Forza Horizon 5 launches in Australia with helicopter stunt

The latest instalment in Playground Games and Microsoft's Forza Horizon open-world racing game franchise has officially launched, with Forza Horizon 5 now available to all players – following an early access period for owners of the Premium Edition version that commenced on Friday.

To celebrate the launch, Xbox Australia and New Zealand has performed an airborne stunt inspired by the game's 'Initial Drive' opening sequence, dropping a Polaris buggy (as featured in the game) from a helicopter at a height of 1372 metres (4500 feet); the vehicle parachuting to the ground like each of the four cars seen in the Initial Drive experience.

Fans will be able to enter to win the helmet worn by the skydiver featured in the video, via the Xbox ANZ Twitter account.

"We know Australian and New Zealand fans have a deep love for car culture and have supported the Forza franchise for years ... As one of the most anticipated releases of 2021, we knew we had to reach for the sky for Forza Horizon 5 to create our most exciting stunt yet," said Tania Chee, Xbox Business Lead for Australia and New Zealand.

Available now on Xbox One consoles, Xbox Series S and X, PC (on the Microsoft Store and Steam), and Xbox Game Pass, Forza Horizon 5 takes the Horizon Festival to Mexico, offering players an expansive new map, over 500 cars, and a range of weather, social and racing experiences to explore.

To read Drive's full review of Forza Horizon 5, click here.