Xbox Developer Direct just dropped the first proper look at Forza Horizon 6. Let’s cut to the chase — it looks like it could be something special: incredible Japan setting, meatier progression, fresh features everywhere, and a celebration of local car culture. Could it be the series’ best yet? Here are five reasons why it just might.
1. The no-brainer setting we’ve all been craving
Japan has been the setting fans have begged for since the early Horizon days — not least because it’s guaranteed to be visually gorgeous. Nowhere nails seasonal drama like Japan, and it’s exciting to see Playground leaning back into that roots-y showcase that made earlier entries feel fresh.
But let’s not forget the urban side — Forza Horizon 6 will showcase Tokyo at 5x the scale of anything before. As a city of multiple unique identities — from the neon hustle of Shibuya and Shinjuku to traditional Asakusa — it’s exciting to see the game reflecting this. Here’s hoping they reflect Tokoy streets’ narrow, chaotic and claustrophobic feel — something that Horizon has never properly tackled.
READ MORE: Forza Horizon 6 in Japan: Can the Series do it Justice?
2. Progression that actually earns the dopamine hit
I found that recent Horizons handed you the keys to everything too quickly — fun, sure, but lacking real progression depth. Forza Horizon 6 looks to be returning to its roots: you start as a tourist, qualifying for the festival before earning wristbands (they’re back!) through “prove you’re ready” spectacle events.
It’s paired with fresh event types like gymkhana-inspired “Rush”obstacle courses, plus “Legend Island” as a proper endgame goal.
3. A love letter to JDM culture
Japan’s car culture is as unique as any in the world, and Playground looks cautiously set to give it the showcase it deserves. Expect revamped bodykits, window liveries, and open-world car meets that spill into touge battles. That’s on top of unique aftermarket JDM cars scattered across driveways for you to find and collect.
A raft of classic and new JDM cars were featured, too, but none more exciting than the cover car — the Toyota GR GT, the LFA’s spiritual successor. We’ll get our hands on it in-game before it even hits roads in real life!
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4. Increased open-world depth
Forza Horizon 6’s open world cranks up the depth over its predecessors, with new racing modes like open-world Time Attack circuits, alongside car meets and touge events. I also love the inclusion of the auto-drive mode, allowing you to sit back and take in the stunning scenery. Plus, world building from any location on the map, giving players plenty of creative freedom.
Collections are core too — you’ve got an adventure journal to catalog everything from cars to landmarks and mascots. You’re a tourist, after all!
5. Your Estate
Forza Horizon 6 has player houses, naturally. But the new “Estate” stands out as a potential gamechanger. Details are light, but you start with an overgrown mountain valley to clear, build, and decorate how you wish. Home to your own custom racetrack? Let’s hope so!
Forza Horizon 6 is scheduled for release on May 19th on Xbox Series X|S, PC via Steam and Game Pass, with Premium early access from May 15th and PlayStation to come later in the year. It can’t come soon enough.
