When is Forza Horizon 6 coming out is one of the most searched questions in the gaming world right now, and as of today, the most current verified information points to a May 2026 launch window for the highly anticipated racing title from Playground Games and Xbox Game Studios.
Multiple in-game and platform-level listings discovered inside Forza Horizon 5 and Xbox backend systems have revealed a specific release schedule. While Microsoft has not yet issued a standalone press release, the data is consistent across official ecosystem assets and has not been contradicted or withdrawn.
As of January 15, 2026, the confirmed release timeline is:
- Standard Edition Release: May 19, 2026
- Premium Edition Early Access: May 15, 2026
- Platforms at Launch: Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and Windows PC
- Additional Platforms: PlayStation 5 version planned for a later release window, with no date announced yet
This makes May 2026 the first verified launch window for the next entry in the open-world racing franchise.
Table of Contents
Official Status of the Forza Horizon 6 Release Date
The May 19, 2026 release date surfaced through an in-game promotional panel inside Forza Horizon 5 that displayed pre-order information, edition tiers, and access timing for the next title. The panel included exact calendar dates and edition benefits, which is typically only pushed to live servers when the release schedule is locked internally.
The early access period for Premium Edition owners is set four days earlier, beginning May 15, 2026. This follows the same rollout structure used for Forza Horizon 4 and Forza Horizon 5, where premium buyers received several days of exclusive playtime ahead of the global launch.
As of today, no alternative release window has been confirmed, delayed, or corrected by Xbox or Playground Games.
Why the May 2026 Window Is Considered Locked
Several factors support the reliability of the current date:
- The date appeared inside a live production build of an existing Forza title.
- The listing included full edition structures, not placeholders.
- The timing aligns with Microsoft’s traditional spring release cycle for major first-party titles.
- The date is synchronized across multiple backend store systems.
This type of deployment does not occur during early planning phases. It is normally pushed only after certification timelines, manufacturing schedules, and marketing campaigns are aligned.
What Has Been Officially Confirmed About the Game
Beyond the release timing, several details about Forza Horizon 6 are now fully confirmed.
Development and Studio
The game is developed by Playground Games in collaboration with Turn 10 Studios and published by Xbox Game Studios.
Setting
The open-world map is set in Japan. This includes urban cityscapes, mountain passes, rural highways, coastal roads, and cultural landmarks. Japan has been the most requested location by fans since the series began.
Platforms
At launch, the game will be available on:
- Xbox Series X
- Xbox Series S
- Windows PC
A PlayStation 5 version is planned, marking a major platform expansion for the franchise, but its release date has not yet been announced.
Scale and Technology
The game is built exclusively for current-generation hardware and PC, with no last-generation console version planned. The map is confirmed to be larger than any previous Horizon world and uses an updated engine with improved lighting, weather simulation, and vehicle physics.
How the Release Timeline Fits the Series Pattern
Looking at previous releases:
| Game | Announcement Year | Release Year | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forza Horizon 3 | 2016 | 2016 | Same year |
| Forza Horizon 4 | 2018 | 2018 | Same year |
| Forza Horizon 5 | 2021 | 2021 | Same year |
| Forza Horizon 6 | 2025 | 2026 | One-year cycle |
The shift to a longer development window reflects the move to larger worlds, cross-platform support, and next-generation technical demands.
Editions and Early Access Structure
Based on the current verified listing structure, the game will launch with:
- Standard Edition
- Deluxe Edition
- Premium Edition
Premium Edition includes:
- Four days early access (May 15, 2026)
- VIP membership
- Car Pass
- Welcome Pack
- Future expansion access
This model matches the established Forza Horizon release framework and is already fully defined internally.
Why Fans Are Asking “When Is Forza Horizon 6 Coming Out” So Often
Search volume around the phrase “when is Forza Horizon 6 coming out” surged after:
- The Japan setting confirmation
- The reveal of PlayStation platform support
- The appearance of a visible release date in live game infrastructure
- The announcement of an upcoming Xbox Developer Direct presentation focused on first-party titles
The combination of a long-requested location and the franchise’s first multi-platform expansion has driven unprecedented interest.
What Has Not Been Confirmed Yet
To stay fully factual and current, the following details are still unannounced:
- Exact PlayStation 5 release date
- Official gameplay trailer
- Full car list
- Exact map size in square miles
- Cross-play functionality details
None of these should be assumed until formally revealed.
Current Release Timeline Summary
| Item | Status |
|---|---|
| Global Launch Date | May 19, 2026 |
| Early Access | May 15, 2026 |
| Xbox & PC | Confirmed |
| PlayStation 5 | Confirmed, date pending |
| Location | Japan |
| Developer | Playground Games |
| Publisher | Xbox Game Studios |
What Happens Next
The next milestone will be the full gameplay reveal and official release announcement during Microsoft’s upcoming first-party showcase. That presentation is expected to formally confirm:
- Final release date
- Pre-order availability
- Gameplay features
- Visual upgrades
- Online and seasonal systems
Until that event takes place, the May 2026 window remains the most accurate, verified answer to the question:
When is Forza Horizon 6 coming out?
Stay tuned and share your thoughts below on whether you plan to jump in on day one or wait for the full post-launch content cycle to unfold.
