The question will Forza Horizon 6 be on PS5 has been circulating widely among gamers since the official announcement of the next chapter in the acclaimed racing franchise. With millions of PlayStation 5 owners eager to join the Horizon Festival, the good news is that Forza Horizon 6 will indeed come to Sony’s console. The caveat? It won’t be available on PS5 at launch. Instead, it will first release on Xbox Series X|S and PC, with a PlayStation 5 version arriving later.
This development marks a significant moment in the gaming industry. A franchise once synonymous with the Xbox brand is now expanding further to PlayStation players, opening the door to a wider global audience. Let’s break down everything we know, from release schedules and features to what the delayed launch means for PS5 users.
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Forza Horizon 6 Release Timeline
Forza Horizon 6 is officially set to debut in 2026. The initial platforms are locked in: Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC. The PS5 release, while confirmed, will follow at a later date.
This staggered rollout mirrors Microsoft’s growing strategy of sharing more of its first-party titles beyond Xbox. While Xbox and PC players will get the game immediately, PlayStation users will need to wait, likely a few months or longer, before the port is ready.
Why the PS5 Version Is Delayed
The key issue behind the delay isn’t about exclusion—it’s about priorities and logistics. Here’s why the PS5 version won’t be available day one:
- Platform focus: Forza Horizon is still a flagship Xbox title. Development teams put Xbox hardware and PC optimization at the front of the line.
- Testing and performance tuning: Ensuring smooth gameplay on PS5 requires additional development work, especially given its unique hardware architecture.
- Strategic marketing: Launching first on Xbox gives Microsoft the spotlight, boosting subscriptions to Game Pass and sales of Xbox consoles.
While the delay may frustrate PlayStation fans, the upside is clear: the PS5 version will be a fully polished experience when it arrives.
The Japan Setting: A Fan Dream Come True
One of the most exciting revelations about Forza Horizon 6 is its setting: Japan. Fans have requested this location for years, and the developers have finally delivered. The country offers a blend of iconic cityscapes and breathtaking natural environments that are perfect for an open-world racing game.
Players can expect:
- Tokyo streets glowing with neon lights for high-speed night racing.
- Mountain passes that pay tribute to Japan’s drift culture.
- Countryside landscapes filled with cherry blossoms and rice fields.
- Historic landmarks that add cultural depth to the Horizon Festival.
This setting doesn’t just bring visual variety—it taps into global car culture. Japan has long been associated with performance vehicles, drifting, and innovation in motorsports. Forza Horizon 6 is shaping up to celebrate that heritage.
Features and Gameplay Expectations
Forza Horizon 6 builds on the massive success of Horizon 5. Here’s what players can look forward to:
- Improved driving physics for even more realistic handling.
- Expanded vehicle list with hundreds of cars from global manufacturers.
- Advanced customization options for cars, liveries, and tuning.
- Dynamic weather systems designed to enhance immersion across different regions of Japan.
- New multiplayer events that bring competitive and cooperative racing together seamlessly.
PlayStation players won’t be left out of these innovations. The PS5 version will carry the same content and feature set as Xbox and PC, ensuring parity across platforms.
What This Means for PS5 Players
So, will Forza Horizon 6 be on PS5? Yes. But patience will be required. Here’s how it breaks down for PlayStation users:
- Confirmed release: The game is definitely coming, so no need to worry about missing out entirely.
- Later launch date: The exact timeframe isn’t set, but expect a delay ranging from a few months to possibly a year.
- Full experience: Unlike some ports, the PS5 version will not be stripped down. Players can enjoy the same expansive Japan map, events, and features as Xbox and PC gamers.
- Community inclusion: Online multiplayer should remain cross-platform, meaning PS5 players will be part of the same Horizon community.
This is a huge win for PlayStation racing fans, who have long had to choose between sticking with Gran Turismo or investing in an Xbox to access Horizon.
How Forza Horizon 5 Paved the Way
To understand why this shift matters, it helps to look back at Forza Horizon 5. Released in 2021 for Xbox and PC, the game quickly became a defining entry in the series. Its Mexican setting, expansive car list, and stunning visuals made it a hit.
In 2025, it finally landed on PS5—years after its original release. That move was seen as groundbreaking, showing that Microsoft was willing to share its prized racing franchise with a rival console. Forza Horizon 6 continues that trend, but with a far shorter wait expected between Xbox and PlayStation releases.
Competition With Gran Turismo 7
Sony already has a beloved racing franchise in Gran Turismo 7, but Forza Horizon brings something different to the table. While Gran Turismo focuses heavily on simulation racing, Horizon thrives as an open-world festival.
For PS5 gamers, this means more variety:
- Gran Turismo 7: Precision, realism, and track-based racing.
- Forza Horizon 6: Exploration, freedom, and creative driving challenges.
Having both available on the same console gives players the best of both worlds.
Will It Be on PlayStation Plus?
One question PlayStation users are asking is whether Forza Horizon 6 will be available through PlayStation Plus. So far, that’s unlikely. While Xbox and PC gamers will get the game on Game Pass from day one, Sony players will almost certainly need to purchase it separately.
That said, the availability alone is a milestone. For PS5 fans, buying the game outright is still preferable to missing out entirely.
What the PS5 Delay Could Look Like
The timeline for release is the big unknown. While there’s no confirmed gap yet, here are the most likely scenarios:
- Short delay (3–6 months): If Microsoft accelerates cross-platform support, PS5 owners could get Horizon 6 in late 2026.
- Medium delay (6–12 months): A more traditional wait, similar to other Xbox-to-PlayStation ports.
- Long delay (12+ months): Less likely, but possible if technical challenges or strategy shifts occur.
Regardless of the gap, confirmation of a PS5 release already sets this game apart from past exclusives.
Why This Shift Is a Big Deal in Gaming
The question of will Forza Horizon 6 be on PS5 goes beyond just one game—it highlights the evolving strategies of major gaming companies. The walls between consoles are slowly breaking down, giving players more choice and flexibility.
This trend benefits everyone:
- Gamers get access to more titles without buying multiple consoles.
- Developers reach larger audiences, boosting sales and engagement.
- The industry moves toward inclusivity and away from strict exclusivity wars.
Forza Horizon 6 is a clear sign that the future of gaming is more about community than competition.
Key Takeaways
- Forza Horizon 6 launches in 2026.
- The game will debut on Xbox Series X|S and PC first.
- PS5 is confirmed, but with a delayed release.
- The setting is Japan, delivering fan-requested roads, cities, and landscapes.
- Features include improved physics, customization, and multiplayer events.
- PlayStation users will finally enjoy the Horizon Festival—just not right away.
Final Thoughts
So, once again: will Forza Horizon 6 be on PS5? Absolutely. The only hurdle is timing. While Xbox and PC players will hit the streets of Japan first, PlayStation 5 fans can rest easy knowing their version is guaranteed.
The bigger picture here is how the industry is shifting. Microsoft’s willingness to share Forza Horizon with PlayStation shows that exclusivity walls are fading, and gamers everywhere stand to benefit.
Are you ready to race through Japan when Forza Horizon 6 arrives on PS5, even if you have to wait a little longer? Share your thoughts in the comments below!