The latest Xbox Developer Direct ignited excitement with the global premiere of Forza Horizon 6. This installment marks a breathtaking shift for the franchise, showcasing its meticulously crafted rendition of Japan, deep mechanical overhauls, and a fresh approach to the series’ iconic festival atmosphere.
In a departure from recent entries where players arrived as established legends, the new campaign casts you as a humble newcomer. Starting your journey as a tourist, you will earn your stripes through the traditional wristband system. However, the experience is enriched by the Collection Journal—a digital memento system inspired by the Japanese tradition of stamp collecting. This encourages players to document their travels by photographing murals, architectural landmarks, and scenic vistas to complete their personal odyssey.
Playground Games has delivered its most expansive environment to date. The map features a staggering recreation of Tokyo, the largest urban center in Horizon history, featuring iconic locales such as the neon-lit Shibuya Crossing, the towering Tokyo Tower, and the picturesque Ginko Avenue. Beyond the city, the studio has focused on topographical fidelity, offering a diverse landscape ranging from jagged mountain passes to serene rural countrysides. The dynamic seasons also return, dramatically altering the Japanese landscape as it transitions from the cherry blossoms of spring to the snow-capped peaks of winter.
Automotive enthusiasts will find a deep reverence for Japanese car culture. The vehicle roster has been entirely rebalanced and expanded, offering the largest launch-day selection in the series. This includes a variety of rare aftermarket finds and unique unlocks. Taking center stage on the box art are the 2025 GR GT Prototype and the rugged 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser.
Creativity takes a giant leap forward with The Estate. This feature provides players with a sprawling, customizable plot of land that serves as a blank canvas. Whether you want to construct a high-tech factory complex, a secluded mountain retreat, or your own bespoke racing circuit, the tools are now fully collaborative, allowing you and your friends to build together in real-time using in-game currency.
Social interaction is centered around the new Car Meets, modeled after the world-famous Daikoku parking area gatherings. These persistent hubs allow players to showcase custom liveries, trade designs, and purchase vehicles directly from other community members. To ensure the game is accessible to everyone, Playground Games introduced new driving aids like Auto-drive and proximity radar, alongside a highly customizable high-contrast mode for visually impaired racers.
The debut trailer concluded with a cryptic and thrilling teaser: the colossal metallic feet of what appears to be a Gundam stepping onto the asphalt. Given the franchise’s history of spectacular crossovers, it seems likely that players will soon be interacting with iconic Mobile Suits in a way never before seen in a racing game.
Forza Horizon 6 is scheduled to launch on May 19 for Xbox Series X/S and PC. PlayStation 5 players won’t have to wait long, as the title is confirmed to arrive on the platform later this year.
