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Playground Games Takes Forza Horizon 6 to Japan
After years of community requests, Forza Horizon 6 has officially taken the Horizon Festival to Japan, and we finally saw it in action. The long-awaited setting was shown off in the first extended gameplay reveal during Xbox Developer Direct 2026, inevitably giving fans more to get excited about.
Developed by Playground Games, the latest entry sees Japan as a natural evolution for the series. Its deep automotive culture, diverse landscapes, and instantly recognisable urban environments align closely with the series’ blend of arcade racing, exploration, and festival atmosphere.
The gameplay showcase offered a detailed look at how Playground Games is interpreting the country through its lens rather than attempting a strict simulation.
A Focus on Authenticity and Cultural Detail
To ensure a more authentic depiction of Japan, Playground Games worked with cultural consultant Kyoko Yamashita during development. The goal was to reflect Japanese environments, architecture, and atmosphere in a way that feels grounded rather than superficial.
That attention to detail is evident throughout the gameplay footage, which highlights dense forests, winding mountain roads, coastal stretches, and urban sprawl. A full four-season system returns, directly affecting road conditions, weather, and driving behaviour across the map.
Rather than presenting a single biome, Forza Horizon 6’s Japan is built as a varied driving playground that evolves over time.
Racing Through a Massive Tokyo
Beyond rural landscapes, Forza Horizon 6 allows players to race through Tokyo itself. Playground Games confirmed several iconic locations, including Shibuya Crossing, Ginza Avenue, and Tokyo Tower.
According to the developers, Tokyo is five times larger than the biggest city the studio has previously created for a Horizon game. However, they have been clear that this is not a 1:1 recreation. Instead, the city is divided into distinct districts that aim to capture Tokyo’s emotional identity and atmosphere rather than replicate its real-world layout exactly.
This approach allows for scale and spectacle while preserving gameplay flow and readability at high speeds.
550 Cars and a New Collection Journal System
Forza Horizon 6 will launch with approximately 550 vehicles available to collect. Among the highlighted models shown during the reveal were the 2025 GR GT Prototype and the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser, reinforcing the game’s strong focus on Japanese automotive history alongside global brands.
Vehicle acquisition has also been expanded beyond traditional race rewards. Playground Games introduced the Collection Journal, a new progression system inspired by Japan’s stamp-collecting culture. By discovering landmarks, completing activities, and exploring points of interest, players fill out their journal to unlock cars, cosmetics, and other rewards.
The system is designed to encourage exploration as much as competitive racing.
Estates, Daikoku-Inspired Car Meets and Gundam
One of the more notable new features is The Estate, a customisable plot of land that players can develop by constructing different buildings. Each structure must be purchased using in-game currency earned through races and activities, allowing players to shape their personal hub over time.
For fans of Japanese car culture, Forza Horizon 6 also introduces Car Meets inspired by the famous Daikoku gatherings. The game features three permanent meet locations where players can gather, showcase cars, and socialise freely without entry requirements or event restrictions. These spaces are positioned as casual social hubs rather than structured multiplayer modes.
The gameplay reveal concluded with a brief teaser confirming a collaboration with Gundam. No details were shared regarding the nature of the crossover, leaving open questions around whether it will involve vehicles, cosmetics, or themed events. More information on the collaboration is expected closer to launch.
Release Date and Platforms
Forza Horizon 6 is scheduled to launch on May 19 for Xbox Series X|S and PC, with day one availability on Game Pass Ultimate. A PlayStation 5 version has also been confirmed and is scheduled for release later in 2026.
Based on its first gameplay showing, Forza Horizon 6 appears to be one of Playground Games’ most ambitious Horizon entries to date, using Japan not just as a backdrop, but as a foundation for new systems, progression, and social play.
