The wait is finally over for fans of the iconic open-world racing series. Playground Games and Xbox Game Studios have officially announced Forza Horizon 6, and this time, the Horizon Festival is heading to one of the most requested locations of all time Japan.

Slated for release in 2026, Forza Horizon 6 promises breathtaking landscapes, thrilling urban circuits, and an authentic cultural experience, making it one of the most anticipated racing games of the decade.

Horizon Festival Comes to Japan

For years, players have speculated about where the next Horizon Festival would land. With Forza Horizon 6, the developers have finally answered: Japan.

From the neon-lit streets of Tokyo to the serene countryside roads beneath Mount Fuji, the game’s setting will deliver an unparalleled blend of modern cityscapes, mountain passes, and rural charm. It’s a dream destination for car enthusiasts who have long wanted to experience Japan’s car culture in the Forza franchise.

Playground Games has also confirmed that it worked with cultural consultants, including Kyoko Yamashita, to ensure authenticity and respectful representation of Japan’s rich automotive and cultural heritage.

Release Date and Platforms

  • Release Year: 2026
  • Developer: Playground Games
  • Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
  • Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC, and later on PlayStation 5 (post-launch release window to be announced).
  • Availability: Launches day one on Xbox Game Pass (Ultimate & PC).

Players can already add Forza Horizon 6 to their wishlist on supported platforms to get notified when it becomes available.

What to Expect in Gameplay

Forza Horizon 6 builds on the critically acclaimed formula of its predecessors while introducing new mechanics, locations, and immersive racing systems.

Diverse Japanese Landscape

Expect a map larger and denser than Forza Horizon 5. It will feature:

  • Tokyo’s urban sprawl with tight, high-speed circuits.
  • Mountain drift roads inspired by Japan’s famous touge routes.
  • Coastal highways for high-speed sprints.
  • Countryside villages and cherry blossom roads for scenic drives.

Expanded Car Culture

Japan’s global reputation for car customization, drifting, and street racing is central to the game. Expect:

  • A stronger focus on drift events.
  • Expanded tuning and customization options for JDM legends like the Nissan Skyline, Toyota Supra, and Mazda RX-7.
  • Deeper integration of car meet culture, inspired by Japan’s real-world gatherings.

Multiplayer & Social Features

  • Single-Player Campaign – The Horizon Festival experience with story-driven progression.
  • Online PvP & Co-op – Competitive races and collaborative challenges with friends.
  • Community Events – Shared content, car designs, and custom challenges.
  • Family Sharing & Accessibility – Multiple languages (English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese) with full audio and subtitle support.

VR + Next-Gen Support

Forza Horizon 6 will also include VR support (VR+) on PC, marking a major leap for immersive racing fans.

A Step Beyond Forza Horizon 5

While Forza Horizon 5 delivered Mexico’s stunning landscapes, Horizon 6 is set to raise the bar. Developers have credited their work on the Hot Wheels DLC as inspiration for designing elevated roadways and complex environments. This means players can expect more verticality, diverse driving experiences, and creative track designs.

The game will also lean into next-gen graphics enhancements, making use of ray tracing, higher frame rates, and cutting-edge physics simulation.

Why Japan Is the Perfect Setting

Japan has always been synonymous with car culture. From drifting in the mountains to late-night Tokyo street races, it offers a diverse automotive playground.

  • Heritage: Birthplace of legendary car manufacturers like Toyota, Honda, Mazda, and Nissan.
  • Culture: Known for drifting, car tuning, and vibrant motorsport history.
  • Scenery: Offers variety—urban, rural, coastal, and mountainous landscapes all in one map.

Fans have long requested Japan as a location for the series, and now, Playground Games is delivering on that wish.

System Requirements (Early Insights)

While official PC specs haven’t been confirmed, early listings suggest:

  • Minimum: 64-bit processor and operating system required.
  • Recommended: Next-gen GPU and CPU setups to run the game at high settings with ray tracing enabled.

VR compatibility will likely demand higher-end hardware.

Final Thoughts

Forza Horizon 6 isn’t just another racing game—it’s the franchise stepping into its most exciting chapter yet. With Japan as its backdrop, authentic cultural touches, expanded customization, and VR support, it has the potential to become the definitive open-world racing experience of the decade.

The Horizon Festival is coming to Japan in 2026. Mark your calendars, add it to your wishlist, and get ready to race like never before.

Will Forza Horizon 6 finally become the ultimate love letter to car culture? Fans will find out when they hit the streets of Tokyo and beyond.

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