Getting Started
Welcome to FH2Mods! This guide takes you from a clean Forza Horizon 2 setup to your first community mod. If you're completely new, follow the steps in order. You do not need to install every mod or tool listed here.
Important: FH2Mods is an independent community mod hub. We do not host or provide Forza Horizon 2 game files. You need your own legally obtained Xbox One version of the game. Azimuth and individual mod creators are separate projects.
1. Check the basics
To get started on a Windows PC, you will need:
•Forza Horizon 2 for Xbox One, game version 1.0.0.64. The Xbox 360 version is not compatible with this setup.
•Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit), a compatible GPU and updated graphics drivers. Azimuth uses DirectX 12; some hardware, especially certain integrated GPUs, may not work properly.
•Azimuth, the third-party compatibility launcher used to run this version of FH2 on PC.
•Enough free disk space, and an archive extractor for ZIP downloads.
Start with the base game. Mods, ReShade and multiplayer launchers come *after* FH2 works normally.
2. Install and launch Azimuth
1. Download the launcher from the official Azimuth page, or find its listing on FH2Mods.
2. Extract the full download into a dedicated folder. Run azimuth.exe from that folder, not from inside the ZIP archive.
3. Select the folder containing your Xbox One FH2 game files. It should directly contain era.vbi, Mount and EmbeddedXvd.
4. Begin with the default graphics settings and launch FH2 without mods.
5. Confirm that the game reaches gameplay and can save progress before continuing.
Need screenshots, settings and troubleshooting? Follow the complete Azimuth installation tutorial.
3. Back up your working setup
Before installing mods, close FH2 and Azimuth. Make a copy of your Azimuth folder, especially the data directory containing settings and save-related files. Keep a separate clean copy if you plan to experiment with DLL mods or graphics tools.
Having a working baseline makes troubleshooting much easier: if a new mod breaks startup, you can restore the previous setup instead of starting from zero.
4. Browse FH2Mods and choose your first mod
Open the FH2Mods mod catalog. On a mod page, check:
•What the mod does and whether it matches what you want.
•Requirements and supported versions, especially Azimuth or other dependencies.
•Installation instructions and any known compatibility limitations.
•The original creator and source link, including release notes when available.
Don't assume every mod works with every Azimuth version. Install one mod at a time, test in-game, and only then add another.
5. First mod recommendation: Extra Options
Extra Options is a popular way to add customization and quality-of-life features to FH2. It is a good next step after your unmodified game already launches.
Use our Extra Options installation guide, which covers the newer winmm.dll setup for compatible Azimuth builds. Follow the guide for the particular mod version you download; older videos or instructions may refer to a different installation method.
Want to change visuals instead? Try the ReShade add-on installation guide. Graphics modifications are optional and can affect performance or compatibility.
6. Want to play online? (Optional)
Multiplayer is optional and separate from offline Azimuth. Pick one multiplayer project and follow its own instructions. Avoid mixing files from different launchers.
Infinity Horizon
Infinity Horizon installation guide
FH2MP
Check each project's current requirements and releases before installing. You can play offline without either launcher.
7. Common problems
The launcher cannot find my game. Make sure you selected the Xbox One game's *parent folder*, not Mount itself. Verify the folder contains era.vbi, Mount and EmbeddedXvd.
The game worked before I installed a mod. Close the game, remove the latest modification, and try the last known-good setup. Check dependencies and supported versions before reinstalling.
Windows Security flags a DLL or installer. A warning can be a false positive, but it can also be real. Verify that the download came from the original developer, review the detection and do not blindly disable antivirus protection. Read our security and false-positive guide.
Azimuth reports a missing TLS helper. See the native static-TLS helper troubleshooting guide.
Stutters, low FPS or crashes. Test the unmodded game at default settings, update graphics drivers and review Azimuth's logs. Performance and compatibility vary by hardware.
Quick start checklist
•[ ] I have my own compatible Xbox One FH2 game files.
•[ ] Azimuth starts FH2 successfully without mods.
•[ ] I have a backup of my working setup and saves.
•[ ] I checked the requirements and original source of my chosen mod.
•[ ] I installed and tested one mod at a time.
You're ready! Explore the mod catalog and more tutorials to build the FH2 experience you want. Enjoy the Horizon Festival!