A Big Reveal at Tokyo Game Show
Fans of open-world racing finally got their wish at the Tokyo Game Show 2025, where Microsoft and Playground Games officially revealed Forza Horizon 6. The announcement instantly lit up the gaming community, confirming months of speculation. What makes this entry different is its breathtaking new setting — Japan, a country long requested by fans for its mix of neon-lit cities, twisting mountain roads, and scenic countryside.
The reveal trailer showed off rain-soaked Tokyo streets, cherry blossom highways, and traditional shrines tucked away in rural backdrops, all brought to life with next-gen realism. As one fan tweeted moments after the showcase, “This is the Forza Horizon we’ve been waiting for. Japan just feels perfect.”
Where Is Forza Horizon 6 Located?
After exploring Mexico in Forza Horizon 5, developers decided to take the franchise east. Forza Horizon 6 will be set in Japan, blending modern cities like Tokyo with iconic landscapes such as Mount Fuji, coastal fishing towns, and winding mountain passes known as touge roads.
Playground Games emphasized that the map is designed with a focus on drifting culture and street racing authenticity. Expect sharp turns, narrow streets, and vertical elevation changes that push driving skills to the limit. Unlike previous maps that leaned toward wide-open highways, this one aims to capture the pulse of Japanese car culture.
Will There Ever Be a Forza Horizon 6?
For years, the question floated in forums and comment sections: “Will there ever be a Forza Horizon 6?” The franchise has been one of Xbox’s biggest successes, but Playground Games also shifted resources toward developing Fable, leaving fans uncertain about the future of Horizon.
Now the answer is clear: yes, it’s happening, and it’s bigger than expected. Microsoft confirmed that the Horizon series remains a cornerstone of its Xbox strategy, with an even tighter integration with Game Pass and PC platforms.
Release Window and Platforms
Microsoft hasn’t pinned down an exact release date but confirmed that Forza Horizon 6 is targeting late 2026 for Xbox Series X|S and PC. The game will launch day one on Game Pass, following the model of earlier titles.
Developers hinted that the game is being built to push next-gen hardware, with upgraded ray tracing, dynamic weather, and seasonal events tied to real-world Japanese festivals. Imagine racing through Tokyo during a neon-lit summer festival or drifting down a snowy pass in mid-winter — that’s the vision Playground wants players to experience.
Is Forza 6 Free on PC?
One of the most asked questions: “Is Forza 6 free on PC?”
The short answer is no, it won’t be entirely free. Like previous Horizon titles, Forza Horizon 6 will be available as a premium purchase. However, subscribers of Xbox Game Pass on PC will get full access to the game at no extra cost. That means if you’re already paying for the subscription, Forza Horizon 6 is effectively free to play on launch day.
What to Expect from Gameplay
While the showcase focused heavily on visuals, developers also teased gameplay improvements. Some highlights include:
- Expanded Car List: Expect hundreds of cars, including Japanese legends like the Nissan Skyline GT-R, Toyota Supra, and Mazda RX-7.
- Cultural Immersion: Seasonal events tied to Japanese holidays and real car festivals.
- Improved Multiplayer: A more dynamic online world with clubs and regional leaderboards.
- Enhanced Customization: Wider tuning options for drifting, body kits inspired by Japanese street racers, and new decal systems.
Playground Games also promised that AI traffic will feel smarter, and the world will react more dynamically to weather changes.
Industry Buzz and Fan Hype
Gaming outlets like The Verge and IGN praised the reveal, calling Japan “a dream location finally realized.” Analysts believe that setting the game in Japan could boost sales in Asian markets, where car culture is deeply rooted.
A gaming journalist at IGN remarked, “This could be the most ambitious Horizon yet, not just visually but in how it captures the spirit of Japanese racing.”
Social media is already buzzing with theories, memes, and fan art. On Reddit, one user wrote: “I don’t even care about the release date. Just give me Mt. Fuji and a Supra, and I’m good.”
Future Outlook
The Horizon series has always been about freedom, creativity, and exploration, and Forza Horizon 6 looks set to raise the bar. By choosing Japan, Playground Games is not just offering players a new map but an entirely new cultural experience.
As the countdown to 2026 begins, the excitement is clear: Forza Horizon 6 could redefine the racing genre once again.