Since its release in late 2021, Forza Horizon 5 has been earning rave reviews from critics and fans alike, many of whom are dubbing it one of the greatest racing games on the market today, perhaps of all time. In stark contrast to the backlash that followed Sony's microtransaction strategy for the otherwise excellent Gran Turismo 7, Playground Games' high-octane racer has been a big hit that has, thus far, avoided controversy.
This isn't to say that Playground and Xbox Studios aren't looking at ways to maximize profits while also giving players more content and. Similar to Rockstar's GTA+ VIP subscription service Grand Theft Auto Online, Xbox Studios has launched the Forza Horizon 5 VIP Membership DLC in the hopes of enticing players with a raft of benefits, bonuses, and incentives. The question is, however, do these benefits justify the $20 price tag?
The Forza Horizon 5 VIP Membership DLC looks to tempt players in with a raft of exclusive bonuses, many of which enhance gameplay and a player's overall experience. In terms of tangible rewards, a membership offers three exclusive cars immediately, as well as the gifting of a Crown Flair, various Vanity Items, a Car Horn, and an exclusive Emote. Buyers also gain a player house at launch, as well as a variety of additional bonuses and perks.
Membership also grants players an extra Super Wheelspin every week. Forza features a spinning prize wheel that can either reward spinners with a new vehicle or more credits to spend, and Super Wheelspins grant three prizes and an increased chance of winning rare items.
VIP players will also receive double Credit rewards from races and Double Forzathon Points from any Forza Horizon 5 Festival Playlist challenges or Horizon Arcade Event. Forzathon Points are a form of currency that players can spend on emotes, fashion items, rare vehicles, or wheelspins in the Forzathon Shop. While many of the rewards granted are more immediate, it is these two boons that are at the crux of whether a membership has value. Long-term racers will find that having their points and credits doubled over the course of many races gives a better long-term return than players who don't enter events or races very often.
The consensus seems to be that, yes, a Forza Horizon 5 VIP Membership can be worth it, but only in the right circumstances. Casual racers who only dip in and out of Forza likely won't find a VIP Membership to be worth the price of admission, but for those who are planning to spend a great deal of time with Playground Games' superb racing sim, the purchase makes a lot more sense in the long run.
It's also worth pointing out that the VIP Membership is a standalone offer that doesn't include other Forza Horizon 5 DLC like the Expansions Bundle or Car Pass. Those who want as much content as possible may want to get their hands on the Forza Horizon 5 Premium Add-Ons Bundle, which pulls together every add-on and DLC into a single package that costs $49.99.