Forza Motorsport 7 is a racing video game developed by Turn 10 Studios and published by Microsoft Studios for the Xbox One and Windows 10. It was released on October 3, 2017 as the tenth installment in the Forza series and the seventh installment in the Motorsport series.
Forza Motorsport 7 is not a free game. It was originally released as a paid title with an initial retail price of $59.99 USD for the standard edition. There were also more expensive Deluxe and Ultimate editions available at launch with additional content.
Pricing and Availability
Forza Motorsport 7 is no longer available to purchase new from official retailers since being delisted in September 2021. This delisting was due to many of the licensed cars and tracks in the game having expired contracts.
However, some options still exist for getting the game:
Physical Copies – New and pre-owned physical discs can still be purchased from resellers like Amazon and eBay. Prices start from around $15 for a pre-owned Xbox One copy up to $60+ for a new sealed copy.
CD Keys – Digital codes can be purchased from key resellers. These allow you to redeem Forza Motorsport 7 digitally on your Xbox account. CD key prices start from approximately $25.
Xbox Game Pass – Forza Motorsport 7 was previously included with an Xbox Game Pass subscription, allowing members to download and play the full game for free. However, it has now been removed from Game Pass.
So while Forza Motorsport 7 is no longer widely available as a new purchase, there are still avenues for obtaining the game at discounted pre-owned prices.
Forza Motorsport 6: Apex – The Free Alternative
While the latest Motorsport installments require purchase, there is a free-to-play alternative for Xbox and PC – Forza Motorsport 6: Apex. This stripped back version of the Motorsport series allows free access to a decent selection of content, including:
- Over 60 cars from manufacturers like Ford, Audi, Nissan and more
- 6 themed circuits plus multiple track configurations
- Single player and online multiplayer modes
- Assists and difficulty settings for all skill levels
As a free title, Forza Motorsport 6: Apex understandably lacks the breadth of content seen in paid entries like Motorsport 7. But it provides a good taste of the Motorsport series for free and may suit more casual racing fans.
Forza Motorsport vs Forza Horizon
It‘s important to note the distinction between the Forza Motorsport and Forza Horizon series when discussing the titles available for free.
Motorsport installments like FM7 focus on realistic circuit racing with advanced physics and tuning options. They aim to provide an authentic simulation experience.
Horizon games like Forza Horizon 5 have a more open world arcade style with a fictional setting. They emphasize accessibility and fun over simulation.
Forza Horizon 5 is available free via Xbox Game Pass, while the Motorsport games are paid titles outside of Motorsport 6: Apex. So Game Pass gives access to the Horizon series, not Motorsport.
Tips for New Players
For those new to Forza Motorsport 7, here are some tips to help you get started:
Reduce assists like traction control and braking assists to gain more control over your car. But keep some on at first while you learn.
Try slower cars like roadsters to begin with. Hypercars can be very challenging for beginners.
Take advantage of rewind to reverse mistakes and practice sections again.
Start with shorter races – lengthy events require consistent concentration.
Tune your car by tweaking gears, tires and more to match your driving style.
Moderate throttle on corners and avoid braking suddenly to prevent sliding.
With some practice and experience, you‘ll be racing like a pro around complex circuits against skilled AI drivers. Forza Motorsport provides a deeply engaging simulation experience once you get to grips with the driving.
The Bottom Line
While Forza Motorsport 7 provided amazing virtual racing when it first launched in 2017, licensing issues sadly meant its removal from sale in 2021. Paid titles in the Motorsport series like FM7 aren‘t available for free officially.
But with pre-owned copies still readily accessible, plus a free glimpse into the franchise via Forza Motorsport 6: Apex, there are still options for enjoying this acclaimed racing sim series for little or no cost depending on your platform.
