Forza Motorsport 7 buyer's guide: Editions, bonuses, and release dates

While Microsoft's Xbox lineup this fall has noticeably fewer heavy-hitting exclusives, one its biggest titles is just around the corner. Forza Motorsport 7 returns to the series roots with a hybrid of both arcade and realistic racing traits. It's packed with over 700 cars at launch, more than 30 tracks and a range of other content to explore. In our review for Forza Motorsport 7, we recently praised the game's scale and graphical achievements, crowning it one of our favorite racing titles on the Xbox One and Windows 10 today.

With Forza's worldwide release just around the corner, we rounded up everything you need to know about the game's launch, available editions, and preorder bonuses. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect on release day, to decide which version is best for you.

Forza 7 release date

Forza Motorsport 7 should launch for Xbox One and Windows 10 on October 3, 2017. However, those who purchase the $100 "Ultimate Edition" will gain four-day early access over Standard and Deluxe copies, on September 29, 2017. The game will also be seeing a major update in early November on Xbox One, implementing enhancements for Microsoft's upcoming flagship console, the Xbox One X.

Forza 7 preorder bonuses

Depending on where you purchase your copy of Forza Motorsport 7, additional content may be on offer. Preorder bonuses differ by retailers, although most offer some type of cosmetic gear for your in-game driver. GameStop is also offering a die-cast model based on the game's cover car, the 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS, while supplies last.

Here's a breakdown of the bonuses:

  • Amazon: Two sets of custom driver gear, including exclusive Amazon Fire Suit and Helmet DLC.
  • Xbox Store: Forza Horizon 3 Hoonigan Car Pack and Forza Motorsport 7 Hoonigan Car Pack
  • GameStop: 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS Scale Model and two sets of custom driver gear, including exclusive GameStop Fire Suit and Helmet.
  • Best Buy: Two sets of custom driver gear, including Best Buy exclusive branded race suit and helmet.

(Note: If you redeem a digital code for Forza Motorsport 7 from any retailer, your copy will be playable on both Xbox One and Windows 10 through Xbox Play Anywhere.)

Forza Motorsport 7 Standard Edition (Physical)

The standard version of Forza Motorsport 7 costs $59.99, with additional bonus content dependent on the retailer. This version of the game is most common and stocked by a majority of video game retailers.

Forza Motorsport 7 Standard Edition (Digital)

A digital version of Forza Motorsport 7 is also available for $59.99, sold as a pre-paid code to be redeemed via Xbox Live. Most retailers that stock codes will distribute codes ahead of launch as Xbox Live currency, to give players the chance to preorder and pre-load the title. Like digital copies purchased directly from the Xbox Store, these copies of the game will unlock at 12:01 in your time zone. Codes are valid for both Xbox One and Windows 10, with cross-platform purchases, saves and multiplayer between the two platforms via Play Anywhere.

Forza Motorsport 7 Deluxe Edition (Digital only)

For those looking to upgrade without committing to the top-tier Ultimate Edition, the Deluxe Edition of Forza Motorsport 7 provides access to various digital goodies for an additional $20, costing $79.99. This version of the game is also only available as a digital download. On top of the standard version of Forza Motorsport 7, Deluxe Edition owners get the Day One Car Pack, The Fate of the Furious Car Pack, and a VIP membership.

Forza Motorsport 7 Ultimate Edition (Physical)

For diehard fans of the franchise, Forza Motorsport 7's Ultimate Editions packs all available content into a single package, priced at $99.99. Alongside the disc-based copy of the game, players will gain access to digital downloads for the Day One Car Pack, The Fate of the Furious Car Pack, VIP membership and monthly car drops via the Car Pass. This version of the game unlocks four days prior to the release of other editions too, on September 29, 2017.

As a physical version, purchasing this copy won't entitle you to the benefits of Play Anywhere. However, those who purchase the physical edition will be rewarded with an exclusive SteelBook only available in this physical release.

Forza Motorsport 7 Ultimate Edition (Digital)

Like the physical version of the Forza Motorsport 7 Ultimate Edition, this digital release provides access to the same content in a different form factor. By going digital, you'll be receiving a downloadable copy of the game for use across Xbox One and Windows 10, with various additional content which transfers between the two platforms. The Day One Car Pack, The Fate of the Furious Car Pack, VIP membership and Car Pass are also all included in this package for $99.99.

Forza Motorsport 7 VIP Pass

Although the VIP membership for Forza Motorsport 7 is included alongside Deluxe and Ultimate copies of the game, select retailers also sell codes for separate purchase at $19.99. While we recommend simply upgrading to higher-tier versions at launch, the option still stands for those hesitant to invest from the outset. As a part of the VIP membership, players gain access CR bonus mods, five exclusive cars, and five pieces of driver gear.

Forza Motorsport 7 Car Pass

If you didn't gain access to the Car Pass through the Ultimate Edition, it is also available for standalone purchase at $29.99. Adding monthly drops of seven cars over a six-month period, buyers gain access to a consistent flow of vehicles into early 2018.

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Matt Brown

Matt Brown was formerly a Windows Central's Senior Editor, Xbox & PC, at Future. Following over seven years of professional consumer technology and gaming coverage, he’s focused on the world of Microsoft's gaming efforts. You can follow him on Twitter @mattjbrown.