Big news for racing fans – Forza Horizon 6 has just been revealed by Playground Games, and it’s set to launch in 2026. This time, the Horizon Festival is heading to Japan, a dream location for car lovers.
Players can look forward to the thrill of touge racing through winding mountain roads, the excitement of drifting culture, and a celebration of Japan’s unique and vibrant car heritage. With all this, Forza Horizon 6 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting entries in the series.
Big Reveal
Playground Games has officially announced Forza Horizon 6, with a reveal trailer that confirmed the game will launch in 2026. The trailer showed the new setting of Japan, a location long requested by fans of the series. The short video gave a first look at the landscapes, city streets, and mountain roads that will shape the next Horizon Festival.
The Studio Behind Forza
The Forza franchise is the result of two talented studios working together. Turn 10 Studios, founded in 2001, created the original Forza Motorsport series, which focused on realistic racing and detailed car simulations. Later, Playground Games joined the franchise with the Forza Horizon series, introducing a new style of open world racing with a festival atmosphere and greater freedom to explore. Together, these studios have built one of the most successful and respected racing game brands in the world.
Why Japan Matters
Fans have been asking for Japan as a setting for years, and now their dream is finally becoming reality. The country is famous for its drifting culture, touge mountain racing, and legendary cars such as the Mazda RX-7, Toyota Supra, and Nissan Skyline. Its landscapes – from neon-lit cities to peaceful cherry blossom roads – make it a visually stunning stage for the Horizon Festival. This setting is not only beautiful but also deeply connected to the history of car culture, making it a natural fit for Forza Horizon 6.
The choice of Japan goes far beyond simple fan service. Japanese car culture, including its vibrant tuner culture, has influenced racing games, movies, and car enthusiasts across the globe. From the worldwide popularity of drifting competitions to the lasting love for Japanese sports cars, this culture resonates far beyond Japan’s borders. By placing Forza Horizon 6 in this environment, Playground Games is tapping into a cultural icon that both gamers and car lovers can instantly connect with, making the game feel authentic, globally relevant, and truly exciting.
Standout Features
One of the most striking moments in the reveal trailer showed an RX-7 drifting under cherry blossoms, a scene that perfectly blends Japanese tradition with car culture. Alongside these visuals, Playground Games confirmed that Forza Horizon 6 will be available on Xbox Game Pass from day one, making it easy for players to jump straight in.
Even more importantly, for the first time in the series, the game will launch not only on Xbox and PC but also on PlayStation 5. This cross-platform release is a major step that could expand the Horizon community like never before. By welcoming PlayStation players, millions of new fans will be able to join the festival, leading to bigger online events, more active servers, and a stronger global racing community.
Expectations for Gameplay
Fans are already speculating about what new features Forza Horizon 6 will bring. Players expect a wide range of new cars, from classic Japanese models to modern supercars. The map design is also a big talking point. Previous entries took us to Colorado, France, Australia, the UK, and Mexico, each with its own style. Japan’s mix of neon-lit cities, mountain passes, and countryside roads could make this the most diverse and exciting map yet.
Looking Ahead
With its unique setting, cultural depth, and expanded platform availability, Forza Horizon 6 is shaping up to be a milestone for the franchise. The combination of Japanese car heritage, new gameplay opportunities, and stunning visuals has raised expectations sky-high. Players around the world are now waiting to see how Playground Games will deliver on this ambitious vision.
Conclusion
Forza Horizon 6 is more than just another sequel – it’s the game fans have been waiting for. Set in Japan, it combines stunning scenery, legendary cars, and the spirit of drifting and tuner culture into one unforgettable ride. With cross‑platform play and Xbox Game Pass, the community is ready to grow bigger than ever. The countdown to 2026 has begun, and all signs point to the most exciting chapter in open world racing yet.
Source:
- https://forza.net/news/forza-horizon-6-reveal