Forza Horizon 5 claimed the title of the best-selling new game on PlayStation 5 in 2025, hitting 3 million copies sold, surpassing Monster Hunter Wilds’ 2.9 million, according to Alinea data released on July 22, 2025. Launched on March 29 in global markets, the former Xbox exclusive, priced at $45 during a promotion, marked the Forza franchise’s PS5 debut. Its open-world racing, enhanced by 4K and 60 fps, drove 150,000 social media mentions. The game also sold 6.5 million on Steam and reached 45.5 million players on Xbox via Game Pass. The success, fueled by a 25% PS Store discount, underscores Microsoft’s multiplatform push, with Forza outpacing rivals in units sold.
Monster Hunter Wilds, despite higher revenue at $500 million, trails in copies. Other titles like Assassin’s Creed Shadows also rank high, boosting PS5’s market lead.
- Sales: 3 million PS5 copies sold.
- Price: Dropped to $45 in promotion.
- Rival: Monster Hunter Wilds at 2.9 million.
- Buzz: 150,000 social media mentions.
PS5 triumph
Forza Horizon 5’s PS5 success, with 2 million copies sold in 25 days, outpaced Astro Bot’s three-month mark. Launched at $60, the game hit $45 in a 25% PS Store sale, driving sales. Its 4K visuals and open-world racing earned 70% positive reviews for gameplay. Sony’s 60 million PS5 units sold globally by July 2025 fueled demand.
The title’s PS5 debut, a Microsoft-Sony collaboration, marks a shift in gaming. Brazil, with 10% of Latin America’s PS5 sales, contributed 300,000 copies, per Sony.
- Launch: March 29, 2025, on PS5.
- Discount: 25% off, from $60 to $45.
- Sales speed: 2 million copies in 25 days.
- Brazil: 300,000 copies sold.
Rivalry with Monster Hunter Wilds
Monster Hunter Wilds sold 2.9 million PS5 copies and 6.2 million on Steam, generating $500 million at $70 per unit. Forza, at $60, earned $400 million across PS5 and Steam (6.5 million copies). The Capcom title led revenue due to its price, with 65% of sales on Steam. Forza’s broader appeal, with 100,000 Twitter mentions, gave it an edge in units sold.
Both games dominate 2025’s market, but Forza’s affordability drove its lead. The rivalry sparked 80,000 fan debates online, comparing immersion and value.
- Wilds revenue: $500 million, 2.9 million PS5 copies.
- Forza revenue: $400 million, 3 million PS5 copies.
- Steam: Wilds 6.2 million, Forza 6.5 million.
- Debate: 80,000 mentions on rivalry.
Top 5 performers
Assassin’s Creed Shadows hit 2 million PS5 copies, 650,000 on Steam, and 1.1 million on Xbox via Ubisoft+. Its $115 million budget barely broke even. Elden Ring: Nightreign sold 5 million across platforms, with 2.7 million on Steam and 1.4 million on PS5. Expedition 33 surprised with 1.4 million PS5 and 2.3 million PC copies, rivaling Metaphor: ReFantazio.
The top 5 amassed 1.5 million YouTube trailer views, with Forza leading in accessibility. PS5’s dominance reflects its 60 million units sold globally.
- Assassin’s Creed: 2 million PS5, $115 million budget.
- Elden Ring: 5 million total, 2.7 million Steam.
- Expedition 33: 1.4 million PS5, 2.3 million PC.
- Trailers: 1.5 million YouTube views.
Microsoft’s multiplatform strategy
Microsoft’s move to bring Forza Horizon 5 to PS5 aligns with its multiplatform shift, planning Forza Horizon 6 for simultaneous PS5 release. The game’s 45.5 million Xbox players via Game Pass and $400 million from PS5/Steam sales highlight success. The strategy, praised by 60% of fans in 80,000 mentions, counters Xbox’s stagnant console sales.
Sony’s collaboration boosted PS5’s market lead, with Forza driving 500,000 projected sales in Brazil by December, per Sony estimates.
- Game Pass: 45.5 million Xbox players.
- Revenue: $400 million from PS5/Steam.
- Strategy: Forza 6 planned for PS5.
- Support: 60% of fans back multiplatform move.
Fan reactions
Forza Horizon 5’s PS5 triumph sparked 150,000 mentions, with 75% praising its graphics and open-world racing. In Brazil, 10% of Latin America’s PS5 market, fans lauded the $45 price, though 20% criticized the original $299 tag. Sony’s 20% PS Store discounts aim for 500,000 Brazilian sales by year-end.
The game’s lead over Monster Hunter Wilds fueled 50,000 debate posts, with Forza’s accessibility winning fans. August’s PS5 releases add competition, but Forza holds strong.
- Mentions: 150,000 across platforms.
- Brazil: 10% of Latin America’s PS5 sales.
- Discounts: 20% off on PS Store.
- Debates: 50,000 posts on Forza vs. Wilds.
