Horizon 5 Fans Divided With “Hide and Seek” Announcement

Playground Games unveils “Hide and Seek” mode at Gamescom, disappointing hopeful fans expecting news of a new expansion or Forza Horizon 6 teasers.

TL;DR – Forza Horizon 5’s New Hide and Seek Mode

• Free update launching September 10, 2024, as part of Series 38 “Hidden Horizons” update
• 6-player mode: 1 Hider vs 5 Seekers
• Two 4-minute phases, power-up advantages for both Hiders and Seekers
• It can only be played with specific cars, stock (unmodified) only
• Unique progression system and achievements
• Requires Xbox Game Pass Core subscription (minimum) for online play
• Announced at Gamescom 2024
• Mixed reactions from the community due to the announcement platform
• Final details are expected during the Let’s Go stream on September 9

Forza Horizon 5 is gearing up to introduce something different into the virtual Mexican landscape. Launching on September 10 as part of the Series 38 “Hidden Horizons” update, the new “Hide and Seek” game mode brings a unique cat-and-mouse dynamic to the Horizon Festival, offering fans a fresh challenge from their usual high-speed pursuits and drifting antics.

Here’s official gameplay footage of a full round of Hide and Seek:

Hide and Seek is coming in September, so to get a taste of the action early; here’s a quick demo of a full round. pic.twitter.com/88gSvf5xOW

— Forza Horizon (@ForzaHorizon) August 22, 2024

What Is The FH5 Hide and Seek Mode?

Available through the Online menu upon release, Hide and Seek pits up to six players against each other. One player is randomly assigned as the “Hider,” while the others take on the role of “Seekers.” The concept might remind some of the classic “Fox and Hounds” or “Cat and Mouse” games but with a unique Forza twist.

Gameplay Phases

The mode consists of two four-minute phases. In the first phase, the Hider needs to blend in with traffic on the busy Mexican streets of Guanajuato and avoid suspicion. The challenge is to drive as inconspicuously as possible, mimicking the in-game AI’s traffic behavior so you don’t stand out.

We feel this would’ve been the perfect time to introduce the blinkers (or indicators for the Brits) that fans have been crying out for!

The second phase begins when an end zone appears on the map. This triggers a mad dash as the Hider needs to reach the safe zone before time runs out or before the Seekers gather enough points to win, as shown on the Seeker’s Detection Meter. From there, it’s a mad dash to the finish against the clock and the Seekers.

Power-Ups

Both Hiders and Seekers have their unique abilities to keep things interesting.

Hiders can use the “Chase Breaker” feature, a powerful tool that brings Seeker cars to a grinding halt, disables their Radar and Ping capabilities, and even renders the Hider’s car ‘invisible.’ This also allows Hiders to pass through destructible objects unscathed, providing crucial escape routes.

On the flip side, Seekers aren’t left defenseless. They can ping the Hider’s location, revealing their position on the Radar for 20 seconds. This creates a balance of power, with each side having tricks up their sleeve to potentially gain the upper hand.

Vehicle Lineup

All of the cars in the Hide and Seek mode are stock (without mods/tuning) to keep a somewhat level playing field. However, you’ll notice that each is given a specific type of vehicle:

Hider Cars

• 2012 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
• 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor
• 2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2
• 2018 Mercedes X Class

Seeker Cars

• 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X GSR
• 2011 Mercedes SLS AMG
• 2015 Audi RS6
• 2016 BMW M4 GTS
• 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
• 2021 Ford Bronco

While Seekers get treated to faster, sportier options perfect for high-speed on-road pursuits and perhaps even drifting (Camaro, M4, we’re looking at you!), Hiders can utilize their off-road advantage with high-powered SUVs.

Progression/Achievements

Hide and Seek introduces a progression system to level up specifically within Hide and Seek. As you play more matches, you’ll unlock unique new rewards and titles only available in this mode.

Additionally, a set of new achievements will be available, so you’ll want to learn to master both hiding and seeking skills.

Mixed Reactions From Fans

The Hide and Seek announcement at Gamescom 2024 left many FH5 fans with mixed feelings. While it’s a welcome addition to the game, the reveal at such a major event raised expectations that weren’t quite met.

Gamescom typically serves as a platform for significant announcements, making it the perfect opportunity to showcase something truly exciting – like a new expansion pack or even a glimmer of hope for the upcoming Forza Horizon 6 release. It’s not that Hide and Seek lacks potential, but the timing and platform of the announcement (understandably) left fans hoping for something a little more substantial.

However, there is further good news – a sick-looking custom Luka 3 ‘Motorsport’ inspired 1969 Chevrolet Camaro will also arrive with the September update. Okay, it might be far from a Horizon 6 announcement, but it’ll hopefully help soften the blow!

For now, we expect to see more coverage of Hide and Seek on the Forza Horizon Let’s ¡GO! stream on Monday, September 9, where developers will likely provide a final preview before the release.

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