Playground Games' Forza Horizon 6 is scheduled to launch on Xbox Series X|S and PC on May 19, with early access beginning May 15 for Premium Edition purchasers. The game is set in a fictionalized version of Japan and features two distinct progression tracks. Xbox Series X|S players have two graphics modes: Quality and Performance.
Release Schedule and Platforms
The game goes gold ahead of its worldwide launch.
- Standard Release: May 19, unlocking at 12:01 AM local time on Xbox and Windows, and 12:01 AM EDT on Steam.
- Early Access: May 15 for purchasers of the Premium Edition ($129.99) or the Premium Upgrade Bundle ($59.99).
- Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC (Microsoft Store and Steam), and via Cloud Gaming. The game is available day-one on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.
- PlayStation 5 Release: A PS5 version is scheduled for later in 2026; a specific date has not been announced.
Graphics and Performance Modes
On Xbox Series X|S, the game offers Quality and Performance modes. Both modes may use dynamic resolution scaling to maintain target frame rates.
Console Quality Mode Performance Mode Xbox Series X Native 4K resolution at 30 frames per second (fps) Dynamic 4K resolution targeting 60 fps Xbox Series S 1440p resolution at 30 fps 1080p resolution targeting 60 fpsGame Setting and Map
Forza Horizon 6 is the first entry in the series set in Japan. The game world is described as the largest in the series, spanning from Tokyo to Mount Fuji. Key locations include:
- A condensed version of Tokyo, reported to be five times larger than any previous city in the series.
- Iconic roads such as Hakone Nanamagari and Mount Haruna.
- Rural areas, waterside docks, bamboo forests, and rice fields.
The development team used 360-degree cameras for reference photography and consulted experts including cultural consultant Kyoko Yamashita and car culture photographer Larry Chen.
Gameplay and Progression
Players control a tourist participating in the Horizon Festival. The game includes two progression tracks:
- Horizon Festival: Racing events (including drag races, dirt tracks, and stunt courses) reward players with Wristbands, advancing them toward becoming a "Horizon Legend."
- Discover Japan: An exploration track that rewards players for finding new roads, collecting memories in a Collection Journal, defogging the map, smashing mascot statues, and completing side quests (e.g., helping a photographer or testing a mechanic's experiments). The map is largely open to explore from the start.
Cars and Audio
- The game features over 550 cars at launch, with additional vehicles planned for future expansions.
- Cover cars for the title are the Toyota GR GT and the 250 Series LandCruiser Prado.
- Loyalty rewards are available for players who have played previous Forza Horizon titles, granting cover cars from Forza Horizon 1 through Forza Horizon 5. The Forza Horizon 4 cover car has been replaced by the 2016 Aston Martin Vulcan.
- The game includes nine radio stations, described as the largest song list in a Horizon game.
Editions and Pre-order Bonuses
Edition Price Key Content Standard Edition Included with Game Pass or sold separately Base game Deluxe Edition Price not specified Unspecified content Premium Edition $129.99 Early access, two expansions, Car Pass (30 cars), VIP Membership, Italian Passion Car Pack, Time Attack Car Pack, Welcome Pack Premium Upgrade Bundle $59.99 Same content as Premium Edition; requires a Game Pass subscription for the base gameA pre-order bonus of an exclusive Ferrari J50 is available for any edition.
Preview Build Observations
Based on a preview build accessed on Xbox Series X, the game environment was described as featuring abundant traffic and detailed surroundings. The build was locked to 4K at 30 fps in Quality mode, with a 60 fps Performance mode expected at launch. Sound design was noted as a significant highlight. The content from this preview was subsequently removed by the creator and from related posts.