Forza Horizon 6 brings an exciting and beautiful Japan adventure
Playground Games has shared new details about how Forza Horizon 6 was created, and this time, the series is heading to Japan. During a recent Developer Direct, the studio talked about the game’s setting, new ideas, and how it wants players to feel true freedom while exploring.
The Design Director, Torben Ellert, explained that Forza Horizon 6 starts in a very different way. You are not a famous driver at the start. Instead, you arrive in Japan as a tourist who dreams of joining the Horizon Festival. This fresh beginning is meant to feel personal and relatable, even for players who are not big car fans.
According to Ellert, the idea is simple. Many people love travelling to new places and chasing big dreams. The game puts you right into that feeling, as if you just got off a plane in a country you have always wanted to visit. From there, your journey slowly grows.
Japan is the new open world for Forza Horizon 6. The team did not try to copy real locations exactly. Instead, they focused on how Japan feels when you drive through it. You move from quiet suburbs to busy city roads, from mountain passes to bright urban streets filled with lights. Everything is designed to feel smooth, fast, and fun, just like a Horizon game should.
Tokyo plays a big role in the map. Players will see famous places like Shibuya Crossing and Tokyo Tower, all connected by tight streets, shortcuts, and open roads made for high speed driving. The city is dense, colourful, and full of life, making it one of the most detailed areas the series has ever seen.
Culture is also a big part of the experience. Two friends travel with you in the story. One of them, Mei, is a Japanese car builder who helps explain local car culture. The team also worked with a cultural consultant from Japan to make sure the game feels respectful and real.
A brand new feature called the Collection Journal adds more reason to explore. Inspired by stamp collecting in Japan, this journal fills up as you discover places, take photos, and find landmarks. It helps you progress and gives exploration real value, not just racing.
Players can also own homes again, but Forza Horizon 6 adds something new called The Estate. This is a large piece of land inspired by abandoned rural homes in Japan. You can rebuild it, decorate it, and turn it into anything you like. Every building and item is earned through playing the game, which makes it feel personal.
Car culture gets more attention too. Car Meets are now part of the game, inspired by famous Japanese meet-up spots. These are relaxed social areas where players can show cars, share designs, and meet others without pressure or rules.
At launch, Forza Horizon 6 will include around 550 cars. The cover cars include the 2025 GR GT Prototype and the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser. One of these cars is even used in the opening moments of the game to give players a taste of what they can work towards.
Ellert says cars are more than machines. For many people, they stand for freedom, style, and personal dreams. That idea sits at the heart of Forza Horizon 6. The goal is simple: give players beautiful cars, a beautiful place, and the freedom to enjoy both with friends.
Forza Horizon 6 launch
Forza Horizon 6 launches on May 19 for Xbox Series X and S, PC, Xbox Cloud, Steam, and Game Pass Ultimate. The PlayStation 5 version will arrive later in 2026. Early access for Premium Edition players starts on May 15.
