A leaked pre-order advertisement has indicated that Microsoft’s upcoming racing game Forza Horizon 6 could be released in mid-May 2026, potentially deviating from the franchise’s typical fourth-quarter launch schedule.
The image, first reported by Xbox-focused outlet Xbox Era, was spotted as a pop-up within Forza Horizon 5 and appears to show early access beginning on May 15, with the standard release following on May 19. Microsoft has not officially confirmed the dates, but is expected to share updates during its Xbox Developer Direct event on Jan. 22.
The leak also suggests that the game will launch with more than 550 drivable cars, alongside a Ferrari J50 offered as a pre-order bonus. Previous titles in the series launched with a similar number of vehicles before expanding their lineups through paid downloadable content.
Playground Games has already confirmed that Forza Horizon 6 will be set in Japan, with environments ranging from major cities to rural areas. The developer has described the setting as featuring “breathtaking landscapes of Japan,” including recognisable locations such as Mount Fuji rather than a full-scale recreation of the country.
See also: Forza Horizon 6 Heads to Japan With Expanded Seasonal Features
The game is expected to debut as a timed exclusive on Xbox and PC, with a PlayStation 5 release planned for a later date. Microsoft has not commented on the authenticity of the leaked image or the reported release window.
Source: Xbox Era