Forza Horizon 6 launch trailer shows off Japan, racing, and a Ken Block tribute

Xbox and Playground Games have released the official launch trailer for Forza Horizon 6 ahead of the game’s Early Access release.

Forza Horizon 6 launches in Early Access on May 15 for Premium Edition buyers, followed by the full release on May 19. The game is coming to Xbox Series X/S, PC through Steam and Xbox on PC, Xbox Game Pass, and supports Xbox Play Anywhere.

This time, the Horizon Festival is set in Japan. The launch trailer gives a short but strong look at the game’s mix of neon cities, mountain roads, coastal routes, natural landscapes, and high speed racing. It also shows several cars in action, along with drifting, street racing, stunts, and close battles between drivers.

One of the trailer’s most notable moments is a tribute to Ken Block, the late rally driver known for his Gymkhana videos. The trailer includes a drift along a seaside road that clearly echoes a stunt from Gymkhana Nine. Block had worked with Forza several times in the past, making the nod a fitting tribute.

The trailer also appears to reference Initial D. A Toyota Sprinter Trueno AE86 and Mazda RX 7 FD3S are shown racing side by side, a clear callback to two famous cars from the racing manga and anime.

Here is a quick look at the release details:

Forza Horizon 6 looks like a bigger and more refined follow up to Forza Horizon 5, with improved driving, more customization, new activities, and expanded multiplayer features. The Japan setting also gives the series a fresh visual identity, from city streets to rural roads and mountain passes.

The launch trailer does not reveal everything, but it does a good job selling the tone. It feels fast, colorful, and full of car culture references. For racing fans, especially those who have wanted Forza Horizon to visit Japan for years, this looks like one of Xbox’s biggest releases of 2026.