Love racing games and have a long-standing dream of buying a racing simulator? Then, my friend, it’s the best time to invest in one, as the cult hit Forza franchise is coming back with a new game to your screens. Developed by Playground Games with support from Turn 10 Studios, “Forza Horizon 6” is set to release on May 19, 2026.
Contemplated as one of the best racing games out there, Forza Horizon 6 might surpass its predecessors and other games like F1 25, Assetto Corsa Evo, and many more due to exceptional realism, 550+ cars, and a map five times the size of any city. In fact, to have more chaos, the narrative is set in Japan!
What a godly combination, as soon as I hear cars and Japan, my heart goes racing for JDMs! Yeah, you heard me right, we’ll rock the stage with legendary JDM cars such as the Subaru WRX TR, Mazda RX-9, and the most goated Honda Civic Type R.
Forza Horizon 5 vs Forza Horizon 6 : Mainstream Changes
Although the narrative has captured many eyes with sky-high anticipation, some still question the core changes that occurred in Forza Horizon 6 and its predecessor, Forza Horizon 5.
Here are some of the major changes going to happen in Forza Horizon 6 :
Set in Japan, FH6 makes history as the map is way larger compared to the Mexico map in FH5.
Forza Horizon 6 introduces Collector’s Journal and brings back a linear and challenging, rank-based wristband progression system.
Moreover, FH6 brings new content like drag/drift racing in its open-world sandbox.
While both feature stunning visuals with breathtaking graphics, FH6 showcases new tracks like snow canyons, which will surely captivate the player's heart.
The game will offer proper story progression, car meets, full wheel rotation, new customization, and improved car sounds.
Last but not least, we are getting garages and buildable areas to customize cars on free will.
Forza Horizon 6 : A Storyline Beyond Realism
Developed by Playground Games and directed by Torben Ellert and his companions, the game is a standalone open-world racing game set to release in Japan, marking the studio’s first ever appearance in this goated country.
From designing your car fully with anime decals and vinyls to entering the underground drift competition, this game might become an epitome for other open-world racing games.
But this time, you’ll enter this hyper-realistic world of Forza as a tourist with a long-lost dream! (It feels as if you are living the game). Unlike its predecessors, where you start your racing career in an already established Horizon Fest. This time, you wander as a tourist with a dream to qualify and compete in the iconic Horizon Fest.
Forza Horizon 6 Gameplay Teaser Explained
Right off the bat, fans can witness the gameplay teaser trailer revealed by the official page of Forza on YouTube in January 2026.
Delving deep into the teaser trailer, The scenario booms with adrenaline as we witness some of the most iconic creations ever made by humankind. The teaser kicks off with a trail of cars drifting under the stunning visuals of cherry blossom (Just imagining my hand on the racing sim and driving my favourite customization sends shivers down my spine).
Coming back to the teaser, cars like Lamborghini Essenza SCV12, Toyota GR GT, showcase their beast mode on the tracks of Japan. Lastly, the teaser completes its aura farming by depicting hypercars racing beside the Shinkansen, before the majestic view of Mount Fuji. Buckle up, as pre-registrations are now open on various platforms such as XBox series X/S, Xbox Cloud, Steam, and Epic Games Store.
On pre-registring players will be awarded with up to 4 days early access and more benefits like a car pass, VIP membership in its premium edition. On pre order bonus, fans will also get a pre-tuned Ferrari J50.