If you’re like us, the trailer for Forza Horizon 4 only increased the hype you were already feeling. We can’t wait to drive a McLaren Senna across a frozen lake, then blast off through the countryside as it turns to spring.
Maybe the most fun way to play Forza Horizon games is to get in a lobby and tandem drift through the winding roads. We’ve spent many a night hanging out with our friends this way. However, just because we love it, doesn’t mean that we’re not a bit rusty. After all, the last game came out nearly two years ago at this point.
To prepare for Forza Horizon 4, we’ve started practicing drifting again, and picked up a few tips on how to do it better. If you’re like us, these might help point you in the right direction: sideways!
1. Less HP=More Control
Driving the most supped up hypercar you can afford may be a fun way to play, but it doesn’t do you any favors when you’re learning—or relearning—how to drift. The more horsepower you carry, the less controlled you will be, making it easier to spin out or crash into traffic (which seems like it’s always aiming directly for you). Basically, an AE86 is a better choice for drifting than a Lamborghini, but deep down, we already knew that. If your favorite car has too powerful of an engine, you can always swap it out. Go for the V6, not the V8.
2. Use the Clutch and E-Brake at the Same Time
Everyone knows that to properly drift, you need to use the e-brake, but if that’s all you use, your rpm will fall, quickly killing your drift. To compensate this, use the clutch at the same time. You don’t need much. Just tapping them both at the entrance of a corner will do. As a rule of thumb, hold it as long as you think you will need to, then hold it for a little less in the next turn. You’ll probably drift better in the second turn.
3. Learn to Use Manual With Clutch
As stated above, drifting faster isn’t always better. There’s a proper speed for each turn, given how tight it is. Using a manual transmission lets you have better control over your speed, since it won’t automatically shift up to make you go faster whenever you hit a certain threshold. Plus, having the clutch allows you to kick the clutch, one of the most important tools for helping you break traction. Lastly, the clutch allows you to keep your rpms up, even at lower speeds. Whenever they start to lag, a quick tap of the clutch can save your drift.
4. Find a Tune
Just as your stock car in real life isn’t ready to drift, so is the case with your stock car in Forza Horizon. Fortunately, there are a bevy of great tunes available online. It shouldn’t be hard to find one for whatever car you want to drift.
5. Practice Online With People!
While it may seem intimidating to hop into a session with randoms who have been drifting religiously for years, the only way to learn how to drift, especially in tandem, is with other live drivers. You can find a drifting club on Xbox or just join an open lobby. The other players might get a little upset that you’re banging into them at first, but it’s the best way to get good. Plus, many people are happy to impart their drifting knowledge onto you, and you can join a party to learn from the masters.