Forza Horizon 6 hands-on: Japan sets the stage for a stunning new entry

Forza Horizon 6 is heading to Japan, and based on a hands-on preview published by Game Informer, it looks like Playground Games has another serious contender on its hands. The sixth mainline entry in the Horizon series is set to launch May 19, 2026 on Xbox Series X/S and PC, with a PlayStation 5 version also slated for sometime in 2026.

This marks a significant moment for the franchise - the Japan setting gives Playground a visually rich backdrop that fans have been speculating about for years. The country's mix of dense urban environments, winding mountain passes, and dramatic coastlines is tailor-made for the kind of open-world racing the Horizon series does better than anyone.

A new platform, a new audience

The PlayStation 5 release is arguably the bigger headline here. The Horizon series has historically been an Xbox and PC exclusive, so bringing the franchise to Sony's platform opens Forza up to an entirely new player base. It's a continuation of Microsoft's ongoing strategy to expand its first-party titles beyond the Xbox ecosystem.

Game Informer's hands-on impressions note that the series' signature formula - expansive vehicle roster, tight driving mechanics, and spectacular open-world presentation - appears to be firmly intact. For context, the reviewer describes Forza Horizon 5 as their all-time favorite racing game since its 2021 launch, which sets a high bar for this follow-up.

What to expect

The Japan setting gives Playground's art team a lot to work with. From neon-lit city circuits to the iconic switchbacks of mountain roads, the location feels like a natural evolution for a series that has previously toured Mexico, Britain, and Australia. The franchise has always treated its setting as a character in itself, and Japan seems poised to deliver on that tradition in a big way.

With a May 2026 release window locked in for Xbox Series X/S and PC, Forza Horizon 6 is shaping up to be one of the bigger racing releases of next year. Keep an eye out for more details as Playground Games ramps up coverage ahead of launch.