Forza Horizon 6 is reportedly targeting a launch window in the first half of 2026, according to well-known gaming insider NateTheHate, who stated on social media that “First half 2026 has been the target and remains as such,” even after Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto VI was delayed from May 26 to November 19, 2026. The upcoming release marks a major change for the Forza Horizon series, which traditionally launches in the fall between September and November. Forza Horizon 5 followed that pattern when it arrived on November 9, 2021, becoming Xbox’s biggest first-party launch at the time and eventually surpassing 40 million players by July 2024. Its later PlayStation 5 port even managed to outsell some of Sony’s own exclusives. Moving the next game to early 2026 creates the longest gap in the series, stretching to about four and a half years since FH5. The shift may help the game avoid competing with Grand Theft Auto VI, even though the two target different audiences. It also gives Playground Games, the UK studio behind the franchise, room to potentially release two major titles in the same year, including the long-delayed Fable.
The game was officially teased by Xbox at the Tokyo Game Show on September 25, 2025, confirming that it will release in 2026 for PC and Xbox Series X/S. A PlayStation 5 version is also planned for after launch, potentially in late 2026, and this time the port will be handled internally by Playground and Turn 10 Studios instead of being outsourced. For the first time in the series, the game is set in Japan, which has been one of the most requested locations from fans. The open world is described as Playground’s biggest and most detailed map yet, focusing on density and verticality rather than pure scale. Tokyo is designed with multiple layers of depth, including tight city streets, elevated highways, coastal roads for high-speed racing, mountain tōge routes perfect for drifting, and quieter rural backroads. The team has drawn inspiration from the Hot Wheels expansion in Forza Horizon 5 and aims to impress players with dramatic scenery and upgraded engine tech. The car list will place a strong emphasis on Japanese manufacturers, and for the first time the series will include drivable kei cars and kei vans, both for players and within regular AI traffic.
Gameplay is expected to follow a structure similar to Forza Horizon 1, beginning with slower starter cars and gradually unlocking faster tiers as players progress. The game will likely offer a mix of driving experiences, including urban street races and mountain roads. Although no gameplay footage has been shown yet, many believe a full reveal or release date announcement could happen at The Game Awards on December 11, 2025. This timing fits well with Microsoft’s busy 2026 lineup, which includes Halo: Campaign Evolved, Gears of War: E-Day, and Fable. All of this information is still unofficial, based on NateTheHate’s reports, which some outlets consider around seventy-five percent reliable. As of late November 2025, there are no signs of any delays.
Gameplay is expected to follow a structure similar to Forza Horizon 1, beginning with slower starter cars and gradually unlocking faster tiers as players progress. The game will likely offer a mix of driving experiences, including urban street races and mountain roads. Although no gameplay footage has been shown yet, many believe a full reveal or release date announcement could happen at The Game Awards on December 11, 2025. This timing fits well with Microsoft’s busy 2026 lineup, which includes Halo: Campaign Evolved, Gears of War: E-Day, and Fable. All of this information is still unofficial, based on NateTheHate’s reports, which some outlets consider around seventy-five percent reliable. As of late November 2025, there are no signs of any delays.
Source: Wccftech, NateTheHate2
