Forza Horizon 6 is officially set to launch in 2026, marking the next major evolution of Playground Games’ open-world racing franchise. With a Japan-inspired setting, the largest map in Horizon history, and a redesigned progression system, the new entry aims to significantly expand how players experience the Horizon Festival.
Below is a full breakdown of everything currently confirmed.
Release Date and Platforms
Forza Horizon 6 will launch globally on May 19, 2026.
Players who purchase the Ultimate Edition will receive four-day early access, beginning on May 15, 2026.
Confirmed platforms at launch
- Xbox Series X|S
- PC
- Xbox Game Pass (day one)
A PlayStation 5 version has been confirmed, but it will arrive later in 2026, with the current release window pointing toward the second half of the year.
Announcement Timeline
Forza Horizon 6 was first teased during Tokyo Game Show 2025, featuring a short cinematic trailer set in Japan. The teaser showcased environments such as Mount Fuji and a traditional garage interior, though no vehicles were shown at that time. The trailer confirmed a 2026 release window.
The first full gameplay reveal and final launch date were later presented during the January 22 Xbox Developer Direct, where Playground Games provided a deeper look at the game’s structure, world design, and progression systems.
Player Progression and Structure
Forza Horizon 6 introduces a longer and more narrative-driven progression system compared to previous entries.
Players begin their journey as tourists, gradually becoming involved in Horizon culture rather than immediately entering the festival as established drivers.
Progression highlights
- A new driving rank system tied to wristbands
- Advancing through ranks unlocks new activities and access areas
- Earning the golden wristband grants entry to an exclusive island reserved for elite drivers
This structure is designed to give progression more weight and provide a clearer sense of advancement throughout the game.
World Scale and Seasonal Design
The game features the largest map ever created for the Horizon series.
Playground Games has confirmed that the central city alone is roughly five times larger than Guanajuato from Forza Horizon 5, making urban racing a far more prominent part of the experience.
Seasonal system
All four seasons are present and visually showcased:
- Spring
- Summer
- Autumn
- Winter
However, the developers have not yet clarified whether seasons are dynamic, player-controlled, or operate on a fixed rotation similar to earlier titles.
Open-World Systems and New Events
Forza Horizon 6 places heavy emphasis on seamless open-world interaction, with new systems designed to remove friction between exploration and racing.
The Estate
A major new feature is The Estate, a large valley that players can fully decorate and customize. Inspired by Japan’s akiya (abandoned homes), this space acts as both a creative hub and long-term progression area.
New event formats
- Horizon Rush: obstacle-course-style challenges focused on stunts and environmental hazards
- Time-attack circuits that launch directly from the open world
- No loading screens between events
- Full co-op support across activities
Additional systems
- A new Journal system to help structure progression
- Daikoku-style car meets, inspired by real-world Japanese car culture
- Deeper vehicle customization options
- Collect-a-thon elements integrated into exploration
Cars and Curated Experience
At launch, Forza Horizon 6 will feature an estimated 550 vehicles, representing nearly a 40 percent increase over Forza Horizon 5’s launch roster.
Confirmed cover cars
- Toyota 2025 GR GT Prototype
- Toyota 2025 Land Cruiser
Prologue and Initial Experience
The game opens with a cinematic “Initial Experience” prologue designed to showcase scale and variety early on.
This introduction includes:
- Driving the GR GT Prototype
- Off-road sections in the Alps
- A high-speed race against the Shinkansen bullet train
The prologue is built to blend spectacle with storytelling, setting the tone for the broader Horizon journey.
Final Thoughts
Forza Horizon 6 appears to be one of the most ambitious entries in the franchise to date. With its massive Japan-inspired world, expanded progression, deeper social systems, and the largest vehicle roster yet, Playground Games is clearly aiming to evolve Horizon beyond its traditional festival structure.
More details are expected closer to launch, including seasonal mechanics, post-launch plans, and additional platform-specific features.
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