Forza Horizon 6 smashes records with 178K early players and glowing reviews
Forza Horizon 6 has launched with record-breaking player numbers and strong reviews. The game’s premium edition arrived four days early, drawing in over 178,000 players on Steam before its official release. Critics have praised its vast open world and creative freedom behind the wheel. The latest instalment in the series surpassed its predecessor even before launch. Forza Horizon 5 peaked at 81,096 players on Steam, but the new title hit 178,009—a clear sign of growing interest. The premium edition, priced at $120 in the US, £110 in the UK, and $190 in Australia, includes two expansions, a car pass, two car packs, a welcome pack, and VIP membership.
Reviewers have highlighted the game’s ambitious scale and sandbox-style gameplay. Phil Savage awarded it an 84, noting its expansive world and player freedom. Unique features like racing against a mech, driving kei trucks, and colliding with indestructible cherry blossom trees add to its appeal. The racing genre currently lacks major competition. Microsoft has discontinued Forza Motorsport, while development on Need for Speed remains paused. Meanwhile, Lego 2K Drive is being removed from digital stores, leaving Forza Horizon as the dominant choice for racing fans.
Forza Horizon 6 has set a new benchmark for the franchise with its early success. The high player count and positive reception suggest strong momentum for the series. With few rivals in the genre, the game is likely to maintain its leading position for some time.
