Metacritic 92. Universal Acclaim. The highest-rated game of 2026 so far. Forza Horizon 6 is out today, May 19, and Playground Games has once again raised the bar for open-world racing. The stage this time is Japan — Tokyo's neon-lit boulevards, the snowcapped slopes of Mt. Fuji, and the narrow temple roads of Kyoto — and it might just be the most breathtaking setting in Horizon history.
Game Info
| Detail | Info | |
|---|---|---|
| Developer | Playground Games | |
| Publisher | Xbox Game Studios | |
| Release Date | May 19, 2026 (Early Access: May 15) | |
| Platforms | Xbox Series X\ | S, PC (Steam / Xbox App) |
| Genre | Racing, Open World | |
| Metacritic | 92 (Universal Acclaim) | |
| Steam Rating | Pending (released today) | |
| Price | $59.99 (Standard) / $89.99 (Premium) |
Forza Horizon 6 is included in Xbox Game Pass (PC & Console) from day one. If you're already a subscriber, you can download and play right now at no extra cost.
What Is Forza Horizon 6?
Forza Horizon 6 is the latest entry in Playground Games' critically acclaimed open-world racing series. Following Forza Horizon 5's sun-drenched Mexico, the franchise makes a bold leap to Japan — a setting fans have been requesting for years, and one that delivers spectacularly.
The core Horizon formula remains intact: a massive open world filled with races, stunts, barn finds, and seasonal events, all wrapped in the festive energy of the fictional Horizon Festival. But the Japanese backdrop adds layers of visual richness and road variety that surpass every prior entry in the series. Whether you're threading through shibuya crossings at midnight or sliding sideways on mountain switchbacks, every drive feels cinematic.
The game is built for both newcomers and veterans — difficulty scales intuitively, and the tuning system is as deep as ever for gearheads who want to optimize every last horsepower.
Why Japan Works Brilliantly
The location choice is more than a backdrop — it fundamentally shapes the racing experience.
- ▶Tokyo — Dense urban circuits through skyscraper canyons and neon-lit intersections. Night racing here is some of the most visually stunning driving in any game to date.
- ▶Mt. Fuji — Snow-covered alpine terrain with dramatic elevation changes. Rally-style routes dominate, and the dynamic weather system pushes visibility to its limits.
- ▶Kyoto — Tight bamboo-lined roads, traditional architecture, and a meditative atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with the city chaos. An entirely different feel from any previous Horizon location.
The map is significantly larger than Horizon 5's Mexico, with greater topographical variety — meaning races demand genuine strategic adaptation based on terrain.
Car Roster Highlights
550+ cars are available at launch, with an obvious emphasis on Japanese domestic market (JDM) icons that feel right at home on these roads:
- ▶Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32 and R34)
- ▶Toyota Supra (A80)
- ▶Honda NSX (NA1)
- ▶Mazda RX-7 (FD)
- ▶Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI
- ▶Subaru Impreza WRX STI
European and American muscle is well represented too — Porsche 911 GT3 RS, Ferrari SF90 Stradale, Ford Mustang GT500 — ensuring there's a dream garage for every taste.
PC System Requirements
| Spec | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 64-bit | Windows 11 64-bit |
| CPU | Intel Core i5-8600K | Intel Core i7-10700K |
| RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB |
| GPU | GTX 1070 Ti / RX 5700 | RTX 3080 / RX 6800 XT |
| Storage | 120 GB | 120 GB (SSD recommended) |
| DirectX | DX12 | DX12 |
Pricing & Editions
| Edition | Price | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Edition | $59.99 / ₩79,800 | Base game |
| Premium Edition | $89.99 / ₩109,800 | Base game + Car Pass + 4 Expansions + Early Access (May 15) |
"Game Pass subscribers get the base game at no additional cost. Premium add-ons can be purchased separately.
What Critics Are Saying
""Playground does it again. Forza Horizon 6 is nothing short of a masterpiece — Japan is the perfect stage for this franchise, and the sheer density of content at launch is staggering. This is the best racing game in years, possibly ever."
— Windows Central (92/100)
""The Japan map is an inspired, long-overdue choice. Every corner of the world feels hand-crafted, and with 550 cars to collect and a living season system already in place, you'll never run out of reasons to keep driving."
— Game Rant (9/10)
""Forza Horizon 6 is excessive in the best possible way. It throws Tokyo drifts, Fuji snowstorms, and 550 cars at you simultaneously — and somehow makes it all feel cohesive, joyful, and worth every second."
— Kotaku
What Players Are Saying
""I had four days of Early Access and already logged 35 hours. The Mt. Fuji section alone is worth the price of admission."
— Steam user
""The JDM lineup is unreal. I spent two hours just tuning the R34 GT-R before I even ran a race. No complaints."
— Xbox community forum
""This on Game Pass is genuinely insane. Peak value in gaming right now. No pun intended."
— Reddit r/ForzaHorizon
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ▶Japan is a stunning, varied, and long-awaited setting for the series
- ▶550+ cars at launch including an exceptional JDM roster
- ▶Day-one on Xbox Game Pass — incredible value for subscribers
- ▶Metacritic 92 — highest-rated game of 2026 so far
- ▶Deep tuning system and generous post-launch content roadmap
- ▶Accessible for newcomers, rewarding for veterans
Cons
- ▶PS5 version delayed to later in 2026 — console players on PlayStation must wait
- ▶Steam rating still pending (first day of release)
- ▶Premium Edition price may feel steep at $89.99
Where to Get It
Bottom Line: Forza Horizon 6 is the real deal. Japan was the right call, 550 cars is the right number, and 92 on Metacritic is the right score. Whether you're paying full price or already on Game Pass, this is the racing game of the year — and it's not particularly close. If you have even a passing interest in driving games, there's no better time to get behind the wheel.
GamePeak Editorial | May 19, 2026