The season update introduces four classic 90s vehicles, including the rare Toyota Soarer 2.5 GT-T and Mitsubishi FTO GP Version R. Players will also discover the return of the popular Horizon Backstage feature, complete with exclusive rewards and a special VHS tape collecting challenge. These additions, combined with new Hide & Seek achievements and EventLab improvements, make this one of the most comprehensive updates to date.
Back to the 90s: Theme Overview
The latest season update transports players to an era of vibrant culture and automotive excellence. Draped in the esthetics of flannel shirts, boy bands, and the unmistakable charm of VHS tapes, this nostalgic update brings the 90s back to life in spectacular fashion.
Nostalgic 1990s setting
The Back to the 90s theme perfectly captures the decade's distinctive style, featuring geometric designs and bold artistic choices. The update's artwork, crafted by the talented Scott, incorporates classic jazz-inspired elements that defined the era's visual identity. Players can immerse themselves in this retro atmosphere through specially designed events and challenges, each carrying clever names that pay homage to 90s pop culture – including a particularly witty "Cartoon Network" reference.New cars and rewards
This season introduces an impressive lineup of rewards that perfectly embody the 90s automotive spirit. The Festival Playlist features hard-to-find classics like the Mercedes-Benz 500E at 80 points and the legendary GMC Typhoon at 160 points. Each weekly season brings opportunities to unlock exclusive vehicles, with seasonal rewards structured to provide a steady stream of content for dedicated players.Return of Horizon Backstage feature
The highly anticipated Horizon Backstage makes its triumphant return to Forza Horizon 5, bringing with it an enhanced system for acquiring rare vehicles. This fan-favorite feature introduces several exciting elements:- Weekly community voting on car pairs
- Two Backstage Passes available each week
- Access through both the pause menu and the Horizon Festival Site
- Initial lineup of six exclusive vehicles at launch
- Completing Festival Playlist seasonal rewards (40 points)
- Purchasing from the Forzathon Shop (1,000 Forzathon points)
New Reward Cars from the 90s Era
The latest season brings an exceptional collection of 90s automotive legends to Forza Horizon 5, each representing a unique aspect of this iconic decade's car culture. These four distinctive vehicles are available through seasonal rewards, each requiring dedicated effort to add to your garage.
1997 Toyota Soarer 2.5 GT-T
The Toyota Soarer 2.5 GT-T stands as Japan's technological masterpiece of the 90s. This luxury powerhouse features one of the first integrated GPS systems and an EMV touchscreen, showcasing Toyota's forward-thinking approach. Under its sophisticated exterior lies a potent 1JZ-GTE engine producing 278 bhp and 279 lb-ft of torque. The car comes equipped with extensive customization options, including Origin Lab body components and Forza-specific modifications.1998 Mitsubishi FTO GP Version R
The FTO GP Version R represents the pinnacle of Mitsubishi's sports car engineering. This refined version features:- Enhanced aerodynamics with specialized bumpers and side skirts
- Upgraded suspension and differential systems
- One of the era's smallest V6 engines at 2.0 liters
1990 Aston Martin Lagonda
The Aston Martin Lagonda embodies 90s luxury with a rebellious edge. This four-door saloon pioneered digital instrumentation in luxury vehicles, featuring premium leather throughout its cabin. The 1990 edition received a distinctive redesign, maintaining its characteristic boxy profile while introducing softer corners. Powered by a robust 5.3-liter V8 engine, it delivers an authentic British luxury experience.1996 Subaru SVX
The Subaru SVX emerges as one of the decade's most innovative designs, featuring aircraft-inspired elements that set it apart. Its 3.3-liter engine generates 231 horsepower and 228 lb-ft of torque, delivered through Subaru's renowned AWD system. The car's aerodynamic excellence is evident in its impressive 0.29 drag coefficient, rivaling contemporary hypercars. Its legacy includes conquering the challenging Alcan Winter Rally, demonstrating its exceptional capabilities in extreme conditions.Seasonal Availability:
| Vehicle | Points Required | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Soarer 2.5 GT-T | 20 | Summer |
| Mitsubishi FTO GP Version R | 20 | Autumn |
| Aston Martin Lagonda | 20 | Winter |
| Subaru SVX | 20 | Spring |
Horizon Backstage and Collectibles
The introduction of Horizon Backstage brings a game-changing system for collecting rare vehicles in Forza Horizon 5. This feature revolutionizes how players can acquire previously exclusive cars, while new collectibles and cosmetics add an authentic 90s flair to the experience.
How to earn Backstage Passes
Players can acquire Backstage Passes through multiple channels, making rare vehicles more accessible than ever. The primary methods include:- Earning 40 points in the Festival Playlist seasonal rewards
- Purchasing passes for 1,000 Forzathon Points in the shop
- A special one-time gift pass through the Message Center on October 10
Initial cars available in Backstage Shop
The Backstage Shop launches with six exceptional vehicles:| Vehicle | Year | Type |
|---|---|---|
| BMW M4 Competition Coupe | 2021 | Modern Performance |
| Cadillac XTS Limousine | 2013 | Luxury |
| Fiat 131 Abarth | 1980 | Classic Rally |
| Mercedes-Benz 280 SL | 1967 | Classic Sport |
| Pagani Huayra BC | 2016 | Hypercar |
| Rivian R1S | 2022 | Electric SUV |
The selection will expand weekly based on community votes, with two pairs of cars competing for spots in the lineup. Winners become available in the following season, ensuring a constantly evolving roster of exclusive vehicles.
New VHS tape collectible
The Inflatable VHS collectible adds a nostalgic touch to the Mexican landscape. While it may not boast 4K resolution or superior audio quality, this new addition serves multiple purposes:- Features in Week 3's Festival Playlist Challenge
- Available as a prop for EventLab creators
- Provides a unique collecting experience across the map
90s-themed badges and outfit
Three new badges celebrate the decade's memorable moments:Stay Cool: Capture a photo of the 1997 Toyota Soarer 2.5 GT-T Cassetting the Trend: Show off your style by equipping the 90s Outfit Would You Like Help: Clock 10 miles in any 1990s vehicle
The 90s Outfit itself becomes available through the #DressToImprezza Photo Challenge during the first week of the Festival Playlist. With its bold patterns and vibrant colors, it's perfect for channeling your inner boyband member or recreating iconic 90s fashion moments.
The Horizon Backstage location can be accessed through multiple methods: driving to its physical location west of the Horizon Festival México Site, selecting it under the 'Cars' tab in the pause menu, or visiting any owned property's Autoshow menu.
Gameplay Updates and Achievements
The latest update brings substantial gameplay enhancements to Mexico's premier racing festival, headlined by an exciting set of achievements for the recently introduced Hide & Seek mode. These additions, coupled with significant technical improvements, ensure players have fresh challenges to tackle while enjoying a smoother gaming experience.
New Hide & Seek achievements
The Hide & Seek mode receives a major boost with ten new achievements worth a combined 250 Gamerscore. These achievements reward both casual players and dedicated hunters alike, offering various progression paths:Core Achievements (Entry Level):
- Hider and Seeker (10G) - Complete matches in both roles
- Lay of The Land (10G) - Play in every available arena
- Blending In (15G) - Secure victory as a Hider
- The Big Reveal (15G) - Win as a Seeker
| Achievement | Description | Gamerscore |
|---|---|---|
| Bounty Hunter | Complete 25 Seeker matches | 20 |
| The Hidden | Complete 5 Hider matches | 20 |
| Covering Ground | Drive 50 miles in mode | 30 |
| Dedicated to the Cause | 20-match streak | 30 |
| Catching a Break | Hit 20 Seekers with Chase Breaker | 50 |
| Never Back Down | Achieve 50-match streak | 50 |
Bug fixes and improvements
The development team has addressed several critical issues to enhance gameplay stability:- Hide & Seek Specific Fixes:
- License plate reset functionality restored
- Car reset feature disabled during movement
- Convoy joining issues resolved for Festival Playlist
- DLC map transition problems corrected
- General Improvements:
- Paint selection bug fixed for 1994 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution III GSR
- Localization improvements across multiple languages
- Enhanced matchmaking stability
- Improved accolade tracking system
EventLab additions
The creative suite expands with new props and features perfect for crafting nostalgic racing experiences. The standout addition is the Inflatable VHS Prop, which creators can use to design unique racing challenges and themed events. This prop integration allows builders to:- Create authentic 90s-themed racing environments
- Design specialized checkpoint markers
- Craft unique photo opportunities
- Develop themed racing circuits
- Mesa Circuit - Optimized for B Class Classic Rally vehicles
- Storm Drain - Designed for A Class Modern Muscle cars
Players can access these new features through the EventLab menu, where they'll find updated creation tools and an expanded prop library. The system maintains its user-friendly interface while offering these enhanced creative possibilities, ensuring both newcomers and experienced creators can easily bring their racing visions to life.
The Hide & Seek mode continues as a permanent addition to the online multiplayer roster, requiring an active multiplayer connection to access. Players can jump into matches directly from the Online menu or through Festival Playlist challenges, with each successful completion contributing to both achievement progress and seasonal rewards.
Conclusion
Forza Horizon 5's 90s-themed season update stands as one of the game's most substantial content additions, masterfully blending nostalgia with modern racing excitement. Players gain access to four legendary vehicles from the era, including the sophisticated Toyota Soarer 2.5 GT-T and the innovative Subaru SVX, while the revamped Horizon Backstage system offers fresh opportunities to expand vehicle collections. These additions, paired with period-authentic collectibles and themed challenges, create an authentic celebration of 90s automotive culture.
The update strengthens Forza Horizon 5's position as a premier racing experience through meaningful gameplay enhancements and technical improvements. Hide & Seek mode's new achievements add depth to multiplayer engagement, while EventLab's expanded creative tools enable players to craft unique racing experiences. These comprehensive improvements, combined with careful attention to technical stability and bug fixes, ensure players will find fresh excitement in Mexico's digital playground for months ahead.
