Forza Horizon 3 has been a beloved racing game for PC gamers since its release in 2016. With its stunning visuals, open-world exploration, and wide range of cars, it quickly became a fan-favorite in the Forza series. However, as time goes on, players may wonder if it is still possible to purchase and enjoy this exhilarating racing experience on their PCs.
The answer is yes, but with a catch. While Forza Horizon 3 is no longer available for purchase on the Microsoft Store, it can still be found on various third-party platforms. In this article, we will explore what you need to know if you want to buy Forza Horizon 3 on PC, including where to find it and any potential limitations you may encounter.
Availability Of Forza Horizon 3 On PC
Forza Horizon 3, the highly acclaimed racing game, was released for PC on September 27, 2016. Developed by Playground Games and published by Microsoft Studios, it quickly became a fan-favorite in the racing game genre. However, it is important to note that currently, Forza Horizon 3 is no longer available for purchase through official channels.
Following the launch of its successor, Forza Horizon 4, in 2018, Microsoft decided to remove Forza Horizon 3 from sale on the Microsoft Store. This means that you cannot directly purchase the game through legitimate means. While physical copies of the game may still be found in some retailers, it is advisable to verify their authenticity before purchasing.
Despite its unavailability for direct purchase, Forza Horizon 3 continues to be playable for those who already own it. If you were lucky enough to purchase the game before it was delisted, you can still enjoy its open-world Australian setting, vast car selection, and exciting gameplay. However, it’s worth considering the alternative options available such as Forza Horizon 4 or other racing games on PC.
Compatibility Requirements For Forza Horizon 3
Forza Horizon 3, as an intensive open-world racing game, demands specific hardware and software compatibility to run smoothly on a PC. Here are the compatibility requirements you need to be aware of before purchasing the game.
Operating System: You should have Windows 10 version 15063.0 or higher for optimal performance. Previous versions of Windows, such as Windows 7 or Windows 8, are not supported, as Forza Horizon 3 utilizes DirectX 12, which is exclusive to Windows 10.
Processor: A minimum of an Intel i3-4170 @ 3.7Ghz processor or equivalent is required to play the game. However, the recommended processor is an Intel i7-3820 @ 3.6Ghz or equivalent for a more enjoyable and smoother experience.
Memory: The game demands a minimum of 8GB RAM, but it is recommended to have 12GB or more for better performance.
Graphics: Forza Horizon 3 needs a capable graphics card with at least 2GB VRAM. The minimum recommended GPUs are either an NVIDIA GeForce GT 740 or an AMD R7 250X.
Storage: Ensure you have enough free storage space on your PC as Forza Horizon 3 occupies approximately 55GB of disk space.
By meeting these compatibility requirements, you can ensure an optimal gaming experience with Forza Horizon 3 on your PC.
Where To Buy Forza Horizon 3 For PC
Forza Horizon 3, the critically acclaimed racing game, can still be purchased for PC despite its limited availability. Here’s what you need to know about where to buy the game.
While Forza Horizon 3 is no longer available for purchase on the Microsoft Store, it can still be found through third-party sellers. Online marketplaces such as Amazon and eBay often have listings for both physical copies and digital codes of the game.
When purchasing from third-party sellers, it’s essential to ensure that you are buying from a reputable source to avoid scams or counterfeit copies. Read reviews and check the seller’s rating before making a purchase.
Another option is checking out game key reseller websites like G2A or CDKeys, where you may be able to find discounted prices for Forza Horizon 3. However, exercise caution when using these sites as some have faced controversy for selling illegally obtained keys or engaging in fraudulent practices.
Remember that while Forza Horizon 3 is still available for purchase, it may no longer receive official support or updates. If you’re eager for ongoing updates and support, you may want to consider the latest installment in the series, Forza Horizon 4, which is widely available on the Microsoft Store and other legitimate retailers.
Limited Availability And Discontinued Support For Forza Horizon 3
Forza Horizon 3, the open-world racing game set in beautiful Australia, has faced limited availability and discontinued support in recent years. As of September 2020, Microsoft and Playground Games, the developers of Forza Horizon 3, have officially stopped selling the game on the Microsoft Store and have removed it from their digital storefronts.
This decision to discontinue support for Forza Horizon 3 is typical in the gaming industry, as developers and publishers often focus their resources on newer and more popular titles. While players who already own the game can still access and play it on their PCs, no new players can purchase it digitally.
However, some physical copies of Forza Horizon 3 may still be available through various retailers. These physical versions often come bundled with a game code that can be redeemed on the Microsoft Store or other PC platforms, allowing players to still access and enjoy the game.
Despite the limited availability and discontinued support, Forza Horizon 3 remains a beloved title among racing game enthusiasts and is worth considering for those who can still find a copy.
Alternatives To Forza Horizon 3 On PC
For gamers who are unable to purchase Forza Horizon 3 on PC due to limited availability or discontinued support, there are several alternative racing games that can provide a similar gaming experience. These alternatives can help satisfy your need for speed and explore open-world environments on your PC.
One popular alternative is “Need for Speed Heat” by Electronic Arts. This game offers a thrilling street racing experience, allowing players to compete in various events, customize their cars, and engage in high-speed pursuits. With stunning graphics and a wide array of vehicles to choose from, “Need for Speed Heat” delivers an immersive racing experience.
Another option is “The Crew 2” by Ubisoft. This game takes players across a scaled-down version of the United States, allowing them to participate in a variety of motorsport disciplines, including street racing, off-road exploration, and even aerobatics. With its massive open world and seamless multiplayer integration, “The Crew 2” offers a diverse and engaging racing experience.
Other notable alternatives include “Project CARS 3,” which focuses on realistic driving physics and a wide range of cars and tracks, and “Wreckfest,” a demolition derby-style racing game that provides a unique and adrenaline-fueled experience.
While these alternatives may not offer the exact same experience as Forza Horizon 3, they are excellent choices for PC gamers seeking exciting and immersive racing games.
Future Prospects For Forza Horizon Series On PC
The Forza Horizon series has been a beloved racing game franchise, known for its stunning graphics, expansive open-world environments, and immersive gameplay. With the success of Forza Horizon 3 on PC, fans are eagerly anticipating what the future holds for the series on this platform.
Microsoft, the publisher behind the Forza series, has expressed its commitment to bringing future installments to PC. In fact, Forza Horizon 4 and Forza Motorsport 7 were both released on PC, offering players an even more enhanced and optimized gaming experience.
The future prospects for the Forza Horizon series on PC are bright. The developers have been actively listening to the feedback of the PC gaming community, continuously improving the performance and optimization of their games for this platform. As technology advances and hardware capabilities increase, players can expect even more visually stunning and seamless gameplay experiences in future Forza Horizon titles.
Furthermore, Microsoft has embraced the concept of cross-play, allowing players on PC to race and compete against their friends on Xbox consoles. This integration has further strengthened the community and expanded the multiplayer aspect of the game.
In conclusion, the future of the Forza Horizon series on PC looks promising. With the developers’ commitment to optimizing their games for PC, combined with Microsoft’s support and the ever-evolving technology, racing enthusiasts can anticipate exciting and immersive experiences with future iterations of the franchise.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Forza Horizon 3 still available to purchase on PC?
Yes, Forza Horizon 3 is still available for purchase on PC through various online platforms.
2. Can I buy Forza Horizon 3 on popular gaming platforms like Steam?
No, Forza Horizon 3 is currently not available for purchase on popular gaming platforms like Steam. It is exclusively available on the Microsoft Store.
3. Can I purchase a physical copy of Forza Horizon 3 for PC?
No, physical copies of Forza Horizon 3 for PC are no longer being produced or sold. It can only be purchased digitally through the Microsoft Store.
4. Are there any limitations or barriers to purchasing Forza Horizon 3 on PC?
While there are currently no barriers to purchasing Forza Horizon 3 on PC, it is worth noting that the game is no longer actively supported by the developers. Updates and bug fixes may be limited, and certain features may not function optimally.
5. Can I still play Forza Horizon 3 online with other players on PC?
Yes, multiplayer functionality is still available for Forza Horizon 3 on PC. Although it is an older game, you can still race and compete with other players online.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, it is no longer possible to buy Forza Horizon 3 on PC through official channels. The game has been officially removed from the Microsoft Store and the Steam Store. This decision was made due to the release of Forza Horizon 4, which has replaced its predecessor in terms of availability and support. While Forza Horizon 3 may still be available through third-party sellers or resale platforms, it is recommended to opt for the latest installment, Forza Horizon 4, for an enhanced gaming experience and access to ongoing updates and support.
Overall, the removal of Forza Horizon 3 from PC platforms signifies the shift towards newer and more updated gaming experiences. As developers focus on improving and releasing new titles, older games are gradually phased out. It is important for gamers to stay informed about the availability of games and make the best choice in terms of purchasing decisions. Forza Horizon 4 offers an immersive and exciting racing experience and is a recommended option for those seeking the latest installment in the Forza Horizon series on PC.