Forza Horizon 6 Release Window, Platforms (Including PS5), Setting, And Everything Else We Know

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At Tokyo Game Show 2025, Xbox revealed the next installment in the Forza Horizon series: Forza Horizon 6. As many fans predicted, the game takes place in Japan and will be available in 2026 on Xbox Series X|S and PC, with a PlayStation 5 version coming at a later date. While it’s still early in development, here’s a rundown of what’s been announced about the game so far.

When will Forza Horizon 6 be released?

The highly anticipated Forza Horizon 6 is scheduled for release in 2026. While an exact date isn’t available yet, players can already add it to their wishlist.

Forza Horizon 6 platforms

The next Forza Horizon game, Forza Horizon 6, is being created for Xbox Series X|S and PC, and will be released on PlayStation 5 after its initial launch. Microsoft recently revealed that Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is also coming to PS5. These releases are part of Microsoft’s plan to earn more revenue by publishing its popular games on platforms that compete with Xbox. According to reports, Microsoft might release all of its major titles on PlayStation 5.

Will Forza Horizon 6 be on Game Pass?

The latest installment, Forza Horizon 6, is developed by Xbox Game Studios and will be immediately accessible to Xbox Game Pass subscribers on both consoles and PCs when it releases.

Forza Horizon 6 setting

The Forza Horizon series is known for its beautiful and diverse locations – players have already raced through France, Italy, Mexico, Australia, and Great Britain. Fans have been eagerly wondering where the next game would take them, and the answer is Japan. According to Playground Games, Japan is an ideal setting because of its distinctive culture, especially when it comes to cars, music, and fashion. The developers also confirmed that many players specifically requested a Japan-based game.

To make sure the details in Forza Horizon 6 were accurate, Microsoft collaborated with cultural consultant Kyoko Yamashita. Yamashita explained, “What I love about Japan is how old and new exist side-by-side – you can find a traditional shrine next to a small workshop and a bright arcade, all on the same street. Japan offers so much inspiration, and its unique blend of tradition and modernity felt perfect for this game.”

The first trailer for Forza Horizon 6 featured Mount Fuji, leaving fans wondering what other locations the game will include. Microsoft hasn’t revealed everything yet, but they’ve confirmed that the game will showcase both the beautiful countryside and bustling cities of Japan.

Playground Games believes players will be amazed by the open-world Japan they’ve created, ranging from the vibrant, detailed cityscapes of Tokyo to the peaceful beauty of the countryside and mountains.

Yamashita was brought on board by Microsoft as a creative consultant, partly because he believed Japan is often misunderstood by those who don’t experience it directly, as he explained.

The team aimed to create a fully realized and believable world, not just a superficial one. Yamashita explained that bringing in a cultural consultant from the start allows for countless thoughtful and respectful details – from the sounds of different areas to the meaning of colors on signs. These seemingly minor choices build authenticity, prevent harmful stereotypes, and ultimately make the game world feel truly immersive for players.

When creating the game, we focused on genuinely recreating the experience, rather than just ticking off a list of authentic details. I’ve been involved in every creative decision – from the story and artwork to the sound design – constantly asking questions like, ‘What’s the atmosphere of this place as evening falls in late summer?’ or ‘What sound best captures the feeling of this moment – city noise or a train announcement?’

Japanese car culture

Japan has a long history of car culture, and Forza Horizon 6 aims to reflect that.

Yamashita noted the incredible variety and depth of Japanese car culture. From beloved small ‘Kei’ cars and vans to high-level racing, the origins of drifting, and a strong focus on personalization, it’s a uniquely engaging hobby. He wants to capture that feeling of inclusivity, where both newcomers and experts can find something to enjoy, in the game he’s creating.

Changing seasons

Like previous Forza Horizon games, Forza Horizon 6 will be an open-world experience with realistic changing seasons.

Japan is famous for its stunning seasonal transformations – from hot summers and snowy winters to the breathtaking cherry blossom season, when the country is covered in delicate pink blooms, Microsoft noted.

Playground Games explained that the changing seasons in Forza Horizon 6 will significantly alter the game’s environment and how you experience it.

Yamashita explained that the team created a system where the game world feels like it’s genuinely affected by the seasons-with changes in lighting, activity, and sound reflecting spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The team also focused on small details, like realistic background sounds-such as train station announcements or wind chimes-to create a sense of place without needing explanations. These subtle touches, they believe, add a lot to the experience.

Gameplay

The first trailer for Forza Horizon 6 was very short and didn’t show any actual gameplay. Microsoft has announced that we’ll get to see gameplay footage in early 2026.

What about the Forza Motorsport series?

The latest Forza Motorsport game was released in 2023 by Turn 10 Studios. While no new Forza Motorsport titles have been announced, the studio recently experienced significant layoffs due to cuts at Microsoft. Some former developers believe this could mean the end of the Forza Motorsport series. However, Turn 10 isn’t closing down completely. Microsoft has confirmed that they are helping to bring Forza Horizon 6 to the PlayStation 5, alongside its release on other platforms.

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2025-09-25 16:10