Forza Horizon 6 Confirms Release Date, But Has Bad News for PS5 Gamers

Playground Games has announced that Forza Horizon 6 will be released on May 19th. The release date was revealed during a lengthy Xbox Developer Direct presentation, which also included a preview of the game and a new detail about the PlayStation 5 version.

Okay, so the next Forza Horizon game – the sixth main one – was finally announced in late September! It’s super exciting because it’s the first time we’re heading to Japan! They revealed it at the Tokyo Game Show, which makes total sense. But honestly, the initial announcement was pretty minimal. It was just a short, pre-made video showing a garage and Mount Fuji… and absolutely no cars! They did say it’s coming out sometime in 2026, and promised they’ll share more details soon, so I’m keeping my eyes peeled!

Forza Horizon 6 First Gameplay and Release Date(s) Revealed

Building on the previous announcement, Forza Horizon 6 was a highlight of the 2026 Xbox Developer Direct. Playground Games kicked off the January 22 showcase with a first look at the new game. During the gameplay reveal, the UK-based developer announced a release date of May 19th. Players who purchase the game’s Ultimate Edition will also get four days of early access.

Forza Horizon 6 Release Dates

Early access: May 15, 2026
- Ultimate Edition only
Global release: May 19, 2026
- Xbox Series X/S, PC, Xbox Game Pass (Ultimate and PC tiers)
PS5 release: 2026
- Likely the second half of the year

The latest installment in the popular open-world racing series will be available immediately on Xbox Series X/S and PC. Although it’s also planned for the current PlayStation consoles, Forza Horizon 6 won’t launch on PlayStation 5 right away. Developers at Playground Games recently announced they aim to release the game before the end of the year, but a launch in the latter half of 2026 seems more probable than an early release.

Everything We Learned About Forza Horizon 6 During Xbox Developer Direct 2026

During a showcase on January 22nd, Playground Games revealed several new details about the upcoming Forza Horizon 6. One of the biggest announcements is that the game will feature a more in-depth character journey than previous titles. Players won’t begin as established racers, but as newcomers who gradually become part of the Horizon Festival experience. Essentially, the process of joining the festival will be more extensive and immersive than ever before.

FH6 Will Have the Largest Series Map Yet That Won’t Be Fully Accessible From the Beginning

Success in early qualifying events gives you a taste of what to expect in Forza Horizon 6, where you’ll advance by earning wristbands. Reaching the golden wristband is a major achievement, unlocking access to a special island for the best drivers in Japan. The game also boasts the biggest map ever created for a Forza Horizon title, and its central city is roughly five times the size of the one in FH5.

Forza Horizon 6 Will Have Seasons

The latest installment in the game series will include changing seasons, a feature the developers at Playground Games designed to realistically show how Japan’s landscapes and atmosphere transform throughout the year. A recent preview showed gameplay in all four seasons, including a snowy area with tall ice walls that reminded viewers of Frappe Snowland from Mario Kart 64. However, it’s still unclear exactly how these seasons will work in the game – whether they’ll change automatically, be controlled by the player, or be a mix of both.

Playground Games / Xbox

Forza Horizon 6 Will Let Players Decorate an Entire Valley

Beyond the racing, Forza Horizon 6 will offer an incredibly detailed customization mode. Players can design their dream space in a huge valley called The Estate. This feature is inspired by the growing number of abandoned homes in rural Japan, known as akiya, and gives players a chance to creatively restore one within the game. The game will also introduce new event types, such as Horizon Rush – a fast-paced obstacle course – and time attack circuits. These circuits can be started instantly from anywhere in the open world, without loading screens, and support cooperative multiplayer.

The upcoming Forza Horizon 6 introduces a new Journal system to help players follow their progress in the open world, keeping track of everything from scores to optional photo challenges. Players can also look forward to in-game car meets inspired by the Japanese Daikoku culture, plus even more ways to customize cars and collect items. The game will launch with around 550 cars—almost 40% more than Forza Horizon 5 offered. Featured vehicles include the Toyota 2025 GR GT Prototype and 2025 Land Cruiser. The GR GT Prototype will be showcased in a special prologue called the “Initial Experience,” which includes off-road driving in the Alps and a race against the Shinkansen bullet train.

2026-01-22 22:07