Forza Horizon 6: exploring a new horizon in Japan

The long-awaited release of Forza Horizon 6 on 19 May 2026, with early access for Premium Edition owners starting on 15 May, marks a new chapter in Playground Games’ beloved racing series. The game takes players on an adventure across a vast, beautifully crafted map inspired by Japan’s natural landscapes and Tokyo’s urban sprawl. Nearly 10 million players are eager to dive into the new experience.

Game world and gameplay

The world of Forza Horizon 6 is a visual spectacle, with a rich variety of environments that draw on themes from Japanese culture. As with previous entries in the franchise, the game offers a wide range of new racing sequences and stunt modes that highlight Japan’s unique character. One standout is the new race event, 'Mech My Day', in which players can race their Honda Acura against a giant robot inspired by anime classics like Gundam and Patlabor.

In this exciting event, you’ll test your skills as you street-race a robot making its way through an overpass. This kind of showcase event, defined by extravagant and sometimes absurd challenges, is typical of the Forza Horizon series, with earlier titles having players race against stunt planes and hot-air balloons.

Reception and reviews

The first reviews of Forza Horizon 6 have been glowing, with the game currently ranked as the highest-rated title of 2026, holding an average score of 91 on OpenCritic and a recommendation rate of 100%. So far, 103 professional reviews have been collected, confirming the game’s strong critical reception.

The combination of an improved progression system, world design, and car customization has drawn plenty of attention from critics. Players can take part in a wide range of activities, from completing traditional races to hunting for photo opportunities, making even short play sessions feel worthwhile.

New features and systems

One of the new features that has caught players’ attention is the Aftermarket Cars system. This system lets players buy cars in real time at discounted prices, without having to navigate menus. While exploring the map, players can come across these vehicles in popular areas such as Daikoku Parking Area or Shibuya Crossing.

This stands in contrast to the controversy surrounding the Auction House, which drew more criticism in earlier titles. Players are excited about the Aftermarket system, which feels like a direct and immersive way to purchase cars. In addition, the system can be dynamically adjusted to the player’s progress, so larger and rarer vehicles become available as they advance through the game.

Future developments

Forza Horizon 6 is not only worth the investment at launch, but also promises exciting expansions and updates in the months after release. Two expansions and multiple car packs are expected, offering access to specially designed vehicles that each add new experiences to the game. Players can also count on ongoing support from Playground Games, meaning there will always be more content and innovations on the way for this vibrant world.

The game has a clear goal: to enrich the growing Forza Horizon community and improve the player experience. With its focus on accessibility and a broad range of activities, both newcomers and series veterans can fully enjoy what Forza Horizon 6 has to offer.