Microsoft and Playground Games have officially announced Forza Horizon 6, set to launch in 2026. The game will debut on Xbox Series X|S and PC (via Microsoft Store and Steam), with a PlayStation 5 release planned for a later window. U.S. players can enjoy day-one access on Xbox Game Pass, making it easy to jump into the open-world racing experience from launch.

Japan: A Long-Awaited Setting

For the first time, the Horizon Festival heads to Japan, blending neon-lit Tokyo streets with rural mountain roads and scenic countryside. Players can expect multilayered expressways, tight city alleys, and iconic routes inspired by Mount Fuji and cherry blossom valleys. Playground Games describes Tokyo’s elevated highways as some of the series’ most intricate urban environments yet, designed for high-speed cruising, night-time car meets, and street racing.

Release Window and Platforms

Forza Horizon 6 is scheduled for a 2026 release on:

• Xbox Series X|S
• Windows PC (Microsoft Store and Steam)
• Xbox Cloud Gaming

A PlayStation 5 version will follow after the initial launch, aligning with Microsoft’s multi-platform approach. Fans can wishlist the game on store platforms, with more detailed gameplay and technical updates expected in early 2026.

What We Know So Far

The Tokyo Game Show reveal featured a cinematic teaser showing past Horizon locales before transitioning to Mount Fuji and sakura landscapes, confirming Japan as the new setting. Playground Games has confirmed that seasonal weather will return, with dynamic conditions shaping driving experiences across spring, summer, and winter. Japanese car culture staples like kei cars, drift-friendly machines, and tunable performance vehicles are expected to play a central role.

Features to Expect

• Dynamic Seasons: Weekly changes in weather from cherry blossoms in spring to snow in winter will affect driving conditions and event rotations.
• Car Culture: A mix of JDM classics, modern sports cars, and tuner-friendly vehicles will likely be available, supporting photo mode, liveries, and community events.
• Open-World Variety: Japan’s urban and rural landscapes offer diverse routes for racing, exploration, and festival activities.

Considerations for U.S. Players

Day-one Game Pass access ensures broad availability for U.S. players, with cloud streaming allowing quick play sessions without large downloads. Cross-save and cross-play are expected to continue, making it simple to join friends on cruises, convoys, and festival playlists across Xbox and PC.

FAQs

Is Forza Horizon 6 confirmed?
Yes, officially announced during Tokyo Game Show 2025 with a 2026 release window.

Where is the game set?
Japan, featuring Tokyo, rural regions, and Mount Fuji-inspired areas.

What platforms will it launch on?
Xbox Series X|S and PC in 2026, with a PlayStation 5 version following later.

Will it be on Game Pass?
Yes, available day one for U.S. console and PC players.

Is gameplay available yet?
Not yet; more details are expected in early 2026.

Bottom Line

Forza Horizon 6 brings one of the most-requested settings to life, offering a Japan map that combines Tokyo’s towering cityscapes, neon nightlife, and tight alleyways with mountain passes and scenic countryside drives. With dynamic seasonal changes, a strong focus on car culture, and day-one Game Pass availability for Xbox and PC, the game promises one of the most ambitious and immersive Horizon experiences to date, with a PS5 release to follow post-launch.