Today is a significant day for fans of Xbox gaming. Microsoft has finally given a closer look at some of its most awaited games through its first Developer Direct event of the year. The presentation kicked off with a fresh look at Forza Horizon 6, bringing exciting news about its release schedule. The game is set to launch on the 19th of May for PC and Xbox consoles. Additionally, a version for the PlayStation 5 is scheduled to arrive later this year.
For this latest addition to the popular racing series, the developers at Playground Games are moving the action to Japan. The studio describes the open-world map of Forza Horizon 6 as the largest one they have created for the series so far. The map is designed to reflect the diversity of the country, featuring areas that are both rural and urban, as well as modern and traditional. The developers also mention that the world is full of verticality, with roads inspired by famous locations like the C1 Loop, Gingko Avenue, and mountain passes such as Mount Haruna and Bandai-Azuma.
The game also features what is described as the biggest urban area yet in the Forza Horizon series. Tokyo City is said to be five times larger than any city seen in previous games. It includes multiple districts, each with its own unique identity. As players explore this vast world, they will be able to collect cars, houses, visit landmarks, and find mascots. All of these discoveries are tracked in a special Adventure Journal.
In terms of how the game progresses, players start as tourists. After passing initial qualifiers, they will rise through the ranks by completing races in faster cars and unlocking new wristbands. To move up, they must participate in spectacular events. These include classic showcase events and thrilling new Rush obstacle courses. Once players finally unlock their gold wristband, they gain access to Legend Island. This exclusive area features special events, tracks, and new places to explore.
Playground states that Forza Horizon 6 will feature over 550 cars at launch. The selection ranges from classic vehicles to the series’ latest cover car, the GR GT. The game brings new body kits, new Forza Aero options, and the ability to paint liveries directly on car windows. The studio also mentions that the car roster is better balanced across all performance classes, from D class up to the new R Class, which is designed specifically for track-focused cars. There is also talk of improved vehicle audio and better effects on how cars interact with the world, including new cosmetic tire wear.
Cars that players acquire can be stored in new customizable garages. These garages are available at every player house, can be freely decorated, and have space for multiple vehicles. This latest game also marks the debut of The Estate, a huge mountain valley area where players can freely build and decorate their own permanent home. Friends can visit these homes, making the social aspect of the game more personal.
Speaking of friends, players can now attend open-world car meets. Here, they can show off their cars and characters, download tunes and liveries, or buy copies of any car they see. From these meets, they can set out to explore the world with others, playing street races or new nighttime Touge battles, which involve racing down mountain passes. Other new social events include Horizon Time Attack Circuits. These are accessed seamlessly as part of the world, with no loading screens or matchmaking required.
That covers almost everything announced so far. Playground wrapped up the presentation with a few words on accessibility features, all of which will be carried over from previous games. This is on top of a few new additions, including a customizable high-contrast mode, a proximity radar, and an auto-drive feature for those who want to sit back and enjoy the sights without touching the steering wheel.
To recap the important details: Forza Horizon 6 launches on the 19th of May for Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Game Pass. A PlayStation 5 release is due later in the year.
