Forza Horizon 6 is revving up! Fans of racing games will be able to get behind the wheel of this sixth installment starting May 19, 2026. The game will launch on PC and Xbox Series with a PS5 version coming later in the year. The reveal happened during Developer_Direct by Xbox, where more details about the game were shared, confirming the long-awaited release after several leaks. Developed by Playground Games, the studio behind the previous titles in the series, and published by Xbox Game Studios, Forza Horizon 6 continues the arcade open-world formula centered around the Horizon Festival, while also refreshing its approach.
This latest installment takes a fresh perspective: no more superstar drivers from the very first hour. This time, players step into the shoes of an amateur tourist, dreaming of carving out a place within the Horizon Festival universe. This narrative choice directly impacts the gameplay, offering a more nuanced and engaging progression. Gone are the endless luxury cars handed out indiscriminately—climbing the ranks now feels earned, and every milestone achieved brings a genuine sense of advancement.
When it comes to driving sensations, Forza Horizon 6 stays true to the series’ hallmark of smooth, accessible handling, while adding nuanced driving challenges driven by the diverse Japanese landscapes. Winding mountain roads, bustling city circuits in Tokyo, port areas, or lush countryside—each setting demands a tailored driving style and highlights the game's impressive level design. All of this is elevated by a top-tier graphics engine, complemented by immersive sound design and an original soundtrack crafted to enhance the adventure.
"Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Japan behind the wheel of over 550 real-world cars and make your mark as a racing legend in the biggest open-world driving adventure in Forza Horizon to date".
Japan is not just a backdrop here; it is the true main character of the game. "With its mix of verticality, glass facades, neon signs, and all kinds of billboards, Tokyo allowed us to craft an ultra-dense, unprecedented space within the series," explains Torben Ellert, lead designer, to our colleagues at Gamekult.
Far from a mere replica of reality, the map is designed to deliver an engaging gameplay experience, with smooth transitions between the city, mountains, and countryside. Players will navigate iconic locations such as the Shibuya crossing, the Tokyo Tower, and the bustling port area, all brought to life by a dynamic day/night cycle and changing seasons.
Three editions of the game will be available: Standard (€69.99), Deluxe (€99.99), and Premium (€119.99). The latter grants early access, allowing players to start the adventure on May 15, 2026, four days ahead of the official launch. However, PS5 players will have to wait: while the game's release on Sony's console is confirmed for 2026, no exact date has been announced yet. This staggered launch approach raises questions, especially as other Xbox licenses like Fable will be released simultaneously across all platforms.
Forza Horizon 6, set against a vibrant Japanese backdrop, featuring 550 vehicles, a lively open-world environment, and a groundbreaking progression system, is shaping up to be a pivotal chapter for the franchise. If you’ve yet to dive into the series, this might just be the perfect opportunity to jump in and start racing.
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