One of Xbox’s most anticipated 2026 games is clearly starting to pick up speed, and Forza Horizon 6 now wants to nudge you into exploring Japan with 10 key new features. Playground Games is teasing fresh details on Japanese regions, new systems, customization options, and more.
On May 19, Xbox is set to make a lot of players’ wishes come true with Forza Horizon 6. After years of requests, racing fans will finally be able to roam Japan’s varied regions, from Tokyo’s modern streets to trails lined with historic temples. The urge to jump behind the wheel is so strong that Playground Games’ latest release has already become the fifth most anticipated game in the entire Steam catalog. Now the developers have returned with an article that’s making the hype climb even higher.
If the spectacular trailer shown during January’s Developer Direct left you craving more, you’ll be glad to hear Playground Games has revealed 10 new Forza Horizon 6 features intended to raise expectations ahead of launch. In short, it’s a bundle of brand-new additions, including gameplay surprises, details on the places we’ll explore, and even new ways to build our ideal vehicle. Below, we’ve compiled the key points that will shape the experience on Japan’s roads.
• Japanese landmarks. Players will be able to drive through iconic areas such as Shibuya, Tokyo Tower, and Ginkgo Avenue, while also enjoying mountain scenery that includes Mount Haruna and Bandai Azuma.
• More seasonal variation. Playground Games promises seasonal changes will be “more dramatic”, at least compared to what players saw in Forza Horizon 5. On top of that, players will be able to experience permanently snowy weather in Japan’s alpine regions.
• Horizon Rush. A new event that invites players to take on obstacle courses across Japan.
• Meeting Points. Players will be able to meet other users at multiple meeting spots scattered throughout Japan’s map. In addition, Forza Horizon 6 will feature challenges called Time Attack Circuits, which revolve around completing short circuits in the fastest possible time.
• Garage and world customization. Players can decorate their space with Customizable Garages and add new features to the open world with The Estate. And if that weren’t enough, Forza Horizon 6 will also include multiplayer building in EventLab.
• Cars for sale. The open world of Forza Horizon 6 will include markets with cars for sale, creating opportunities to pick up unique models at reduced prices.
• Proximity sensor. A new option that helps identify nearby vehicles, especially if they move into the blind spot.
• Sound improvements. Alongside technical upgrades aimed at delivering more realistic audio, both from the environment and from vehicle operation, Forza Horizon 6 will also include a technology called Triton Acoustics. It’s described as a “spatial reverberation system” that “simulates real-world acoustics by generating reverberation signals from the virtual positions of objects within the game”.
• New options for customizing vehicles. Forza Aero has been updated with more car customization options, complemented by the ability to paint decorations directly onto the windows.
• Improved animations. Playground Games has updated steering animations with “up to 540 degrees of steering wheel rotation”.
Controversy Over The Price Of The Forza Horizon 6 Premium Edition
While Forza Horizon fans are clearly excited about the sixth installment, some have already criticized Playground Games and Xbox over the Premium Edition price. The community has noticed that this version costs €199.99, which is a 20% increase compared to the special edition of Forza Horizon 5. The option includes two content expansions set to release months after the game’s launch, but it has already sparked considerable debate among players.
Source: 3djuegos
