Game Review: Forza Horizon 6

Release date: 2026
Version played: Xbox Series X and PC in 2026

Trading in the deserts of Mexico for the dense cities, mountain ranges and open fields of Japan, Forza Horizon 6 is, as the name suggests, the sixth entry in Playground Games’ arcade-simulation racing game franchise. Once again allowing for a mostly-customised player character, drivers will compete across various race types, including fully asphalt, fully off-road, and hybrid rally events in order to increase their reputation and gain access to bigger and better events. At predetermined intervals, these can include showcase events such as racing against some of the finest Japanese exports (not just cars, tee hee), and the world is littered with various stunts to complete, such as drift and speed zones, single-point speed traps, long jumps, and hidden collectibles to be driven through. Returning from the previous two entries are dynamic weather and rotating seasons (one per week) where road conditions change and seasonal events are on offer.

+ most importantly for a racing game, the driving feels good. While it does feel like Playground Games have taken a half step toward the Forza Motorsport realism in some ways, the differing classes and types of vehicles feel unique, especially when tuned out of their minds by people online far more car savvy than me. Whilst you can slide a limo around the hairpins, there are a plethora of cars (over 500) to choose from which may be better suited
+ the game looks absolutely stunning. The various locales (a stylised Tokyo city, the northern mountains, the fields and farmlands, and numerous real-life landmark locations) are a pleasure and joy to drive through. As expected, the fantastic photo mode returns, and I am not even slightly ashamed to say I have taken dozens of photos of all different cars, locations, situations and times of day
+ the aforementioned customisation options, for those far more talented than me with tuning and vinyl work, are tremendous. Every single car will surely have a searchable upgrade online for almost every racing class you want, and the uber-talented vinyl makers are back in full force. Being set in Japan, there are dozens of anime girls, Pokemon, or stylised patterns to choose from. Unlike the hideous goblin people from Forza Horizon 5, I am glad to say I managed to make an actually human looking character in this game
+ I thoroughly enjoyed the radio stations, to the point I was using them more often than not, a strong rarity for me in driving games. Horizon Bass Arena (heavy bass, obviously), Horizon XS (rock and metal) and Horizon Wave (synthwave and old school electronic music) were my go-tos, and I always found something to listen to. Tame Impala, The Midnight and new Linkin Park were among the favourites

– the story, if you can even call it that, is total ass. You are given a Pokémon-esque choice of three cars at the game’s start (a road racer, a rally car, or an off-road 4×4) and then are immediately told you can just have all three of them anyway. This same “choice” happened several times. You are gifted cars at such an alarming rate through the story, side missions and especially wheelspins, I question the inclusion and concept of winning credits from races at all. Notably, the bulk of things to purchase (aside from cars, ie. clothing) are a mere fraction of the winnings you make for just a few races, even on lower difficulties. I’ve ranted about poor video game economies before, and this is another prime example

Should you play this game: After the overall disappointment of Forza Horizon 5, this was a make or break for me personally. Nothing had quite reached the heights of driving around my own backyard in Forza Horizon 3, but Forza Horizon 6 was an incredible experience and one I am still consistently excited to go back to almost every day. It plays great, it looks amazing and it was clearly made with love. This is one of the best open-world racing games you will ever play.