About Forza Horizon 6
Forza Horizon 6 is an open-world racing game developed by Playground Games, the British studio behind the Forza Motorsport series. As the sixth main installment in the series, it finally sets its sights on Japan to take players on an unforgettable journey. Undoubtedly, the developers waited for the right moment to present Japanese landscapes of breathtaking realism, and it’s safe to say that our patience has been rewarded. Available since May 19, 2026, on Windows PC, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S, the game will launch later this year on PlayStation 5 Pro and PlayStation 5.
It's no coincidence that Japan was chosen as the setting for Forza Horizon 6. Indeed, the Land of the Rising Sun is where some of the most iconic cars in history were born and where drift culture became mainstream—through Touge (literally “mountain pass”), that spectacular discipline on winding roads that inspired the famous manga Initial D. With such fertile ground, the designers had everything they needed to create a racing game that breaks away from its predecessors while retaining what made the series a success. It must also be said that Japan has a different approach to automobiles. While European and American sports cars focus on raw power, Japanese models are more centered on precision and driving balance.
In terms of content, Forza Horizon stays true to its predecessors: over 550 cars available at launch, nine radio stations featuring a variety of music (including J-pop), a plethora of game modes, and even more extensive vehicle customization than before. Undoubtedly, Forza Horizon 6 promises hundreds of hours of gameplay, especially since there’s a new factor to consider: in Spec Racing mode, the rules require all players to use the same car with locked settings. Technically speaking, Forza Horizon 6 is a visual feast. The game features next-gen lighting, a weather system that captures the seasonal colors of Japan, and sound design that’s simply stunning. Start your engines!
Why Should I Play Forza Horizon 6?
Forza Horizon 6 kicks off just like its predecessor, with a spectacular race divided into four acts—each putting you behind the wheel of a different car. During this introduction, you get to enjoy stunning scenery while driving iconic cars. Playground Games knows how to put on a show, and the action starts right from the very first seconds.
For this installment, the developers went on location to explore and take hundreds of photos and videos. The result speaks for itself: the map of Forza Horizon 6 is the most densely packed and vertically diverse in the entire series. The landscapes are incredibly diverse and offer a wide range of Japan’s geographical variety. Behind the wheel of your vehicle, you’ll explore Tokyo’s iconic streets, passing through its ultra-modern industrial districts, docks, and suburbs. With Mount Fuji as a backdrop, you can enjoy unforgettable drives through the mountain passes of the Kanto region, the stunning Japanese Alps, and cherry-tree-lined roads. This authenticity was made possible through collaboration with consultant Kyoko Yamashita, a renowned expert who has worked on some of the biggest video game franchises.
Forza Horizon 6 stays true to the philosophy of its predecessors but takes visual spectacle to a whole new level. As a simple tourist, you’ll discover every facet of this magnificent country—from Tokyo’s neon signs to the mountain passes of Kanto and the coastal roads of Hakone—it’s a real feast for the eyes! The absolutely massive map captures the landscapes stretching from Osaka to Niigata. It’s been a long time since the series featured a spectacular city, and Tokyo represents the pinnacle of extravagance. Tokyo Tower, Shibuya Crossing, Gingko Avenue… it feels just like the real thing! This is especially true with the changing seasons and dynamic weather features carried over from previous installments.
To climb the ranks of glory and become the best driver at the Horizon Festival, you can count on your guides, Mei and Jordy. The races are incredibly diverse, ranging from simple head-to-head matches to elimination races, incredible “showcases” (where you face off against a real mecha), and drift challenges. Of course, Forza Horizon 6 doesn’t forget about multiplayer gatherings, whether they’re challenges against other players or cooperative experiences. Tokyo by Night at full speed is a real thrill! As for the signature challenges of the series, you’ll find speed cameras, signs to destroy, regional mascots to take down, and, of course, dozens of iconic locations to discover. Japan has plenty of them.
Is Forza Horizon 6 Free-to-play?
No, Forza Horizon 6 is not a free-to-play game. It is a AAA title in the racing genre, just like the famous Gran Turismo on PlayStation consoles. For Xbox Game Pass subscribers, Forza Horizon 6 is part of the Ultimate catalog and can be downloaded or played via cloud on PC and consoles.
Where Can I Download Forza Horizon 6?
Forza Horizon 6 is available on Xbox Series X/S and Windows PC via the Microsoft Store and Steam. It supports Xbox Play Anywhere: a single purchase grants access to both versions, with shared progress and achievements across console and PC.
In terms of performance on Xbox Series X, the game offers a Quality mode at native 4K at 30 frames per second, and a Performance mode at dynamic 4K at 60 fps. On Xbox Series S, these options are 1440p/30 fps and 1080p/60 fps, respectively. In short, it’s really solid. On the PC side, the game has the advantage of an engine that adapts to a wide range of graphics cards.
What Games Should I Play If I Enjoy Forza Horizon 6?
When it comes to alternatives to Forza Horizon 6, you don’t have to look far. The last few entries in the series remain must-haves for anyone looking for arcade-style driving, endless fun, plenty of challenges, and a well-stocked garage.
Let’s start with Forza Horizon 5, which was released in 2021. For this installment, the developers decided to immerse players in the heart of Mexico, a country renowned for its extraordinary geographical diversity. Volcanoes, jungles, beaches, Mayan temples, and charming local towns… the game is a visual feast and offers incredible thrills. Utterly comprehensive and breathtakingly beautiful, it’s the first in the series to support ray tracing.
Next up is the magnificent Forza Horizon 4, which takes us on a journey through England and Scotland. Released in 2018, it features a map inspired by Great Britain and breaks new ground by introducing the concept of seasons. Visually stunning, the game transports players to the lands of Perfidious Albion, while also immersing them in the heart of Edinburgh. While it’s true that the game struggles to offer highly varied landscapes, it remains an extremely solid offering. Back in the day, it took advantage of the arrival of the Xbox One X and next-gen graphics cards to deliver a next-gen patch that really packs a punch.
When it comes to automotive entertainment, there’s one game that’s almost universally loved: The Crew Motorfest. Created by developers with extensive experience in racing games, this title lets you race on the roads, tracks, and trails of Oahu, Hawaii. What sets it apart from games like Forza Horizon is that it takes the spectacle to an even higher level. In fact, in the blink of an eye, you can find yourself aboard a boat or at the controls of a plane. Reminiscent of the Test Drive Unlimited series, The Crew Motorfest is a serious contender. The game is beautiful, highly spectacular, and a joy to control. A great alternative if you enjoyed Forza Horizon 6.
