I still remember my first drift zone in Forza Horizon 5. I slid sideways through a dusty corner, missed the checkpoint, and got a one-star score. That was back in 2021. Now, in 2026, I can consistently three-star almost every drift zone on the map. These zones are still some of the best ways to earn stars and credits without grinding races. But unlocking them and mastering them takes a bit of knowledge. So let me walk you through my process.
Unlocking All Drift Zones
When I first started, I didn't know drift zones were locked. I drove around looking for them, confused. Then I learned the trick. You need to finish the initial races. After that, you must take part in a number of normal races until you collect enough Accolade Points to unlock the Horizon Adventure Chapter. Once you unlock that chapter, open the Mexico Horizon Festival menu. Head to Horizon Rush. Complete the first mission there. That's it. All the Drift Zones on the map will appear. In 2026, this method still works on every platform, including PlayStation 5. So if you're new, don't skip those early races. They are your key.
Choosing the Right Car
Earning all three stars depends on your driving skill. But it also depends on your car. I learned that the hard way. The best suggestion for drift zones is a Formula Drift car from the Autoshow. They cost around 300,000 credits. If you have the credits, buy one. They are built for sideways action. But if you're on a budget, don't worry. You can use a normal car with high drift potential. I've had great success with a Mazda RX-7, a Nissan Silvia, and a Toyota Supra. Just make sure you upgrade the tires and suspension. That helps a lot.
My Difficulty Settings
Here's a secret that changed everything for me. In the main menu, go to Difficulty Settings. Turn Traction Control Off. Turn Stability Control Off. These two changes make your car much more drifty. I also recommend turning ABS off if you're comfortable. But the two above are essential. When I first turned them off, I spun out constantly. But after a few hours, I could hold long slides. It feels scary at first. Then it feels amazing.
| Setting | My Recommendation | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Traction Control | Off | Allows wheelspin for longer drifts |
| Stability Control | Off | Lets the rear end slide freely |
| ABS | Off (optional) | Better brake control for initiating drifts |
| Shifting | Manual (optional) | More control over power delivery |
Step-by-Step 3-Star Strategy
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Pick a drift zone with long sweeping corners. Short tight zones are harder.
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Approach with speed. You need momentum to start the drift.
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Initiate with the handbrake or a weight transfer. I usually tap the handbrake.
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Modulate the throttle. Don't hold it down fully. Feather it.
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Countersteer smoothly. Look where you want to go, not at the wall.
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Chain your drifts. One long drift is better than many small ones.
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Cross the finish line before the timer runs out. Keep the combo alive.
I also use rewinds when I mess up. There's no shame in it. Practice each zone a few times. Learn the corners. You will get three stars.
Why Drift Zones Still Matter in 2026
Forza Horizon 5 is older now. But the community is still active. The Festival Playlist often includes drift zone challenges. Three-starring them gives you stars, credits, and Accolade points. Those points unlock more content. I still jump into drift zones when I want a quick, satisfying challenge. It's a great break from racing. And with the game now on PlayStation 5 as well, more players than ever are discovering these zones. So if you see me sliding around a corner in Mexico, feel free to join.
In the end, drift zones reward patience and setup. Unlock them by progressing through Horizon Adventure. Pick a car that likes to go sideways. Turn off your assists. Then practice. You'll be earning three stars before you know it. Happy drifting.
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