2026 New Epoch: Forza Horizon 6

Forza Horizon 6 is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious entries in the series, and its announcement for a 2026 release feels like the start of a truly new era. This time, the Horizon Festival is heading to Japan, giving players a sweeping, culturally rich landscape to explore. From the neon-lit towers of Tokyo to the peaceful beauty of Mount Fuji, the game promises to deliver a deeply immersive open world full of contrasts and surprises.

According to the development team, the Japanese map will be the biggest yet—both vast and densely populated with content. Players can expect a variety of environments, including tight city streets, sweeping rural expanses, and mountain roads. The art director emphasized that there is “always something around the corner” to discover, which suggests a careful balance between scale and meaningful detail. The urban areas, particularly Tokyo, are described as the most layered and ambitious the series has ever attempted.

Seasons will return in this installment, but not just as a cosmetic touch. In Japan, seasonal changes are deeply woven into the world in a way that reflects both gameplay and cultural significance. The shift from cherry blossoms in spring to snowy winters, for example, won’t just change the visuals—it will alter the tone, ambient sounds, and perhaps even how players interact with the world. This design choice shows a dedication to authenticity and atmosphere.

On the technical side, the team drew on lessons from previous games, including the Hot Wheels expansion for Horizon 5, to create complex, elevated road structures. These will be used to build multilayered highways in Tokyo, which gives the map verticality and a real sense of architectural depth. The developers want this version of Japan to feel alive—not just as a themed backdrop, but as a fully realized, playable world with its own identity.

Playground Games is focused on doing justice to Japan. They worked with a cultural consultant to make sure the world feels respectful and genuine, from how neighborhoods sound to how ambient details like station chimes or wind bells are implemented. Their goal seems to be more than replication; they want a Horizon-style reinterpretation of Japan that captures its spirit without being a shot-for-shot copy.

At launch, the game will be available on Xbox Series X|S and PC, with a PlayStation 5 version coming later. It will also be included on Game Pass at launch, making it highly accessible to a broad range of players.

While many specifics—such as the full car roster, event types, and exact pricing—haven’t been revealed yet, the vision for Horizon 6 is already clear: this is not just another sequel. It’s a bold reinvention of what Forza Horizon can be, rooted in cultural depth, technical ambition, and a genuine love for the world it depicts.

All told, Forza Horizon 6 feels like the beginning of a “new epoch” for the series—one where racing isn’t just about speed, but about exploration, identity, and the thrill of discovery in a world that’s bigger, richer, and more alive than ever before.

On top of the sprawling landscape, the development team is emphasizing the role of Japan’s car culture more than ever. Expect to encounter a wide variety of vehicles—from iconic JDM classics and kei cars to drift‑tuned racers built for mountain passes. This shift reflects the deep roots of Japanese automotive history, while giving players plenty of room to express their style through customization.

In addition to traditional races, Horizon 6 will lean into Japan’s diversity by introducing driving challenges suited to its terrain: drift zones on mountain touge roads, high-speed runs on urban expressways, and even coastal cruising along neon-lit waterfront highways. The design of elevated highways and multi‑layered roads in Tokyo creates a sense of verticality rarely seen in previous Horizon entries.

Furthermore, the way seasons work in the game goes well beyond visuals. As spring brings cherry blossoms and winter snows drape mountain peaks, ambient audio such as train station chimes or wind bells reflects local cultural details, grounding the world in authenticity. These seasonal shifts also affect gameplay—not just how things look, but how they feel and play.

All told, Horizon 6 isn’t just expanding in scale—it’s deepening in soul. With Japan’s landscapes, traditions, and automotive legacy at its heart, it promises to deliver a rich, layered world where exploration and speed go hand in hand.