Forza Horizon 6 Launches on Xbox Game Pass as Season 1 Begins
Playground Games Unveils First Festival Playlist and Car Pass Content
Forza Horizon 6 is now officially available worldwide, including as a day-one release on Xbox Game Pass. After several days of paid early access tied to the Premium Edition, the Standard Edition is now live for all players, giving Game Pass Ultimate subscribers immediate access to the latest open-world racing experience.
The newest installment in the long-running racing franchise takes players to a Japan-inspired setting known as Horizon Japan, continuing the series’ formula of large-scale festivals, online events, and collectible vehicles. Alongside launch day, developer Playground Games has also detailed the game’s first seasonal update cycle, known as Series 1.
Forza Horizon 6 Series 1: “Welcome to Japan”
Like previous entries in the franchise, Forza Horizon 6 will operate on a rotating seasonal structure built around the Festival Playlist system. These month-long events offer challenges, races, and objectives that unlock exclusive rewards for active players.
Series 1, titled “Welcome to Japan,” runs from May 21 through June 18. During the event, players can earn a variety of vehicles by completing playlist objectives and seasonal activities.
Reward Cars Available During Series 1
The following vehicles will be unlockable throughout the first Festival Playlist season:
- 2008 Mazda Furai
- 2010 Nissan 370Z
- 1999 Toyota Altezza RS200 Z Edition
- 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX MR
- 1997 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec
- 1991 Honda CR-X SiR
- 2019 Subaru STI S209
- 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser Arctic Trucks AT37
- 1996 Toyota Starlet Glanza V
- 1974 Toyota Corolla SR5
Many of the featured vehicles reflect Japan’s deep automotive culture, including iconic tuner cars, rally-inspired sedans, and classic performance models that remain popular among American car enthusiasts and collectors.
New “Series History Rewards” System Introduced
Playground Games is also expanding the progression system with a new feature called “Series History Rewards.”
According to the studio, players will now receive additional exclusive vehicles based on their lifetime Festival Playlist participation. Rather than focusing only on individual seasons, the new system rewards long-term engagement across the game’s evolving live-service structure.
The developer described the feature as a way to recognize players who consistently participate in seasonal events over time.
Car Pass Adds Weekly Premium Vehicles
In addition to the free seasonal content, Playground Games has also outlined its premium post-launch offerings.
The “Time Attack Car Pack” is already available separately or through the Premium Edition and Premium Upgrade bundle. Meanwhile, the game’s paid Car Pass program will add one new vehicle each week for the next 30 weeks.
First Four Car Pass Vehicles
Players with access to the Car Pass will receive the following vehicles during the first month:
- 1990 Nissan #12 Skyline GT-R (BNR32 Gr. A) JTC
- 2024 Koenigsegg Gemera
- 1972 Datsun #269 Attacking the Clock Racing 240Z “All Carbon Hill Climb Beast”
- 2008 Honda Civic Type R (FD2)
The lineup combines classic Japanese motorsport icons with modern hypercars, giving players a broad mix of racing styles and customization options.
Strong Start for Xbox’s Racing Franchise
The launch of Forza Horizon 6 adds another major first-party release to Xbox Game Pass, continuing Microsoft’s strategy of delivering flagship games directly to subscribers on day one. Racing games remain one of Xbox’s strongest genres, and the Horizon series has consistently drawn large player counts thanks to its accessible driving mechanics and expansive online events.
With a new Japan-themed setting, ongoing seasonal updates, and a steady stream of new vehicles planned over the coming months, Playground Games appears to be positioning Forza Horizon 6 as a long-term live-service racing platform for both casual and dedicated players.
As Series 1 begins, players now have their first opportunity to explore Horizon Japan and start collecting the game’s opening wave of exclusive cars.
Jacob Whitman is a contributor at Prudent Press Agency, covering a wide range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sports, entertainment, and lifestyle. He focuses on delivering clear, balanced reporting that helps readers stay informed about current events and emerging developments. With an emphasis on accuracy, relevance, and accessibility, Jacob aims to provide useful insights and timely stories that matter to everyday readers and the communities they follow.
