Forza Horizon 6 is here. Today, Tuesday May 19, 2026, is the official global launch day for Playground Games' most ambitious open-world racing game ever, set across the breathtaking landscapes of Japan. Available now on Xbox Series X|S, PC via the Microsoft Store and Steam, and included at no extra cost with Game Pass, this is Xbox's biggest release of 2026 and one of the most anticipated racing games in years.
Forza Horizon 6 Release Date and What Time It Comes Out
Forza Horizon 6 releases globally on May 19, 2026, at midnight local time. The Steam version of FH6 will be unlocked at 4:01 AM UTC on May 19. Xbox players can use the New Zealand trick to play early.
The standard release date for Forza Horizon 6 is May 19, 2026. Players on Xbox Game Pass get the standard edition included at no extra cost, making this one of the more accessible launches in the franchise's history. If you want in earlier, the Premium Edition costs $129.99 and unlocked up to four days of early access, putting players behind the wheel as early as May 15.
Forza Horizon 6 PS5 Release Date
Forza Horizon 6 was released for Windows and Xbox Series X/S on May 19, 2026, with a release for PlayStation 5 later in 2026. The PS5 release date has not yet been confirmed.
Forza Horizon 6 is coming to PS5 later this year. Players can add the game to their Wishlist on the PlayStation Store to be notified of availability. This marks a significant move for the franchise, continuing the recent trend of Xbox exclusives eventually making their way to Sony's platform.
Forza Horizon 6 Setting: Welcome to Japan
Forza Horizon 6 invites players to discover the breathtaking landscapes of Japan in over 550 real-world cars and become a racing Legend in the Horizon Festival's biggest open world driving adventure yet.
Set in a fictionalised representation of Japan, the game features a stylised version of Tokyo as the game world's main city. The game's open world map is the franchise's largest, and the Tokyo City area is considered to be its "most complex and intricate drivable space" — five times larger than any other Horizon city. Similar to its two predecessors, the game features a dynamic weather system that reflects seasonal changes.
As you explore Japan, you will meet the Legends of the Horizon Festival, participate in Touge Battles, and experience authentic stories rooted in Japan's legendary car culture. The game is also showcasing some of the newest, most exciting cars in the world — including the cover car, the 2025 GR GT Prototype, a race-derived road car that combines motorsport performance with road-going excellence, making its video game debut in Forza Horizon 6.
Forza Horizon 6 Gameplay and Campaign: From Tourist to Legend
When you first arrive in Japan, you do not start as a Superstar of the Festival or a racing champion. Instead, you will start out as just a tourist. Forza Horizon 6's campaign is focused on your journey and building a name for yourself. Your first goal is to join the Horizon Festival by completing the Horizon Qualifiers. After that, you will rise through the ranks, unlocking Wristbands as you complete races and events in faster and more exciting cars.
Players can purchase gorgeous homes in Japan, each with customizable garages, allowing them to create ideal spaces to showcase their car collection. Unlock the Estate, a mountain valley where you can build freely in the open world, creating anything imaginable. Favorite cars can be upgraded with body kits and new Forza Aero options, as well as the ability to paint custom liveries on windows.
Forza Horizon 6 Multiplayer and CoLab Features
Players can participate in Time Attack Circuits and Drag Meets or show off customized cars at Car Meets. Earn new co-op LINK skills or jump into any of the Horizon Multiplayer modes. Create with freedom anywhere in Japan as you build custom events with friends in CoLab, the upgraded EventLab toolset — now featuring multiplayer support and additional options to bring unique, imaginative worlds to life.
Forza Horizon 6 Early Access and the Steam Leak
On May 10, 2026, nine days before the official release date and five days before the early access period started, it was reported that the game's 155 GB of files for pre-loading on Steam were accidentally left unencrypted. Normally the uploaded files would be encrypted until launch, but players were able to play the game unimpeded as a result of the error. The accidental early release only generated more buzz around an already massively anticipated title.
Forza Horizon 6 Reviews and Critical Reception
Reviewers praised the game's Japan setting and open-world design, describing it as a strong showcase for the series' driving and exploration loop. Eurogamer's Dom Peppiatt commended Playground Games' recreation of Japan and its car culture, writing that the entry refined the formula established by earlier Forza Horizon games. Luke Reilly of IGN similarly praised the map as a playful open world for driving, while Video Games Chronicle's Chris Scullion considered it one of the racing genre's essential releases. Game Informer found exploration the most memorable part of the game. GamesRadar praised the racing engine and Japan-set world, while noting that the game could feel conservative in its adherence to the established series structure.
Forza Horizon 6 on Game Pass: How to Play for Free Today
Yes, the standard edition of Forza Horizon 6 is available on Xbox Game Pass from May 19. It is available for PC Game Pass and Game Pass Ultimate members on day one. It will not be available on Game Pass Essential, Premium, or the new Starter tier.
Forza Horizon 6 is the first Forza Horizon title developed exclusively for ninth-generation consoles — the first to skip Xbox One since the original title on Xbox 360. The only way to play it on Xbox One will be via Xbox Cloud Gaming with a strong and stable internet connection. Forza Horizon 6 is available now. Japan is waiting.
