Playground Games has confirmed that the next entry in the beloved Forza Horizon series is on the way, and it’s taking players to Japan. Forza Horizon 6 is officially set to launch in 2026, with a teaser trailer dropping earlier than expected via the franchise’s Instagram account. The reveal arrived just hours before the Xbox Tokyo Game Show stream, where many fans had anticipated the announcement would take place.
The Horizon Festival Expands East
The reveal trailer and accompanying description set the tone for what’s to come: “The Horizon Festival is heading to Japan.” With its sprawling landscapes, neon-soaked cityscapes, mountain roads, and drifting heritage, Japan has long been one of the most requested locations for the open-world racing franchise. Fans can expect a mix of tight urban street racing, scenic countryside routes, and the kind of iconic car culture that defines the region.
Forza Horizon 6 is also confirmed as an Xbox Game Pass day-one release, giving subscribers instant access at launch. In addition, it will be available as an Xbox Play Anywhere title, meaning players can seamlessly switch between console and PC without losing progress.
A Landmark Year for Xbox
The confirmation of Forza Horizon 6’s 2026 release sets up a blockbuster year for Xbox. Alongside Playground Games’ racing series, players can look forward to Gears of War: E-Day, a Halo: Combat Evolved remaster, and Playground’s highly anticipated Fable reboot. Xbox chief Phil Spencer had casually hinted earlier this year that a new Forza was due in 2026, but this announcement solidifies what could be one of Xbox’s busiest and most high-profile release calendars in recent memory.
Building on Horizon 5’s Momentum
Forza Horizon 6 also follows the unexpected success of its predecessor. Last year, Forza Horizon 5 arrived on PlayStation 5 — four years after its original Xbox release — and quickly shot to the top of Sony’s digital charts. Its cross-platform popularity cemented Horizon as one of the biggest names in racing games, capable of drawing huge audiences even years after release.
With the move to Japan, Forza Horizon 6 has the potential to capture the imagination of a global audience once again. From Tokyo’s bustling streets to Mount Fuji’s winding climbs, the setting offers an incredible canvas for Playground Games to deliver its most ambitious Horizon Festival yet.
What to Expect
While concrete gameplay details remain under wraps, the setting alone hints at several possibilities:
- Drifting-focused events inspired by Japan’s legendary touge culture.
- High-speed highway runs across Tokyo’s Shuto Expressway.
- Seasonal changes showcasing cherry blossoms in spring and snow-covered peaks in winter.
- Cultural celebrations woven into the Horizon Festival’s trademark music and party atmosphere.
If Forza Horizon 5 proved the series can dominate across platforms, Forza Horizon 6 looks ready to redefine the open-world racing genre once again.