Rumours about Forza Horizon 6 have been doing rounds for a long time and Microsoft has finally tied everything up with a bow. The tech giant recently confirmed that the popular car racing game is arriving in 2026 and the setting would be Japan. Initially expected to be showcased during the on-going Tokyo Games Show, the announcement has come as a pleasant surprise for many gamers out there. Let’s take a detailed look at the announcement and all we know about the upcoming game.
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The release of Forza Horizon 6 was revealed through a teaser shared on Forza’s official social handles saying “The Horizon Festival is heading to Japan.” While brief, the announcement was enough to spark excitement across the community, given Japan’s reputation as a dream location for car enthusiasts. With its mix of neon-lit cities, mountain passes, and coastal highways, the country offers Playground Games a rich canvas for designing the series’ next sprawling open world.
An Xbox wire post also talks about the game, explaining in detail why Japan was chosen as the setting. “The timing is right, in part, due to practicalities – it now feels as though the technical side can keep up with representing Japan correctly, and Playground’s developers also come armed with a huge amount of experience from previous games,” the post said.
In another video, a longer look was posted with the caption “It’s Japan.”
As with previous entries, Forza Horizon 6 will be available from day one on Xbox Game Pass. Microsoft has also confirmed support for Xbox Play Anywhere, which means players will be able to seamlessly switch between Xbox consoles and PC without losing progress. This cross-platform approach has become a hallmark of Xbox’s biggest exclusives, and it ensures the Horizon Festival remains accessible to the largest possible audience.
While Playground Games has not yet shared detailed gameplay footage, the shift to Japan is expected to influence everything from the car list to event design. Fans are already speculating about iconic Japanese cars and drift culture playing a central role, alongside the scenic backdrops that the region naturally provides.
If earlier installments are any indication, players can expect a mix of urban racing, off-road trails, and dynamic seasons that bring variety to every drive. For now, fans will have to wait for more details, but one thing is clear: the Horizon Festival is set to deliver another memorable experience for fans.
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