Forza Horizon 5 initially faced some challenges but quickly evolved into one of the top open-world racing games in the genre.
With the Horizon Festival captivating players in Mexico for nearly three years, speculation is rising about what Playground Games has in store for the next chapter. Although a 2024 release was initially expected, recent reports suggest that Forza Horizon 6 may now launch in 2025.
Fans are especially excited about the potential of new features, including a rumored map set in Japan and enhanced car rosters.
Here’s everything we know so far about Forza Horizon 6.
Key Takeaways
- Forza Horizon 6 will likely come out in 2025 since it was not announced at the 2024 Xbox Games Showcase.
- Japan is the most rumored and wanted location for the next Horizon Festival, offering a thrilling setting for car lovers.
- Forza Horizon 6 is expected to have a similar car list to Forza Horizon 5, with improvements to the player experience.
No Forza Horizon News at the Xbox Games Showcase
Fans of Forza Horizon were excited for news at the 2024 Xbox Games Showcase.
However, the spotlight was taken by Playground Games’ new Fable reboot, leaving Forza Horizon 6 unmentioned.
This absence has led to the expectation that the game will launch this year instead of 2024.
What’s Next for the Horizon Festival?
Despite early challenges, Forza Horizon 5 has thrived with ongoing updates, keeping players engaged with new cars, races, and challenges. Now, excitement is mounting for Forza Horizon 6, as fans speculate on how the series will evolve.
With former creative director Mike Brown departing Playground Games in 2023, the next installment could bring major changes. Rumors hint at a new location—possibly Japan, fresh gameplay mechanics, and even a narrative-driven experience with an in-game antagonist.
While progress carryover was a key feature in FH5, many players hope Forza Horizon 6 revamps progression and rewards, making advancement feel more rewarding. Stay tuned as more details emerge on what’s next for the iconic racing franchise.
Possible FH6 Locations: Japan Is the Clear Favorite
The Horizon Festival has already visited the USA, Europe, Australia, the UK, and Mexico.
Fans are now clamoring for Japan as the next location, renowned as the birthplace of the drift scene and home to major car manufacturers like Honda, Nissan, and Toyota.
Japan offers rich potential for new gameplay experiences, from drifting in neon-lit cities to racing along mountainous highways.
Japan also remains underrepresented in open-world racing games, making it a prime candidate for Forza Horizon 6.
While Tokyo is an obvious choice, it might be too demanding for current-gen hardware, suggesting a smaller city or a collection of towns could be more feasible.
Other rumored locations include Germany, China, and a return to the USA, with some fans favoring Detroit’s Motor City.
Expected Car List: Building on Forza Horizon 5
Forza Horizon 5 launched with over 530 cars, a number expected to be matched or exceeded by Forza Horizon 6.
Fans hope for a launch that includes all cars from Forza Horizon 5, avoiding the pitfalls of missing or DLC-locked vehicles.
Expanding the car list to include more Japanese drift and race cars would align perfectly with a Japanese setting.
Including cars from previous Forza Horizon titles could also address past player dissatisfaction and enhance the game’s appeal.
Next-Gen Focus with Possible Multiplatform Expansion
Forza Horizon 6 will be available on Xbox Series X|S and PC, potentially leaving last-gen consoles behind to fully exploit current-gen hardware capabilities.
This focus would allow for a more expansive and content-rich game world.
We also expect Forza Horizon 6 to debut on Game Pass, following the success of Forza Horizon 5’s record-breaking launch.
Rumors suggest Forza Horizon could eventually appear on PlayStation, though Microsoft may choose to keep Forza Horizon 6 exclusive to Xbox and PC initially to drive console sales.
Future legacy title releases on PlayStation could pave the way for a broader platform presence.
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Forza Horizon 6 Release Date Likely to Be in 2025
Forza Horizon 6 was expected to come out in 2024, but since it wasn’t announced at the Xbox Games Showcase, it will probably be released in 2025, possibly in the autumn.
With Forza Motorsport being delayed and Grand Theft Auto VI’s massive upcoming release in 2025, timing will be crucial for Forza Horizon 6’s release.
Excitement Peaks as Forza Horizon 6 Draws Closer
With speculation mounting around a 2025 release, excitement for Forza Horizon 6 is at an all-time high.
Fans anticipate new gameplay mechanics, a fresh location—potentially Japan—and an expanded car roster. Known for its stunning visuals and immersive open-world racing, the series looks set to push boundaries even further.
While official details remain scarce, rumors suggest a more dynamic progression system alongside fresh content and features. As the next Horizon Festival approaches, Forza Horizon 6 is shaping up to be a must-play for racing fans. Stay tuned for updates as Playground Games gears up for the next chapter in the franchise!
