Key Facts
- ✓ Forza Horizon 6 launches globally on May 19, 2026, for PC and Xbox Series X/S.
- ✓ Players with the Premium Edition can access the game starting May 15, four days before the official launch.
- ✓ The game features a roster of 550 cars at launch, the largest number for any new title in the franchise history.
- ✓ A new Estate feature allows players to construct and customize a personal mountain base from the ground up.
- ✓ The setting was heavily requested by fans and required extensive research by the development team to portray Japan accurately.
Quick Summary
The highly anticipated return to the open road has been officially dated. Forza Horizon 6 is set to launch on May 19, 2026, bringing the festival to the streets of Japan for the first time in the series' history.
Announced during the latest Xbox Developer Direct, the new entry promises a sprawling map featuring iconic urban and rural landscapes. Early access begins on May 15 for those who purchase the Premium Edition, with a PlayStation 5 release expected at a later, unspecified date.
A Tour of Japan
Players will begin their journey as a rookie racer exploring the country as a tourist. The narrative is supported by two key characters: Jordy, a passionate motorsports enthusiast, and Mei, an experienced Japanese car builder who provides an insider's perspective on the local culture and automotive scene.
The map spans diverse environments, from breathtaking rural mountains to the dense, neon-lit streets of Tokyo. According to the developers, the Tokyo city environment is designed to be the most complex and intricate drivable space in a Horizon game to date.
The journey involves collecting wristbands and climbing the ranks to unlock new areas and events across the country.
The Largest Roster Yet
Forza Horizon 6 will feature the largest car lineup at launch for any new title in the franchise, with 550 vehicles available immediately. The game's cover cars are the 2025 GR GT Prototype and the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser.
Beyond the cars, a major addition to the gameplay loop is the Estate. This feature gives players a large plot of land in the mountains to build up from scratch, allowing them to place buildings, construct roads, and invite friends to tour their custom creation.
The Gundam Tease
The presentation concluded with a mysterious and unexpected visual. A brief glimpse of a hulking Gundam appeared on screen, though no further details were provided regarding what this means for the game.
The inclusion of the iconic mecha suggests a potential crossover event or special content, though developers have remained silent on the specifics for now. The teaser has already sparked widespread speculation among fans regarding the scope of the collaboration.
Development & Setting
The decision to set the game in Japan was a long-awaited request from the fanbase. The development team at Playground Games conducted extensive research to ensure authenticity, a process that was inadvertently highlighted when a real-life car import company connected to the game spoiled the location ahead of the official announcement.
The team focused on capturing the unique driving culture and geography of the region. As noted by the art director, the goal was to create a drivable space that feels both expansive and intricately detailed, honoring the specific aesthetics of Japanese landscapes and cityscapes.
Looking Ahead
With a confirmed release window and a fresh setting, Forza Horizon 6 is positioning itself as a major entry in the racing genre for 2026. The combination of a massive car count, new customization mechanics, and a culturally rich environment offers a compelling package for racing enthusiasts.
Attention now turns to the PlayStation 5 release date and further details regarding the teased Gundam content. As the May launch approaches, players can expect more information on the specific events and features that will define the next chapter of the Horizon festival.
