The racing community just got an unexpected early Christmas present. Forza Horizon 6’s release date appears to have leaked through an in-game advertisement that popped up in Forza Horizon 5, and if the leak is accurate, we’ll be drifting through Tokyo streets sooner than expected.
The Leak That Broke the Internet
On January 14, 2026, Xbox Infinite, a Saudi Arabia-based Xbox news outlet, posted a screenshot showing what appeared to be a pre-order advertisement for Forza Horizon 6 that accidentally went live inside Forza Horizon 5. According to the leaked image, the game is set to launch on May 19, 2026, with Premium Edition owners getting early access starting May 15. VGC later confirmed with its sources that this release window is accurate, lending serious credibility to the leak.
The timing makes perfect sense. Microsoft has scheduled an Xbox Developer Direct showcase for January 22, where Forza Horizon 6 is expected to be a major focus. It appears someone at Playground Games or Microsoft jumped the gun and pushed the advertisement live a week too early. Oops.
What’s Inside the Premium Edition
The leaked advertisement revealed more than just dates. The Premium Edition is shaping up to be packed with content that should make car enthusiasts happy. According to the leak, Premium Edition buyers will get VIP Membership for double credits and exclusive bonuses, a Welcome Pack, the full Car Pass, and the Time Attack Car Pack right at launch.
What’s interesting is the post-launch content. The leak mentions an “Italian Passion Car Pack” coming after release, which suggests a heavy focus on Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Alfa Romeo vehicles. This fits nicely with Japan’s car culture, where Italian supercars have always had a passionate following. Premium Edition owners will also get access to two future expansions, following the series tradition of major DLC drops.
Why Japan Is a Big Deal
Forza Horizon 6 heading to Japan has been the worst-kept secret in racing games for months. Officially announced in September 2025, the game promises to deliver the most detailed and ambitious setting in the franchise’s history. Art director Don Arceta stated that Japan is a location fans have been requesting since the very first Forza Horizon game launched back in 2012.
The game will feature a mix of natural and urban environments that showcase Japan’s incredible contrasts. Players will race through Tokyo City, which Playground Games describes as their “most complex and layered” city to date, complete with elevated roads inspired by the technology developed for Forza Horizon 5’s Hot Wheels DLC. Beyond the neon-lit streets, the map includes the picturesque countryside surrounding Mount Fuji, rural mountain areas, and other iconic Japanese landmarks.
Cultural consultant Kyoko Yamashita worked closely with the development team to ensure the game authentically represents Japanese car culture. This includes Kei cars, the origins of drifting culture, and the deep customization scene that Japan is famous for. The map is reportedly larger than Forza Horizon 5’s Mexico setting, which itself was double the size of Forza Horizon 4’s United Kingdom map.
The Forza Horizon Legacy
The Forza Horizon series has come a long way since its 2012 debut in Colorado. Each game has taken players to increasingly exotic locations – from southern France and Italy in Horizon 2, to Australia in Horizon 3, the United Kingdom in Horizon 4, and Mexico in Horizon 5. By the time of the Xbox Series X/S launch, Forza Horizon 4 had accumulated over 24 million players, making it one of the highest-rated first-party Xbox games ever.
Forza Horizon 5 launched in November 2021 for Xbox and PC, with a PlayStation 5 version following in April 2022. If the leaked dates are accurate, Horizon 6 will flip that schedule, launching first on Xbox Series X/S and PC in May 2026, with a PS5 release potentially coming later in the year around the holidays.
What Happens Next
All eyes are now on the Xbox Developer Direct scheduled for January 22, 2026. This showcase will likely confirm the May 19 release date officially and provide the first proper gameplay footage of Forza Horizon 6. Fans can expect deep dives into the game’s features, a closer look at Tokyo’s intricate road systems, and hopefully more details about what makes this Japan setting so special.
The leak has generated massive excitement across gaming communities, with racing fans eagerly discussing what locations they hope to see and what cars might be featured. After years of speculation and requests, Japan is finally happening, and it seems we won’t have to wait much longer to experience it.
FAQs
When does Forza Horizon 6 release?
According to the leak, Forza Horizon 6 launches on May 19, 2026, with Premium Edition early access starting May 15, 2026. Official confirmation is expected at the Xbox Developer Direct on January 22, 2026.
What platforms will Forza Horizon 6 be available on?
Forza Horizon 6 will launch on Xbox Series X/S and PC first. A PlayStation 5 version is planned but may arrive later in 2026, potentially around the holiday season.
Where is Forza Horizon 6 set?
The game is set in Japan, featuring Tokyo City with its elevated roads and neon lights, the countryside surrounding Mount Fuji, rural mountain regions, and other iconic Japanese locations.
What’s included in the Premium Edition?
The Premium Edition includes four days of early access, VIP Membership with double credits, a Welcome Pack, Car Pass, Time Attack Car Pack, the Italian Passion Car Pack (post-launch), and two future expansions.
How big is the Forza Horizon 6 map?
The map is confirmed to be larger than Forza Horizon 5’s Mexico setting, which was already double the size of Forza Horizon 4’s map. The developers describe it as both large and densely packed with detail.
Will Mount Fuji be drivable in the game?
While Mount Fuji appears in promotional materials and the game’s teaser, it’s unclear if the mountain itself will be fully drivable. The developers have confirmed that Japanese mountain regions will be included in the game.
What makes the Tokyo setting special?
Tokyo City is described as Playground Games’ most ambitious and complex city ever created for the franchise. It features elevated roads developed using technology from the Forza Horizon 5 Hot Wheels DLC and represents the series’ most intricate drivable urban space.
How was the leak discovered?
The leak came from an in-game advertisement that appeared prematurely inside Forza Horizon 5, showing pre-order details and the release date. The ad was screenshotted and shared by Xbox Infinite before being widely reported.
Conclusion
While nothing is official until Microsoft confirms it, this leak has all the hallmarks of authenticity. The May 19 release date fits perfectly with the January 22 Developer Direct timeline, and the Premium Edition details align with what Playground Games has offered in previous titles. For Forza fans who’ve been begging for a Japan setting since 2012, the wait is almost over. Get ready to drift through Tokyo’s neon streets and race past Mount Fuji in just a few months.