The wait is finally over. Forza Horizon 6 has officially landed, taking the world’s premier racing festival to the one location fans have been demanding for a decade: Japan.

Whether you’re a drift king, a highway speed demon, or an off-road explorer, this latest installment from Playground Games isn’t just a sequel—it’s a masterpiece. Here is everything you need to know about your first few hours in the Land of the Rising Sun.

1. A Map Like Never Before

Forza Horizon 6 features the franchise’s largest and most intricate map to date. The centerpiece is a stylized version of Tokyo, which is roughly five times larger than any city in previous Horizon games. You’ll weave through the neon-lit districts of Shibuya, fly over elevated highways, and find yourself in the quiet, cherry-blossom-lined streets of the suburbs.

Beyond the city, the “Touge” (mountain pass) battles await. The verticality of the mountain roads and the sprawling forests around Mount Fuji offer a technical challenge that rewards precision and drift skill.

2. The Starting Lineup: Which Car Should You Pick?

As soon as you touch down, you’re given a choice that defines your early journey. While there are over 550 cars to collect, your first decision is crucial:

• The Drift King (Nissan Silvia K’s with Rocket Bunny Kit): Perfect if you want to master the art of the slide immediately.
• The All-Rounder (Toyota Celica): A balanced beast that handles the transition from asphalt to light gravel with ease.
• The Trailblazer (GMC Truck): For those who prefer to ignore the roads and forge their own path through the Japanese countryside.

3. New Features to Watch For

• The Estate: Move over, simple player houses. You can now unlock and customize your own mountainside property, decorating it to show off your personality between races.
• Mech Showcases: In true over-the-top Horizon fashion, one of the first major showcase events features a race against a giant pilotable mech through the city streets.
• Cultural Consultant Integration: Playground Games worked with cultural consultants to ensure the representation of Japanese car culture—from Daikoku car meets to authentic street racing vibes—is spot on.

4. Series 1 Rewards are Live!

If you’re playing via Xbox Game Pass or picked up the Standard Edition on May 19, you can already start earning exclusive rewards in the Festival Playlist. Keep an eye out for the legendary 2008 Mazda Furai, one of the top prizes for the first four weeks of the season.

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Pro Tip for Frosty Gamerz Readers:

If you’re looking to squeeze every frame out of your setup, make sure your drivers are updated for the new ray-traced global illumination system. The neon reflections in the Tokyo rain are a sight to behold, but they’ll put your GPU to the test!

What car are you planning to main in Japan? Drop a comment below and let’s start a convoy!