The highly anticipated next installment in the open-world racing franchise, Forza Horizon 6, was officially revealed today during the Xbox Developer Direct 2026 presentation. Developed by Playground Games, the title will launch directly into Xbox Game Pass and with Xbox Play Anywhere support, offering players unprecedented access and cross-platform play. Set to release May 19, 2026, the game promises a sprawling Japanese landscape and a robust roster of over 550 vehicles.
Microsoft unveiled Forza Horizon 6 during the Xbox Developer Direct 2026 presentation, giving fans their first look at the highly anticipated racing title. Playground Games detailed what players can expect from the latest installment in the popular franchise.
The game will be available on Xbox Game Pass at launch and will support Xbox Play Anywhere, allowing players to seamlessly continue their progress across devices.
The Forza Horizon 6 Trailer
Set in Japan, the game’s campaign will place players in the role of a tourist eager to join the Horizon Festival. Players will unlock new races and vehicles as they progress, ultimately aiming to reach Legend Island, a hub featuring unique tracks, areas, and events. This latest installment continues the Forza Horizon tradition of open-world racing and immersive environments.
Developers explained that players will be able to explore a diverse Japanese map featuring a variety of biomes, blending natural landscapes, historical sites, and modern urban areas. To ensure authenticity, the team collaborated with Japanese specialists in both the nation’s culture and automotive scene. Tokyo City, they revealed, is the largest city Playground Games has ever created, boasting distinct districts each with its own unique style. The game will also showcase dynamic seasonal effects across the various regions.
The game will feature more than 550 cars at launch, representing a wide range of automotive classes – the most ever included in a Forza Horizon title. The trailer also highlights the game’s impressive sound design, showcasing both the roar of engines and the ambient sounds of the environment throughout all four seasons. Players will have access to a dedicated space to construct and customize buildings, and share their creations with friends.
A global showcase will allow players to share and even copy the designs of other players’ vehicles. For a more relaxed experience, an automated driving mode will allow players to enjoy the scenery without the challenge of controlling a vehicle. Players will also be able to create custom levels with friends using Horizon Collab, a new level editor.
A PlayStation 5 version will arrive later in the year. Forza Horizon 6 will be available on PC and Xbox Series on May 19, 2026, as previously rumored. The trailer also hinted at the inclusion of mecha-themed content.
