Everything We Know About Forza Horizon 6

Last week, Playground Games not only showcased the new Fable, but also, as part of the same Xbox projects presentation, shared extensive details about Forza Horizon 6 — the next entry in the popular racing series. We’ve gathered all the key information about the game in this article.

For the sixth installment, the developers chose Japan as the setting. First, according to the team itself, this is the country fans have most wanted to see featured in Forza Horizon. Second, the developers were drawn to Japan’s unique aesthetic — with smooth transitions from modern urban spaces to traditional rural landscapes and striking natural scenery. Finally, Japan is appealing from a gameplay standpoint as well: its mountainous terrain allows for far greater verticality in the map design.

To make the world feel as authentic as possible, Playground Games consulted with Japanese locals deeply immersed in the country’s car culture. In addition, the developers traveled to Japan to gather reference material: they filmed sky timelapses, used photogrammetry to capture trees, and scanned terrain, roads, and buildings. Japanese artists also created dozens of murals and signs specifically for Forza Horizon 6.

The developers are also promising the largest open world in the history of the series. A significant portion of it will be taken up by a virtual Tokyo — a city nearly five times larger than Guanajuato from Forza Horizon 5, divided into several districts, each with its own visual identity.

The new setting also allowed the team to implement full seasonal variation. Depending on the time of year, the natural environment in FH6 changes dramatically — with the exception of high-altitude regions, where snow remains year-round.

The story campaign in the sixth installment can be played either solo or in co-op.

At the start of the game, the player arrives in Japan not as a professional racer or even a newcomer, but as an ordinary tourist. As a result, the early stages focus on earning the right to participate in the fictional Horizon Festival by completing qualification events. Progression revolves around obtaining wristbands, which unlock access to faster cars and new challenges.

At the end of each festival stage, players must complete a special event that serves as an intermediate test. As an example, the developers cite Horizon Rush, a challenge that requires overcoming an obstacle course.

Earning a gold wristband means the player has proven worthy of traveling to Legend Island — a separate open-world region reserved for the best of the best, featuring its own races, tracks, and locations.

In addition to racing, players will be able to customize garages for their cars. Moreover, the map includes a separate location called The Estate — a remote mountain valley deep in the wilderness, which players will be able to develop freely by constructing various buildings. What exactly this type of base is used for has not yet been disclosed.

At launch, Forza Horizon 6 will feature over 550 cars. All of them can be collected and modified. In the months following release, the car roster will continue to expand with new models.

Vehicle animations have been updated, as the steering angle can now reach 540 degrees. In addition, cars visually change over time: the developers have implemented a cosmetic tire wear system that reflects a vehicle’s mileage.

The customization system has also been improved. Playground Games added the ability to apply vinyls to windows, and certain models will support body kits. On top of that, players can now install different wheels on the front and rear axles.

Car meets have returned in Forza Horizon 6, but this time they are fully integrated into the shared online world. Players can encounter a meet in real time while driving and join it instantly — with no loading screens.

At car meets, players can show off their vehicles and purchase copies of other players’ cars they like. In addition, groups can head out together to explore Japan or take part in races, including the new Touge Battles — nighttime competitions held in the mountains.

The game also introduces additional cooperative activities. One example is Drag Meets — twelve-player drag racing events with dedicated lanes and synchronized starting lights. To take part, players simply need to drive up to the start, choose a lane, and wait for the signal. No additional matchmaking or loading screens are required.

Forza Horizon 6 is set to release on May 19 for PC and Xbox Series X/S. A PlayStation 5 version is also planned, but it will arrive slightly later — the exact release date has not yet been announced.

For now, that’s everything. What do you think about the game or the series as a whole? Share your thoughts in the comments.