Forza Horizon 5 Loyalty Rewards: Free Cars for Veterans (2026 Update)

Alright, listen up, fellow speed demons. I’ve been playing Forza since the original Horizon, and I’ve got a garage full of digital metal to prove it. So when Forza Horizon 5 rolled around—yes, back in 2021—I was thrilled to discover that Playground Games actually remembers its veterans. It’s 2026 now, and the game is still kicking, still on Xbox Game Pass, and still handing out free cars to those of us who stuck around. If you’re just jumping in now, don’t worry: you haven’t missed the boat. But there’s a catch—a deliciously nostalgic catch. Let me explain the Loyalty Rewards system, because free cars are the best cars.

What Are Forza Horizon 5 Loyalty Rewards?

In short, it’s a thank-you gift for anyone who has played previous Forza titles. Each game you’ve played on the same gamertag unlocks a specific car in your Forza Horizon 5 garage. It’s like a loyalty card, except instead of a free coffee, you get a McLaren P1. I know which I’d pick.

Here’s the full list of cars, straight from the source:

That’s seven cars, if you’ve been playing since the beginning. Seven. That’s a whole starter fleet. And these aren’t junkers—they’re headline acts. The Senna alone is worth the price of admission, and the Ford GT is a Le Mans legend.

How to Claim Your Free Rides

Now, before you fire up Forza Horizon 5 and expect a parade of supercars, there are two rules. I learned this the hard way, so you don’t have to.

First, you need an active save for any of the previous games on the same gamertag. This save must exist before you start Forza Horizon 5. If you play FH5 first and then go back to an older Forza, the magic won’t happen. The game checks your history at the start. It’s like a bouncer who only looks at your ID before you enter the club. If you’re on Steam and want to play on console, or vice versa, you can link your Steam and Microsoft accounts to keep things consistent. I did this, and it worked like a charm.

Second, you need to play through the first story chapter of Forza Horizon 5. That’s it. Once you complete that opening act, you’ll get a notification that new cars have been added to your garage. I still remember the little pop-up—it felt like Christmas morning, except the presents had 700 horsepower.

There’s no deadline for these rewards. If you start Forza Horizon 5 a year after launch, or five years after, they’ll still be available. It’s 2026, and people are still getting them. But remember: the older game saves have to come first. No time travel allowed.

What If You Haven’t Played Previous Forza Games?

Don’t panic. I’ve got good news. Those loyalty cars are also available in the autoshow. So even if you’re a total newcomer, you can still buy them with in-game credits. It might take some grinding, but it’s possible. And honestly, Forza Horizon 5 has over 400 cars, so you’re not exactly starved for choice. I’ve spent hours just browsing the autoshow, drooling over things I can’t afford yet.

The loyalty rewards are a nice bonus, not a gate. Playground Games designed it so veterans feel appreciated without punishing rookies. That’s a balance I can respect.

Final Thoughts from a Forza Addict

Forza Horizon 5 released on November 9, 2021, for PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. It’s been out for years now, but it’s still one of the best racing games you can play. The graphics hold up, the car list is absurd, and the Mexico map is a joy to explore. If you’re on Xbox Game Pass, you have zero excuse not to try it.

So if you’ve got old Forza saves lying around, dust them off. Boot up Forza Horizon 5, play that first chapter, and watch your garage fill up with free legends. And if you’re new? Welcome. The autoshow is waiting, and the roads are calling. Just remember: in Forza, loyalty pays off—literally. 🏎️💨