Most fans had assumed that the release date for Forza Horizon 6 would be announced on January 22—along with the first gameplay impressions. But now, of all things, it seems to have been leaked by its predecessor.
It probably wouldn’t have remained a secret for long anyway. Nevertheless, the in-house leak seems strange at first glance: without any fanfare or PR campaign, a screenshot has appeared in Forza Horizon 5 announcing the release of Forza Horizon 6.
The new installment is expected to be released on May 19, with early access starting on May 15. Publisher Xbox Game Studios had not previously disclosed these dates. And no one had expected them before January 22.
Xbox Developer Direct will take place in eight days – an event at which the presentation of Forza Horizon 6 is expected to take up some space. First gameplay impressions are on the agenda. Actually, a fitting setting for the release date, which now seems to be already known.
Additional content in the Premium Edition
The screenshot also reveals what pre-orderers of the Premium Edition can expect in terms of content: VIP membership, a welcome pack, a Time Attack Car Pack, an Italian Passion Car Pack, the Car Pass, and two premium expansions.
Forza Horizon 6 will reportedly launch on May 19, 2026
[via @XBOXF10] pic.twitter.com/if40aJDao2
— CharlieIntel (@charlieINTEL) January 14, 2026
While Forza Horizon 5 is set in Mexico, Forza Horizon 6 shifts the racing game series to Japan. The game will initially be released only on Xbox Series X|S and PC, with the PlayStation 5 version to follow at a later date.
