Microsoft and Xbox’s latest venture, Forza Horizon 6, has swiftly established itself as a frontrunner in the gaming landscape since its launch on May 19, 2026. Developed by Playground Games, this open-world arcade racer has not only met but exceeded the high expectations set in the lead-up to its release.
Unprecedented Player Engagement
Following a robust Early Access debut, Forza Horizon 6 has seen an impressive surge in player engagement. The game recorded over 270,000 players on Steam alone during its full launch week, and it appears to be gaining momentum. On a Thursday morning, the game reached a peak concurrent player count of 284,139, as reported by SteamDB. Analysts speculate that this figure could very well surpass 300,000 over the weekend.
In a remarkable display of popularity, the developers announced on social media that Forza Horizon 6 has attracted over 6 million players within just one week of its Early Access release. This figure includes players across various platforms, such as Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, Xbox Game Pass, and Steam. The developers celebrated this milestone with a playful tweet: “Forza Horizon 6? More like Forza Horizon 6-Million! Thank you all for joining us at Horizon Japan.”
Critical Acclaim and Record-Breaking Launch
With its vibrant setting in Japan, the game has captivated audiences and dominated discussions online. Xbox’s new CEO, Asha Sharma, revealed that Forza Horizon 6 achieved the largest Early Access launch in the franchise’s history, nearly reaching 200,000 concurrent players on Steam during its initial days.
Forza Horizon 6 has also garnered critical acclaim, currently holding the title of the highest-rated game of 2026, boasting a Metacritic score of 91/100. It has outperformed other notable releases such as Resident Evil Requiem and Pokémon Pokopia. Windows Central’s Michael Hoglund awarded the game a commendable 4.5 out of 5 stars, praising its polished experience: “From the neon pulse of Tokyo to mist-shrouded mountains, Forza Horizon 6 layers perfection on top of perfection.”
Availability and Pricing
For those interested in joining the racing excitement, Forza Horizon 6 is available for a standard price of .99 on Xbox and PC. However, savvy shoppers can find it for as low as .99 at Loaded. The Deluxe and Premium Editions are priced at .29 and .99, respectively. Additionally, players can access the game through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass with an active subscription.
