Forza Horizon 6, the next open-world racing title from Playground Games, is set to arrive on Xbox and PC in May 2026 with a PlayStation 5 launch to follow later in the year. The game, which takes players to Japan for the first time, was revealed at the Tokyo Game Show 2025 and has since generated substantial interest around its release date, platform availability, and pricing structure. Below is a breakdown of everything confirmed so far.
The standard edition launches on May 19, 2026 for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC, while buyers of the Premium Edition can begin playing four days earlier on May 15. A PS5 version is planned but no specific date has been announced beyond a 2026 window. The game will also be available on Xbox Game Pass from day one.
When Is the Forza Horizon 6 Release Date?
Forza Horizon 6 releases globally on May 19, 2026 for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC. The Steam release is listed as May 18, 2026, a one-day discrepancy that likely reflects time zone differences between storefronts. Early access begins on May 15, 2026 for those who purchase the Premium Edition.
May 19, 2026 (Xbox, PC); PS5 later in 2026
May 15, 2026 (Premium Edition)
Xbox Series X|S, PC (Microsoft Store, Steam), PS5
Day one on Xbox Game Pass
Key insights at a glance:
- Forza Horizon 6 is confirmed for a May 19, 2026 release on Xbox and PC, with a PS5 launch later in the year.
- Early access begins May 15, 2026 for Premium Edition owners.
- The game is set in Japan, featuring iconic locations like Mount Fuji.
- Xbox Game Pass subscribers can play on day one at no extra cost.
- Standard and Premium Editions are available; pricing is in line with previous releases at $69.99 / £59.99 for Standard and $119.99 for Premium.
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Developer | Playground Games |
| Publisher | Xbox Game Studios |
| Release Date (Xbox, PC) | 19 May 2026 |
| Early Access Date | 15 May 2026 (Premium Edition) |
| PS5 Release Window | Later in 2026 (exact date TBD) |
| Platforms | Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Steam, PlayStation 5 |
| Game Pass | Yes, day one |
| Setting | Japan |
| Price (estimated) | $69.99 / £59.99 (Standard), $99.99 / £84.99 (Premium) |
What Platforms Is Forza Horizon 6 Available On?
Forza Horizon 6 is built exclusively for current-generation hardware. There is no version for Xbox One or last-generation PlayStation consoles. The confirmed platforms are Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC via the Microsoft Store and Steam, and PlayStation 5 arriving later in 2026.
Xbox Series X|S and PC
The Xbox and PC versions launch simultaneously on May 19, 2026. The Steam listing, which shows a May 18 date, is believed to reflect a time-zone difference rather than an actual staggered release. Steam also confirms that the game requires an Xbox Live account, 167 GB of storage, and an SSD.
PlayStation 5
A PS5 version is confirmed but has no firm release date. The official PlayStation store page lists the game with “release date to be determined.” All indications point to a launch later in 2026, after the Xbox and PC debut.
The PlayStation 5 release is confirmed by both Forza.net and the PlayStation Store, but no specific month or day has been given. The delay is consistent with Microsoft’s recent strategy of bringing select first-party titles to PlayStation after an initial exclusivity window.
Steam
The Steam version lists Playground Games as developer and Xbox Game Studios as publisher. It requires an Xbox Live account linking and an SSD. The Steam page shows a release date of May 18, 2026, one day earlier than the Xbox store listing.
Will Forza Horizon 6 Be on Xbox Game Pass?
Yes, Forza Horizon 6 is listed as available with Xbox Game Pass on day one. The official Xbox product page carries the Game Pass badge, and the FAQ specifies that Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass subscribers can access early access if they purchase the Premium Edition add-on.
What Does Game Pass Include?
Game Pass subscribers get the base game at no additional cost on the standard release date of May 19. Online console multiplayer requires a Game Pass subscription that includes online multiplayer, sold separately.
Game Pass and Early Access
Early access, beginning May 15, is tied to the Premium Edition. Game Pass subscribers who want early access must purchase the Premium Edition add-on, which grants the same benefits as buying the full Premium Edition outright.
For existing Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, buying the Premium Edition add-on is the most cost-effective route to early access. This avoids paying for the base game twice while still unlocking the four-day head start, bonus car packs, and future expansions.
How Much Does Forza Horizon 6 Cost and What Editions Are Available?
Three editions of Forza Horizon 6 are available for pre-order across the Xbox Store, Microsoft Store, and Steam. Pricing is consistent with modern AAA releases, though exact local pricing in some regions has not yet been published on every storefront.
Standard Edition — $69.99
The Standard Edition includes the base game only. This is the entry-level option for players who do not want bonus content.
Deluxe Edition — $99.99
The Deluxe Edition adds the Car Pass and the Welcome Pack on top of the base game. It offers a middle ground for players who want additional vehicles without committing to the full premium package.
Premium Edition — $119.99
The Premium Edition is the top-tier option. It includes the base game, two future Premium Expansions, the Italian Passion Car Pack, the Time Attack Car Pack, the Car Pass, VIP Membership, and the Welcome Pack. It also grants up to four days of early access starting May 15.
Pricing on some store pages may still be listed as estimated or not yet final. Microsoft has not officially announced a price for all regions as of early 2026. The figures here are taken from active store listings on Xbox.com and Steam, which may be subject to change.
What Is the Forza Horizon 6 Release Timeline?
- Tokyo Game Show 2025: Game revealed to the public.
- January 22, 2026: Gameplay shown at Xbox Developer Direct.
- May 15, 2026: Early access begins for Premium Edition owners.
- May 18–19, 2026: Standard release on Steam, Xbox Series X|S, and Windows PC.
- Later in 2026: PlayStation 5 release (exact date TBD).
Dates are taken from official Xbox and PlayStation listings and early access information from early reviewers. The Steam date of May 18 differs from the Xbox date of May 19, likely due to time zone differences in storefront listings.
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear About the Forza Horizon 6 Release?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Forza Horizon 6 launches May 19, 2026 for Xbox and PC. | PS5 release date — only confirmed as “later in 2026.” |
| Early access begins May 15, 2026 for Premium Edition buyers. | Exact pricing in all regions — not yet officially confirmed on every store page. |
| The game is set in Japan. | Steam release timing relative to Microsoft Store — believed to be simultaneous but not explicitly confirmed by the publisher. |
| Xbox Game Pass includes the game on day one. | System requirements — not officially published as of early 2026. |
Why Is Forza Horizon 6 Set in Japan?
The Japan setting fulfills a long-standing community request. Previous Forza Horizon games have taken place in diverse locations including the United Kingdom, Australia, Mexico, and southern Europe. The move to Japan allows Playground Games to introduce a new visual identity with dense urban environments, winding mountain roads, and iconic landmarks such as Mount Fuji.
Forza Horizon 6 is also the first mainline entry to launch exclusively on current-generation consoles, skipping Xbox One entirely. This shift enables higher visual fidelity and larger, more detailed open-world environments. The delayed PS5 release, meanwhile, marks a notable step in Microsoft’s evolving strategy of bringing select Xbox titles to rival platforms.
What Are the Official Sources Saying?
“Forza Horizon 6, Discover the landscapes of Japan and become a racing Legend… Release date. 19 May 2026.”
— Xbox.com
“Play Forza Horizon 6 now on Xbox Series X|S and PC via the Microsoft Store and Steam. Forza Horizon 6 is coming to PS5 later this year.”
“It was released for Windows and Xbox Series X/S on 19 May 2026, with a release for PlayStation 5 later in 2026.”
“Forza Horizon 6 … Release date to be determined.”
What Should You Remember About the Forza Horizon 6 Release?
Forza Horizon 6 arrives on May 19, 2026 for Xbox Series X|S and PC, with early access starting May 15 for Premium Edition buyers. The game is set in Japan, is available day one on Game Pass, and will reach PS5 later in 2026. Pricing starts at $69.99 for the Standard Edition and goes up to $119.99 for the Premium Edition, which includes all bonus content and early access. For more on Xbox racing, also check out Season 5 Stranger Things – Release Dates Cast Guide and PS4 Controller Not Connecting – Step-by-Step Fixes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Forza Horizon 6 system requirements?
System requirements have not been officially released yet. Expect high-end requirements since the game is current-gen only and requires an SSD and 167 GB of storage on Steam.
Is Forza Horizon 6 cross-platform?
Cross-play between Xbox and PC is likely, but has not been explicitly confirmed. Cross-play with PS5 is unconfirmed.
Can I play Forza Horizon 6 on Xbox One?
No. Forza Horizon 6 is exclusive to Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and PlayStation 5. There is no Xbox One version.
Will Forza Horizon 6 have a demo?
No official word has been given. Previous Forza Horizon entries have not had demos, so one is unlikely.
When does Forza Horizon 6 early access start?
Early access begins May 15, 2026, four days before the standard release. It is available only to Premium Edition owners or Game Pass subscribers who buy the Premium Add-on.
Is Forza Horizon 6 on Steam?
Yes. Forza Horizon 6 is available on Steam with a release date of May 18, 2026. It requires an Xbox Live account, an SSD, and 167 GB of storage.
What is included in the Forza Horizon 6 Premium Edition?
The Premium Edition ($119.99) includes the base game, two future Premium Expansions, the Italian Passion Car Pack, the Time Attack Car Pack, the Car Pass, VIP Membership, the Welcome Pack, and four days of early access.
Will Forza Horizon 6 be on PlayStation Plus?
There is no confirmation that Forza Horizon 6 will be on PlayStation Plus. It is published by Xbox Game Studios and is a first-party Xbox title.
Amelia Grant is Technology & Media Editor at NewsPrism.co.uk, covering AI, platforms, cybersecurity, consumer tech and the media landscape.