Playground Games has finalized development on Forza Horizon 6, which launched on May 19 for Xbox Series X|S and PC. The game introduces the series' first setting in Japan, featuring the city of Tokyo and rural environments. Graphics mode specifications for Xbox consoles have been confirmed alongside details on pre-order access, car rosters, and platform availability.
Graphics and Performance Modes
Official specifications for both Xbox Series X and Series S have been released, detailing two primary graphics modes for each console.
Xbox Series X: Quality mode renders at native 4K resolution targeting 30 frames per second (fps). Performance mode targets 4K using dynamic resolution scaling to maintain 60 fps.
Xbox Series S: Quality mode renders at 1440p targeting 30 fps. Performance mode renders at 1080p targeting 60 fps. Both modes on Series S may dynamically scale resolution to preserve target framerates.
A preview build accessed on Xbox Series X confirmed the quality mode was locked to 4K at 30 fps. Sources indicate a 60 fps performance mode will be available at launch.
Observations from that preview described the game's visuals as exceeding promotional trailers, with sound design noted as a significant highlight.
Release Schedule and Access
Forza Horizon 6 has gone gold and launches globally according to the following schedule:
- May 15: Early access begins for Premium Edition owners and subscribers who purchase the Premium Upgrade on Xbox Game Pass.
- May 19: Standard edition launch for Xbox Series X|S and PC.
- Later in 2025: PlayStation 5 version scheduled for release as part of a collaboration between Microsoft and Sony.
A review embargo is scheduled to lift on May 14 at 5:00 AM PST.
Game Setting and Features
The game is set in Japan. The player character, a tourist, participates in the Horizon Festival, earning Wristbands to progress toward becoming a Horizon Legend. Alternatively, players can explore Japan, collect memories in a Collection Journal, defog the map, and discover natural locations.
Confirmed in-game locations include:
- Tokyo city, described as approximately five times larger than any previous city in the series.
- Waterside docks.
- Rural mountain roads.
The preview build indicated that the Tokyo environment features abundant traffic and detailed surroundings. Gameplay was described as having an "underground" feel compared to previous titles in the series.
Vehicles and Audio
The game launches with over 550 cars, with additional vehicles planned for future expansions. Cover cars for the title are the Toyota GR GT and the 250 Series LandCruiser Prado.
Loyalty rewards for players of previous Forza Horizon titles include cover cars from Forza Horizon 1 through Forza Horizon 5, with the Forza Horizon 4 cover car replaced by a 2016 Aston Martin Vulcan.
The game features nine radio stations, reported to include the largest song list in the series.