It is 2026, and Playground Games' Forza Horizon 5 still stands as one of the most beloved open-world racers ever released. Even after five years, the Festival Playlist remains a core live-service pillar that keeps veteran drivers and newcomers alike returning to Mexico's vibrant roads. While the game has evolved through dozens of series updates since launch, many fans still look back fondly at where it all began: Series 1, codenamed "Welcome to Mexico." That inaugural playlist set the blueprint for everything that followed, offering legendary cars, exclusive cosmetics, and a structured path through four radically different seasons.
The Festival Playlist is essentially a battle pass that runs over four real-time weeks, each week mirroring one in-game season: Summer (Wet Season), Autumn (Storm Season), Winter (Dry Season), and Spring (Hot Season). By completing daily and weekly challenges—ranging from straightforward PR stunts to multiplayer championships—drivers collect points. These points unlock tiered rewards like rare cars, Wheelspins, horns, clothing items, and new Forza LINK phrases. Series 1 became the proving ground where millions learned how to juggle The Trial events, The Eliminator excursions, and the ever-demanding seasonal speed traps.
Across the entire series, a maximum of 266 points was up for grabs, but players only needed 257 to truly complete the season. The two most desirable prize cars were locked behind point thresholds that encouraged consistent participation. Scoring 120 points before the series ended on December 9, 2021, rewarded players with the Mercedes-AMG ONE, the legendary cover car that perfectly represents Horizon's blend of hypercar performance and futuristic design. Pushing further to 180 points unboxed the iconic McLaren F1, a timeless supercar that remains a dominant force on every track. Additionally, the Monthly Rivals challenge contributed a flat 4 points toward every season's tally, making it a smart first stop for anyone short on time.
The Four Seasons of Welcome to Mexico
Each week brought its own personality, not just through weather effects but also through the unique selection of playlist events and the specific cars on offer.
Summer Wet Season (November 11–18)
Players could earn a total of 68 points during this torrential opening week. The deluge of rain made asphalt tricky, but that didn't stop the community from chasing the two featured cars. At just 22 points, the 2018 Apollo Intensa Emozione was waiting, a gorgeous track-focused machine. Accumulating 46 points added the 1992 Ferrari 512 TR to your garage. To officially complete the season, a 64-point commitment was needed, which meant tackling most of the championship events and PR stunts available.
Autumn Storm Season (November 18–25)
The second week dialed up the wind and dust storms, reducing visibility dramatically. This season provided 66 maximum points, with the 2018 Jaguar I-PACE electric SUV being the first unlock at 22 points and the brutal 1986 Hoonigan Ford RS200 Evolution following at 42 points. Both were stellar additions for off-road adventures. Achieving 61 points marked the season as complete, a slight drop from summer's requirement, reflecting the adjusted event roster.
Winter Dry Season (November 25–December 2)
Mexico's "winter" wasn't snowy but rather a crisp, golden era of perfect driving conditions. Another 66 points were available. Securing 22 points handed out the 1964 Porsche 356 C Cabriolet, a classic beauty, while reaching 42 points granted the 2018 Italdesign Zerouno, a sharp-edged limited-production supercar. Just like autumn, 61 points were needed to wrap up the seasonal checklist.
Spring Hot Season (December 2–9)
The final stretch brought sweltering heat and a maximum of 66 points. Only 44 points were required to grab both prize cars: the 1959 Porsche 356 A 1600 Super and the 2016 Renault Clio R.S. 16 Concept. Completing the season still demanded 61 points, ensuring that dedicated players stayed busy until the very last day.
Why Series 1 Still Matters
Looking back from 2026, the "Welcome to Mexico" series feels almost quaint compared to the elaborate expansions and themed seasons that arrived later. Yet it established the rhythm that would define Forza Horizon 5 for years: weekly champion races, the importance of The Trial, and the sheer joy of chasing exclusive cars that can't be found anywhere else. For collectors, those early playlist-exclusive vehicles are now rare trophies, symbols of a time when the community was just discovering hidden roads, barn finds, and the secrets of Mexico's Horizon Adventure. Even if you missed Series 1 back in 2021, revisiting its structure today serves as a fascinating time capsule of Playground Games' live-service philosophy at its freshest.
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