🏁 Forza Horizon 6 Release Date Revealed
A pop-up notification in Forza Horizon 5 has leaked the highly anticipated release dates for the next installment heading to Japan
Twitter account XBOXF10 posted an image from inside Forza Horizon 5 showing a pre-order notification for Forza Horizon 6. The leak indicates a May 15, 2026 early access date for Premium Edition buyers and a May 19, 2026 launch for the Standard Edition. Multiple gaming outlets attempted to reproduce the pop-up but were unsuccessful, though the timeframe matches previous insider information about the game’s release window.
Forza Horizon 6 will be the first entry in the series set in Japan, a location fans have requested since the franchise began. The game launches on Xbox consoles and PC in 2026, with a PlayStation 5 version confirmed for post-launch release. Microsoft has scheduled an Xbox Developer Direct on January 22, 2026 to reveal the first gameplay footage and new features.
Key Release Information
May 15
Premium Early Access
May 19
Standard Edition Launch
⚠️ Unverified Leak Notice
Multiple outlets have been unable to reproduce this pop-up notification in Forza Horizon 5. While the release timeframe aligns with previous insider reports, official confirmation from Microsoft is pending the January 22 Developer Direct event.
Development Timeline
June 8, 2025
Xbox Gaming CEO Phil Spencer teased “the next Forza” for 2026 at the
Xbox Games Showcase 2025, confirming a new racing title would arrive within the year.
September 25, 2025
Forza Horizon 6 officially announced during Xbox Tokyo Game Show 2025 Broadcast. Playground Games confirmed Japan as the setting and revealed a 2026 release window for Xbox and PC, with PlayStation 5 version arriving post-launch.
January 14, 2026
In-game notification appears in Forza Horizon 5 revealing specific May release dates.
Social media discussions emerge around the leaked information, though verification remains pending.
January 22, 2026
Scheduled
Xbox Developer Direct event will feature first gameplay reveal and deep-dive into new features, including how Japan’s diverse environments have been recreated.
Edition Breakdown
Full game access on Xbox and PC
Complete open-world Japan experience
All standard racing modes and features
Play 4 days early starting May 15, 2026
VIP Membership with exclusive perks
Welcome Pack and Car Pass
Italian Passion Car Pack (post-launch content)
2 Premium Expansions (post-launch content)
Exclusive tuned Ferrari J50 pre-order bonus
What We Know So Far
🎮 Platform Launch Strategy
Forza Horizon 6 launches first on Xbox Series X|S and PC in May 2026. A PlayStation 5 version has been confirmed for post-launch release, continuing the franchise’s multi-platform expansion that began with Forza Horizon 5’s eventual PlayStation release.
🗾 Japan Setting Details
According to
official Xbox Wire coverage, Playground Games is building Tokyo’s urban environment with elevated expressways and neon-lit districts alongside Mount Fuji and traditional shrines. The map will blend modern Japanese architecture with natural landscapes across diverse regions.
🏎️ Pre-Order Vehicle
Players who pre-order will receive an exclusive tuned Ferrari J50. The J50 is a limited-production roadster with a 3.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 690 horsepower. Only 10 units were produced for Ferrari’s 50th anniversary in Japan.
📺 Upcoming Gameplay Reveal
The
Xbox Developer Direct on January 22, 2026 will showcase the first gameplay footage. Playground Games plans to demonstrate new features and reveal how Japan’s contrasting landscapes have been recreated in the game engine.
More Gaming News
Minecraft Updates
Minecraft 26.1 snapshot introduces baby mobs and craftable name tags for the Spring 2026 update.
Check out the new features.
Hero Shooter
Deadpool joins Marvel Rivals Season 6 as a triple-role hero with new museum map in January 2026.
Learn about the update.
Free Racing Game
Initial Drift Online is available free on Steam until January 18, 2026.
Claim your copy.
Fan-Made Multiplayer
The Last of Us Part 2 receives a fan-made multiplayer mod on PC after Naughty Dog cancelled Factions.
Explore the mod.
The leaked release dates for Forza Horizon 6 have been discussed across gaming communities, though official confirmation remains pending. The Premium Edition with May 15 early access and Standard Edition with May 19 launch dates align with previous insider reports about a May 2026 release window.
All listed Premium Edition content, including the Ferrari J50 pre-order bonus and post-launch expansions, comes from the leaked in-game notification. The Xbox Developer Direct on January 22, 2026 will provide official details about the game’s release date, gameplay features, and Japan setting implementation.
