The first real Forza Horizon 6 gameplay reveal was shown at Xbox Developer Direct 2026, giving fans their clearest look yet at the game’s Japan open world, including scenery inspired by Mount Fuji.
The presentation also revealed some new modes and features that weren’t shown in the earlier cinematic trailers. If anyone needed proof that this is a true step forward for the Horizon series, not just a new map, this gameplay segment made that very clear.
Quick Facts about Forza Horizon 6
Before jumping into the details, here are the key quick facts you should know, giving you a fast overview:
- Where revealed: Xbox Developer Direct 2026 (January 22, 2026)
- What we got: first gameplay footage and showcase trailer
- Core setting: Japan (open-world Horizon Festival route)
- Launch time: Xbox/PC first, PS5 later 2026 (post-launch window)
- Developers: Playground Games (with support from Turn 10 Studios)
What You Can See In The Gameplay Reveal
The gameplay trailer shows several obvious things that you can notice right away:
- A big open world set in Japan, with cities, forests, coastlines, and mountain roads, including shots that look inspired by Mount Fuji.
- Very detailed lighting and weather, like bright sunlight, fog, rain, and nighttime reflections, plus lots of small environmental details.
- Quick cuts showing many car classes driving across different environments: from city streets to scenic routes to off-road terrain.
- Small hints of new modes teased, cars, or features, though not fully explained yet.
- The Horizon Festival in full style: crowds, stages, fireworks, and the series’ usual “huge party” vibe.
Japan Setting
Japan fits the Horizon series well because it packs many road types into a small area. Mountain passes, coastal routes, and stretches that move naturally from countryside to more built‑up spaces match the game’s focus on varied driving. The reveal already hints at this range, with quick shifts in elevation, scenery, and road style.
It also has a strong car culture, which supports Horizon’s celebration of different kinds of vehicles. Street‑tuned cars, performance icons, and everyday favourites all feel at home in a festival setting. Japan’s natural and cultural landmarks add clear visual points of interest, making exploration and photo moments feel really rewarding.
Together, these elements support what Horizon does best:
- free roaming
- striking scenery
- smooth transitions between different driving styles
How It Compares to FH5
This first gameplay reveal shows several elements that still feel true to the Horizon series:
- Shiny, detailed graphics with strong lighting, weather effects, and rich environments.
- The familiar festival vibe, with crowds, stages, and big, energetic moments.
- A large open world built for exploring many different kinds of roads.
- Lots of different cars shown quickly, keeping the series’ usual variety.
There are also things that seem to be potentially new:
- Short hints of new modes, features, or systems, but nothing fully explained yet.
- Small signs that the progression loop or event structure might change, though it’s not confirmed.
More details will come once the developers share a deeper breakdown and store pages list everything clearly.
Release Timing Recap
The gameplay reveal also matches the release plan: the game is coming first to Xbox Series X|S and PC, with coverage confirming a May launch window. The PS5 version will arrive later in 2026, so PlayStation players can see the gameplay now but will need to wait longer before they can play it.
What To Watch For Next
Looking ahead, there are a few key details you should be paying close attention to:
- A full feature list, including modes, progression loop, online festival changes.
- Car list highlights and any talk about new handling or physics updates.
- PC system requirements and performance targets (console modes, FPS options).
- An edition breakdown and what early access includes (plus whether PS5 will follow the same structure later).
FAQ
- Where was the gameplay revealed? – Xbox Developer Direct 2026 on January 22, 2026.
- Where is the game set? – In Japan.
- Is it coming to PS5? – Yes, but later in 2026, not at the same time as Xbox/PC.
- Is this the first real gameplay shown? – Yes, this Developer Direct featured the first major public gameplay showcase.