PlayStation 5 Players Need Microsoft Account to Enjoy Forza Horizon 5

Forza Horizon 5’s PS5 release is stirring up conversation as it demands players to log in with a Microsoft account. Though not entirely a surprise, this requirement is causing a few eyebrows to raise among PlayStation users, particularly due to concerns about long-term game accessibility.

As one of the biggest upcoming Xbox titles to go cross-platform, Forza Horizon 5 is launching for PS5 on April 29, promising a slew of features: full crossplay with Xbox and PC, visual enhancements for PS5 Pro users, and a variety of pre-order perks, including the chance to start the race early by four days for Premium Edition owners. However, this Microsoft racing game also carries a condition that some might find a little less than thrilling.

According to the official Forza Support page, when you fire up Forza Horizon 5 on PS5, you’ll need to sign in with a Microsoft account. This account will link with your PlayStation Network account. Curiously, even if you’ve already used your Microsoft account for other multiplayer Xbox games, like Sea of Thieves, you’ll still need to link it anew specifically for Forza Horizon 5.

This requirement has sparked concern within the PlayStation community regarding the impact on future game preservation. If the system connecting these accounts ever goes dark, the repercussions could mean that Forza Horizon 5 becomes unplayable on the PS5. Adding fuel to the fire is Microsoft’s decision not to release a physical edition for the PS5, effectively making digital purchases the only route available.

In its defense, Microsoft maintains that linking accounts is crucial for enabling cross-platform play—a stance that seems justified, especially when companies are transparent about it early on. Reflecting on incidents like the sudden requirement for a PSN login for Helldivers 2 back in 2024, which led to backlash and a swift policy reversal, early communication seems key. While the mandatory Microsoft login may not sit well with every PS5 player anticipating Forza Horizon 5, at least they were given ample notice.