The map of Forza Horizon 6 won’t just surpass the 107 square kilometers of its predecessor — it will also give you plenty of reasons to explore every inch of it. Don Arceta, the game’s art director, says the team aimed to make this the “richest” world in the series so far.

After years of speculation and countless fan requests, it’s finally official: Forza Horizon 6 is happening, and it’s taking players to Japan. Fans have dreamed of racing through Japanese roads for decades, but that’s not the only exciting news about the 2026 installment. According to Playground Games, the game’s map won’t just be larger than Forza Horizon 5 — it will also be the most “dense” open world in the franchise’s history.

In an interview with GamesRadar+, art director Don Arceta revealed that their version of Japan will be “our largest map to date”, exceeding the approximately 107 square kilometers of the previous entry.

“Obviously, we can’t just make it bigger without filling it with things to see and do,” Arceta explained. “The Japan we’ve created for Horizon is not only vast but also dense. There’s always something new to discover around every corner. And yes, it’s bigger. I won’t put a number on it — but it’s bigger.”

Tokyo Will Be the Game’s Biggest Surprise

Playground Games is also putting tremendous effort into designing Tokyo as a paradise for driving fans and enthusiasts of Japanese culture. Arceta calls the city “our largest city yet” and says it will likely surprise players with its ambition. “I think the thing that will surprise people the most is Tokyo, because it’s probably the most ambitious part of the game,” he said. “It’s incredibly complex and layered, and players will absolutely love exploring it. It will feel new and refreshing.”

The developers also confirmed during the reveal that racing fans will be able to explore both urban and natural landscapes, including iconic locations such as Mount Fuji and the streets of Tokyo. The goal is to capture the essence of Japanese culture and express it in every corner of the open world — a mission supported by extensive field research, which even included studying signage, ambient noise, and neighborhood layouts to bring an authentic touch to the game.

Source: 3djuegos