Forza Horizon 6 – Latest News And Release Date

The upcoming Forza Horizon 6 release date extends past traditional cycles as the series prepares for a significant leap forward. Here’s what we know so far.

TL;DR – Latest Updates

• Forza Horizon 6 was officially announced at Tokyo Game Show 2025, with its launch planned for 2026
  • You can now add FH6 to your Xbox and Steam wishlists
• Trusted gaming insider, NateTheHate, says that Playground Games is targeting a first-half 2026 launch (January to June) release date
• As fans hoped, the home of drifting, Japan, is finally the confirmed location
• Launch platforms are Xbox Series X|S & PC, on Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Play Anywhere
  • PlayStation 5 confirmed for a “post-launch” release
  • No official news on a Nintendo Switch 2 release
• The planned five-year gap breaks Horizon’s usual 2-3 year release cycle, as does the rumored “first half” of the year release date, with past Horizon games typically arriving in the fall
• Fujimi Kaido’s revival in Forza Motorsport sparks hopes for FH6’s rumored Japanese touge sections
• New rivals are emerging from Lighthouse and Maverick Games (both led by ex-Horizon leads)

Introduction

The Forza series brings two unique racing types. Forza Motorsport focuses on a simulator-style racing experience, allowing enthusiasts to refine their skills on the track. It’s not as hardcore as Assetto Corsa, but it’s a great introduction to sim racing and drifting.

Horizon, on the other hand, offers fun, open-world freedom with a more simcade/arcade vibe for those seeking a more relaxed, enjoyable experience. It allows you to push nearly every vehicle imaginable to its limits across just about every terrain imaginable.

The news of Forza Horizon 4’s delisting on December 15, 2024, sparked speculation about the future, with many wondering whether Playground Games is shifting its focus entirely to the upcoming Horizon 6.

Microsoft typically removes older Forza titles from sale as development on new entries ramps up. Historically, these moves signal the start of a new project.

The rumors intensified when Microsoft surprised the gaming world by announcing the PlayStation 5 launch of Forza Horizon 5 in April 2025, marking the series’ first departure from its Microsoft exclusivity.

Shortly after, Microsoft CEO Phil Spencer finally confirmed ‘the next Forza’ at the Xbox Games Showcase in June 2025. In September (at the Tokyo Game Show), he finally confirmed that Horizon 6 is set to arrive in 2026.

PlayStation fans won’t want to get too excited just yet, as the new title will launch exclusively on Xbox, with a PS5 version planned post-launch.

Want something to play while you wait for the Horizon 6 release? Check out our exclusive free-to-play browser game, Drift Hunters MAX. Like Horizon, it features AI traffic, drift challenges, and competitive leaderboards.

Forza Horizon 6 release date

Microsoft confirmed Forza Horizon 6 is set to arrive in 2026 at the Tokyo Game Show 2025. FH6’s setting is the land of the rising sun and the home of drifting – Japan.

The official announcement confirmed “Forza Horizon 6 will launch first on Xbox consoles and PC in 2026”.

However, the PlayStation 5 release is set for “post-launch”. It will not arrive on older consoles.

Based on the latest rumors from the highly regarded insider NateTheHate, we can expect FH6 to arrive in the first half of 2026. Both his previous Horizon 6 leaks (release date, Japan location) turned out to be correct.

This means both Fable and “the next Forza” are currently targeting a 2026 release, creating direct competition with the planned release of Grand Theft Auto VI, which is now delayed until 19 November 2026. Many are expecting to see further delays from Rockstar, potentially pushing the GTA release into 2027.

While we’d love to see FH6 arrive for Sakura season in April, many fans think we’ll get our first ‘proper’ trailer at the Xbox Developer Direct event in late January 2026, with gameplay reveals potentially starting soon after.

Right now, a May or June 2026 release is most likely, perhaps with a launch around Summer Game Fest on 5 June 2026.

The gap between FH5 and FH6 will be the longest to date, compared to the 2-3-year cycles we’ve seen previously.

It was a similar story for Forza Motorsport, which finally arrived in October 2023 after multiple delays. These extended timelines are becoming the new normal for Microsoft’s biggest franchises.

If FH6 arrives in the first half of 2026 (as per NateTheHate), this will also be unusual, since Horizon games typically launch in the fall. Many are speculating it’s to avoid GTA’s planned November release date.

Past Forza Horizon release date cycles:

• Forza Horizon – October 2012 (Announced May 2012)
• Forza Horizon 2 – September 2014 (Announced May 2014)
• Forza Horizon 3 – September 2016 (Announced June 2016)
• Forza Horizon 4 – September 2018 (Announced June 2018)
• Forza Horizon 5 – November 2021 (Announced June 2021)
• Forza Horizon 6 – 2026 (Rumors are saying ‘Early 2026’)

PC release date

Forza Horizon 6 will launch simultaneously on PC and Xbox Series X|S in 2026.

While high-end PCs can potentially surpass the Xbox Series X’s performance, the significant cost difference makes console gaming an attractive option for most players.

Game Pass release date (Xbox Cloud Gaming)

Following Forza Horizon 5’s record-breaking Game Pass launch, the trailer revealed that Forza Horizon 6 will also be available on Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Play Anywhere.

Will Forza Horizon 6 be on PS4/PS5?

Forza Horizon 6 will remain exclusive to Xbox and PC at launch, despite Horizon 5’s PlayStation release.

In the press release, Xbox confirmed “Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios are also working together to bring Forza Horizon 6 to PlayStation 5 post-launch.”

The PlayStation version of FH5 arrived in April 2025, around 3.5 years after its Xbox debut, a move that surprised many, given Microsoft’s previous stance on exclusivity.

There is no last-gen support for FH6, so it will not arrive on PlayStation 4.

Xbox One release date

There will be no Xbox One release for FH6. Fans will need to upgrade to a Series X|S console or ensure their PC meets the minimum requirements.

As with the PlayStation 4, the aging console’s technical limitations make it increasingly difficult to deliver modern gaming experiences, especially in large, open-world games.

Nintendo Switch 2 release date

There is no official confirmation that Forza Horizon 6 will arrive on the Switch 2, despite many fans requesting this.

After many questions, NateTheHate also confirmed, “I have not heard of a SW2 version at this time.” on November 28, 2025:

Given that Nate is typically well-informed, it’s unlikely to arrive anytime soon, if at all.

Forza Horizon 6 location

After years of speculation and requests, it has finally been confirmed – we’re heading to the land of the rising sun!

Xbox exec Matt Booty confirmed, “This has been the most-requested location since the very first game and we can’t wait to share more next year.”

In the Forza Horizon franchise, we’ve already been treated to the following locations:

• Forza Horizon – Colorado, USA
• Forza Horizon 2 – Southern France and Northern Italy
• Forza Horizon 3 – Australia
• Forza Horizon 4 – England and Scotland (U.K.)
• Forza Horizon 5 – Mexico
• Forza Horizon 6 – Japan

Here’s some fan art showing how the Japan map could potentially look:

While the Horizon Festival has given us some awesome destinations, Japan is the holy grail for drifters – it’s where our beloved sport was born and perfected.

We hope we’ll soon get the chance to shred through the winding mountain passes of Hakone or Irohazaka, recreating those Initial D moments we’ve all dreamed about.

The closest we’ve got to a true touge experience in Forza is the legendary Fujimi Kaido track. Given that it had been absent from the series for so long, fans had given up on it returning.

In March 2025, Turn 10 finally announced Fujimi’s return (which arrived in May) in a huge nod to touge fans.

As you can imagine, this only added more fuel to the fire with the Japan speculations (which eventually came true). Considering Fujimi was rebuilt from the ground up, it’s left fans excited about what else to expect.

Alongside the mountain roads, there’s also the potential for epic urban drifting in Tokyo’s neon-lit streets. We’ll be in for a treat with legendary JDM manufacturers like Nissan, Toyota, and Honda calling Japan home.

Until recently, Japan remained largely unexplored in major racing games despite its rich automotive culture.

While iconic tracks like Suzuka appear in F1 games, and Gran Turismo 7 features Suzuka and a fictional Tokyo Expressway, the country’s varied landscapes and urban environments are underrepresented.

This gap presents a unique opportunity for Forza Horizon 6 to showcase Japan’s varied regions, from bustling cityscapes to tight, twisty touge mountain passes.

While the wait for FH6 continues, other drift games give you a taste of what could be expected from the Japan setting.

JDM: Japanese Drift Master offers over 250 kilometers of diverse Japanese roads across its fictional Guntama prefecture.

After initial delays, JDM arrived in May 2025, featuring an open-world map that allows drivers to explore tourist areas, traditional towns, and touge roads inspired by real Japanese locations.

Another offering is CarX Drift Racing 3, which lets you drift across vast areas and famous locations, including the entire Ebisu Complex, and the legendary Kami Road returns. It will also be available on PC and console shortly, under a new name, CarX Drift Racing Online 2.

Another game from the same team, CarX Street, also offers players an awesome alternative open-world drifting experience.

For now, this fan-made trailer gives you an idea of how Japan might look when it finally arrives in FH6:

Before Japan was confirmed, fans were speculating about other possibilities, which may still be considered for future Horizon games.

Germany

Once a strong rumor for FH6, Germany offers a European setting with a rich automotive heritage. Players could race through scenic landscapes featuring castles, autobahns, and the Black Forest.

The country’s varied terrain would provide excellent opportunities for street racing and rally-style events. Germany’s car culture, home to brands like Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, would naturally fit the Horizon Festival theme.

However, given that Assetto Corsa EVO will offer a free-roam Germany setting, most fans weren’t too excited about the idea.

Egypt

Many felt Egypt would offer a unique environment for the series. It could potentially feature races around ancient pyramids, along the Nile River, and through bustling modern cities like Cairo.

The contrast between desert landscapes and lush river valleys would create unique driving experiences, and iconic landmarks could serve as spectacular backdrops for showcase events and challenges.

China

Another interesting one was China, where the vast and varied landscape would provide an expansive playground. You’d potentially get to race along (and crash into) the Great Wall, through futuristic cityscapes like Shanghai, and across rural rice paddies.

China’s sheer variety, ranging from mountains to coastlines, offers a wide range of opportunities. Pair that with the growing car culture and the mix of ancient and modern architecture, and you have a visually stunning and culturally rich setting for the Horizon Festival.

We wouldn’t be opposed to this idea for FH7, though back-to-back Asian settings are unlikely.

News and rumors before the official announcement

The official confirmation for Forza Horizon 6 followed after months of increasingly likely leaks and rumors.

A deleted social media post from Australian importers ‘Cult & Classic’ showed the Horizon team scanning a Japanese kei car. This leak (understandably) provided more optimism than ever for Japan.

Days later, well-known leaker, NateTheHate2, dropped the following tweet on August 24, 2025, stating that Xbox will “announce Forza Horizon 6 at this year’s Tokyo Game Show”, along with “the game’s setting is Japan”.

Both these rumors later came true, earning NateTheHate a lot of credibility among Horizon fans.

What fans want to see in Forza Horizon 6

After being the largest launch in Xbox history, Forza Horizon 5 won over the majority, surpassing 10 million players in just its first week of release.

It remains very active today, with over 50 million players as of August 2025, thanks to its PlayStation release, which also made it the top-selling PS5 game of 2025.

However, a lack of updates following the release left fans hoping that Playground Games was preparing for something even bigger than the PlayStation launch.

There was a big shake-up when Mike Brown, the Creative Director of Forza Horizon 5, left Playground Games in 2023 to found Maverick Games. Several other veterans also left alongside him.

While many were initially disappointed by the news, it has left fans hopeful of a new direction for Horizon 6. A fresh start could be the perfect opportunity to provide more meaningful gameplay and could open up many exciting possibilities.

Many fans feel that carrying over the progress from Horizon 4 was convenient for FH5 gamers. However, it meant the game lacked any real progression for hardcore fans to work towards.

Rather than having everything handed on a plate, having to go back to the grind of experiencing the excitement of unlocking your favorite cars could make the game much more exciting.

New features & challenges

We’d love to see a proper progression system that starts with slower cars and improves race variety to enhance the gameplay experience. Maybe even licenses as we used to enjoy in the OG first-edition Gran Turismo games. (I guess we’re showing our age here!)

It’d also be great to see more race types seamlessly integrated into the map, offering a wider range of challenges and experiences. There’s also a desire for better-designed roads that create more engaging, natural racing environments, moving away from the awkwardly placed races seen in previous titles.

Additionally, the idea of separate maps for different game modes, such as the Eliminator, has gained traction among fans. This approach could provide tailored experiences for specific game types, potentially offering more immersive, focused gameplay in each mode.

While Horizon 5 is undoubtedly a great game, we’re sure you’ll agree that the features and challenges lack the exciting feeling the previous Horizons had.

In-game content

Forza Horizon 6 fans hope for a larger, more diverse map offering various environments. Moving exclusively to next-gen consoles and high-end PCs would make it far easier for Playground Games to increase map size substantially.

If we could explore the cities and the touge mountain roads of the Japanese countryside, it’d be a dream come true for many enthusiasts.

Another exciting addition could be an in-game airport, allowing players to “fly” to famous real-world circuits, as seen in Forza Motorsport. This would expand the game’s scope beyond a single location, offering more variety.

With incredible advances in AI since Forza Horizon 5’s release, we hope to see improvements across the board.

Graphical enhancements

While this is pretty much a given, we’d rather see the team focus on the game’s content and physics. Sure, it’s always great to see shiny new visuals, but we all know that the appeal only lasts so long.

Fans hope for enhanced realism through full animation of car controls. This includes visible interactions with the horn, handbrake, clutch, and other vehicle components that have previously been missing, adding a new layer of immersion to the game.

Improved in-game customization

Many eagerly anticipate enhanced customization options, allowing them to truly personalize their vehicles with more in-depth customization, including a wider range of visual mods and body kits.

It would also be great to see improved rim customization, with the ability to upgrade individual wheels, potentially allowing for different front and rear rims, as seen on missile drift cars or pros running out of tires.

Another great feature would be aero options that are visually compatible with different car models, moving away from the boring one-size-fits-all approach of previous games.

A wildcard request would be to hitch a trailer or caravan to your ride. Imagine how awesome that would be while throwing it down sideways on the touge!

Will Horizon Festival Return for Horizon 6?

We will likely get some form of the Horizon Festival for FH6. After all, the festivals have been an integral part of the series for almost a decade now, and it will be a huge risk to drop them.

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Forza Horizon 6 expected car list

The Forza Horizon 5 Car List didn’t disappoint. At launch, it offered over 530 cars, and with the many updates that followed, the tally is now almost 900! We expect the same story with Horizon 6.

We hope that the new game can incorporate new models from Forza Motorsport. Ideally, the update will feature an expanded selection of unique and rare JDM drift and race cars to represent the local automotive culture.

Fans hope for an even more extensive selection of rare and iconic Japanese vehicles, with a lineup that focuses on different car brands rather than multiple variants of the same model.

It’ll also be great to see unique JDM options like Kei cars and trucks, which are extremely likely following the early Suzuki Every scanning leak.

For example, the quirky Toyota Hiace van has gone down well with Gran Turismo 7 fans in the recent update.

To address previous criticisms, the developers should also aim to retain popular cars from earlier series entries.

Recent additions to the Forza Horizon 5 car list had fans talking about the significantly higher number of new JDM cars than in any other region.

There was also a huge Japanese car rim update from legendary manufacturers like 5Zigen, Advan, Enkei, and Gram Lights, significantly expanding the customization options, as many requested.

Here are some of the JDM cars we’ve seen added recently:

• 1991 Toyota Chaser GT Twin Turbo
• 1991 Toyota Sera
• 1992 Mitsubishi Galant VR-4
• 1993 Autozam AZ-1
• 1995 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution III GSR
• 1995 Toyota MR2 GT
• 1996 Subaru SVX
• 1997 Mitsubishi Montero
• 1997 Nissan Stagea RS Four V
• 1997 Toyota Soarer 2.5 GT-T
• 1998 Mitsubishi FTO GP Version R
• 2022 Subaru WRX
• 2023 Nissan Z

The most surprising recent minor DLC announcement is the ‘Nissan Retro Rides Car Pack,’ bringing the following cars, even some of the most die-hard Nissan fans wouldn’t be able to identify:

• 1987 Nissan Be-1
• 1991 Nissan Figaro
• 1989 Nissan Pao
• 1989 Nissan S-Cargo

These ‘Pike’ cars certainly aren’t the typical JDM cars players would’ve requested. It’s likely they were laying the groundwork for the ‘everyday’ vehicles we’ll see scattered around Japan.

While you wait for more info on Horizon 6, why not check out the fastest drag car in Forza Horizon 5 and practice your drag racing skills before the new game drops?

Is there a new Forza Horizon 6 competitor?

Forza Horizon 6 faces competition from not one, but two studios founded by former leaders of the Forza Horizon team.

Both Lighthouse Games and Maverick Games launched in 2022, each taking a different approach to challenging the franchises they helped create.

Lighthouse Games

Founded by Gavin Raeburn (co-founder of Playground Games), Lighthouse Games is developing a “disruptive” driving game explicitly designed to compete with Horizon.

Raeburn states, “That’s the game we have to beat”, and emphasizes they’re not copying Horizon’s formula: “If I wanted to build Horizon 6, 7 and 8, I would have stayed at Playground”.

The studio employs 130 staff, including many from Playground Games and Codemasters, along with backing from Tencent.

Maverick Games

At the same time, Maverick Games, led by Mike Brown (the former creative director of Forza Horizon 5), is planning a “narrative-led, open-world driving game” to be published by Amazon Games.

Expected to arrive on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S, the project also features lead writer Jamie Brittain (co-creator of the BAFTA-winning UK TV show, “Skins”) and more than 60 employees, including several senior Forza Horizon veterans.

Needless to say, Horizon will soon be facing the most competition it’s ever experienced, forcing Playground Games to prove itself against the very people who built the franchise.

With this, alongside the likes of CarX and JDM: Japanese Drift Master also diving into open-world drifting games, the future certainly looks exciting!

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Forza Horizon 6 Release Date FAQs

This answers your questions about the upcoming newest addition to the Forza Horizon series and the FH6 release date.

Photography credits

We thank the following entities for the use of their photography in this article:

Jamie Wynder
Chireece Gaming
Static 207
Static 207
Bhautik Joshi
Ericship 111
Pietro Donzelli