Forza Horizon 6 Officially Announced: Heads to Japan in 2026 with Largest Map Yet
Playground Games and Turn 10 have officially unveiled Forza Horizon 6, the highly anticipated next installment in the beloved racing series. The announcement was made during the Xbox Developer Direct event, confirming that the game will launch on May 19, 2026, for Xbox Series X|S and PC via the Microsoft Store and Steam. In a significant move, developers have also confirmed that a PlayStation 5 version is in development and will arrive later in the year, marking this as one of the first Horizon titles to be available across all major gaming platforms.
Japan Setting and Expansive Map Details
The Horizon Festival in Forza Horizon 6 will be set in Japan, a country renowned for its rich car culture and diverse landscapes. Developers describe this as the largest map in Horizon history, featuring a blend of bustling urban areas, scenic rural regions, and challenging mountain roads. Tokyo City plays a central role and is reported to be far more expansive than any previous city in the series.
Players can expect to drive on routes inspired by famous Japanese roads, including:
- Highways similar to the C1 Loop
- Broad avenues for high-speed racing
- Mountain passes such as Mt Haruna and Bandai Azuma
This setting aims to combine the excitement of street racing with the tranquility of picturesque drives, offering a unique gaming experience.
Game Editions, Pricing, and Early Access
At launch, Forza Horizon 6 will be available in three editions, each offering different levels of content:
- Standard Edition: Priced at $69.99 (approximately Rs 6,425), this includes the full base game experience.
- Deluxe Edition: Costing $99.99 (around Rs 9,179), it adds the Car Pass and Welcome Pack for enhanced gameplay.
- Premium Edition: At $119.99 (about Rs 11,016), this offers the most comprehensive package with VIP benefits, additional car packs, two future expansions, and early access starting May 15, 2026.
As a special incentive, all players who pre-order the game will receive a pre-tuned Ferrari J50 as a bonus vehicle.
Vehicle Roster and Customization Enhancements
Forza Horizon 6 will feature an impressive roster of over 550 vehicles, including a mix of classic cars, modern models, and rally vehicles. Notable cover vehicles include the 2025 GR GT Prototype, making its debut in a video game, and the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser. The game introduces several improvements to vehicle customization, such as:
- Enhanced tyre wear mechanics for more realistic driving
- Improved steering animations for better control and immersion
Beyond Racing: Additional Game Features
Beyond the core racing experience, Forza Horizon 6 offers additional elements to enrich the gameplay. Players can:
- Design and customize their own garages and mansions within the game environment
- Discover Forza Edition cars with extreme makeovers
- Find aftermarket vehicles parked throughout the world, adding to the exploration aspect
With its ambitious Japan setting, vast open world, and deep commitment to car culture, Forza Horizon 6 is poised to be more than just a standard racing game, potentially setting a new benchmark for the genre. The gaming community eagerly awaits its release to see if it lives up to these high expectations.
