Forza Horizon 6 is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about releases of 2026. The next entry in the long-running arcade racing series takes the Horizon Festival to Japan, a location fans have been asking for since at least 2018. Between mountain roads, neon-lit cities, and winding countryside, expectations are understandably sky-high.
The game was officially confirmed during the Tokyo Games Show in September 2025. That reveal was brief but memorable. A short teaser showed Mount Fuji framed by cherry blossoms, enough to spark weeks of speculation without giving much away.
Since then, developer Playground Games has stayed quiet. Most details are being saved for the upcoming Xbox Developer Direct. Still, despite the silence, a surprise leak may have already revealed the game’s release date.
A Leaked Ad Points to a May 2026 Launch
According to reports shared on X, Forza Horizon 6 is expected to launch on May 19, 2026. The source of the leak was unexpected. A pop-up advertisement reportedly appeared inside Forza Horizon 5, showing details tied to the next Horizon title.
The ad was first spotted by a user known as “Xbox Infinite” and quickly gained attention. While in-game ads are usually easy to ignore, this one stood out. It included both a release date and a short description of what players can expect from the new game.
The message read:
“Discover the breathtaking landscapes of Japan in over 550 real-world cars and become a racing legend in Forza Horizon’s biggest open-world driving adventure yet.”
That line alone answers two big questions fans have been asking. Yes, the game is set in Japan. And yes, the car list appears to be massive.
Premium Edition Bonuses Revealed
The same pop-up ad also outlined what’s included in the Forza Horizon 6 Premium Edition. None of the bonuses are shocking for longtime fans, but the list still looks solid.
Here’s what was shown:
- Exclusive Ferrari J50, pre-tuned and available at launch
- Early Access, starting May 15 (four days before release)
- VIP Membership
- Welcome Pack
- Car Pass
- Time Attack Car Pass
- Italian Passion Car, arriving after launch
- Two premium expansions, planned for post-launch release
Early access remains the biggest draw here, especially for players who like to explore the map before the servers fill up. The inclusion of future expansions is also reassuring. Horizon expansions have a strong track record, often introducing creative maps and new mechanics rather than simple add-ons.
What This Leak Means (and What It Doesn’t)
It’s worth keeping expectations grounded. Playground Games has not officially confirmed the May 19 date yet. Until that happens, this should be treated as a strong rumor rather than final word.
That said, the source makes the leak hard to ignore. An in-game advertisement is not something fans can easily fake, and the level of detail suggests internal marketing material rather than guesswork. If the date is accurate, an official announcement is likely coming soon.
Microsoft has already scheduled new information for January 22, which lines up perfectly with a formal reveal. If the timing holds, we should get confirmation, gameplay footage, and a clearer breakdown of editions and platforms.
The Road Ahead for Forza Horizon Fans
A Japan-based Horizon game has been one of the community’s most requested ideas for years. Seeing it finally happen feels less like a surprise and more like a long-overdue payoff. From drift-friendly mountain passes to urban highways, the setting alone opens the door for some of the most varied racing the series has ever seen.
If the leaked release date proves accurate, Forza Horizon 6 will arrive sooner than many expected. Until then, fans will have to wait for official confirmation and hope that Playground Games delivers on the promise teased back in Tokyo.
One thing is clear. The Horizon Festival is heading east, and the engines are almost warmed up.
