Forza Horizon 5 is one of the best racing sandbox games out there, but you can’t enjoy the game in silence. Most players like to turn off the radio in the game and listen to their own music from Spotify. Others go a step further and play without music entirely, fully appreciating the engine sound, turbo flutters, and supercharger whine. Whatever the preference, it’s hard to deny that the game has a good soundtrack.
With a total of eight radio stations, there are bound to be some that stand out. As you whip around the streets of Mexico, the right radio station can really elevate your experience. Each station has a different sound and radio host, so just keep in mind that things are about to get very subjective.
Horizon Wave
If you’re a fan of synthwave and retrowave music, this is the radio station you’ll end up listening to the most. This genre of music creates a nostalgic 80s-inspired electronic soundscape. It’s atmospheric, upbeat, and perfect for cruising at night. Horizon Wave enhances a drive without overpowering or dominating it.
“Mirage” and “Ocean Drive” are my favorite songs from this station, though tracks like “King of the Streets” and “Viper” are also great. These tracks add a sense of effortless style and speed, making a drive down a long stretch of road seem utterly cinematic and nostalgic. You know a playlist is good when you can play the songs in any racing game, and they still sound amazing.
Horizon XS
Not everyone is going to agree with this one, but as a big fan of rock, alternative, and punk music, Horizon XS is undeniably an incredible radio station. While “No Son of Mine” is nowhere near the best Foo Fighters song, I’m just glad that more people get to listen to Foo Fighters anyway. There’s a decent amount of variety in Horizon XS, from high-energy alternative rock to modern rock anthems.
As you can expect, the station is loud, rebellious, and raw. The only other station that comes close in terms of intensity is Epitaph. It can get a bit much for people who don’t enjoy the chaos of loud rock in their ears while their weaving through traffic at hundreds of miles per hour. But that’s exactly what some people are looking for. The relentless energy of the tracks makes every action feel more impactful.
Hospital Records
This is the one station that I always come back to, and it’s been one of my favorite stations since Forza Horizon 3. Hospital Records is a high-energy drum and bass station — a non-stop barrage of frantic beats and deep baselines. Songs like “Illusion of Time” and “Utopia” capture the essence of this station perfectly.
This station works best when you’re completely zeroing in on that “flow” state. You’re weaving through traffic, taking every corner perfectly, and leaving your opponents in the dust. That’s when Hospital Records truly shines. It’s fast, unrelenting, and unforgiving in the best possible way. It serves as the driving force behind your car, and it’s the only sound you need when you’re in the zone.
Horizon Mixtape
This radio station is pure nostalgia, as it serves as the “greatest hits” compilation of fan favorite songs from the Forza Horizon series. If you’ve played the previous games, this is a love letter to the series history and the fans. It evokes powerful memories and is the type of soundtrack that makes you miss simpler times.
“Aurora” from Forza Horizon 3 is my favorite track on this radio station, because of its melodic buildup to the powerful, rhythmic beat. “Bored to Death” by Blink-182 is another great song, and it’s a departure from the electronic and drum and bass songs that make up the majority of Forza‘s best tracks. It’s an energetic pop-punk anthem, complete with a revolutionary spirit.
Epitaph
This radio station is the perfect example of songs made for a specific audience. The loud, unapologetic punk rock sound feels like a direct nod to skate culture, which is why it sometimes feels like Epitaph was ripped straight out of a Tony Hawk game. This one is quite polarizing, but if you are in that niche crowd that likes this type, you’ll feel right at home here.
Some of the best tracks here are “Never Moving On”, “Engine 45”, and “Feel Something”. Most of the songs in this station have a powerful, anthemic chorus, a raw, aggressive sound, and catchy lyrics. Sometimes, this station can take away from the game, as you can get carried away enjoying the music too much. That’s certainly the case for a punk rock and Tony Hawk fan like me.
