Important update for this search: Forza Horizon 3 was delisted from all digital storefronts on September 27, 2020 — it’s no longer purchasable anywhere, on any platform, due to expired licensing on the real-world car brands and music featured in the game. If you already own it, it remains playable, but new purchases stopped years ago. Any site offering a “free download” of the full game today is not an authorized source. This guide explains what happened and your realistic options.
Why Forza Horizon 3 Was Delisted
- Forza Horizon 3 launched in 2016, developed by Playground Games and published by Microsoft/Xbox Game Studios, originally sold via the Microsoft Store rather than Steam.
- Like other Forza titles, it features hundreds of licensed real-world car models and licensed music tracks, each requiring ongoing licensing deals.
- When those licenses expired, Microsoft removed the game and all its DLC from sale on September 27, 2020.
- Online multiplayer and existing owners’ access continued to function after the delisting, but no new copies could be purchased.
What You Can Actually Do Today
- If you already own it: You can still re-download and play it through your existing Xbox/Microsoft Store library.
- Buy a current Forza Horizon game instead: Forza Horizon 5 and Forza Horizon 6 are both actively sold on Steam and the Microsoft Store today.
- Xbox Game Pass: Check whether the newest Forza Horizon titles are currently included in your Game Pass subscription.
A Word on “Free Download” Sites
Because Forza Horizon 3 is no longer purchasable through any official channel, some sites claim to offer “free” installers for the full game. These aren’t authorized by Microsoft or Playground Games, and running unknown executables from such sites is a common way PC users end up with malware or compromised accounts.
System Requirements for Forza Horizon 5 (Current Series Entry)
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 (64-bit) | Windows 10/11 (64-bit) |
| CPU | Intel i5-4460 / AMD Ryzen 3 1200 | Intel i5-8400 / AMD Ryzen 5 1500X |
| RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB |
| GPU | GTX 970 / RX 470 | GTX 1070 or better |
| Storage | ~110 GB free space | SSD recommended |
Pros and Cons of the Situation
✅ If you already own it
- Still fully playable through your existing library, no repurchase needed
❌ If you don’t own it
- No official way to buy it new anymore
- “Free download” sites are unauthorized and risky
- Must buy a newer Forza Horizon title instead
Availability by Platform
🖥️ PC / Xbox
Delisted since September 2020 — no longer purchasable; existing owners retain access.
Who Should — and Shouldn’t — Look for This
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still buy Forza Horizon 3?
No, it was delisted from all digital stores on September 27, 2020, and cannot be purchased new anymore.
Why was it delisted?
Licensing for the real-world car brands and music in the game expired, a common issue across the Forza series.
Is it safe to download a “free” copy from a third-party site?
No, since it’s not officially purchasable anymore, such downloads aren’t authorized and are a common malware risk.
What should I buy instead?
Forza Horizon 5 or the newer Forza Horizon 6, both actively sold on Steam and the Microsoft Store.
Can I still play it if I already own it?
Yes, existing owners can still re-download and play it through their Xbox/Microsoft Store library.
This page is written for informational purposes to clarify Forza Horizon 3’s real availability. It does not link to or endorse any unofficial “free download” sources.
