The wait is finally over. Horizon Japan is officially live for those with Early Access, with a full public launch arriving on May 19. As we look ahead to May 21, the debut of Series 1 brings a wealth of fresh content to the table. Your journey to forge a lasting legacy and ascend to the status of a Horizon Legend begins now—let’s dive into your new adventure.
The Prologue: An Intro to Forza Horizon 6
Prepare to be swept away by the breathtaking vistas of Japan and the thunderous roar of high-performance engines. During the opening cinematic, pay close attention to the regions showcased; you will soon have the freedom to explore every corner of this stunning map. It’s time to take the wheel.
Your experience begins behind the wheel of a 2024 Nissan GT-R Nismo, carving through the scenic Hokubu region. Keep your eyes peeled for red-crowned cranes soaring overhead and the high-speed bullet train racing alongside you.
Next, you’ll shift gears into a high-octane race across snowy terrain in the 2021 RJ Anderson #37 Polaris RZR Pro 4 Truck, surrounded by banners championing the #FasterTogether spirit. We highly recommend experimenting with your camera angles during the jumps to capture the spectacular scenery from every perspective.
Once the snow fades, you’ll head into the mountains for your introduction to Japan’s legendary Touge roads. In your 1995 Porsche 911 GT2, you’ll hunt down the Mazda RX-7 Type R, joined by a fleet of drivers piloting the 2023 BMW M2 and 2020 Toyota GR Supra. As you descend into the Nangan region, leap off the ramp and witness a once-in-a-lifetime sight: a rocket launch at the Irokawa Space Center piercing the stratosphere.
The prologue culminates with the debut of Forza Horizon 6’s cover star, the cutting-edge 2025 GR GT Prototype. You’ll conclude your first day in Horizon Japan with a Legend Convoy, charging toward the festival heart from the panoramic heights of the Shimanoyama region to Ohtani. Your path to becoming a Legend starts here.
Crafting Your Unique Experience
Your journey starts with defining your character. Choose from an array of options to create an avatar that truly represents you. Don’t worry about your initial choices; you can refine your look at any time.
Be sure to navigate the Settings menu to tailor your driving assists and accessibility features. Whether you are a newcomer or a seasoned Forza veteran, you can balance the challenge to suit your skill level. The most important goal is to enjoy yourself, and remember that these settings remain fully adjustable throughout your career.
Your First Objective: Joining the Horizon Festival
Meet your companions, Mei and Jordy, to begin your trek to the Festival. Mei will provide you with your very own Collection Journal, a vital tool for tracking mascots, race wins, friendships, and more. She’ll also offer you a choice of three starter vehicles:
- 1989 Nissan Silvia K’s
- 1994 Toyota Celica GT-Four ST205
- 1970 GMC Jimmy
Don’t sweat the choice; all three will be added to your permanent garage for future use.
Following Mei, you’ll discover Tokyo City—our most expansive urban environment yet. Keep an eye out for the Raku-Raku food delivery job and the iconic Tokyo Tower. You are soon tasked with test-driving a new Horizon Event route in a borrowed 1998 Nissan Silvia K’s Aero. Once you conquer this inaugural race, all multiplayer modes open up, including Spec Racing, The Eliminator, Touge Showdown, Hide & Seek, and more. You are now officially enrolled in the Horizon Qualifiers, the gateway to the Horizon Invitational, your ticket to earning a Wristband and joining the festival proper.
Access your World Map via the pause menu to find these initial events:
- River Split – Speed Trap (PR Stunt)
- Airfield Trail – Trail Race
- Shirakawa Circuit – Circuit Race
- Highway View – Speed Zone (PR Stunt)
- Wind Farm Cross Country – Cross Country Race
- Hokubu Time Attack – Time Attack
You may complete these in any order. Your progress toward the Horizon Invitational is tracked via the meter in the top right corner. You can also claim your Forza Loyalty Rewards, dive into EventLab, or manage your Car Collection directly from the pause menu.
Once you’ve accumulated enough Horizon Festival Points, it’s time for the Horizon Invitational. You’ll pilot a 2020 BMW M2 Competition in a high-energy race that captures the true essence of the festival. Upon victory, you’ll earn your first Wristband and gain entry to the official Horizon Festival roster, along with three bonus cars:
- 2022 Toyota GR86
- 2001 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI GSR TM Edition
- 2024 Ram 1500 TRX
With official membership, the Festival Playlist is now yours to command. Check back weekly for fresh challenges and exclusive rewards to grow your collection.
Japan Awaits: Your Adventure Begins
Explore the map at your own pace. Discovering Mascots, Street Races, Touge Battles, Car Meets, and Time Attack Circuits will populate your Collection Journal and contribute to your Discover Japan progress. Collect all seven stamps to earn exclusive rewards, including credits, Wheelspins, and rare vehicles.
Stay sharp while driving; you may encounter Aftermarket Cars—unique secondhand finds—and potentially rare Forza Edition cars. Collect photo clues to hunt down Treasure Cars, and keep an eye out for returning Barn Finds. As your Stamp collection grows, so does your access to new rumors and rewards.
After earning your first stamp, head to the Yashiki House. Purchasing this property unlocks the Estate—a revolutionary creative hub. Transform this empty valley into your own bespoke landscape using intuitive building tools. Your creations are persistent and can be shared with friends.
Customization reaches new heights in Forza Horizon 6. Beyond bodykits and paint, you can now apply liveries and decals to your vehicle’s windows. Draw inspiration from the community by downloading player-made tunes and designs. To house your fleet, customize your Garage—a fully interactive space you can furnish and decorate to showcase your personality. You can even visit friends’ garages to exchange design ideas.
Your path is defined by your Wristband tier; start with C-class vehicles and progress toward elite machinery. Earning the Golden Wristband marks your arrival as a Horizon Legend and grants access to Legend Island, home to exclusive, high-stakes challenges and the ultimate Goliath race.
Enjoy every mile of your journey. We’ll see you at the Festival!