The wait is finally over. After weeks of speculation following an accidental in-game leak, trusted industry insider billbil-kun has confirmed that Forza Horizon 6 will launch on May 19, 2026. Premium Edition buyers get a four-day head start, gaining access on May 15, 2026. The confirmation arrives just hours before Microsoft’s Xbox Developer Direct showcase, where Playground Games plans to reveal gameplay footage for the first time.
This marks the sixth mainline entry in the beloved open-world racing franchise and the first to take players to Japan, a location fans have requested for nearly a decade. According to billbil-kun’s report on Dealabs, the game will receive both digital and physical releases on the same day, with pre-orders opening immediately following tonight’s Developer Direct presentation.
Three Editions Heading Your Way
Forza Horizon 6 will launch with three distinct editions, each offering different levels of content and access. The Standard Edition comes in at 69.99 euros (pricing for other regions has not been officially confirmed yet). Beyond that, a Deluxe Edition sits in the middle tier, though specific details about its contents remain unclear.
The Premium Edition represents the complete package for die-hard fans. Here’s what you get for choosing the top-tier version.
Premium Edition Includes
- Four days early access starting May 15, 2026
- VIP Membership with exclusive rewards and bonuses
- Welcome Pack to jump-start your collection
- Car Pass for regular post-launch vehicle drops
- Time Attack Car Pack
- Pre-tuned and exclusive Ferrari J50
- Italian Passion Car Pack (delivered post-launch)
- Two Premium Expansions (delivered post-launch)
All pre-order versions, regardless of edition, grant you access to an exclusive pre-tuned Ferrari J50. This sweetheart deal echoes previous Forza Horizon launches, where early adopters received special vehicles not available through standard gameplay.
How the Leak Started
The initial leak came from an unexpected source. An in-game advertisement accidentally went live inside Forza Horizon 5 earlier this month, spotted and shared by Xbox Infinite on social media. The pop-up banner clearly stated the May 19 launch date and mentioned Premium Edition early access beginning May 15. At the time, many fans questioned whether this was legitimate or simply a placeholder.
VGC subsequently reached out to their industry sources, who confirmed the release window was accurate. Now with billbil-kun’s track record of reliable leaks backing up these dates, there’s virtually no doubt remaining. This leaker has consistently delivered accurate information on major game releases, editions, and pricing well ahead of official announcements.
Physical Edition Confirmed
One detail that might surprise some fans is the confirmation of a physical edition for the Standard version. In recent years, many games have shifted toward digital-only releases or reserved physical copies for collector’s editions. Forza Horizon 6 bucks this trend by making the base game available in physical form at retail stores.
The physical release will launch simultaneously with the digital version on May 19, 2026. This decision likely reflects Microsoft’s understanding that many racing game enthusiasts still prefer having a physical copy on their shelves, particularly in regions where internet infrastructure makes large digital downloads challenging.
What Tonight’s Showcase Will Reveal
The Xbox Developer Direct kicks off tonight at 10:00 AM PT / 1:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM GMT (11:30 PM IST). Playground Games has promised the first proper gameplay reveal for Forza Horizon 6, focusing on how the studio has authentically recreated Japan’s diverse environments.
Expect to see Tokyo’s intricate elevated highway system, described by the developers as one of their most detailed and layered environments to date. The showcase should also highlight rural landscapes, mountain passes perfect for drifting, and the iconic Mount Fuji serving as a backdrop. Seasonal changes play a major role too, with Japan’s famous cherry blossom season (Sakura) receiving special attention.
Other Games in Tonight’s Showcase
- Fable – First extended gameplay look at Playground Games’ RPG reboot
- Beast of Reincarnation – Game Freak’s post-apocalyptic action RPG set in Japan
- Potential surprise announcements
The event runs approximately one hour and will stream across YouTube, Twitch, Facebook, and Xbox’s official channels with multiple language subtitles available.
Japan Setting and Cultural Research
Microsoft officially announced the Japan setting during Tokyo Game Show in September 2025. Since then, Playground Games has emphasized the extensive cultural research undertaken to ensure authentic representation. The studio worked with cultural advisor Kyoko Yamashita and conducted field research in Japan, digitally scanning real vehicles including Japanese Kei cars.
The game promises over 550 real-world cars at launch, representing manufacturers from across the globe with special emphasis on Japanese domestic market vehicles. This massive roster eclipses Forza Horizon 5’s launch lineup and reflects years of vehicle licensing work and detailed 3D scanning.
PlayStation 5 Coming Later
In a franchise first, Forza Horizon 6 will eventually make its way to PlayStation 5, though not at launch. Microsoft confirmed the PS5 version arrives post-launch without specifying an exact timeframe. This decision aligns with Microsoft’s broader multiplatform strategy, bringing previously exclusive franchises to competing consoles.
The initial launch focuses on Xbox Series X/S and PC via Steam and Microsoft Store. Game Pass subscribers will have day-one access, continuing the pattern established by previous Forza titles.
FAQs
When does Forza Horizon 6 officially release?
Forza Horizon 6 releases on May 19, 2026, for Xbox Series X/S and PC. Premium Edition buyers receive early access starting May 15, 2026.
Who confirmed the Forza Horizon 6 release date?
Reliable leaker billbil-kun confirmed the release date through a report on Dealabs, backing up information that initially leaked through an in-game advertisement in Forza Horizon 5.
How much does Forza Horizon 6 cost?
The Standard Edition is priced at 69.99 euros. Pricing for the Deluxe and Premium Editions has not been officially confirmed, though the Premium Edition typically costs significantly more due to included DLC and early access.
Will Forza Horizon 6 have a physical release?
Yes, the Standard Edition will receive a physical release on Xbox Series X/S, launching the same day as the digital version on May 19, 2026.
What platforms is Forza Horizon 6 coming to?
Forza Horizon 6 launches on Xbox Series X/S and PC (Steam and Microsoft Store) on May 19, 2026. A PlayStation 5 version will release at a later unannounced date.
When does the Xbox Developer Direct showcase happen?
The Xbox Developer Direct airs on January 22, 2026, at 10:00 AM PT / 1:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM GMT (11:30 PM IST) across YouTube, Twitch, and other Xbox channels.
How many cars will Forza Horizon 6 feature?
Forza Horizon 6 will include over 550 real-world cars at launch, representing the largest vehicle roster in the series at release.
What exclusive content comes with pre-orders?
All pre-order versions include a pre-tuned and exclusive Ferrari J50. Premium Edition pre-orders receive additional content including VIP membership, car pass, and two expansion packs.
Racing Toward May
With the release date now essentially confirmed and tonight’s gameplay reveal imminent, the hype for Forza Horizon 6 has reached fever pitch. The Japan setting represents a dream come true for long-time fans who’ve spent years imagining what drifting through Tokyo’s streets or carving mountain passes near Mount Fuji might feel like in Playground Games’ signature open-world style.
The May 19 launch date positions Forza Horizon 6 perfectly for the early summer gaming season, giving players the entire summer to explore every corner of the digital Japan that Playground Games has constructed. Between the massive car roster, the meticulously researched locations, and the promise of seasonal changes that showcase Japan’s natural beauty, this entry looks poised to become the definitive Forza Horizon experience.
Pre-orders open tonight immediately following the Developer Direct presentation. Whether you’re a veteran Horizon Festival attendee or a newcomer curious about the franchise, the road to Japan begins in just four months.