5 new features we want to see in Forza Horizon 6

It’s official— Forza Horizon 6 is taking players to the Land of the Rising Sun: Japan. Fans of the series are already buzzing with excitement at the thought of racing through Tokyo’s neon-lit streets, soaking in the electric glow of Osaka’s Dotonbori district, and drifting up the winding roads of Mount Fuji or the Japanese Alps. The next installment promises not just speed, but a stunning celebration of Japan’s diverse beauty.

While there are plenty of iconic landmarks we can’t wait to drive past—or straight through—there’s also hope that Forza Horizon 6 brings meaningful gameplay upgrades alongside its new setting. From refined driving physics to expanded customization and deeper social features, players are eager to see a natural evolution from Forza Horizon 5 that enhances the overall experience, not just the scenery.

The following is a list of 5 new features we want to see in Forza Horizon 6.

From snow tires to Sakura Storms: weather that impacts the gameplay, but doesn’t take over

One aspect of Forza Horizon 4 that some players preferred over its successor, FH5, was the more impactful role that weather played in the gameplay experience. In FH4, the winter season significantly changed the driving dynamics, with snowfall forcing players to adapt their strategies and switch to vehicles better suited for icy conditions.

While we’re not necessarily hoping for the same heavy, map-wide snow coverage seen in the stylized Great Britain setting of FH4, it was refreshing to switch things up and experiment with cars you might not normally use to tackle the winter roads.

In Forza Horizon 6’s Japanese setting, it would be exciting to see a return of diverse weather conditions—but in a more flexible, location-based format. Imagine speeding through swirling cherry blossom petals in spring; carefully navigating slick roads during typhoon season in summer; watching the leaves of maples and gingkos turn fiery red in autumn; and gearing up with snow tires for winter drives through mountainous, snow-dusted regions. Instead of seasonal effects applying to the entire map, it would be ideal if weather varied by region, giving players the freedom to choose when—and where—they want to challenge the elements.

Dense Traffic, Neon Nights, and Real Street Culture

While Forza Horizon 5 offered some memorable moments—like the vibrant buildings and maze-like streets of Guanajuato or the breezy, surf-soaked vibes of Playa Azul—many of Mexico’s cities and towns felt oddly empty once you got past the festival sites and a few standout areas. The world was beautiful, yes—but it often lacked that sense of lived-in energy.

With Forza Horizon 6 heading to Japan, we’re hoping for a much more immersive and dynamic urban experience. Fully realized city hubs like Tokyo and Osaka could be alive with dense traffic, an authentic street racing culture, and the electric pulse of nightlife. While we’re not expecting open-world interactivity on the level of Grand Theft Auto, it would go a long way to see more pedestrians moving through the streets, giving the world a fuller, more bustling atmosphere.

Imagine weaving through the glowing intersections at Shibuya Crossing as crowds gather at each of the five converging walkways, or cruising past groups of tourists snapping selfies on Osaka’s Ebisu Bridge in the heart of the Dotonbori shopping district. Japan has the perfect ingredients for a world that feels vibrant, kinetic, and alive—and we hope FH6 fully leans into that potential.

Tokyo Drifting

Speaking of Shibuya Crossing — how about drifting through it? If Forza Horizon 6 is going to capture the spirit of Japan, then embracing its legendary drift culture—namely Tokyo drifting—is non-negotiable.

Forza Horizon 5 offered plenty of fun spots to drift—whether it was skimming along the edge of a massive volcano, sliding through a highway interchange, or carving corners near a rainforest temple. But with FH6 set in Japan, the game has a unique opportunity to elevate drifting from a side activity to a core expression of the culture.

Think touge battles on narrow mountain switchbacks, underground drift meets in Tokyo parking garages, or style-focused drift challenges under glowing city lights. Picture chaining perfect slides through tight corners in the rain, or tearing past the peaceful bamboo groves of Arashiyama in a screaming Toyota Supra.

FH6 has the chance to make drifting more than just a gameplay mechanic—it can be a true cultural homage. If done right, it could become one of the most exhilarating and unforgettable aspects of the entire game.

Home is where the Horsepower is

We can’t wait to race through some of Japan’s most iconic settings in Forza Horizon 6—but what about when it’s time to hit the brakes, kick back, and admire your car collection?

Up until now, player housing in Forza Horizon has been mostly aesthetic and functional—offering perks and fast travel points. But there’s massive potential in Forza Horizon 6 to evolve housing into something far more interactive, customizable, and socially engaging.

Imagine a showcase garage where you can display your favorite cars with customizable lighting, flooring, and banners. An unlockable workshop or tuning bay could let you fine-tune your rides—both visually and mechanically. A trophy wall could track your journey, filled with race trophies, collectibles, and posters from various events and storylines. Even an in-home theater could let you rewatch race highlights, replay events, or catch up on community videos.

On the social side, why not let players visit each other’s homes, turning garages into gathering spaces or car meet spots? Friends could hang out, show off builds, go for a cruise—or start a drag race or custom race right from the driveway.

Forza Horizon has always celebrated cars and community. Expanding player housing in FH6 could bring those elements together like never before.

Upgraded customization, inside and out

The idea of an expanded workshop or tuning bay in Forza Horizon 6 player housing got us thinking—maybe it’s time for car customization and upgrades to level up, too.

One of the most obvious areas for improvement is aero customization—specifically rear spoilers. Right now, many cars are stuck with the same generic, race-style wing that resembles a tow hook. It might serve a functional purpose, but it often looks out of place, especially on SUVs and off-road builds where it clashes with the overall design. A broader selection of spoiler styles—from subtle OEM lips to aggressive rally wings—would go a long way in allowing players to match performance with personality.

More customizable body kits would also be a welcome addition, letting players mix and match fenders, bumpers, and splitters for truly unique builds. And while we’re at it, why not bring customization into the interior? Swappable steering wheels, racing seats, roll cages, or even dashboard details could add an extra layer of depth, especially for those who love taking photos in cockpit view or showing off in their garage.