After more than a decade of fan requests, Forza Horizon 6 is finally heading to Japan. Playground Games officially unveiled the next entry in its open-world racing franchise during the Xbox Developer_Direct on January 22, confirming a long-awaited setting and a release date that has already set the racing community on fire.
Launching on May 19, 2026, Forza Horizon 6 promises the largest map in the series’ history, a deep progression overhaul, and major new social and customization systems. The game arrives day one on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, launches first on Xbox Series X|S and PC, and will later expand to PlayStation 5.
Japan Finally Joins Forza Horizon — After 14 Years of Waiting
Japan has consistently ranked as the most requested location in Forza Horizon history. After previous entries set in Italy, Australia, the UK, and Mexico, Playground Games has finally answered the call—and they’re going all in.
The new map is not a 1:1 recreation of Japan, but a carefully curated and atmospheric interpretation that blends iconic locations into a cohesive open world. At its core lies Tokyo, now the most complex urban environment ever built for the franchise.
Key Locations Include:
- Tokyo – Neon-lit districts, elevated expressways, and industrial docks
- Mount Fuji – Sweeping mountain roads and dramatic weather shifts
- Hokkaido-inspired regions – Snowy terrain and open rural highways
- Touge mountain passes – Designed for high-skill drift battles inspired by Initial D
The map places a heavy emphasis on verticality, elevation changes, and dynamic weather. Playground Games also collaborated with cultural consultant Kyoko Yamashita to ensure authenticity while avoiding tired stereotypes.
Over 550 Cars at Launch, Including New Toyota Icons
Forza Horizon 6 launches with more than 550 licensed vehicles, making it one of the most content-rich entries in the series from day one.
Two standout cars headline the official cover art:
- Toyota GR GT Prototype (2025)
- Toyota Land Cruiser (2025)
From JDM legends to modern hypercars and off-road beasts, the lineup reflects Japan’s automotive heritage while maintaining Forza’s global appeal.
Release Date, Platforms, and Game Pass Availability
Forza Horizon 6 Release Schedule:
- May 19, 2026 – Xbox Series X|S & PC
- May 15, 2026 – Early access for Premium Edition owners
- Later in 2026 – PlayStation 5 (date TBD)
The game will be available day one on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, reinforcing Microsoft’s push to make major first-party releases instantly accessible.
Forza Horizon 6 Editions and Pricing
Forza Horizon 6 introduces higher-priced editions compared to Forza Horizon 5, reflecting expanded content and long-term support.
Available Editions:
- Standard Edition – €69.99
- Deluxe Edition – €99.99
- Premium Edition – €119.99
Premium Edition Includes:
- Early access (4 days)
- VIP status
- Car Pass (30 cars delivered weekly)
- Time Attack Pack
- Italian Passion Pack
- Two future premium expansions
⚠️ Important: Not all future car packs are included. Some DLC vehicles will be sold separately, even with the Premium Edition.
A Premium Upgrade option will also be available for Game Pass users.
Major New Features That Redefine the Horizon Experience
The Estate: Build Your Own Automotive Domain
One of the biggest gameplay additions is The Estate, a fully customizable property system set in a mountain valley.
Players can:
- Build roads, tracks, and structures
- Customize layouts freely
- Earn and reinvest credits
- Tear down builds and recover resources
- Allow other players to visit their domain
This feature introduces light simulation and creativity elements never before seen in the series.
Car Meets and Japanese Auto Culture
Forza Horizon 6 introduces dedicated Car Meet locations, inspired by real-life Japanese gatherings.
Highlights include:
- Permanent meet locations (including Daikoku-inspired hubs)
- View other players’ cars and liveries
- Download designs instantly
- Purchase copies of other players’ vehicles
Garages across the eight unlockable player homes are now fully customizable.
A New Progression System: The Collection Journal
Progression has been completely reimagined with the Collection Journal, inspired by traditional Japanese stamp books.
Players collect:
- Travel memories
- Cultural landmarks
- Photographs
- Exploration milestones
You begin as a tourist, gradually climbing the Horizon Festival ranks until unlocking Legend Island, an exclusive endgame zone reserved for elite drivers.
Conclusion
Forza Horizon 6 is shaping up to be the most ambitious entry in the franchise’s history. With its long-awaited Japanese setting, massive open world, deep customization systems, and reworked progression, Playground Games isn’t just delivering what fans asked for—they’re redefining what an open-world racing game can be.
Whether you’re here for high-speed Tokyo expressways, Touge drift battles, or building your own automotive empire, Forza Horizon 6 looks ready to set a new benchmark for the genre in 2026.
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