The Forza Horizon 6 "Official Initial Drive" trailer offers players a first look at the game's sprawling Japanese setting. Check out the highlights from the preview, along with the specific details for each of the game's pre-order editions.
Forza Horizon 6 Preview Trailer, Full Map, and Pre-Orders Now Available
Official Initial Drive Features a Tour Around Japan
Forza Horizon 6 has debuted its "Official Initial Drive" trailer, taking players on an introductory tour through the game's Japan setting. The six-minute video, uploaded to the official Forza YouTube channel on April 8, showcased the unique terrain of the "Land of the Rising Sun," ranging from neon-lit urban centers to the countryside’s sakura blossom-filled streets.
The trailer featured a selection of the game’s roster, including the 2024 Nissan GT-R Nismo, the 2021 RJ Anderson #37 Polaris RZR Pro 4 Truck, and the 1995 Porsche 911 GT2. Most notably, it features the game’s cover car: the 2025 GR GT Prototype. This is the vehicle's first-ever appearance in a video game.
Fans were also highly enthusiastic about the teaser, with many praising the Japanese backdrop. Some even caught a glimpse of the Shinkansen (bullet train) in the footage, sparking hopes for the return of iconic "train vs. car" showcase events that were staples of previous Forza titles.
Beyond the visuals, the game's audio leans into the local culture by including a Japanese-voiced radio station. Many fans feel this subtle detail is key to capturing the region’s true atmosphere, as it makes the world feel far more lived-in compared to other entries in the racing sim series.
We at Game8 recently had the opportunity to go hands-on with a preview of the game. Here, we point to it being the most visually stunning entry in the franchise to date, boasting a massive map that is densely packed with activities. To know more about our thoughts on the game’s preview, check out our review below.
Full Map Revealed
Developer Playground Games also shared the full map on X (Twitter), describing it as the densest and most vertical environment in the series' history. The sprawling landscape spans from Tokyo City to the snow-capped Japanese Alps.
This has led to widespread speculation that the map may include locations such as the Akina Downhill and Ebisu Minami, alongside other iconic Japanese racing landmarks. Furthermore, the image indicated that it was the Summer Season, suggesting that dynamic seasonal shifts will once again drastically alter the aesthetic and driving conditions.
Pre-Orders Now Open
Alongside the initial drive trailer, Forza Horizon 6 has opened its pre-orders on Steam and the Xbox Games Store. The game will come in a Standard Edition ($6.99), Deluxe Edition ($99.99), and Premium Edition ($119.99), with Xbox Game Pass members gaining access to the Standard Edition on day one.
The Deluxe Edition bundles the base game with the Car Pass, granting players 30 additional vehicles delivered at a rate of one per week. Pre-ordering this edition also includes the Welcome Pack, which contains several pre-tuned cars and a pair of vouchers, redeemable for various in-game bonuses.
Meanwhile, the Premium Edition offers the most comprehensive experience, featuring everything from the lower tiers along with Early Access, allowing players to start their Japanese racing journey four days ahead of the global release. This edition also includes a VIP Membership for boosted rewards and the Expansions Bundle, which guarantees access to the first two major DLC map expansions when they launch.
Additionally, Game Pass subscribers can purchase the Premium Add-Ons Bundle separately, allowing them to access all premium perks while utilizing their existing subscription for the base game.
The "Initial Drive" trailer has sparked excitement among fans, finally delivering the long-requested Japanese setting to a global audience. With the addition of new vehicles and the massive expansion of the map, this upcoming title is gearing up to be the best game of the series.
Forza Horizon 6 is set to be released on May 19, 2026, on Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam. To stay up-to-date with the latest information about the game, check out our article below.
Sources:
Forza Horizon 6 Official Initial Drive Trailer
Forza Horizon X post on Forza Horizon 6 Map
Forza Horizon Xbox Games Store Pre-Order page
