Since its debut in 2005, the Forza Motorsport franchise established itself as a premier driving simulation. Until that time, the Xbox console lacked something that could go toe-to-toe with Gran Turismo. As enjoyable as Project Gotham Racing was, it just wasn’t the same.
Developer Turn 10 Studios has spent the past decade-plus delivering a high-quality racing experience. Their ability to balance accessibility with veteran depth is unparalleled. The Forza games offer a staggering amount of content, depth, and gameplay for novices and pros alike.
Whether you’re looking to perfect your craft or take your Toyota Camry and have them beat supercars, there’s something for everyone to like here.
Without further ado, we present to you our ranking of every Forza Motorsport game from worst to best. We used a combination of critical responses and author opinions to compile the list. You may agree, you’ll probably disagree; either way, be sure to keep the conversation going in the comments section.
Forza Motorsport 5
(Metascore: 79)
As an Xbox One Launch title, Forza Motorsport 5 could have been a console-defining game from day one. Instead, it will best be remembered for two things:
The McLaren that Microsoft showcased at E3 and for being an incredibly lackluster game.
Motorsport 5 was disappointing in almost every sense of the word. Yes, it’s a gorgeous game, complete with top-notch presentation and the added bonus of an enhanced Top Gear promotion. Beyond that, though, you see almost everything you can do relatively quickly.
I may have played a lot of Forza Motorsport 5 when it first launched, but it really, really tested my patience.
Forza Motorsport 7
(Metascore: 86)
Being better than Forza 5 isn’t really saying much, sadly. Forza Motorsport 7 could have been the continued evolution. Instead, it falls under its new ideas that take the franchise in an unwelcome direction.
In terms of gameplay and content, Forza 7 continues to build off its predecessor. This is an absolutely beautiful game with a staggering amount of cars and courses. It’s a racing fan’s dream come true. The game’s currency, however, turns things into a bit of a nightmare.
Despite the quality of the game’s content, progressing through the game is an absolute chore. It’s an incredibly disappointing turn of events after the turn of face Turn 10 pulled off.
As a result, the Xbox One Forza releases are the weakest bunch of the franchise.
Forza Motorsport
(Metascore: 92)
The one that started it all. The original Forza Motorsport marked the Xbox brand’s formal debut in the simulation racing genre. They haven’t looked back since.
Adding in online play and car customization to the genre was a smash hit. Forza really leaned into the game’s tagline of “you are what you race.”
A key franchise feature, drivatar, is here and present since the series’ debut. Combined with a bevy of approachable features, this was the racer that welcomed newcomers while still pushing veterans to their limits.
As time went on, the original started to show some signs of wear and tear, but don’t let that fool you. This is still one heck of a game and a testament to the quality of later releases.
Forza Motorsport 2
(Metascore: 90)
Forza Motorsport 2 is just more Forza. It may have not innovated over the original as much as we would have liked, but it also didn’t have to.
Taking full advantage of the Xbox 360 hardware, this was the definitive racing experience of its time. Customization was better than ever, allowing players to play the game as they see fit. Tuning and upgrading your vehicle to compete with the top-tier cars never gets old.
Motorsport 2 truly feels like the game the original Forza always wanted to be, but couldn’t achieve. It proves that the series not only belongs on the stage but deserves the spotlight. From this point forward, Forza never looked back.
For the most part anyway; the Xbox One games were still good despite their issues. They owe their core and foundation to Forza Motorsport 2.
Forza Motorsport 6
(Metascore: 87)
After the disappointing Xbox One debut, Forza Motorsport 6 is a nice big apology from developer Turn 10 Studios.
The amount of depth, detail, and content people have come to know and love from Forza is back and better than ever. It may pale in comparison to the Horizon franchise, but Motorsport 6 is still a step in the right direction.
Adding in weather effects, night racing, and improved drivatar go a long way to putting the franchise back on its feet. The result is some of the most realistic and enjoyable races ever in a single-player experience.
Despite a disappointing career mode, it’s still worth it solely because of how much fun the racing is again.
Forza Motorsport 3
(Metascore: 92)
If Forza 2 promises what the franchise is capable of, then Forza Motorsport 3 delivers on that promise.
With Forza 3, the debate between Forza and Gran Turismo was arguably ended. This is the (at the time) most complete racing game on the market. Powered by an all-new physics engine, the racing experience is unparalleled. Upgrading and customizable cars are no longer held back by any arbitrary restrictions.
Turn 10 is able to balance design to accommodate newcomers and veterans alike. There are no corners cut or sacrifices to be made.
Forza 3 is a beautiful game that delivers a beautiful experience, but it was outdone by a generational release.
Forza Motorsport 4
(Metascore: 91)
Never mind the best in the franchise, Forza Motorsport 4 is one of the best racing games period.
The main critique against Forza 4 is the lack of new or innovative features. Ultimately, that’s just being nitpicky. You don’t necessarily need to introduce anything new when perfecting what’s there works so well.
Truth be told, the Kinect integration is the big “new selling point” here. While as gimmicky as the Kinect was, it’s still a cool idea that was one of the best usages of the Xbox accessory.
In all honesty, when every other entry in the franchise is compared to you, it’s a no-brainer decision. Forza Motorsport 4 is the gold standard when it comes to the Motorsport series. The later Xbox One games have been chasing it with every release. While they keep coming close, they still can’t match the near-perfection achieved in 2011.
Need more racing in your life? Check out our list of every Forza Horizon game ranked from worst to best.
Which Forza Motorsport game is your favorite? What did we get right and wrong? Let us know in the comments.
