7.5 /10 15

Forza Motorsport 7 stands as Turn 10’s technical showcase, featuring over 700 vehicles and native 4K resolution at 60fps on Xbox One X. Released in 2017, it represented the generation’s most ambitious car collection and ambitious weather system. However, beneath its graphical prowess lies a progression grind that frustrated many players, and AI behavior that fails to match the game’s technical ambitions. This review examines what makes FM7 compelling for collectors and what leaves racing purists wanting more.

How to Play Forza Motorsport 7

Forza Motorsport 7 combines arcade accessibility with simulation depth. Players navigate career events across 32 tracks with 200 ribbons, or compete online against drivers worldwide. The game supports both controller and racing wheel input, with extensive driving assists allowing casual players and sim racers to find their preferred difficulty.

1. Controls – Standard gamepad controls with optional wheel support; minimal learning curve for accessibility, steeper for competitive online play
2. Progression – Career mode unlocks vehicles through tier-based divisions from economy cars to hypercars; grind-heavy reward structure
3. Combat/Mechanics – Dynamic weather affects grip and visibility; homologation system locks car configurations per division to balance competition
4. Tips – Upgrade your cars systematically; experiment with assists to find your skill-difficulty balance; learn braking points before attacking acceleration

Who Should Play Forza Motorsport 7

Forza Motorsport 7 appeals to car enthusiasts, casual racing fans, and those seeking accessible simulation without iRacing’s harshness. The massive car collection and visual fidelity attract collectors. Skip if you want AI that respects you or progression that doesn’t feel like a mandatory second job.

• Car Enthusiasts – Unmatched vehicle variety with detailed laser-scanned luxury and exotic brands
• Accessibility-First Players – Multiple difficulty tiers and driving assists make entry straightforward
• Console Racers – Best track-based racing experience on Xbox when it was current-gen
• Skip if – You demand AI that doesn’t brake-check you or progression systems that respect your time

Forza Motorsport 7 Platform Performance

Forza Motorsport 7 excels technically across consoles. Xbox One X delivers native 4K at 60fps with HDR support. PS5 and Switch versions don’t exist; the game remains exclusive to Xbox and Windows platforms. PC performance scales with hardware, supporting up to 4K at high-end specs.

Forza Motorsport 7 System Requirements

PC requirements are surprisingly reasonable for a native 4K racer. Minimum specs demand an older i5 and GTX 650, though 4K 60fps requires an i7-6700K and GTX 1080. 100GB storage is substantial but matches the game’s scope with 700 cars.

Similar Games to Forza Motorsport 7

Forza Motorsport 7 competes directly with Gran Turismo Sport and rivals contemporary sim-arcade racers. Its progression and vehicle depth echo Gran Turismo, while its accessibility mirrors Need for Speed’s approach. No game matches its car collection at launch.

• Gran Turismo Sport – More realistic physics and weather; PS4 exclusive; smaller car collection but superior online stability
• Gran Turismo 7 – Successor to GT Sport with enhanced graphics and endurance racing; PlayStation 5 exclusive
• Forza Horizon 5 – Same studio but open-world arcade direction; more forgiving progression; Mexico setting
• Project CARS 2 – Hardcore simulation alternative; smaller audience but deeper physics simulation

Forza Motorsport 7 vs Competitors

Forza Motorsport 7 dominated launch positioning with its car collection and 4K showcase. Gran Turismo Sport offered superior physics; both outlasted their generation with continuous updates. Forza Motorsport 2023 reboots the franchise with next-gen technology but fewer cars at launch.

Forza Motorsport 7 Story and World

Forza Motorsport 7 abandons narrative entirely, focusing on pure racing across 32 locations from real circuits (Nürburgring, Silverstone) to fictional tracks (Dubai). The game introduces dynamic weather that reshapes track conditions race-to-race, though it doesn’t reach the storm intensity of Horizon titles. The career progression feels sterile without character or stakes—you’re simply grinding through divisions to unlock cars. Weather systems provide environmental storytelling when rain forces tactical tire changes; desert dust reduces visibility authentically. The game prioritizes mechanical depth over narrative immersion, treating tracks as problem-solving puzzles rather than emotional journeys.

Forza Motorsport 7 Multiplayer and Online

Forza Motorsport 7’s online infrastructure uses Hoppers—rotating multiplayer playlists with structured race types and class restrictions. Players earn credits and XP, though skill-based matchmaking suffers from occasional mismatches between casual and hardcore drivers. Cross-platform play with PC added complexity to balance.

• Hoppers – Rotating playlist categories updated weekly; grouped by class and vehicle type
• Free Play – Create private lobbies with friends; customize rules and car restrictions
• Seasonal Events – Monthly challenges with exclusive car rewards; weather conditions vary per event
• Cross-Platform – Xbox and Windows 10 players compete together; balance patches common

Forza Motorsport 7 DLC and Expansions

Forza Motorsport 7 received 10 monthly car packs from launch through 2018, adding 130 vehicles beyond the base 700. Packs included licensing deals with Top Gear, Hot Wheels, and Porsche. VIP membership unlocked XP bonuses but no exclusive cars. All DLC halted after game delisting in 2021 due to licensing expirations.

• Car Packs – 10 packs (Samsung QLED, Hoonigan, Top Gear, Hot Wheels); 13 cars per pack
• VIP Pass – Double XP and race rewards; cosmetic enhancements
• Season Pass – Bundled car pack access at discount; $35 alternative to individual purchases
• Delisted – Game removed from digital stores September 15, 2021 due to expiring Ferrari and Porsche licensing agreements

Forza Motorsport 7 Community and Support

Forza maintains active communities on Reddit, Discord, and dedicated forums managed by Turn 10. Monthly livestreams (Forza Monthly) announce updates and new cars. Mod support exists only on PC through limited cosmetic reshading tools; no native modding framework like Skyrim. Patch updates shifted from weekly to monthly after first year; final patch arrived before delisting in 2021.

• Official Forums – forza.net forums with Turn 10 developer interaction; moderation strict on exploits
• Reddit/Discord – r/forza with 300K members; competing Discord servers for leagues and tuning guides
• Mod Support – Limited to cosmetic ENB mods on PC; no Steam Workshop; physics mods unsupported
• Updates – Monthly patches for car balance; new paint schemes and cosmetics until delisting