Forza Horizon 6 Release Date: May 19, 2026, Pre-Order Info

Forza Horizon 6 launches on May 19, 2026, with Premium Edition early access starting May 15, marking the series’ first journey to Japan. Here is everything you need to know about the release date, editions, pre-orders, and platform availability.

Release date (Standard/Deluxe): May 19, 2026 ·
Early access date (Premium Edition): May 15, 2026 ·
Setting: Japan ·
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC, Game Pass, Steam ·
Premium Edition price: $119.99 (USD) ·
Pre-order available: Yes

Eight key facts at a glance: the release schedule, pricing, and platform availability are now locked in.

Is Forza Horizon 6 coming out soon?

Exact release date for Standard and Deluxe editions

• The Standard and Deluxe editions of Forza Horizon 6 will be released worldwide on May 19, 2026, according to the Xbox official game page (first-party storefront).
• The Steam store page (PC gaming platform) lists a release date of May 18, 2026 for some regions, likely due to time zone differences.
• The Forza Forums (official community) confirm the May 19 date.

Early access timetable for Premium Edition

• Premium Edition buyers get four days of early access starting May 15, 2026, as stated on the Xbox official game page.
• The Steam store page also confirms that the Premium Edition unlocks about 4 days ahead of the full release.

The pattern: Microsoft is using a staggered release strategy — Premium early access on May 15, Steam regional unlock on May 18, and global standard release on May 19. This gives dedicated fans a four-day head start while maintaining a unified worldwide launch for the majority of players.

Is Forza Horizon 6 releasing in 2026?

Confirmed 2026 launch

• Yes, Forza Horizon 6 is confirmed for a 2026 release. The Xbox official game page explicitly states the game “available on May 19, 2026.”
• The Steam store page also lists 2026 as the release year.

Standard vs. Premium Edition dates

• Standard Edition: May 19, 2026.
• Deluxe Edition: May 19, 2026.
• Premium Edition early access: May 15, 2026.

Why this matters: The four-day gap between Premium early access and the standard release is a deliberate incentive to upsell. For players on the fence, the choice comes down to whether the extra days and bundled content justify the $50 premium over the Standard Edition.

Will Forza Horizon 6 release on PS5?

Platforms confirmed so far

• Forza Horizon 6 has been announced for Xbox Series X|S, PC (Windows and Steam), and Xbox Game Pass (day one). The Xbox official game page lists these as the supported platforms.
• There is no mention of PS5 on any official storefront or announcement.

Official statements on PS5

• Neither Playground Games nor Microsoft have commented on a potential PS5 release.
• Given that Forza Horizon is a first-party Xbox franchise, a PS5 version is unlikely unless Microsoft changes its exclusivity strategy.

The trade-off: Xbox and PC players get the full experience day one, while PS5 owners are left waiting for any official word. If you’re primarily a PlayStation gamer, this title alone may not justify a console switch — but Game Pass on PC remains an option.

Can I pre-order Forza Horizon 6?

Where to pre-order

• Pre-orders are live on the Xbox Store and Steam.
• Other digital retailers may also offer pre-orders, but these are the primary official channels.

Pre-order bonuses and editions

• Standard Edition ($69.99): Base game.
• Deluxe Edition ($99.99): Base game + Car Pass.
• Premium Edition ($119.99): Base game + early access (May 15), 2 Premium Expansions, Italian Passion Car Pack, Time Attack Car Pack, Car Pass, VIP Membership, and Welcome Pack. (Xbox official game page)

Steps to pre-order

1. Visit the Xbox Store or Steam.
2. Choose your edition (Standard, Deluxe, or Premium).
3. Complete the purchase. Payment is taken immediately.
4. For early access, ensure you buy the Premium Edition.
5. Game Pass subscribers can purchase the Premium Edition upgrade to unlock early access and expansions. (Xbox official game page)

The implication: Pre-ordering the Premium Edition is the only way to play before May 19. For Game Pass members, the upgrade path offers a cost-effective way to get early access without buying the full game outright.

What time does Forza Horizon 6 launch in my region?

Expected global release times

• The Steam store page shows a countdown that suggests a global unlock on May 18 for some regions, likely corresponding to a midnight release in a specific time zone (e.g., New Zealand or US Pacific).
• Xbox’s official page does not specify regional launch times yet.

Early access launch timing

• Early access for Premium Edition begins on May 15, 2026. The exact unlock time is not detailed, but it is expected to be simultaneous worldwide, similar to previous Forza Horizon releases.
• Check your store page for a local countdown.

What this means: If you’re in a region that typically gets early unlocks (like New Zealand), you might be able to play on May 18 via Steam. Xbox players will likely need to wait until midnight local time on May 19. Six items included in the Premium Edition, one pattern: early access plus a bundle of expansions and perks.

The trade-off: The Premium Edition costs $50 more than Standard, but for dedicated fans, the early access alone may be worth it. Casual players may find the Standard Edition plus Game Pass sufficient.

Forza Horizon 6 Release Timeline

• March 2026: Official announcement of Forza Horizon 6. (Forza Forums)
• Late March 2026: Pre-orders go live on Xbox Store and Steam. (Xbox official game page)
• May 15, 2026: Premium Edition early access begins. (Xbox official game page)
• May 18, 2026: Steam release (some regions). (Steam store page)
• May 19, 2026: Worldwide release for Standard and Deluxe editions. (Xbox official game page)

The pattern: The timeline shows a clear ramp-up: announcement in March, pre-orders immediately after, then a staggered launch window in May. This gives Microsoft a month to build hype and convert pre-orders.

What’s Confirmed and What’s Not

The implication: Most of the core information is locked in, but several details remain unconfirmed. Players should monitor official channels for updates on regional timings and additional content.

“Forza Horizon 6 launches May 19, 2026, and Premium Edition owners can start playing four days early on May 15.”

— Xbox official game page (first-party storefront)

“Set in Japan with over 550 real-world cars, Forza Horizon 6 offers the largest and most diverse open world in the series.”

— Steam store page (PC gaming platform)

“The Premium Edition includes early access, two Premium Expansions, the Italian Passion Car Pack, the Time Attack Car Pack, Car Pass, VIP Membership, and Welcome Pack.”

— Xbox official game page (first-party storefront)

“Forza Horizon 6 will be released on May 19, 2026. Early access starts May 15th.”

— Forza Forums (official community)

For Xbox Game Pass subscribers, the decision is clear: play day one with a standard subscription, or upgrade to Premium for early access and expansions. For PS5 owners, the wait continues with no official confirmation. The Forza Horizon 6 release date is set, and the only question left is which edition you’ll choose.

Fans eager for the next installment can check the confirmed Forza Horizon 6 release date for all pre-order and platform details.

Frequently asked questions