key aspects offline makes Forza Horizon 3 a great option for players who prefer solo experiences, or those who may have unreliable internet connections.

Important Note for Xbox One Users

If you are playing on an Xbox One console, make sure your console is set as your Home Xbox. This setting allows you to play digital games offline. If your console is not set as your Home Xbox, you may encounter issues launching the game without an internet connection.

Online Functionality in Forza Horizon 3

While offline play is robust, certain features in Forza Horizon 3 rely on an internet connection:

Online Co-op: Team up with friends or other players online in 4-player co-op mode to experience the game’s campaign together.
Multiplayer Races: Engage in online races against other players.
Auction House: Buy and sell rare cars and custom designs created by the community.
Leaderboards: Compare your scores and lap times with other players globally.
Downloading Content: Downloading the game itself and any additional DLC requires an internet connection.
Social Features: Interact with the community, share designs, and access online social content.

Current Online Status of Forza Horizon 3

It’s important to note that Forza Horizon 3 is no longer actively supported with updates and new content. While the servers are still partially operational, the game’s online services have been scaled back. Matchmaking and leaderboard services still exist, but access is not guaranteed, and you might experience long wait times or connectivity issues. This limited online support is common for legacy titles.

Understanding the Decommissioning of Forza Horizon 3

Forza Horizon 3 was decommissioned on September 27, 2020. This means that the game and its DLC are no longer available for purchase in the Microsoft Store. This removal from the store happened due to licensing issues related to music and car manufacturers within the game. However, if you previously purchased the game, you can still download and play it normally.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I install Forza Horizon 3 offline?

No. You will need an internet connection to download and install Forza Horizon 3 on your PC or Xbox console. However, once the game is installed, you can play the single-player modes offline.

2. Can I play Forza Horizon 3 offline on PC?

Yes, just like on Xbox, if you already have Forza Horizon 3 downloaded, you can play it offline on PC once it has been launched at least once with internet connection.

3. Is the Auction House available in Forza Horizon 3 offline?

No. The Auction House requires an active internet connection to access. You will not be able to buy or sell cars offline.

4. Are there any online modes available in Forza Horizon 3?

Yes, Forza Horizon 3 has online multiplayer modes such as co-op, online racing, and online free roam. However, due to its status as a legacy title, access to these online modes is limited and not always guaranteed.

5. Can I play with my friends online in Forza Horizon 3?

Yes, you can play with friends in online co-op. It’s important to be aware, though, that due to the game being decommissioned, the servers might not always be reliably accessible for this feature.

6. What are the system requirements to play Forza Horizon 3 on PC?

The recommended system requirements for Forza Horizon 3 on PC are:

CPU: Intel Core i7-3820 @ 3.6 GHz
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 or 1060
VRAM: 4GB

7. When was Forza Horizon 3 released?

Forza Horizon 3 was released on September 27, 2016.

8. Why was Forza Horizon 3 removed from the Microsoft Store?

Forza Horizon 3 was removed from the Microsoft Store due to expiring licenses for music, cars, and branding used in the game.

9. Can I still download Forza Horizon 3 if I owned it before it was delisted?

Yes, if you previously purchased Forza Horizon 3, you can still download and play the game and its associated content. It will appear in your library ready to be re-downloaded.

10. What is the single-player campaign length of Forza Horizon 3?

The main campaign of Forza Horizon 3 can take around 17 hours to complete. If you aim for 100% completion, you can easily spend over 100 hours in the game.

11. Is there a free roam mode in Forza Horizon 3?

Yes, Forza Horizon 3 features a free roam mode where you can explore the open-world map of Australia. This can be played both online and offline.

12. How do I unlock online features in Forza Horizon 3?

Online features are unlocked after you complete your first festival expansion at Byron Bay within the game.

13. How does Forza Horizon 3 differ from other Horizon games in terms of offline play?

All Forza Horizon games offer robust offline play. Forza Horizon 3, like its counterparts, emphasizes this aspect, allowing players to access the majority of the core experience offline. However, each game has differences in terms of content, world design, and unique gameplay elements.

14. Is Forza Horizon 3 a good game to play now?

Yes! Even with it being a legacy title, Forza Horizon 3 still holds up as an excellent open-world racing game. The game offers an engaging single-player experience, especially with its Australian setting and story progression. Many users and critics still regard it as one of the best Forza Horizon titles to date.

15. Are there other Forza Horizon games that have been decommissioned?

Yes, Forza Horizon 1 and Forza Horizon 2 have also been delisted and had their online services closed. These older titles, much like Forza Horizon 3, are still playable by those who already own them, but with limited or non-existent online features.

Conclusion

Forza Horizon 3 is a great example of a game that provides a full experience both online and offline. You can enjoy the vast open world and engaging single-player content without needing a constant internet connection. However, it’s important to know that specific features, such as online multiplayer and the auction house, do require an internet connection and now have limited support. Despite its decommissioning and limited online support, Forza Horizon 3 remains a must-play for racing game fans. Its offline single-player experience is still very much enjoyable, and it can provide hours of fun exploring its open-world map.

Is Forza Horizon 3 always online?