Playground Games has officially confirmed that Forza Horizon 6 will launch on May 19, 2026 for Xbox Series X|S, PC (via Steam), and Xbox Game Pass, with a PlayStation 5 version planned for later in the year.
Following the announcement at the latest Xbox Developer Direct, many players are asking the same question: is it possible to play Forza Horizon 6 before day one? The answer is yes—provided you choose the right edition.
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Early Access: how it works?
The only way to access Forza Horizon 6 ahead of launch is by purchasing the Premium Edition or, alternatively, the Premium Upgrade if you already own (or plan to buy) the Standard Edition.
The Premium Edition, currently available digitally on the Xbox Store for €119.99, grants four days of early access, allowing players to start racing from May 15, 2026. At the time of writing, it is still unclear whether a physical version of this edition will be released or if it will remain a digital-only offering.
Players who opt for the Standard Edition can also purchase the Premium Upgrade from the Xbox Store, unlocking all Premium benefits—including early access— without needing to repurchase the full game.
What’s included in the Premium Edition
Beyond early access, the Premium Edition is designed to offer the most complete Forza Horizon 6 experience. It includes:
- The full game
- Forza VIP Membership
- Welcome Pack
- Car Pass
- Time Attack Car Pack
- Italian Passion Car Pack (available post-launch)
- Two major expansions, to be released after launch, each introducing new explorable
locations, collectible vehicles, and fresh gameplay mechanics
All editions and pricing (in euro):
Forza Horizon 6 will be available in three different editions:
- Standard Edition (€69.99) – Base game only
- Deluxe Edition (€99.99) – Includes the Car Pass (30 cars released weekly) and the Welcome Pack, featuring five specially tuned cars and a car voucher redeemable for any vehicle inthe Autoshow
- Premium Edition (€119.99) – Includes all Deluxe content, VIP Membership, additional car packs, two future expansions, and early access
What to expect at launch
At launch, Forza Horizon 6 will feature over 550 vehicles and the largest map ever created for the Horizon series. One of the most anticipated returning features is the dynamic seasonal cycle, first introduced in Forza Horizon 4, which dramatically alters both the environment and the driving experience throughout the year.
Also new is the Estate, a fully customizable area where players can build routes, shelters, and other structures, further expanding the sandbox nature of the game.
A Long-Awaited Setting: Japan
During the official reveal, art director Don Arceta and cultural consultant Kyoko Yamashita explained that Japan has long been the most requested destination by the Forza Horizon community. Its deep-rooted automotive culture, combined with music and fashion, made it a natural choice for the new chapter.
The development team emphasized that the goal was not just visual authenticity, but a faithful cultural representation capable of delivering the wide freedom of play that has always defined the Forza Horizon series.
