The highly anticipated Forza Horizon 6 early access period is nearly upon us. Players who have secured the Premium Edition will soon gain exclusive entry to the game’s meticulously crafted depiction of Japan. Get ready to navigate the vibrant streets of Tokyo and explore the scenic countryside at exhilarating speeds, uncover hidden “barn find” vehicles, and immerse yourself in the rich automotive culture of the region.
If you are looking to pinpoint the exact moment you can jump behind the wheel, we have compiled all the necessary details regarding the Forza Horizon 6 launch schedule for both the early access period and the full public release on Windows PC and Xbox.
When can you start playing Forza Horizon 6?
For those playing on Xbox consoles or via the Xbox app on Windows PC, Forza Horizon 6 officially goes live at midnight local time (specifically one minute past, according to the official release schedule). Note that for North American players, the launch is unified at midnight EDT. This structure typically allows players to utilize the “New Zealand method” by adjusting their console’s time zone settings to NZST to gain a head start.
Steam users follow a different launch cadence. The game unlocks at a synchronized global time, corresponding to midnight EDT. Here is how that translates to your local time zone:
- West Coast North America (PDT): Thursday, May 14, at 9 p.m.
- East Coast North America (EDT): Friday, May 15, at 12 p.m.
- Brazil (BRT): Friday, May 15, at 1 a.m.
- United Kingdom (BST): Friday, May 15, at 5 a.m.
- Western Europe (CEST): Friday, May 15, at 6 a.m.
- Japan (JST): Friday, May 15, at 1 p.m.
- East Coast Australia (AEST): Friday, May 15, at 2 p.m.
Is preloading available for Forza Horizon 6?
We have great news: preloading is officially open across all platforms, including Steam, Xbox Series X|S, and the Xbox PC app. If you have already pre-ordered your copy, simply visit your library to initiate the download. This applies to both the Standard and Premium editions, ensuring you can hit the road the moment the servers go live without waiting for lengthy installation bars.
Furthermore, Forza Horizon 6 features full compatibility for handheld gaming devices, such as the Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, and ROG Ally X. Please note that for those hoping to play on PlayStation 5, the title is currently not slated for that platform.
Source: Polygon
