Racing enthusiasts, get ready to light up the streets as Forza Horizon 5 gears up for its first major update of 2025, aptly named “Midnight Muscle.” Scheduled for release on January 28, this neon-themed update promises to inject fresh excitement into the open-world racing experience with a slew of new cars, vibrant decorations, and exclusive events.
Since its launch on November 8, 2021, Forza Horizon 5 has captivated players with its expansive Mexican landscapes, diverse Horizon Festival races, and an impressive collection of cars. Developed by Playground Games, the title has consistently received praise for its stunning visuals and engaging gameplay mechanics. Now, nearly three and a half years after its debut, the game is set to continue its legacy with the upcoming Midnight Muscle update, just in time for rumors of a future PS5 release to gain traction.
The Midnight Muscle update reintroduces beloved Evolving World features, including extended night cycles that transform the game’s environment into a dazzling neon spectacle. Players will also enjoy the return of the Neon Airstrip and Drone Show from the Midnights at Horizons event, alongside new neon decorations at the Aeródromo en la Selva and during races. These enhancements are designed to elevate the nighttime racing experience, making every race under the stars more thrilling than ever.
One of the standout features of the Midnight Muscle update is the addition of two iconic muscle cars: the 2022 Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock and the 1995 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R. These powerful machines will be available as unlockable rewards within the Midnight Muscle Festival Playlist, which will run until February 28. Additionally, players can look forward to Neon Tank Photo Decorations in Photo Challenges and a Neon Cube Collectible that appears during the fourth week of the update, adding new layers of engagement and rewards.
Beyond the visual and vehicular upgrades, the update introduces a new cinematic start screen selection feature. Players can now choose from cinematics of past Forza Horizon games, including the classic Colorado Horizon Festival start screen from the original title, as well as new options like the Italian Automotive and Horizon Retrowave themes. This feature offers a nostalgic touch while allowing players to customize their gaming experience further.
Interactive elements are also on the horizon with the introduction of a “Playlist Vote” section, replacing the previous “Coming Soon” area. From January 30 to February 28, players will have the opportunity to vote between the Italian Automotive and High Performance Festival Playlists, determining which one will return in March 2025. This community-driven approach ensures that the updates align with player preferences, fostering a more engaging and personalized gaming environment.
In addition to new content, the Midnight Muscle update addresses several lingering bugs, enhancing overall gameplay stability. Fixes include resolving the car purchase order issue in the Backstage Shop and correcting cosmetic glitches for the 1971 Nissan Skyline 2000 GTR and the 2014 Ford UTE. These improvements are sure to benefit players eager to complete their car collections and progress through Forza Horizon 5’s main story content seamlessly.
As Forza Horizon 5 continues to evolve, the Midnight Muscle update marks a significant milestone in its ongoing journey. With a blend of nostalgic elements, new content, and community-focused features, this update is poised to keep the racing community revved up and ready for more thrilling adventures in the vibrant world of Forza Horizon 5.
