Forza Horizon 5 enthusiasts may be sensing a shift as the game’s first update of 2025, aptly named “Midnight Muscle,” rolls out. This latest update introduces two brand-new cars and takes players on a nostalgic journey with a return to beloved neon-lit Festival Playlists. However, Playground Games has signaled that this may be one of the final major updates for the long-running open-world racing title.
The “Midnight Muscle” update not only adds the powerful 1995 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R and the 2022 Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock to the already extensive Forza Horizon 5 garage but also revives fan-favorite content from previous Festival Playlists. Players will appreciate the extended night settings and vibrant neon aesthetics that hark back to earlier updates, offering a blend of new and nostalgic experiences.
In a notable change, Playground Games is altering how future Festival Playlists are introduced. Instead of unveiling surprise events, the community will now have a say in which past Festival Playlists return each month. Starting with a vote between the High Performance and Italian Automotive playlists, players will cast their votes weekly, with the winning playlist making a comeback the following month. This shift suggests that while Forza Horizon 5 is still receiving content, the pace and scale of updates may be slowing as the studio begins to pivot towards future projects.
For fans hoping for a substantial influx of new features, the “Midnight Muscle” update might feel underwhelming. The focus remains on refining and revisiting existing content rather than expanding the game with new mechanics or a significant increase in available vehicles. Playground Games has hinted that while Forza Horizon 5 isn’t receiving its final update yet, the frequency and magnitude of new content may decrease as the studio prepares for upcoming titles in the Forza series.
Community reactions have been mixed. Long-time players appreciate the return of classic content and the addition of iconic muscle cars, but some express disappointment over the perceived slowdown in support. “It’s great to see some of our favorite playlists return, but it feels like the end of an era for FH5,” commented one player on the official Forza forums. Others are optimistic, trusting that Playground Games will continue to deliver quality updates even if they become less frequent.
As Forza Horizon 5 approaches what many believe to be the twilight of its support cycle, the gaming community watches closely to see how Playground Games will balance honoring the game’s rich history with paving the way for future innovations. Whether “Midnight Muscle” marks the beginning of the end or simply a new chapter in Forza Horizon 5’s journey remains to be seen.