Quick Facts — Forza Horizon 6
| Developer | Universal Studios Hollywood Hub |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Xbox Game Studios |
| Platform(s) | PC, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S |
| Release Date | May 19, 2026 |
| Genre | Open-world Racing |
| Score | 10/10 |
| Price | $69.99 (base), $119.99 (Premium Edition) |
Forza Horizon 6, the latest in the acclaimed open-world racing series, has made a resounding impact on Steam even before its official launch, scheduled for May 19, 2026. Players who opted for the $119.99 Premium Edition were granted early access starting May 15 on PC (via Xbox App and Steam) and Xbox Series X/S, and the response has been overwhelming.
The game's Steam version has peaked at an impressive 172,093 concurrent players, according to SteamDB, and maintains a strong count of around 160,000 players at the time of publication. This figure not only showcases the game's popularity but also dwarfs the peak player count of its predecessor, Forza Horizon 5, which managed just over 80,000 players at its launch in November 2021.
Early Access Success and Platform Performance
The success of Forza Horizon 6's early access on Steam is a testament to the series' loyal fan base and the allure of its new setting, inspired by various locations in Japan. This setting, complete with shrines, temples, and cherry blossom trees (notably indestructible for thematic and cultural reasons), seems to have played a significant role in attracting players. On Steam, the game has risen to the #2 spot in the global top-selling games list, with only Subnautica 2, which launched a day prior, surpassing it.
Critical Acclaim and Player Response
Forza Horizon 6 has received widespread critical acclaim, capped by a perfect 10/10 review from IGN, which praises the game as "the new standard in open-world racing" and bluntly calls it "a gundamn masterpiece."
"The new standard in open-world racing is here, and it’s a gundamn masterpiece."
IGN
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| IGN Review Score | 10/10 |
| Peak Steam Players (Early Access) | 172,093 |
| Current Steam Players | ~160,000 |
| Forza Horizon 5's Peak for Comparison | >80,000 |
What This Means for Players and the Launch Ahead
The impressive numbers from the Premium Edition early access bode well for the game's full launch on May 19. With the base game priced at $69.99, and the Premium Edition at $119.99, the financial investment in the series by both new and veteran players is clear. The upcoming official launch is expected to draw in even more players, potentially pushing the player count to new heights.
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
- Forza Horizon 6's Premium Edition early access has attracted a peak of 172,093 players on Steam.
- The game currently maintains around 160,000 players on Steam.
- It surpasses Forza Horizon 5's peak player count significantly.
- Ranked #2 on Steam's top-selling games list at the time of publication.
Looking Forward to Full Launch
As the gaming community awaits the full launch of Forza Horizon 6 on May 19, the indicators are clear: this title is poised to make a lasting impact on the open-world racing genre. With its Japan-inspired settings, perfected gameplay mechanics, and the backing of a dedicated player base, Forza Horizon 6 is not just a game—it's an event. Players eager to dive in can look forward to a masterpiece of a game that promises to set new standards in open-world racing.
