Forza Horizon 5 DLC Roadmap on Xbox: Confirmed Expansions Explained
Forza Horizon 5 DLC Roadmap on Xbox: Confirmed Expansions Explained
Forza Horizon 5’s DLC roadmap on Xbox is straightforward: there are two confirmed major expansions—Hot Wheels and Rally Adventure—plus ongoing Series updates, car packs, and quality-of-life add-ons. If you only want the big new maps, the Expansions Bundle is the cleanest buy; if you want VIP, Car Pass, and early unlocks layered on top, the Premium route makes sense. The base game is included with Game Pass, but expansions and add-ons are separate purchases. Below, Gaming Device Advisor breaks down what each expansion adds, how bundles differ, and the smartest buying paths—so you get maximum value and stable performance without paying twice.
Overview of confirmed expansions on Xbox
Forza Horizon 5 has two major add-ons on Xbox: Hot Wheels and Rally Adventure. Both are bundled together in the Expansions Bundle, which is marketed as adding two new locations and “20 incredible vehicles” across the pair, according to the official Xbox Store listing. There isn’t a secret third expansion—none has been announced beyond these two.
An expansion is a large, paid add-on that adds a new map area, fresh events, and cars beyond the base game. Unlike smaller car packs, expansions reshape the gameplay structure with new progression, unique mechanics, and distinct biomes or audio/announcer elements—typically delivering dozens of hours of additional play.
Hot Wheels expansion
Hot Wheels transports Horizon to a separate island built for high-speed toybox fantasy. Its large orange and blue track network layers in loops, magnet sections, ice, and water flumes, creating a striking change from Mexico’s roads and trails. It’s available on Xbox Series X, Xbox One, and PC, and GamesRadar’s review praised how playfully it rethinks speed and flow. The expansion also introduces the Hot Wheels Academy, a rank-based progression from Rookie to Legend that paces unlocks with a distinct “learn, master, go faster” loop. It was revealed during the Xbox Games Showcase with a July 19 launch confirmed shortly after, continuing the series’ long-running Hot Wheels crossover lineage.
What’s new:
- A separate island hub with themed events and PR stunts
- Looping, magnet, ice, and flume track surfaces that alter grip and lines
- Rank-based Academy progression up to Legend
- A roster of Hot Wheels-themed cars and bespoke challenges
Sources: GamesRadar’s hands-on impressions of the Hot Wheels DLC; Game Informer’s Showcase reveal and July 19 date.
Rally Adventure expansion
Rally Adventure doubles down on dirt, adding Sierra Nueva—a rugged new location—with purpose-built rally routes and team-based events. Co-driver calls change the feel immediately, adding real-time pace notes for corners, crests, jumps, and surface changes so you can carry speed without relying solely on visual markers. Ongoing updates have also broadened event access, with all classes in Rally Adventure being unlocked over time to make its progression more flexible and accessible.
Co-driver calls are audio instructions delivered as you drive, describing corner severity, hazards, and surface transitions in a concise shorthand. They help you anticipate the road ahead, brake or commit earlier, and maintain rhythm—boosting immersion and precision, especially in off-road stages with sight-line limitations.
Source: CarThrottle’s DLC breakdown (Sierra Nueva, rally focus, co-driver calls) and Pure Xbox’s coverage of class unlocks and continued tuning.
Expansions Bundle on Xbox
If you just want the two big content drops, the Expansions Bundle is the simplest choice. It includes Hot Wheels and Rally Adventure together, marketed as adding two new locations and “20 incredible vehicles” across both expansions. It omits VIP, the Car Pass, and smaller packs—helpful if you want map content without extras.
Comparison at a glance:
| Item | What’s included | Cars included | Intended buyer | Typical price range | Upgrade path |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expansions Bundle | Hot Wheels + Rally Adventure (two new locations) | “20 incredible vehicles” across both | Players who only want the major map expansions | Varies by region; often discounted during sales | Works as an add-on to any base copy, including Game Pass |
| Premium Add-Ons Bundle | Both expansions + VIP + full Car Pass + Welcome Pack | Dozens via Car Pass + VIP rewards; not every later à-la-carte pack | Players who want the “nearly all-in” upgrade without rebuying the base game | Higher than Expansions Bundle; frequently discounted | Ideal upgrade for Game Pass owners |
Source for Expansions Bundle contents: Xbox Store listing.
Premium Add-Ons Bundle and Premium Edition
The Premium Add-Ons Bundle layers on nearly everything: both expansions, VIP status, the full Car Pass, and the Welcome Pack—designed as a straightforward upgrade for base-game owners, including those on Game Pass. Note that “Premium” does not mean “everything forever”; it doesn’t include every later, separately sold car pack. The Premium Edition is a single SKU that includes the base game plus the same add-ons, which can be cleaner than stacking purchases if you don’t use Game Pass.
VIP is a paid status that typically grants double credit earnings, exclusive cars and cosmetics, VIP-only events, and other perks. It accelerates progression and in-game currency accumulation while unlocking unique rewards not available to standard accounts—useful if you value faster garage growth and steady bonus content.
Premium Add-Ons vs. Premium Edition:
- Premium Add-Ons Bundle: For base-game owners (including Game Pass) who want VIP, Car Pass, Welcome Pack, and both expansions without rebuying the base game.
- Premium Edition: Includes the base game plus the same add-ons in one purchase.
Car Pass and post-launch car packs
Car Pass is a rolling add-on that delivers 42 additional cars over time. It’s included with the Deluxe and Premium editions, and the Formula Drift pack is part of Car Pass but can also be purchased separately. The Premium Add-Ons Bundle includes the full Car Pass but not every later à-la-carte pack; the Ultimate Car Pack collection is a separate bundle that aggregates multiple post-launch car packs and is distinct from Car Pass. Completionists may also want the Treasure Map, which instantly reveals Bonus Boards and Barn Finds.
Source: CarThrottle’s DLC guide detailing Car Pass (42 cars), Formula Drift, and the distinction between Car Pass, Ultimate Car Pack collection, and Premium Add-Ons coverage.
Quick reference:
| Add-on | What it adds | Who should buy | Included in which editions/bundles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car Pass | 42 additional cars released on a schedule | Car collectors who want a steady drip of vehicles | Deluxe Edition, Premium Edition, Premium Add-Ons Bundle |
| Formula Drift Pack | A set of Formula Drift cars (also part of Car Pass) | Drift fans who don’t want the full Car Pass | Car Pass; sold separately |
| Ultimate Car Pack collection | Aggregates multiple themed post-launch car packs (separate from Car Pass) | Players who skipped earlier packs and want a consolidated bundle | Sold separately; not part of Car Pass |
| Treasure Map | Reveals Bonus Boards and Barn Finds on the map | Completionists and time-savers | Sold separately |
Ongoing series updates and support cadence
Forza Horizon 5’s post-launch cadence blends expansions with frequent Festival Playlist Series updates. Windows Central noted Playground Games signaled a second expansion after Hot Wheels and that Horizon expansions often arrive within roughly a month of announcement; it also highlights that Game Pass members may see discounts when buying expansions. Pure Xbox’s update coverage has chronicled new cars, body kits, and even Rally Adventure class unlocks—evidence that systems continue to be tuned well beyond launch. Gaming Device Advisor tracks these cycles so readers can time purchases around stability and value.
Festival Playlist is a rotating, seasonal set of challenges and rewards. Each Series spans multiple weeks with themed events, car unlocks, and cosmetics. Players earn points by completing objectives to claim milestone vehicles, keeping the game fresh between major DLC drops.
Sources: Windows Central on expansion timing and discounts; Pure Xbox on Series updates and rally-class unlocks.
Community reception and technical polish
Hot Wheels landed as a high-energy palette shift—GamesRadar called it “made me feel like a kid again,” capturing how its elevated tracks and speed toys reinvigorate the loop. At the same time, community feedback flags that some paid DLC cars have shipped with cockpit camera quirks or model issues, a reminder that polish matters. Players on the official forums routinely request varied future expansions, but nothing beyond the two confirmed add-ons has been announced. At Gaming Device Advisor, our stance is simple: if a new update introduces instability on your Xbox, wait for a patch before jumping in. Value is maximized by stable frame times and 24/7-safe settings—not by buying every pack on day one.
Source: Forza Forums community thread aggregating feedback and wishes.
Buying advice for Xbox players
- Only want the big new maps? Buy the Expansions Bundle for Hot Wheels + Rally Adventure.
- Want it all (VIP, Car Pass, Welcome Pack, the expansions)? Get the Premium Add-Ons Bundle if you already own the base game (including via Game Pass) or the Premium Edition if you want one purchase.
- Car collectors first? Consider Car Pass and, if you skipped earlier releases, the Ultimate Car Pack collection—double-check overlaps to avoid duplicates.
- Performance-conscious players: apply updates promptly but don’t rush; if a patch introduces stutters or bugs, give Playground a cycle or two to stabilize before buying new content.
Decision flow:
- Do you want new maps and game modes? If yes, pick the Expansions Bundle.
- Do you also want VIP perks and a steady car drip? Choose Premium Add-Ons (for base owners/Game Pass) or Premium Edition.
- Only want more cars? Buy Car Pass and selectively add themed packs.
Tip: Game Pass members sometimes see expansion discounts at checkout, per Windows Central.
Compatibility and Game Pass considerations
Hot Wheels runs on Xbox Series X, Xbox One, and PC; Forza Horizon 5 itself is included with Xbox Game Pass tiers, but expansions and add-ons are sold separately and may receive member discounts. If you have the base game via Game Pass, purchasing the Premium Add-Ons Bundle grants VIP, Car Pass, Welcome Pack, and both expansions without buying the Premium Edition outright.
Game Pass is a subscription that provides access to a rotating library of games for a monthly fee. For first-party titles like Forza Horizon 5, it includes the base game. DLC—expansions, VIP, and car packs—is purchased separately, with occasional member discounts applied at checkout.
Sources: GamesRadar on Hot Wheels platform availability; Windows Central on Game Pass discount notes.
Frequently asked questions
Are more Forza Horizon 5 expansions planned on Xbox?
There are no newly confirmed major expansions beyond Hot Wheels and Rally Adventure. Gaming Device Advisor recommends watching official channels for Series updates, car packs, and smaller add-ons.
What is the difference between the Expansions Bundle and Premium Add-Ons Bundle?
Expansions Bundle includes only Hot Wheels and Rally Adventure. Premium Add-Ons Bundle adds VIP, the full Car Pass, and the Welcome Pack on top of both expansions.
Is the Car Pass necessary if I only want the expansions?
No. Car Pass adds a rolling set of 42 cars but doesn’t include the map expansions; buy the Expansions Bundle if you only want Hot Wheels and Rally Adventure.
Do Game Pass members get the expansions included?
No. The base game is included with Game Pass, while expansions, VIP, and car packs are separate purchases; members may see occasional discounts.
Will my progress and cars carry between expansions and the base game?
Yes. Your garage and core progression persist across the base game and expansions, which Gaming Device Advisor favors for seamless play across modes.