There’s now a scheduled date for Forza Horizon 6 and for longtime fans, this has been the longest wait for a new release since the first series launched in 2012. Specifically, players have held on to Forza Horizon 5 for five years now, since 2021. But the good news is here eventually. A release date has now been scheduled for the latest version, Forza Horizon 6. And fans are definitely excited about it and, of course, curious about all the new features that will come with this release.
So if you’re indeed a Forza Horizon fan, just sit tight and read on. In this article, we’ll provide a detailed preview of what Forza Horizon 6 has to offer, including its gameplay, new features, and release date. Quick spoiler: this time, the game is set in Japan.
Forza Horizon Brief Overview
For those who have no prior knowledge of what the Forza Horizon series is, here’s a brief overview. Forza Horizon is a popular open-world racing video game series. It was actually created from another series, Forza Motorsport, which leans more toward competitive racing and even appears on niche esports platforms like MostBet. However, while both share some similarities, the Horizon series is designed to deliver a more arcade-style driving experience.
The game, which originally launched in 2012, is developed by Playground Games. And because it is published by Xbox Game Studios, it was originally exclusive for Xbox consoles and Windows PC. However, there was a Forza Horizon PS5 version in the last edition, Forza Horizon 5, which came out in 2021. For broader user opinions and insights on previous editions, you can also check review platforms like Trustpilot.
Below is a quick outline of where the previous five games were set:
- First Edition: Forza Horizon (2012, Colorado, USA)
- Second Edition: Forza Horizon 2 (2014, Southern France and Northern Italy)
- Third Edition: Forza Horizon 3 (2016, Australia)
- Fourth Edition: Forza Horizon 4 (2018, Great Britain)
- Fifth Edition: Forza Horizon 5 (2021, Mexico)
As already mentioned, Forza Horizon 6 will be set in Japan. And just like in 2021, it will also have a PlayStation 5 version.
When is Forza Horizon 6 Coming Out?
So, when does Forza Horizon 6 come out? Simply put, the release date for Forza Horizon 6 has been set for May. Specifically, it will be available on Xbox Series X|S and PC via the Microsoft Store and Steam on May 19, 2026. However, premium edition players will have access to the game on May 15, four days earlier. There will also be a PlayStation 5 version of the game, but it will be released later in the year, and the exact date has not been specified yet.
Forza Horizon 6: Gameplay and Features
Before we dive into the gameplay of this latest version, let’s first establish how the Forza game works on a general basis. So, Forza Horizon is an open-world racing game. That is, the races are not only on tracks. There are different in-game locations and race events in the game. Players can also do street races, speed challenges, stunts, etc. Completing these different in-game activities earns players rewards, enables them to unlock more cars, and generally helps them progress further in the game.
Now, as mentioned earlier, each version of the Forza game is set in a different real-life location. That is, the game is themed after that specific location. This year, the game is set in Japan, which means players will get to experience Japan in the game. That is, it will feature cities like Tokyo, districts like Shibuya Crossing and Ginkgo Avenue, and so on.
The gameplay in this new release is, however, quite similar to what it has always been, but there are slight differences, especially as it is Japan-themed. Here are some of the gameplay peculiarities you will find in Horizon 6:
- Seamless Freeroam Events: Previously, to enter a new racing event, you had to select that event from the menu. Right now, you can just drive around in the game, approach a race location, and start the race. Makes things a little more realistic.
- Organic Map Discovery: In this new version, players cannot see all in-game maps at once. Instead, as you progress in the game, you get to discover more maps.
- Progression System: Instead of starting as an established racer, this version makes you start from scratch. That is, you come in as an unknown entity in the racing world, and you gradually work your way up. Also, this version brings back the wristband progression system that was last used in Forza Horizon 2.
- More Realistic Drag Racing: When you start drag races in the previous versions of Forza Horizon, it’s usually automatic. That is, the game kicks off the race for you, and then you take it up from there. Forza Horizon 6 changes this to a manual system. Now you have to be on alert to kick-start the race manually and on time.
- High-Density Map & Technical Driving: This one has a little bit to do with the Japan location theme. But they’ve also made the roads more detailed overall. Drivers will now drive through narrow city streets, busy highways, winding mountain roads, etc., themed around Japanese cities and districts.
- Legend Island: This is simply a new level added to the game. It unlocks when players reach the top rank.
Other Features
There are several other new features that Playground Games have introduced into Forza Horizon 6. Let’s take a look at some of the major ones.
- Car Meets and Social Interaction: This feature is quite interesting. There’s now a location in the game where players can gather, interact, check out each other’s cars, and so on. Works just like a real-life car meet-up.
- Buy Player Cars: During these meet-ups, players can also buy cars from each other. That is, if you see a car you like in terms of design and performance, you can actually buy it from the player that owns it, if they agree.
- Customizable Garages and Player Homes: In this version, players can own houses with their garages and interact with and customize them as they please.
- Horizon CoLab: This feature allows up to 12 players to come together and form a racing event. They can actually work together to create the kind of tracks they want, along with objects and elements on those tracks, etc.
- Proximity Radar: Horizon 6 has now also introduced a tool that appears on players’ screens to help them detect when another driver is close during races. It’s especially useful in tight races, where some cars can be in your blind spot. This will definitely help reduce collisions.
- Simulated Tire Wear: The game has now been engineered so that your tires do not remain the same. It actually wears out over time, and that has noticeable effects on the car as you drive.
Apart from these key features, there are also a number of other new features that players will get to experience in this game. For example, there are now more customization options for car design, more realistic steering animations, improved sound systems, and enhanced cars.
Conclusion
With all the new features and gameplay in Forza Horizon 6, it’s sure to be the best yet in the series. May 19 is just a few weeks away, and anticipation is high already. As a player, you can pre-order the game on the Forze net website. And if you’re a PS5 player, you can add the game to your wish list, even though the PlayStation release date is not known yet.
FAQs
When will Forza Horizon 6 be released?
Forza Horizon 6 will be released on May 19, 2026. However, early access will be available from May 15 for premium edition players.
What platforms will Forza Horizon 6 be available on?
As at when it gets released on May 19, Forza Horizon 6 will be available on Xbox Series X|S and PC through the Microsoft Store and Steam. A PS5 version will, however, be released later.
Will Forza Horizon 6 be available on PlayStation 5?
Yes, Forza Horizon 6 will be available on PlayStation 5. However, the release date for the PlayStation 5 version has not been officially confirmed yet.
