Forza Horizon 6 Release Date
The Forza Horizon 6 release date is May 19, 2026, for Xbox Series X|S and PC, with a PlayStation 5 version arriving later in the year. Premium Edition buyers get to jump in four days earlier, from May 15, 2026, through the early‑access launch. @XboxGamePass shared on X that players can discover the breathtaking landscapes of Japan on May 19.
This timing lines up with Xbox’s Developer_Direct reveal, where Playground Games finally confirmed that the next Horizon Festival is heading to Japan, complete with Tokyo streets, mountain passes, and the “largest map in Forza Horizon history.”
For players who have been cruising through Mexico since 2021, May suddenly feels both close and very far away – the kind of date that ends up circled on calendars and dropped into every gaming group chat.
Forza Horizon 6 Pre‑Order
Pre‑orders for Forza Horizon 6 are live across Xbox, PC stores, and other major retailers, offering the usual Standard, Deluxe and Premium style editions.
The key practical reason fans are eyeing the Premium version is the four‑day early access window from May 15, which has quietly become a tradition for big racing releases.
Most listings also bundle in typical extras: car packs, VIP perks, and sometimes cosmetic bonuses like special liveries or character items.
It’s the kind of stuff that doesn’t change the core racing experience but does make long‑time players feel slightly more “Horizon veteran” when they roll into the first online lobby.
Anyone planning to subscribe to Game Pass can simply wait; the Standard edition is set to be available there from day one on Xbox and PC.
Forza Horizon 6 Gameplay
Gameplay‑wise, Forza Horizon 6 builds on the open‑world formula but shifts the action to Japan, promising over 550 cars and the biggest map the series has ever had.
Tokyo City alone is said to be about five times larger than Guanajuato from Horizon 5, with roads inspired by the C1 loop, Gingko Avenue and mountain passes like Mt. Haruna and Bandai Azuma.
That basically means drift heaven for anyone who has ever tried to recreate anime‑style touge runs in previous games. New systems add a bit of life beyond racing: customizable garages and estates in the open world, updated steering animations, and cosmetic tyre wear that makes long stints look and feel more authentic without turning the game into a hardcore sim.
Progression also gets a light shake‑up, with players starting as tourists who must qualify for the Horizon Festival, then earn wristbands through Showcases and a new Horizon Rush obstacle course before unlocking a special “Legend Island” endgame zone.
All of that, layered on top of Japan’s mix of neon highways and quiet countryside, makes Forza Horizon 6 sound less like a simple sequel and more like a fresh road trip that just happens to smell a lot like burning rubber.
Disclaimer
This article shares general information about Forza Horizon 6 based on currently available announcements and media reports. Release dates, prices, editions and gameplay features may change before launch or vary by region and platform. Readers should always confirm final details through official Xbox, Microsoft or retailer channels before purchasing.
