TL;DR
- Locate all 20 Tank Balloons across three distinct Hot Wheels DLC regions
- Complete the ‘Gotta Pop ‘Em All’ achievement for 100% DLC completion
- Use specific vehicle types and driving techniques for optimal collection efficiency
- Avoid common mistakes that waste time and hinder progress
- Combine balloon hunting with other collectibles for maximum rewards
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The Hot Wheels expansion for Forza Horizon 5 launched on July 19, introducing an exhilarating new playground filled with high-speed tracks and challenging collectibles. Among these treasures are the distinctive Tank Balloons, floating targets that require both precision driving and strategic planning to locate and pop. Understanding their distribution across the map is crucial for maximizing your collection efficiency.
Scattered throughout the three main regions, you’ll find exactly 20 Tank Balloons waiting to be discovered. Successfully collecting every single one unlocks the coveted ‘Gotta Pop ‘Em All’ achievement, bringing you significantly closer to full DLC completion. Many players underestimate the time investment required, typically needing 2-3 hours of focused exploration to locate them all.
Beyond the Tank Balloons, the expansion features Bonus Boards as additional collectibles. These boards provide immediate credit rewards during your exploration, with values ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 credits. While lower-value boards are generally accessible, the premium 5,000 credit boards often demand advanced driving skills, optimal vehicle selection, and careful observation of environmental details. We’ve compiled comprehensive mapping resources to streamline your collection journey.
Forest Falls

The Forest Falls region presents a unique challenge with its dense vegetation and elevation changes. Many balloons here are strategically placed above tree canopies or nestled between rocky outcrops, requiring careful aerial navigation. The key to efficient collection in this area involves mastering controlled jumps and understanding the terrain’s verticality.
Optimal vehicle selection dramatically impacts your success rate in Forest Falls. We recommend using lightweight, agile cars with excellent air control, such as the Hot Wheels Bad to the Blade or similar high-maneuverability vehicles. Avoid heavy vehicles that struggle with precise landing control after jumps.
Common mistakes include approaching balloons from incorrect angles or attempting collection during poor weather conditions that reduce visibility. For the most challenging placements, consider using rewind features to perfect your approach without losing progress. Advanced players can combine multiple balloon collections in single runs by planning efficient routes through the forest pathways.
Giant’s Canyon

Giant’s Canyon features expansive open spaces combined with intricate canyon networks, creating diverse balloon placement scenarios. Several balloons hover above canyon rims or within narrow passages that demand precise vehicle control. The region’s scale means efficient route planning is essential to avoid backtracking.
This area benefits from vehicles with strong acceleration and good top speed to cover distances quickly. The Hot Wheels Twin Mill or similar high-performance cars excel here, allowing you to maintain momentum between collection points.
Terrain navigation presents specific challenges, with some balloons requiring creative approaches using canyon walls for ramp-like jumps. Pay close attention to the mini-map for balloon proximity indicators, as visual spotting can be difficult in the canyon’s shadowy areas. For maximum efficiency, tackle canyon balloons during daytime hours when visibility is optimal.
The Ice Cauldron

The Ice Cauldron introduces environmental hazards that significantly impact balloon collection strategies. Slippery surfaces and reduced traction require vehicles with excellent ice handling characteristics and stability control systems.
Precision driving becomes paramount in this frozen landscape, where miscalculated approaches can send your vehicle sliding past targets. We recommend all-wheel-drive vehicles with winter tire compounds for maximum control. The Hot Wheels Ice Speeder or similar specialized ice vehicles provide distinct advantages in this challenging environment.
Efficient collection in The Ice Cauldron involves understanding the physics of ice driving and anticipating slide patterns. Many balloons are positioned near frozen waterfalls or icy ramps that can be used to your advantage with proper technique. Consider completing this region after mastering the other areas, as it presents the highest skill requirement.
Mastering Tank Balloon collection requires more than just knowing locations—it demands strategic execution. Begin your collection journey by scanning each region systematically rather than randomly exploring. Use the provided maps as reference points but develop your own efficient routes based on vehicle capabilities and personal driving style.
Vehicle selection should adapt to each region’s specific challenges. For beginners, the Class Guide principles about vehicle specialization apply here—choose cars that match the environmental demands. Advanced players can experiment with unconventional approaches, using environmental elements as natural ramps for hard-to-reach balloons.
Common pitfalls include attempting collection during storm events, using inappropriate vehicles, or neglecting to use the rewind feature for precision attempts. Each failed approach costs valuable time, so perfect your technique before committing to difficult balloons.
Combine your balloon hunting with other Complete Guide activities to maximize session efficiency. Many players find success by focusing on one region completely before moving to the next, reducing mental load and improving route memorization.
For weapon and equipment optimization similar to what you’d find in our Weapons Unlock guide, apply similar systematic approaches to vehicle upgrades and tuning specifically for balloon collection tasks.
Remember that persistence pays dividends—some balloons may require multiple attempts, but each success brings you closer to that 100% completion status and the satisfaction of mastering the Hot Wheels expansion.
Action Checklist
- Study regional maps and plan efficient collection routes before starting
- Select appropriate vehicles for each region’s specific terrain challenges
- Begin with Forest Falls, progress to Giant’s Canyon, then tackle The Ice Cauldron
- Use rewind feature strategically for precision attempts on difficult balloons
- Verify completion of all 20 balloons and claim ‘Gotta Pop ‘Em All’ achievement
No reproduction without permission:SeeYouSoon Game Club » Hot Wheels All Floating Tank Balloons location Forza Horizon 5. Gotta Pop ‘Em All achievement guide Complete guide to finding all 20 Hot Wheels Tank Balloons in Forza Horizon 5 with expert strategies and achievement tips
