After months of anticipation and speculation, and even a leaked release date, Playground Games and Xbox have finally given fans what they’ve been waiting for: an official release date for Forza Horizon 6. The next major entry in the acclaimed open-world racing series will launch on May 19, 2026, for Xbox Series X/S and Windows PC.
The announcement came during the Xbox Developer Direct 2026 showcase, where Playground Games shared the first extended gameplay look and confirmed the release timing, including early access for Premium Edition players. Those who pre-order the Premium Edition will be able to start playing four days early on May 15. Importantly, this year’s Forza Horizon isn’t limited to Xbox and PC. For the second entry in a row, the series will also arrive on PlayStation 5 later in 2026, and players can already wishlist it on the PlayStation Store for launch notifications.
Bigger World, New Features, and Japan at the Center
Forza Horizon 6 takes the Horizon Festival to Japan in its most expansive setting yet, blending dense urban centers like Tokyo with scenic countryside roads and coastal highways. Early previews point to a diverse lineup of more than 550 cars at launch, ranging from classic icons to modern exotics, all set within a dynamic open world inspired by Japan’s rich car culture. Rather than aiming for a strict one-to-one recreation, developers say the map is designed to capture the essence of the country, mixing recognizable influences with artistic freedom to deliver both visual flair and varied driving environments.
Beyond the scale of the world itself, Playground Games is also leaning into deeper customization and social features. One of the highlights is the introduction of Car Meets, inspired by real-world automotive gatherings where players can show off builds, share liveries, and hang out with friends in shared spaces. It’s a natural extension of the Horizon series’ social DNA, designed to make the world feel more alive and give players more reasons to connect outside of races.
For fans who enjoyed Forza Horizon 5 on PlayStation, the rollout strategy will feel familiar. Xbox and PC players get the game first, with the PlayStation 5 version arriving later in 2026, continuing Playground Games’ broader multiplatform push. With a confirmed release date, a striking new setting, and wider platform support than ever before, Forza Horizon 6 is shaping up to be one of the biggest racing releases of the year, and a high-speed road trip through Japan is now officially on the horizon.
