The message pinged: “FH6 release date just dropped.” My heart skipped a beat. Had Playground Games finally ended the speculation, or was this another false alarm destined for the recycle bin of gaming rumors? Turns out, a slip-up within Forza Horizon 5 itself may have just given us the answer we’ve been waiting for regarding Forza Horizon 6.
As far as racing games go, Forza Horizon 6 is easily among the most anticipated releases of 2026. The upcoming entry in the series reportedly takes the Horizon festival to Japan – a setting that fans have wanted since 2018. While whispers surrounding the game’s development and setting have circulated for years, FH6 wasn’t officially confirmed until September 2025’s Tokyo Games Show presentation.
That initial reveal provided a fleeting glimpse of its take on Mount Fuji, framed by cherry blossoms. Developer Playground Games has since been very quiet about the title, planning to hold back all information for the upcoming Xbox Developer Direct. However, their attempts at secrecy may have failed, as the Forza Horizon 6 release date seems to have leaked.
Forza Horizon 6 Reportedly Set to Release in May
Every gamer knows the feeling of scouring forums, hoping for a crumb of news. The Forza Horizon 6 community is no different.
According to X user ‘Xbox Infinite,’ Forza Horizon 6 is slated to release on May 19, 2026. The date was revealed by an advertisement in Forza Horizon 5, which detailed the upcoming title’s premium edition bonuses. A veritable breadcrumb trail, wouldn’t you agree?
Here’s what the pop-up says about Forza Horizon 6: “Discover the breath-taking landscapes of Japan in over 550 real-world cars and become a racing legend in Forza Horizon’s biggest open-world driving adventure yet.” The open-world driving genre is a crowded space, but Forza Horizon always seems to find a way to stand out.
The ad details the game’s premium edition bonuses, which include:
- A pre-tuned and exclusive Ferrari J50 (yes, please)
- Early Access – Play 4 days early, starting May 15
- VIP Membership
- Welcome Pack
- Car Pass
- Time Attack Car Pass
- Italian Passion Car (coming post-launch)
- 2 premium expansion (coming post-launch)
What is included in the Forza Horizon 6 Premium Edition?
The Premium Edition contents are fairly standard, beyond the early access window. The pre-tuned Ferrari J50 will definitely turn heads. Think of it as the keys to a kingdom of speed and style. Plus, the promise of future DLC, especially considering the quality of previous Forza Horizon expansions, is encouraging. The “Italian Passion Car” alone could be worth the price of admission (€92 / $100, est.).
The industry relies on hype, but I appreciate when developers support their titles post-launch with meaningful content. It suggests a long-term investment in the player base.
Will Forza Horizon 6 have DLC?
Yes, based on the leaked ad, Forza Horizon 6 will have at least two premium expansions released after the game’s launch. This is in line with previous entries in the series, such as Forza Horizon 5, which received two major expansions set in Mexico and Hot Wheels Park. It’s also safe to assume additional car packs will arrive, perhaps through partnerships with brands like Hagerty or Donut Media.
When will we know more about Forza Horizon 6?
The Forza Horizon community should circle January 22 on their calendars. We’re sure to receive more information, including the confirmation of the leaked release date, on that day, during the Xbox Developer Direct. This will be the first true test of whether the leak holds water.
The silence from Playground Games felt like a taut bowstring, stretched to its limit, ready to fire a volley of information. Now it’s nearly here. What are you expecting from Forza Horizon 6?