Forza Horizon 6 Gameplay Revealed at Xbox Developer Direct 2026

Image via Playground Games

The first official gameplay for Forza Horizon 6 is finally here, and Playground Games is taking the series to a setting fans have been asking for years — Japan.

Revealed during the Xbox Developer Direct 2026, the gameplay showcase gave players a closer look at what’s coming next. The presentation confirmed several long-rumored details, including the release date, a new progression system, and what is shaping up to be the biggest and most detailed open world in the series so far.

Forza Horizon 6 Release Date and Early Access

Playground Games confirmed that Forza Horizon 6 launches on May 19, 2026. Players who pick up the Premium Edition will get early access starting May 15. The game will release first on Xbox Series X|S and PC, with a PlayStation 5 version planned for later in 2026.

Forza Horizon 6 Gameplay: A Fresh Start in Japan

This time, Forza Horizon 6 changes how the journey begins. Instead of jumping straight into the Horizon Festival, players start out as a tourist exploring Japan, working their way up to earn a place in the festival.

To qualify for the festival, players must complete races, Showcases, and a new obstacle-based mode called Horizon Rush. Progression is tied to the familiar wristband system, with each upgrade unlocking faster cars, tougher challenges, and new regions. Reaching the Gold Wristband opens access to Legend Island, an endgame area filled with elite events.

The open world is the most ambitious Playground Games has ever built. Set in Japan, the map blends mountain roads, quiet suburbs, industrial docklands, and a massive Tokyo city area packed with neon streets, shortcuts, and vertical design. Rather than copying real roads exactly, the developers focused on capturing the feel of driving in Japan.

Image via Playground Games

New features include Touge races on narrow mountain passes, Car Meets inspired by real-life gatherings like Daikoku, and The Estate, a large customizable property where players can build tracks, garages, or social spaces using in-game credits.

At launch, Forza Horizon 6 will feature over 550 cars, including fan-favorite JDM classics, modern supercars, and rare aftermarket vehicles that can be discovered and purchased across the map.

Car Meets, Customization, and The Estate

Forza Horizon 6 adds Car Meets, where players can gather at locations like the Horizon Festival, Okuibuki parking area, and the famous Daikoku meet. These spots let players show off their cars, download community designs, and even buy versions of cars they like.

Image via Playground Games

Player housing returns with eight purchasable homes, but the biggest addition is The Estate. This large customizable property in rural Japan allows players to build garages, tracks, or hangout spaces using in-game credits, with the freedom to remove and change builds at any time.

Multiplayer and Creative Modes

The game supports solo and co-op play, letting friends progress through the campaign together. EventLab also returns, along with Horizon CoLab, giving players more ways to create and share custom events and experiences.

Forza Horizon 6 With New Improvements

Forza Horizon 6 looks and feels like classic Horizon, but everything is more detailed and alive. Improved visuals, better engine sounds, and smoother steering make driving feel more immersive than ever.

The first gameplay reveal shows that Forza Horizon 6 is the most ambitious entry in the series so far. With its Japan setting, deeper progression, and focus on car culture, it’s shaping up to be one of the biggest racing games of 2026.