January 23, 2026
Forza Horizon 6 Confirms May 19 Release Date, PS5 Version Coming Later in 2026
🏁 Release Date and Platform Breakdown
Playground Games has officially confirmed that Forza Horizon 6 will launch globally on May 19, 2026. The announcement came during the 2026 Xbox Developer Direct, which also delivered the first extended gameplay reveal for the highly anticipated open-world racer.
Players who purchase the Ultimate Edition will get early access starting May 15, giving them a four-day head start on the competition.
Forza Horizon 6 will be available at launch on:
- Xbox Series X/S
- PC
- Xbox Game Pass (Ultimate and PC tiers)
However, the PlayStation 5 version will not be available at launch. Playground Games confirmed that the PS5 release is still planned for 2026, but is expected to arrive later in the year.
🗾 First Forza Horizon Set in Japan
Forza Horizon 6 marks a major milestone for the franchise as the first entry set in Japan. The game was originally announced during the Tokyo Game Show, featuring a cinematic teaser with Mount Fuji and a glimpse of the new environment.
The Japan setting brings a mix of:
- Dense urban environments
- Mountain roads and countryside highways
- Coastal routes
- Rural villages and scenic landscapes
Playground Games says the new map is designed to capture both the culture and natural beauty of Japan, making it one of the most diverse Horizon worlds to date.
🗺️ Largest Map in Series History
Forza Horizon 6 will feature the largest map ever created for the series. According to Playground Games, the scale is significantly bigger than previous entries.
Key map highlights include:
- The largest central city in Horizon history
- An urban area estimated to be five times larger than Guanajuato from Forza Horizon 5
- A massive open world that will not be fully accessible at the start
Progression will unlock new areas over time, giving players a strong sense of growth as they rise through the Horizon ranks.
🏆 New Driver Journey and Progression System
Forza Horizon 6 introduces a more story-driven approach to progression. Instead of starting as a professional driver, players will begin their journey as tourists who gradually become part of the Horizon Festival.
Progression will be based on:
- Earning wristbands
- Advancing through Horizon Festival qualifiers
- Unlocking new regions and elite racing areas
One major milestone is earning the gold wristband, which grants access to a special island reserved for top-tier drivers in Japan’s racing scene.
🌦️ Seasonal Weather System Returns
Seasons are officially returning in Forza Horizon 6, designed to reflect Japan’s dramatic changes throughout the year.
Each season will impact:
- Visual atmosphere
- Road conditions
- Environmental hazards
- Overall driving experience
Gameplay footage showed everything from snowy landscapes with towering ice walls to vibrant spring and summer scenery. While exact mechanics haven’t been fully detailed, seasons will play a major role in how the world feels and evolves.
🏡 The Estate and Creative Customization
One of the biggest new features is The Estate, a massive valley players can fully decorate and customize.
Inspired by Japan’s abandoned rural homes (known as akiya), players can:
- Repurpose a large property
- Customize the surrounding valley
- Share their creations with other players
This adds a new creative layer to the Horizon experience beyond just racing.
🏎️ New Event Types and Open-World Challenges
Forza Horizon 6 is expanding its event lineup with several new formats, including:
- Horizon Rush obstacle course-style challenges
- Time attack circuits
- Seamless open-world event starts with no loading screens
- Full co-op multiplayer support
These additions aim to make the open world feel more alive and reactive to player choices.
📓 Journal System and Car Culture Features
A new Journal system will add structure to progression by tracking:
- Ranking points
- Optional photo opportunities
- Special challenges and milestones
The game will also feature:
- In-game car meets inspired by Daikoku culture
- Expanded customization options
- More collectible and exploration-based activities
🚘 Massive Car Roster and Prologue Experience
At launch, Forza Horizon 6 will include around 550 cars, representing nearly a 40% increase over Forza Horizon 5.
Confirmed highlights include:
- Toyota 2025 GR GT Prototype
- Toyota 2025 Land Cruiser
The GR GT Prototype will star in the game’s prologue, called the Initial Experience. This tutorial will feature:
- Off-roading in the Alps
- A high-speed race against Japan’s Shinkansen bullet train
- A cinematic introduction before fully arriving in Japan
🧠 Final Thoughts
Forza Horizon 6 is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious entries in the franchise’s history. With a massive Japan-based map, deeper progression, seasonal changes, expanded creative tools, and the largest car roster yet, the game is positioning itself as a major evolution of the Horizon formula.
While PS5 players will have to wait a bit longer, the May 19 launch for Xbox and PC sets the stage for a huge year for open-world racing fans.