Forza Horizon 6 launching 2026 on PCs, set in Japan

Playground Games has confirmed that Forza Horizon 6 will launch in 2026, with Japan serving as the next open-world location for the series. The news was announced during the Xbox Tokyo Game Show 2025 broadcast, where a short cinematic teaser gave fans a first look at Mount Fuji, neon-lit cityscapes, and nods to previous Horizon titles.

According to Art Director Don Arceta, Japan has been one of the most requested locations for years, making it a natural fit for the franchise. “Japan has such a unique culture, from cars, to music, to fashion,  that make it perfect for the next Horizon setting,” Arceta explained. The studio says technical improvements and experience gained from Forza Horizon 5 and its expansions allowed them to properly capture Japan’s mix of urban density and rural beauty this time around.

Source: Microsoft

Cultural consultant Kyoko Yamashita added that the team went beyond surface-level visuals, embedding cultural details into the design to ensure authenticity. “The team wanted to present more than a postcard or a backdrop; they wanted a lived-in world,” Yamashita said, stressing how small touches like ambient sounds, signage, and seasonal changes would help avoid stereotypes while making the world feel immersive.

Fans can expect a wide range of locations, from the bustling streets of Tokyo to serene countryside roads. Seasonal changes will once again play a role, with Playground highlighting Japan’s dramatic transitions, including cherry blossom season. The developers also confirmed that Japanese car culture will be a major focus, with attention to drifting, customization, and even kei cars making their way into the game.

Forza Horizon 6 will launch on Xbox Series X|S and PC in 2026, with a PlayStation 5 release planned post-launch. Gameplay footage is expected to be revealed in early 2026. Players can wishlist the game now on Xbox and Steam.

Source: Microsoft