Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios have officially announced Forza Horizon 6, and this time, the beloved racing franchise is heading to Japan. The reveal confirms a brand-new setting, the largest open world the series has ever seen, and several gameplay upgrades that push the Horizon formula into true next-generation territory.
The game was unveiled during Xbox Developer Direct, where developers shared early details about the map, vehicles, and release plans. Forza Horizon 6 is not just another sequel. It is designed to be a full evolution of the open-world racing experience, blending fast-paced competition with exploration, customization, and authentic car culture.
With Japan as the backdrop, players can expect a mix of modern cities, scenic countryside, and legendary driving roads that fans have wanted for years. Below is a complete breakdown of everything announced so far.
Forza Horizon 6 release date and platforms
Forza Horizon 6 is scheduled to launch worldwide on May 19, 2026. The game will be available on Xbox Series X|S and PC, with PC players able to purchase it through both the Microsoft Store and Steam.
Players who opt for the Premium Edition will be able to start playing early. Early access begins on May 15, 2026, giving Premium owners four days of extra time to explore the map, collect cars, and progress through the game.
PlayStation players are not being left out either. Developers have confirmed that Forza Horizon 6 will arrive on PS5 later in 2026. While the exact release date for PlayStation has not been shared yet, this marks another major step in expanding the Forza franchise across all major gaming platforms.
Forza Horizon 6 editions and pricing details
At launch, Forza Horizon 6 will be offered in three different editions, each catering to a different type of player.
Standard Edition – $69.99
The Standard Edition includes the full base game. This version is ideal for players who want the complete Forza Horizon 6 experience without any additional content or bonuses.
Deluxe Edition – $99.99
The Deluxe Edition adds extra value on top of the base game. Players receive the Car Pass and the Welcome Pack, which provide additional vehicles and early progression boosts.
Premium Edition – $119.99
The Premium Edition is the most feature-packed option. It includes the VIP Subscription, Car Pass, Welcome Pack, Time Attack Car Pack, and two post-launch content expansions. Premium buyers also receive four days of early access starting May 15, 2026.
As a bonus, all pre-order editions come with an exclusive pre-tuned Ferrari J50. This special car gives early buyers a stylish and powerful vehicle to kick off their journey.
Japan map details and open-world scale
Forza Horizon 6 takes place entirely in Japan, and the developers are calling it the largest map in Forza Horizon history. The setting is built to highlight Japan’s contrast between tradition and modern life, offering a wide variety of environments to explore.
Players will drive through peaceful rural roads, coastal stretches, dense forests, and high-speed highways. Urban racing plays a major role this time, with Tokyo City being the biggest city ever featured in the franchise.
According to the developers, Tokyo City is five times larger than Guanajuato from Forza Horizon 5, making it a true open-world metropolis. Neon-lit streets, multi-lane highways, and packed city blocks are designed to deliver intense racing and stunning visuals.
The map also features roads inspired by real-life locations, including the C1 Loop, Gingko Avenue, and famous mountain routes like Mt. Haruna and Bandai Azuma. These areas promise technical driving challenges, elevation changes, and iconic scenery that car fans will instantly recognize.
Vehicles, customization, and gameplay upgrades
At launch, Forza Horizon 6 will include over 550 vehicles, offering one of the biggest car collections the series has ever seen. The lineup spans multiple eras and styles, reflecting both global automotive history and Japan’s deep tuning culture.
The cover cars set the tone for the game. The 2025 GR GT Prototype will make its first-ever appearance in a video game, alongside the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser, highlighting both performance engineering and rugged design.
Several new gameplay features have also been confirmed. Players will be able to own Customizable Garages and Estates, allowing them to decorate and build personal spaces within the open world. This adds a lifestyle element that goes beyond racing alone.
Vehicle realism is also being improved. Cars now feature cosmetic tire wear and updated steering animations, making driving feel more dynamic and responsive. These changes aim to improve immersion without sacrificing the arcade-style fun the series is known for.
New Forza Edition cars come equipped with extreme modifications straight from the start. In addition, Aftermarket Cars can be discovered parked in driveways across the world, rewarding players who take time to explore instead of only racing.
Why Forza Horizon 6 matters
With its Japan setting, record-breaking map size, and expanded customization, Forza Horizon 6 is shaping up to be the most ambitious entry in the franchise. The combination of open-world freedom, car culture, and next-gen technology positions it as one of the biggest racing releases of 2026.
If you are a longtime Forza fan or someone who loves open-world driving games, this is one release worth watching closely. Stay tuned for more updates, gameplay reveals, and hands-on previews as the launch date approaches. And if you are ready to hit the streets of Japan early, locking in a pre-order could be the best way to start your engine first.
