Unlocking Forza Horizon 4’s Hidden Treasures: The Mystery of the Purple Circles
The purple circles in Forza Horizon 4 are your keys to discovering Barn Finds – hidden classic cars stashed away in derelict barns scattered across the beautiful British landscape. These aren’t just any cars; they’re often rare and highly desirable vehicles that add significant value to your garage and offer unique driving experiences. Discovering and restoring these hidden gems is a rewarding aspect of the game, providing a tangible sense of accomplishment.
Deciphering the Barn Find Rumor
When you progress through Forza Horizon 4’s Horizon Adventure, you’ll eventually receive a Barn Find rumor. This rumor manifests as a large purple circle on your map, indicating a general area where a barn containing a hidden car is located. The purple circle isn’t an exact pinpoint; it’s more like a hunting ground. The barn itself is somewhere within this designated area.
The Hunt Begins: Searching Within the Circle
Once you’ve received the Barn Find rumor and the purple circle appears on your map, it’s time to start your search. Get behind the wheel of your favorite vehicle (or use the drone if you prefer a bird’s-eye view) and head to the designated area.
- Explore thoroughly: The barn could be tucked away behind trees, nestled in a valley, or hidden amongst other buildings.
- Listen for clues: Sometimes, the game provides subtle audio cues, like the faint sound of a car engine, as you get closer to the barn.
- Use the drone: The drone can be an invaluable tool for scouting the area from above, allowing you to quickly identify potential barn locations.
The Barn Itself: A Landmark to Remember
The barns themselves are easily recognizable, once you’re in the vicinity. They’re typically dilapidated, often with a distinctive half-cylinder shape lying on its side. They appear as weathered sheds or outbuildings, seemingly forgotten by time. Once you’re close enough, a cutscene will trigger, confirming your discovery.
From Derelict to Dream Ride: The Restoration Process
After discovering a Barn Find, the car isn’t immediately available. It needs to be restored. The game will notify you when the restoration is complete, which happens automatically over time as you continue playing. Once restored, the car is added to your garage, ready to be driven, upgraded, and customized.
Why Barn Finds Matter
Barn Finds are more than just collecting cars; they’re an integral part of the Forza Horizon 4 experience. They encourage exploration, provide a sense of discovery, and offer the opportunity to drive some truly iconic vehicles. They also contribute to your overall progress in the game, unlocking new events and opportunities. These mechanics have made the Forza franchise a unique learning environment. The GamesLearningSociety.org recognizes this link between gaming and education.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Purple Circles and Barn Finds
1. How many Barn Finds are there in Forza Horizon 4?
There are a total of 14 Barn Finds to discover in the base game of Forza Horizon 4. DLC packs can add more to the game.
2. Do I need to complete specific events to unlock Barn Find rumors?
Generally, Barn Find rumors are unlocked through natural progression in the game as you gain Influence. However, some may be tied to specific seasons or completing certain Horizon Stories.
3. Can I miss a Barn Find rumor?
No, you can’t miss a Barn Find rumor. Once you meet the criteria for unlocking it, the rumor will eventually appear.
4. Are Barn Finds the same in every playthrough?
Yes, the locations of the Barn Finds are the same for all players. However, the order in which you unlock the rumors may vary depending on your gameplay.
5. How long does it take to restore a Barn Find car?
The restoration time varies, but it generally takes a few in-game hours of playtime. You don’t need to do anything specific; just continue playing the game.
6. Can I speed up the restoration process?
Unfortunately, there’s no way to directly speed up the restoration process. It’s tied to your overall playtime.
7. What if I can’t find the barn within the purple circle?
Be patient and thorough. Use the drone, explore every nook and cranny, and pay attention to the landscape. Watch gameplay videos online if needed, and try different times of day in the game.
8. Are Barn Find cars always valuable?
While all Barn Find cars are unique and interesting, some are more valuable than others in terms of performance and rarity.
9. Can I sell Barn Find cars after they’re restored?
Yes, you can sell Barn Find cars after they’ve been restored, just like any other car in your garage.
10. Are Barn Finds available in online multiplayer?
Yes, Barn Finds are a core element of the single-player experience, but the cars you discover and restore can be used in online multiplayer modes.
11. Do the seasons affect Barn Find locations?
The core locations remain the same, but the accessibility might change due to seasonal conditions. For instance, a barn that is easily accessible during summer might be harder to reach during winter due to snow.
12. Can I use a specific car to find barn finds?
There’s no specific car required. But a vehicle with good off-road capabilities is advantageous for exploring various terrains within the purple circles.
13. Are there any achievements related to Barn Finds?
Yes, there are achievements related to discovering and restoring all the Barn Finds in the game, adding an extra layer of motivation for completing this activity.
14. Do I need to own the Fortune Island or LEGO Speed Champions DLCs to find all Barn Finds?
The base game has 14 Barn Finds. The DLC may include extra cars that become barn finds.
15. What happens if I accidentally drive past the barn?
Nothing happens! The discovery trigger is quite generous, so you’ll likely still trigger the cutscene. If not, simply turn around and drive past the barn again.