Forza Horizon 6 has emerged as the highest-rated video game of the year so far, outperforming all major releases in 2026. Developed by British studio Playground Games, the arcade racing title has received widespread praise from critics ahead of its official launch.
According to review aggregation website Metacritic, Forza Horizon 6 currently holds an impressive average score of 91 out of 100. The racing game has overtaken other major titles released this year, including Pokémon Pokopia and Resident Evil Requiem, both of which received average review scores of 89.
The strong reviews for Forza Horizon 6 arrived just days after the PC version of the game was reportedly leaked online. The leak prompted warnings and threats of bans against players downloading or accessing unauthorised copies before release.
Forza Horizon 6 Set For May 19 Release On Xbox And PC
The latest entry in the hugely successful Forza Horizon franchise is scheduled to launch on Xbox consoles and PC on May 19. Known for its open-world racing gameplay, the series allows players to explore massive environments inspired by real-world locations while driving a wide range of high-performance vehicles.
One of the biggest highlights of Forza Horizon 6 is its Japan-inspired setting. Fans had long requested the series to move to Japan, and developers have finally delivered a map featuring scenic countryside roads, bustling towns, forests, shrines, and mountain routes inspired by Japanese landscapes.
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In a five-star review, Video Games Chronicle reviewer Chris Scullion praised the game’s environment and overall design. He noted that the developers made excellent use of Japan’s diverse scenery and called the game “one of the best racing titles ever made.”
TechRadar also praised Forza Horizon 6 in its four-and-a-half-star review, highlighting major improvements over the previous edition. The publication said the Japan-based map feels far more engaging and appreciated how the developers refined nearly every aspect of the gameplay experience.
Similarly, Metro awarded the game a 9 out of 10 score, praising its fast-paced action, beautiful landscapes, and energetic soundtrack that keeps players fully engaged throughout the experience.
While most critics agreed that Forza Horizon 6 does not completely reinvent the franchise’s formula, many noted that the game successfully refines and improves an already popular racing experience.
Microsoft, which owns Xbox and Playground Games, has faced criticism in recent years over layoffs within its gaming division as well as price increases for Xbox consoles and the Game Pass subscription service. Despite those concerns, the early reception for Forza Horizon 6 has given the company a major success story in the gaming industry this year.