Azimuth, by Almost There Games, lets the Xbox One build of Forza Horizon 2 run on Windows 10/11 and on Linux through Proton. It is not a hardware emulator and it is not a Microsoft port. The game code runs natively; the wrapper translates system and graphics calls. Source: itch.io.
The official listing, checked 2026-10-24, names azimuth-windows.zip version 0.9.10, about 2.8 MB, at a name-your-own price including zero. It contains the wrapper, not the game, and does not decrypt game files. This independent guide summarizes source documents; it does not claim a hands-on installation or benchmark.
What it is not
- Not an Xbox 360 emulator. The 360 edition of Horizon 2 is a different game and is not supported.
- Not a game download. The zip does not contain Forza Horizon 2.
- Not a Microsoft, Playground Games, or Sumo Digital release.
- Not version 0.10.0. That build was still in progress on 2026-10-24. Devlog.
What you need before downloading
The developer's requirements specify a CPU with F16C, 16 GB of RAM and a PC at least on par with a Steam Deck. Intel integrated graphics are not supported yet. The Steam Deck figures of 720p at 60 fps or 1080p at 30 fps are the developer's reference results, not a guarantee or measurements made by this site. Check the requirements guide before troubleshooting performance.
Installation in three steps
- Use the download guide to reach the official itch.io wrapper. This site does not host the ZIP or any game files.
- Extract the wrapper and select your own Xbox One FH2 1.0.0.64 folder containing era.vbi, Mount/ and EmbeddedXvd/. Expansion folders are added separately on the launcher's Game page.
- Allow first-start shader and graphics-pipeline preparation, then use the installation and troubleshooting guides if it fails. Hold View/Back or Esc for two seconds to quit.
Follow the full installation guide rather than treating this summary as an extraction or game-dumping tutorial. For third-party tools, use the mods index; for Reddit, Discord and GitHub navigation, use community links.
Versions that matter
| Piece | Build | Status on 2026-10-24 |
|---|---|---|
| Azimuth | 0.9.10 | Public download |
| Forza Horizon 2 (Xbox One) | 1.0.0.64 | Required |
| Storm Island | 1.0.0.36 | Supported when present |
| Fast & Furious | 1.0.0.6 | Experimental |
| Azimuth 0.10.0 | Not released | In development |
Forza Support says Horizon 2 left digital stores on 2018-09-30 and online services ended on 2023-08-22. Owners can still find owned content in their library to download and play. Forza Support. That console-library statement is not a promise that Azimuth obtains or decrypts game files.
Freshness
Checked 2026-10-24 against the official listing and linked devlogs. The versions page separates published updates from the unreleased 0.10.0 preview. Video titles and upload dates are metadata-checked, not endorsements of their claims or download links. Illustrations throughout this guide are generated, not hands-on evidence.
Video
Third-party videos. Playback starts only after a click, so the first screen does not request YouTube.
Questions
Is Azimuth an emulator?
No. Almost There Games describes Azimuth as a wrapper. The game's own x86-64 code runs, while WinRT and Xbox DirectX 11.X calls are translated to Win32 and desktop DirectX 12.
Does the download include Forza Horizon 2?
No. azimuth-windows.zip is the wrapper only, about 2.8 MB at version 0.9.10. You point it at your own Xbox One 1.0.0.64 folder.
Can I play online?
The official build has no Xbox Live, no multiplayer, and no achievements. A separate community patch, FH2MP, is documented on its own page.
