Microsoft has officially lifted the lid on Forza Horizon 6, and it might be the most ambitious entry in the series so far.
Revealed during the latest Xbox Developer_Direct, the open-world racer is heading to Xbox Series X|S and PC on May 19, 2026, with Premium Edition early access from May 15. A PS5 release is also confirmed for later this year.
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The announcement came with the first-ever gameplay footage, showcasing Japan as the new Horizon Festival location, alongside confirmation of the game's cover cars, the 2025 GR GT Prototype and the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser.
Japan takes centre stage
For the first time in the franchise, Forza Horizon heads to Japan, a setting Playground Games has wanted to tackle for years. The new map is the largest Horizon world ever, blending dense urban areas with mountain roads, countryside, coastlines and seasonal changes.
Tokyo City is the standout. It is said to be five times larger than Guanajuato in Forza Horizon 5, with multiple districts, docks, industrial zones and neon-lit streets inspired by real-world locations like the C1 Loop and Ginkgo Avenue.
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A new progression system
Unlike previous games, you don't arrive as a superstar. You start as a tourist. Progression revolves around earning Wristbands by completing events and Horizon Qualifiers, eventually unlocking Legend Island, an exclusive endgame area reserved for top-tier drivers.
New event types include Horizon Rush obstacle courses, Touge Battles on mountain passes, and expanded Showcase events.
Cars, culture and customisation
At launch, Forza Horizon 6 will feature over 550 cars, including deep roots in Japanese car culture. New features include paintable window liveries, revised Forza Aero, cosmetic tyre wear and improved steering animations.
Players can also customise garages, build estates in the open world, attend car meets inspired by Daikoku, and collaborate with friends using the upgraded EventLab tools.
Release dates
Forza Horizon 6 launches May 19, 2026 on Xbox Series X|S and PC, with early access on May 15. A PS5 version is coming later in 2026.
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