Despite the current whispers regarding a sequel, the buzz surrounding Playground Games’ hit racer Forza Horizon 4 has kept some momentum since its 2018 release. This is thanks, in part, to the ongoing stream of new content and rotating challenges that come with its changing seasons.
While the game excels with its dynamic weather and distinct seasons, there is one aspect of this system that isn’t too favored, and that’s winter. Much like in real life, many FH4 fans have expressed a dislike for this season – and with the bitter cold, snow, and hostile conditions that often come with it.
There are certainly some setbacks and downsides when it comes to winter in FH4, but might there also be a few silver linings to this snow cloud?
10 The Worst: Abundance Of Snowy And Icy Surfaces
It goes without saying that with winter usually comes ample snow, water, and ice. But given how dynamic and fluid the weather is in FH4, it’s a bit odd that the roads always seem to have consistently slippery conditions across the board.
One would think certain areas would be less slick via snow plows salting roads, especially given Playground’s stressing of realism in this sandbox romp. It also makes sense that there’d be spots with warmer temperatures, which would melt the snow and ice to a greater degree.
9 Great: Driving Across Frozen Lakes
Despite the inconvenience of slipping and sliding across Great Britain, the winter season can actually make it easier to get around in some respects.
In fact, you can bypass some of the winding roads and obstructions by driving right across lakes and rivers scattered about the map. This is a fun and resourceful endeavor, one that even offers access to areas you can’t otherwise reach in a few cases.
An example is Derwent Lake; a vast stretch of water that resides in the western region, directly next to Lakehurst Forest. You can traverse the frozen waters and reach a secluded island near its center point. This island houses a cool Barn Find, which yields a Range Rover Land Rover.
8 The Worst: Harder To Find Online Matches
It’s no secret that winter isn’t really a popular season amongst the FH4 community. While some admire its unique traits, many fans have expressed a dislike to the point of playing less or bypassing its week-long stints entirely.
Unfortunately, this tends to put a damper on the online experience, which happens to be a key component of the game. Not only does the matchmaking process usually take longer, but the co-op online games usually prove tougher to complete.
Events like Forzathon Live can be particularly tricky in terms of rallying enough players to complete the tasks.
7 Great: The Distinct Visual Landscapes Are A Sight To Behold…
FH4 shines on a visual level, especially when it comes to its vast, dynamic landscapes. But while the vibrant greens of spring and colorful fall foliage are pretty, the winter season holds its own visual charm. The soft, serene nature of the snowy locales brings a thick sense of atmosphere that many fans find delightful.
It’s a refreshing change of pace and visual distinction from the other seasons, which tend to look more similar than different.
6 The Worst: …Though They Can Get Bland After Awhile
At the same time, the visuals of winter tend to exude a sort of grey and white haze of blandness. The more monochromatic environments and grey skies wear out their welcome pretty quickly for some fans, making this season feel longer in the process.
Winter can arguably put a damper on the otherwise sleek, vibrant graphics that FH4 is capable of showcasing.
5 Great: Getting The Most Out Of Trucks, Buggies, And Off-Road Cars
It’s true that winter conditions don’t exactly favor street racing in FH4. Still, there are plenty of players who prefer the more off-road or “extreme” qualities of the game – think Forza Horizon 3.
The bumpy, drifty, airborne style of driving certainly compliments the more slippery, chaotic nature of winter. It’s these conditions that allow the trucks, buggies, and classic muscle cars to shine in particular. For many, the added skidding and drifting of snow and ice fit off-road racing like a glove, and only add to their thrilling nature.
4 The Worst: The Seasonal Events
As is the case with every season, winter offers a slew of timed rewards, challenges, and seasonal events. These give incentive to power through the winter season and the skill-based challenges can be quite fun.
Still, some have noted that these can be frustratingly tough to complete with the erratic, slippery conditions of winter, especially when it comes to races. The challenges often demand precision; a feat that’s easier said than done with when working with slick, icy roads.
3 Great: Revved Up Online Showdowns
Online PVP face-offs can be some of the most fun, addictive bouts in FH4. But these are often made even more exhilarating with the added element of snow and ice.
Arena games like the 72-car BR “Eliminator,” Survival, and Team Flag Rush reach a fever pitch of fun and chaos with the slippery terrain – while keeping all drivers on an equally unstable playing field.
2 The Worst: Slippery Roads Make Races A Headache
While it shouldn’t be all too surprising, perhaps the worst aspect of winter for most fans is the slick nature of the roads in general. Though it varies depending on your vehicle, these conditions often reach extremes that feel akin to driving on an ice skating rink.
Naturally, this makes it tough to excel in those tight, winding races that often comprise Street Races. It’s often needlessly tough tackling challenges and getting three stars in certain story missions, even with liberal use of the rewind feature.
1 Great: Earning Skills Is A Breeze
When it comes down to it, winter is all about running wild (or driving wild in this case). The “slip ’n slide” surfaces of this season are optimal for pulling off crazy skills and stringing them together more easily.
This is especially the case when it comes to doing maneuvers like drifting and e-drifting, J turns, one eightys, and skill chains. Though trickier combos like “Lucky Escape” and “Sideswipe” are also more ideal.
And in the spirit of winter, there are even snowmen scattered about – which can be plowed through for easy Skill Points. This sets the stage for more frequent leveling up and rewards.
NEXT: The 10 Slowest Cars In Forza Horizon 4
