Racing games are usually about speed, noise and chaos. But the latest trailer for Forza Horizon 6 slows things down and simply asks you to look around. Over the weekend, Microsoft dropped a short in engine trailer for the upcoming racer, and instead of loud engines and drifting supercars, we got a quiet tour of Japan’s landscapes. The video feels more like a travel documentary than a typical racing game promo. Dense forests, mist covered valleys, snowy peaks and coastal roads roll past the screen with stunning detail. If this is what the final game looks like, Playground Games might have another visual benchmark on its hands. And with launch reportedly just a few months away, excitement is building fast.
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New Forza Horizon 6 trailer shows the beauty of Japan
First announced at the Tokyo Game Show 2025, Forza Horizon 6 is the follow up to 2021’s Forza Horizon 5, which became one of Xbox’s biggest launches ever. This time, the Horizon Festival heads to Japan, and it is easily the most ambitious map the series has attempted.
The new trailer contains no traditional gameplay moments. There are no races, no UI elements and no dramatic overtakes. Instead, it focuses entirely on mood, environmental detail and the beauty of Japan. We see winding roads through foggy forests, quiet rural fields and snow covered alpine routes. The trailer also highlights the power of the ForzaTech engine and the level of detail players can expect when driving from cockpit view.
Tokyo is confirmed as the largest and most detailed city space in Horizon history. Yet, the city was absent from the new trailer. Perhaps the makers are planning a new trailer based only on the capital city. Beyond Tokyo, players will drive through areas inspired by Mount Fuji and regions spanning Kantō, Chūbu and Kansai. As always, these real world locations are compressed into a fictional map designed for gameplay rather than strict realism.
The new trailer also confirmed the return of dynamic seasons. Spring brings cherry blossoms, autumn adds fiery foliage, and winter covers mountain roads in snow. Playground Games even worked with cultural consultant Kyoko Yamashita to make sure the game’s depiction of Japan feels respectful and authentic.
A calmer trailer, but big changes under the hood
At launch, Forza Horizon 6 will reportedly feature more than 550 cars. That is slightly more than its predecessor but still fewer than Forza Horizon 4 at release. Another major change comes in campaign structure. Rather than starting as a star driver, players begin as a tourist and must earn their way into the Horizon Festival by climbing the ranks.
According to leaks, the game is set to launch on May 19, 2026 for PC and Xbox Series X and Series S, with availability on Xbox Game Pass. A PlayStation 5 version is expected later. If this trailer is any indication, the road trip through Japan is going to be worth the wait.
Also read: Sony PS6 could be delayed to 2029 due to RAM crisis, all details
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Divyanshi Sharma
Divyanshi Sharma is a media and communications professional with over 8 years of experience in the industry. With a strong background in tech journalism, she has covered everything from the latest gadgets to gaming trends and brings a sharp editorial lens to every story. She holds a master’s diploma in mass communication and a bachelor’s degree in English literature. Her love for writing and gaming began early—often skipping classes to try out the latest titles—which naturally evolved into a career at the intersection of technology and storytelling. When she’s not working, you’ll likely find her exploring virtual worlds on her console or PC, or testing out a new laptop she managed to get her hands on. View Full Profile
