Forza Horizon 6

The upcoming Forza Horizon 6 marks the next thrilling chapter in Playground Games' celebrated open-world racing series. With fans clamoring for fresh locales and innovative gameplay, this new entry promises to deliver a racing adventure that's bigger, bolder, and more immersive than anything seen in the franchise before.

Release Schedule and Platform Rollout

Forza Horizon 6 is scheduled to hit shelves on May 19, 2026 for Xbox Series X/S, Windows PC (via Microsoft Store and Steam), and will be included with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate at launch. Early access for those who purchase the Premium Edition starts a few days earlier on May 15, 2026. A PlayStation 5 version is also planned, arriving later in the year, following the franchise's continued expansion beyond its traditional console base.

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Development and Setting

The game is developed by UK-based Playground Games, again in collaboration with Turn 10 Studios — the creative force behind the Forza Motorsport series. Forza Horizon 6 moves the Horizon Festival to a brand-new locale that fans have long requested: Japan. Art director Don Arceta noted that Japan has topped the wish lists of players for years, and the team is dedicated to capturing both the visual diversity and cultural richness of the country.

This Japanese setting isn't a strict simulation of the real world, but rather a distilled, varied version packed with iconic landscapes and environments. The game world includes the towering streets of Tokyo, scenic rural roads, coastal stretches, mountain passes, and the iconic backdrop of Mount Fuji, all reimagined to showcase the country's distinct driving culture. Tokyo in particular stands out as perhaps the most intricate and layered location in the series to date.

Starting Your Journey: Tourist to Festival Star

One of the most distinctive elements of Forza Horizon 6's narrative structure is the way it begins. Instead of dropping players straight into the role of an established racing legend, the game casts you as a tourist with big dreams of joining the prestigious Horizon Festival. This shift reframes the experience as an aspirational journey, with players earning their place among the festival's elite through exploration, participation, and mastery of driving events.

Exploration and Progression Systems

Central to Forza Horizon 6 is its open-world design — players can traverse its landscape freely, discovering Japan's distinct regions at their own pace. The game builds on the franchise's traditional progression mechanics, bringing back the wristband system from previous titles while also introducing a new Collector's Journal. Inspired by Japan's cultural tradition of collecting stamps and mementos, this system allows players to document their adventures and curate a personalized record of the places they've visited and memories they've made.

Beyond the journal, Playground Games is expanding the ways players can interact with the world. A major addition is Car Meets, inspired by real-world automotive gatherings. These social hubs provide spaces where players can meet others, admire custom vehicles, share designs, and take part in both casual and competitive events. Spread across key locations — including a meet at Daikoku, one in the Alps, and another near the Horizon Festival site — these gatherings help bring Japan's rich car culture to life.

A Rich and Diverse Car Lineup

While specific details on every vehicle are still emerging, Playground Games has confirmed that Forza Horizon 6 will launch with around 550 vehicles that span classic and modern cars alike. These include various Japanese staples as well as internationally beloved models. Among the confirmed vehicles are Toyota's 2025 GR GT Prototype and the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser, both of which capture different aspects of performance and style. Echoing the franchise's tradition, players can extensively customize, tune, and store cars in multiple garages across the map.

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Dynamic Worlds and Seasonal Changes

The Horizon games have long been known for their dynamic environments, and Forza Horizon 6 continues this legacy. Seasonal changes are expected to play a significant role, transforming the look and feel of the landscape throughout the year. From snowy mountain passes to vibrant cherry blossom seasons and sultry summer roads, these variations not only affect aesthetics but also gameplay, adding evolving challenges and varied driving conditions that keep the experience fresh.

Looking Ahead

With its launch on the horizon, Forza Horizon 6 is shaping up to be a landmark entry in the franchise. From its ambitious Japanese setting and enriched progression systems to its celebration of car culture and social engagement, this installment promises to both honor the roots of the series and push its boundaries forward. Players can look forward to a blend of high-speed thrills, cultural exploration, and deep customization when the game goes live in May 2026.