Microsoft has officially confirmed Forza Horizon 6, with the next installment in the racing series scheduled to release in 2026 on PC, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S. The announcement was made during the Xbox Tokyo Game Show 2025 broadcast, where a short trailer introduced Japan as the game’s setting.
The title is being developed by Playground Games, the studio responsible for the Horizon franchise, alongside Turn10, the creators of Forza Motorsport. This collaboration is set to combine Playground’s open-world racing expertise with Turn10’s technical depth. Japan has been the most requested location from the community, and the game will feature a mix of traditional shrines, rural landscapes, and dense urban centers.
In a post shared on Xbox Wire after the reveal, Art Director Don Arceta and Cultural Consultant Kyoko Yamashita spoke about the decision to choose Japan. Arceta highlighted the country’s ability to bring together traditional and modern environments, while Yamashita pointed out that advances in hardware now make it possible to portray Japan with accuracy and detail that was not previously feasible.
Forza Horizon 6 will also expand on the seasonal change mechanics that have been a core element of the series. Seasons will have a greater impact on gameplay and the environment, altering landscapes, available activities, and even soundscapes. Arceta noted that ambient audio will adapt to the time of year, allowing players to recognize the season through sound as well as visuals.
The game is expected to launch in 2026, with additional details planned for early next year. Forza Horizon 6 will be available on PC, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S.
