Forza Horizon 6: New features and gameplay details

The upcoming release of Forza Horizon 6 is generating plenty of excitement among car enthusiasts and gamers. With a number of new gameplay elements and features, the game is shaping up to be a major addition to the popular Forza series. In this article, we look at some of the most notable details discussed in a recent Q&A with Playground Games design director Torben Ellert.

What are touge battles?

One of the most talked-about additions in Forza Horizon 6 is touge battles. These are one-on-one races that take place on five predetermined mountain passes in the game. In single-player mode, each touge battle has a specific opponent parked at the start of the route. This creates a challenging and personal racing experience.

It’s important to note that touge battles are not tied to festival progression. That means players can take on these races at any time while in single-player mode. This gives players plenty of flexibility to shape their own racing experience.

Online championships and the Festival Playlist

Alongside touge battles, Forza Horizon 6 also includes an online championship made up of ongoing one-on-one matches. These races are spread across the same five routes as the touge battles, keeping the challenge constant for racing fans.

The Festival Playlist, a returning feature from earlier Forza games, will be available once players gain access to the Horizon Festival. That can take around an hour from the start of the game. Players will be able to take part in different events and challenges, and the Festival Playlist system has seen some changes. Unlike Forza Horizon 5, where certain cars were only available temporarily, cars from previous Festival Playlists will remain accessible after they expire.

Car buying and aftermarket details

In Forza Horizon 6, cars originally added through the Festival Playlist will later also be available in the aftermarket system. While the details have not been fully worked out yet, it appears this system will be varied, allowing players to discover and buy different cars at different times in the game. That should create a unique experience for each player, since not everyone will see the same car at the same time.

It’s also worth noting that unique Forza Edition cars will be rare, adding an extra challenge for players looking to expand their garage with exclusive vehicles.

Updates and new features

The Q&A also revealed a few other interesting details. The name Forzathon Live has been changed to Stunt Party, which may point to a new direction for the game’s social features.

For the Eliminator mode, the starter car available at level 1 is the 1984 Honda City, giving players immediate access to an iconic and recognizable vehicle. In addition, Legend Island, a part of the map that is initially locked, will have its own Festival Outpost and events, along with the starting point for the ‘Goliath’ race, which will cover an impressive 50 miles (80 kilometers).

With Forza Horizon 6 set to launch in May 2026, players are excited about the new gameplay possibilities and features the game has to offer. From touge battles to online championships, the next entry in the Forza series looks set to deliver an exciting experience for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.