The racing world is gearing up for one of the biggest gaming launches of the decade. Forza Horizon 6 is officially on the horizon, and new leaks, teasers, and industry buzz are painting a clearer picture of when players will finally get their hands on Playground Games’ next blockbuster.
With an upcoming gameplay reveal confirmed for January 22 at the Xbox Developer Direct, anticipation has reached an all-time high. Fans are especially excited because this time, the open-world racing franchise is reportedly heading to Japan, a dream setting that has been requested for years.
So when does Forza Horizon 6 actually launch? When can you start playing? And what does the Premium Edition include?
Here is everything you need to know.
Forza Horizon 6 Release Date (Leaked)
While Microsoft has not officially announced the release date yet, a pre-order pop-up inside Forza Horizon 5 reportedly revealed the launch timing for the next game.
According to trusted Xbox data miners and insiders, Forza Horizon 6 is scheduled to release on:
Tuesday, May 19, 2026 (Standard Edition)
Meanwhile, players who purchase the Premium Edition will get early access, allowing them to start racing four days earlier.
Premium Edition Early Access: Friday, May 15, 2026
This staggered release model follows the same strategy used for Forza Horizon 5 and other recent Microsoft releases.
Although Microsoft has not publicly confirmed this date, the consistency of the leaked store listings and past release patterns makes it highly credible.
Expected Forza Horizon 6 Launch Time
While the exact launch hour hasn’t been officially announced, Forza Horizon titles typically unlock globally at around 10:00 AM Pacific Time.
Based on that pattern, here is the expected worldwide launch schedule for the Standard Edition:
| Time Zone | Launch Time |
|---|---|
| Pacific Time (PT) | May 19, 2026 – 10:00 AM |
| Eastern Time (ET) | May 19, 2026 – 1:00 PM |
| Central European Time (CET) | May 19, 2026 – 7:00 PM |
| India Standard Time (IST) | May 19, 2026 – 10:30 PM |
| Japan Standard Time (JST) | May 20, 2026 – 2:00 AM |
| Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT) | May 20, 2026 – 4:00 AM |
Premium Edition players will get access to the game at the same time on May 15, just four days earlier.
Countdown to Forza Horizon 6
With the leaked launch date now circulating, players around the world are already counting down the days. Whether you’re a competitive racer or a casual open-world explorer, Forza Horizon 6 is shaping up to be one of the biggest gaming releases of 2026.
Expect Xbox and Microsoft to activate official countdowns and pre-load options shortly after the January gameplay reveal.
First Gameplay Reveal Set for January 22
Microsoft has confirmed that Forza Horizon 6 will be featured during the Xbox Developer Direct on January 22.
This event will mark the first official gameplay showcase of the new game, where Playground Games is expected to reveal:
- The new Japan-based open world
- Upgraded graphics and lighting
- New driving mechanics
- Weather and environment systems
- Vehicles and customization
- Possibly the official release date confirmation
Forza Horizon 5 followed a similar reveal cycle, so fans can expect a deep dive into how the game has evolved since Mexico.
Forza Horizon 6 Is Taking Place in Japan
One of the most exciting elements of Forza Horizon 6 is its reported setting: Japan.
This marks the first time the Horizon series will visit the country, and it is widely considered one of the most iconic car cultures in the world.
Why Japan Is Perfect for Forza Horizon
Japan offers a dream combination of:
- Neon-lit cities inspired by Tokyo
- Mountain passes like Touge
- Coastal highways
- Cherry blossom roads
- Rural villages
- Industrial zones
- Underground street racing culture
From drifting through winding mountain roads to racing through futuristic city skylines, Japan offers unmatched variety and atmosphere for an open-world racing game.
This alone makes Forza Horizon 6 one of the most anticipated titles in gaming history.
Forza Horizon 6 Premium Edition – Full Breakdown
Buying the Premium Edition of Forza Horizon 6 doesn’t just give you early access—it unlocks an entire bundle of exclusive content.
Here’s what’s included:
1. Four Days Early Access
Start playing on May 15, 2026, before the rest of the world.
2. VIP Membership
Gain extra in-game bonuses, faster progression, and special rewards.
3. Welcome Pack
Get a set of high-performance starter cars to give you an early edge.
4. Car Pass
Unlock a rotating collection of new vehicles after launch.
5. Time Attack Car Pack
Designed for competitive players who love leaderboards and lap records.
6. Italian Passion Car Pack
A post-launch DLC featuring legendary Italian performance cars.
7. Two Premium Expansions
Major expansions similar to Fortune Island and Hot Wheels from previous games.
These expansions will add new locations, gameplay modes, and vehicles after release.
Pre-Order Bonus: Ferrari J50
All editions of Forza Horizon 6 will include a special pre-order reward.
Players who pre-order will receive:
A tuned Ferrari J50
This rare supercar is expected to be one of the most iconic vehicles in the game and could even appear as the cover car for Forza Horizon 6.
Why Forza Horizon 6 Is a Massive Leap Forward
Forza Horizon 6 is not just another sequel—it represents a major evolution of the franchise.
With new hardware power from Xbox Series X and PC, Playground Games is expected to deliver:
- More realistic physics
- Improved AI traffic and racers
- Dynamic weather and seasons
- Better car handling
- Larger map than any Horizon game before
- Deeper customization
- Enhanced online multiplayer
Japan’s complex road networks also allow for more technical driving and deeper racing mechanics than the wide highways of Mexico.
Will Forza Horizon 6 Be on Xbox Game Pass?
Based on Microsoft’s strategy, Forza Horizon 6 is expected to be available on Xbox Game Pass on day one.
This means subscribers will be able to download and play the Standard Edition without buying it separately. However, early access still requires the Premium Add-Ons Bundle or Premium Edition purchase.
Platforms for Forza Horizon 6
Forza Horizon 6 is expected to release on:
- Xbox Series X
- Xbox Series S
- Windows PC
There is currently no indication of Xbox One support, as the game is being built exclusively for next-generation hardware.
What Happens After January 22?
Once the Xbox Developer Direct airs, Microsoft will likely begin:
- Opening official pre-orders
- Revealing system requirements
- Showing more gameplay trailers
- Releasing developer diaries
- Confirming map details
This event will kick off the final countdown to one of the biggest racing game launches ever.
Final Thoughts
Forza Horizon 6 is shaping up to be a game-changer.
With a Japan setting, stunning visuals, expanded car lists, and next-gen performance, it has all the ingredients to become the best Horizon game ever made.
If the leaked date holds true, May 19, 2026 will be a huge day for racing fans worldwide — and Premium Edition owners will hit the road on May 15.
Mark your calendar for January 22, because that’s when everything will be officially revealed.
The road to Japan begins soon.