Forza Horizon 6 could be heading to Japan — and the reveal may be sooner than you think

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As Forza Horizon 5 gears up for its fourth anniversary, it’s been an exciting ride for this open-world racing title. With such a successful run, it’s only logical to assume that the creators, Playground Games and Xbox Game Studios, are already planning what’s next in line, aren’t they?

For quite some time now, enthusiasts have been eager for updates about Forza Horizon 6, and a hint from Xbox’s Phil Spencer has given us hope that the much-anticipated follow-up might arrive in 2026. However, recent indications suggest that Forza Horizon 6 could potentially be launched earlier than expected.

By “we,” I mean Windows Central; here’s the scoop.

Forza Horizon 6 could be announced this year

Social media posts, such as the recently deleted one on Instagram by an Australian auto importer, have ignited fresh conversations about the possibility of Forza Horizon 6, as it appears that a team member from Playground Games was seen digitally scanning a Kei vehicle for potential inclusion in the game.

The post rekindled anticipation that the Forza Horizon series might expand its horizons and choose Japan as its future location, a destination that fans have been eagerly asking for since the very first game in the series.

While numerous sources and websites have reported on this, it’s important to note that the information about Forza Horizon 6 being set in Japan is somewhat speculative. There isn’t any solid proof supporting this claim. Instead, it appears that the game may include a greater number of Japanese vehicles. Windows Central, however, has additional insights on the matter, thanks to our reliable sources.

As an avid gaming enthusiast, I’ve caught wind of some intriguing documents hinting that the announcement for Forza Horizon 6 might take place at this year’s Tokyo Game Show!

It appears that credible sources have indicated a strong possibility that Forza Horizon 6 might be officially unveiled during the Tokyo Game Show, which is an annual gaming event held in Japan around late September.

This year’s Tokyo Game Show promises to break all previous records as the biggest event yet. Microsoft’s Xbox has already confirmed its attendance and plans to unveil something there – possibly Forza Horizon 6. Given that the TGS primarily caters to the Japanese gaming market, it seems plausible that the game could be set in Japan, making it a strategic choice to debut it at this event rather than at events like Gamescom.

Hey fellow enthusiasts! I’ve been keeping an ear to the ground, and while this news might be unconfirmed for now, it seems to be more substantial than just a fleeting social media post. Let’s keep our fingers crossed and hope for official word soon!

What can we expect from Forza Horizon 6?

Since its debut in 2021, Forza Horizon 5 has enjoyed significant popularity and even ranked among the top-selling games of 2025 upon its release on PlayStation. Furthermore, the game features more than 800 distinct automobiles, although the number of new additions to this list has ceased to increase.

Indeed, it was clear from my initial review that Forza Horizon 5 was bound for greatness. However, hints have been surfacing for quite some time now that Xbox is about to initiate a fresh era for the Forza series. Now, instead of introducing new content, Forza Horizon 5 seems to be reusing its years-long cycle of monthly updates while something new appears to be simmering in the background.

The upcoming Forza Horizon 6 is expected to be developed by Turn 10 Studios, which suggests that it could mark a particularly ambitious addition to the franchise.

With a strong possibility that Forza Horizon 6 is imminently being unveiled (probably set for a 2026 release), let’s discuss what we might anticipate. Of course, given that it will be constructed on the enhanced ForzaTech engine, powering both Forza Motorsport (due in 2023) and the upcoming Fable reboot, it’s reasonable to expect significant visual enhancements.

I’m particularly looking forward to advancements in the car handling mechanics, as Forza Horizon 6 is anticipated to offer a richer and more immersive experience compared to its predecessors in the Forza Horizon series.

As a devoted fan, I’m keenly aware that the Forza Motorsport simulation racing series might seem to be on a temporary hiatus, given the significant staff reductions at Turn 10 Studios. However, what truly excites me is the news that the surviving team at Turn 10 is now fully committed to collaborating with Playground on the development of Forza Horizon. This means we can anticipate an even more grandiose and comprehensive game experience than ever before!

If it’s indeed true that Forza Horizon 6 takes place in Japan (and we have strong reasons to believe so), this change might address a significant complaint about the current version: the map, which is presently located in Mexico, has been criticized as being monotonous by some players. Forza Horizon 5 boasts the largest and most visually stunning Forza Horizon game ever made, but there are those who argue that its landscape lacks diversity and excitement.

In a refreshing twist, introducing a Japanese backdrop promises a captivating and intriguing map for extended gameplay sessions. Given Japan’s bustling automotive scene, it seems like an ideal fit for the Horizon Festival. However, I have another significant alteration in mind that I eagerly wish to implement.

In simpler terms, Forza Horizon 5 received more extended support compared to its predecessors. However, this extended support, particularly through the monthly updates centered around the Festival Playlist, also revealed some weaknesses or areas for improvement.

The live features in Forza Horizon 5 started to feel repetitive over time, as most updates seemed insignificant other than introducing a few new vehicles. I hope Forza Horizon 6 adopts a fresh strategy for post-release support, offering more diverse and impactful updates, even if they don’t come out as frequently.

In regards to platform availability, Forza Horizon 6 is confirmed for release on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and Xbox Game Pass from day one. However, it’s yet to be determined if PlayStation gamers will also have an opportunity to enjoy the game.

Given the tremendous success of FH5 on Sony’s platform, it’s almost certain that its sequel will eventually make its way to PlayStation consoles. However, I wouldn’t hold my breath for a day one release. Instead, it seems likely we’ll see Forza Horizon 6 on PlayStation between six months to a year after the initial launch (fingers crossed for real cross-save support this time).

As a fellow racing enthusiast, I can hardly contain my excitement! In about a month from now, fingers crossed, we’ll likely hear some thrilling news during the Tokyo Game Show 2025. It’s where (we hope) Forza Horizon 6 will be officially unveiled, and I’m eager to learn more about this anticipated sequel!

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2025-08-24 18:40