Microsoft officially unveiled Forza Horizon 6 during its Tokyo Game Show 2025 showcase, confirming one of the most anticipated developments in the racing franchise. The new installment will be set in Japan and is scheduled to release in 2026 for Xbox Series X|S and PC, with a PlayStation 5 version arriving later. The announcement marks a significant step in Microsoft’s push to expand its flagship titles onto rival platforms, following a similar move with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 on PS5.
While no exact launch date has been shared, the game is already available for wishlisting. As expected of an Xbox Game Studios title, Forza Horizon 6 will debut on Game Pass for both console and PC when it arrives.
Japan as the new setting has long been requested by fans, and Playground Games says it is the perfect fit given the country’s deep car culture and vibrant mix of tradition and modernity. The development team worked with cultural consultant Kyoko Yamashita to ensure the setting avoids stereotypes and feels authentically lived-in. “We wanted more than a postcard backdrop—we wanted to capture everyday details, from station chimes to seasonal changes,” Yamashita explained.
Forza Horizon 6: What’s in store
The teaser trailer revealed glimpses of Mount Fuji and Tokyo’s neon-lit streets, hinting at the variety of landscapes players will explore. Playground Games promises highly detailed urban environments alongside serene rural and mountain regions, creating what it describes as its most layered open world yet. Seasonal changes will also play a central role, with Japan’s iconic cherry blossom season, sweltering summers, and snowy winters dramatically altering the gameplay environment.
Japanese car culture will be a major focus, celebrating everything from drifting and motorsport precision to the country’s famous customization scene. According to Yamashita, this diversity aligns with Horizon’s goal of creating a world welcoming to all levels of automotive passion.
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Gameplay footage has yet to be revealed, though Microsoft confirmed that fans can expect a first look in early 2026. Meanwhile, developer Turn 10 Studios, best known for the Forza Motorsport series, will assist in adapting Forza Horizon 6 for PlayStation 5, even as speculation grows about the Motorsport series’ uncertain future.
With its striking new setting, cultural depth, and commitment to authenticity, Forza Horizon 6 looks set to deliver one of the franchise’s most ambitious open-world racing experiences yet.
