Forza Controller Guide: Tuning for Drift and Grip
Forza Horizon 5 and Forza Motorsport share a similar DNA, but they demand very different controller setups. Whether you are chasing leaderboard times in S2 Class or tandem drifting down the volcano, the default settings often hold you back. The most controversial setting in the entire franchise is "Steering: Simulation vs. Standard." Understanding this single toggle changes everything.
Simulation Steering: The Truth
Many players assume "Simulation" is better because it sounds more "pro." This is a trap.
- Standard Steering: This setting applies a hidden "damper" to your inputs. It prevents the wheels from snapping back too quickly during a slide, making it almost impossible to spin out from over-correcting. For high-speed grip racing (especially in X/S2 class), this is actually the meta choice for consistency.
- Simulation Steering: This removes all assists. The wheels turn exactly as fast as your thumb moves. This is essential for drifting. You need that raw, snappy response to flick the car into a reverse entry. However, in a grip race, one twitchy thumb movement at 200mph sends you into a tree.
The Deadzone Problem
Forza games notoriously ship with massive default deadzones—sometimes as high as 15% on the triggers. This means you have to pull the trigger nearly a quarter of the way down before the engine responds.
To fix the "sluggish" feeling, you must go into Advanced Controls. Set your Inside Deadzones to 0 (or 5) and your Outside Deadzones to 100. This unlocks the full travel of your triggers, giving you granular control over throttle feathering (vital for RWD cars) and threshold braking (vital for racing without ABS).