Playing Forza Horizon 5 on PlayStation 5 requires a Microsoft account, as confirmed by Microsoft. This is detailed in a Forza support FAQ: "Yes, in addition to a PSN account, you'll need to link a Microsoft account to play Forza Horizon 5 on PS5. This begins when you first start the game." This mirrors the requirement for other Xbox games on PlayStation, including Minecraft, Grounded, and Sea of Thieves.

This policy has sparked debate. Concerns exist regarding game preservation; some worry that if Microsoft discontinues account linking without updating the game, Forza Horizon 5 on PS5 could become unplayable. Losing access to a linked Microsoft account also poses a risk, especially given the game's digital-only release on PS5.

This situation recalls the controversy surrounding Helldivers 2, where Sony initially required PSN account linking for PC players, a decision later reversed following negative feedback. While Sony subsequently removed this requirement for some PC titles, offering incentives for those who continued linking accounts, the Forza Horizon 5 situation remains.

Player reaction to the Microsoft account requirement for Forza Horizon 5 on PS5 is mixed, with many questioning cross-progression. The FAQ clarifies that save files do not transfer between Xbox, PC, and PS5 versions. However, user-generated content (UGC) can be published on one platform and downloaded on another, though editing is only possible on the original save profile. Some online statistics, like leaderboard scores, are synchronized if the same Microsoft account is used.

Forza Horizon 5's PS5 release is part of Microsoft's broader multiplatform strategy, suggesting more such releases are likely.