Microsoft and Playground Games confirmed the next instalment of the Horizon series. Forza Horizon 6 takes the festival to Japan. The game arrives on Xbox Series X/S and PC on 19 May 2026. A version for PlayStation 5 will launch later in the year.
Players can access the game four days early with the Premium Edition. This early access period begins on 15 May 2026. The Standard Edition costs $109.95 in Australia. Game Pass subscribers receive the standard version on day one.
Forza Horizon 6 releases on Xbox Series X/S and PC on 19 May 2026 [Xbox]
Scale And Structure Of The Japan Map
The map of Japan stands as the largest environment in the history of the franchise. It features the city of Tokyo as the primary urban hub. Developers designed this city to be five times larger than any previous urban area. It includes multiple districts with specific identities and landmarks.
Verticality defines the geography of the world. Players can drive from the streets of Tokyo to the peaks of Mount Fuji. The world includes regions like Hokkaido and the mountain passes of Haruna. These locations offer variety in terrain and elevation for different driving styles.
Entry To The Horizon Festival
The game changes the progression system for the first time. Players start the journey as tourists in Japan. They must complete qualifiers to earn a place in the Horizon Festival. This process involves earning wristbands through various challenges and races.
Advancement requires participation in Showcases and Horizon Rush events. These events test skills on obstacle courses. A gold wristband grants access to Legend Island. This area offers exclusive races for the most experienced drivers.
Culture And Mementos In The Collection Journal
The developers incorporated elements of the history of Japan into gameplay. A feature called the Collection Journal tracks the progress of the player. This system takes inspiration from the stamp-collecting traditions of the country. It records discoveries of landmarks and mementos throughout the map.
Two characters accompany the player during the campaign. Jordy provides knowledge on motorsports. Mei acts as a guide for car building and local traditions. They offer an inside perspective on the locations and the people.
Elements of Japan are added to the game [Xbox]
Customisation and The Estate System
Players can acquire eight different houses across the map. These locations serve as points for fast travel and vehicle storage. A new feature called The Estate allows for extensive property development. This system focuses on Akiya, which refers to abandoned properties in Japan.
The Estate provides a plot of land for construction. Owners can build structures and tracks on this land. Friends can visit these estates in a shared session. This feature encourages social interaction and creativity within the community.
Vehicles And Car Meets
The game launches with a roster of over 550 vehicles. The 2025 Toyota GR GT and the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser appear on the cover. This marks the first time two cars from one manufacturer feature on the box. The list includes a focus on vehicles from the domestic market of Japan.
- 550 cars available at launch.
- 30 vehicles added via the Car Pass.
- New body kits and aero parts.
- Custom liveries on windows.
Players can participate in Car Meets at three specific locations. These meets take inspiration from the Daikoku parking area. Drivers gather to share designs and purchase vehicles from others. These spaces operate without official events or entry requirements.
The 2025 Toyota GR GT [Xbox]
Technical Improvements And Audio
The game utilises the ForzaTech engine for visuals and physics. The team recorded audio across four seasons in Japan. This ensures authenticity in the sounds of the environment. Tyres now show cosmetic wear based on driving habits.
Engineers updated steering animations to support 540 degrees of rotation. The game also features art inspired by Sumi-E ink paintings. Murals throughout the world come from artists living in Japan. These details aim for a representation of the atmosphere of the country.
Creative Tools And Accessibility
The EventLab tool receives an upgrade called CoLab. This tool allows for collaborative building in the world. Multiple players can edit tracks and events at the same time. These creations can appear anywhere on the map of Japan.
The game includes several accessibility options for a wider audience. High contrast modes and a car proximity radar assist during races. Support for American and British Sign Language appears in cinematics. AutoDrive remains an option for those who prefer assistance with navigation.
