Forza Horizon 6 Launches to Massive Acclaim – Metacritic’s Highest-Rated Game of 2026 So Far
Forza Horizon 6 has launched to universal critical praise, scoring a Metascore of 92/100 on Xbox Series X (based on 63 critic reviews) and claiming the top spot as Metacritic’s highest-rated game of 2026.
It sits comfortably ahead of earlier leaders like Pokémon Pokopia and Resident Evil Requiem (both 89).
The PC version currently holds an 89/100 (46 reviews), while the PS5 score is still pending.
On OpenCritic, it’s at 91/100 with 100% of critics recommending it.
Reviews dropped today (May 14, 2026), just ahead of Premium Edition early access tomorrow (May 15) and the full launch on May 19 for Xbox Series X|S, PC (Steam, Microsoft Store, and day-one Game Pass).
Critics are calling it the best Forza Horizon yet—a “masterpiece,” “the series at its best,” and “one of the best racing experiences you’ll ever have.”
The standout feature is the massive, stunning open-world Japan map (the largest and most diverse in the series), packed with vibrant visuals, dynamic weather, over 550 cars, refined arcade driving physics, new progression systems like Wristbands and Stamps, Touge races, Time Trials, and endless festival-style content.
Many outlets handed out perfect 10/10 or 100 scores, praising the addictive loop, exploration, and how it feels like a “virtual vacation” while improving on the already-strong formula from FH5.
Standout Reviews
- IGN (10/10 – Masterpiece): “Technically, Forza Horizon 6 has not skipped a beat… Aesthetically, it’s the best-looking and best-sounding game Playground has produced to date, set in the most wonderfully realised map it’s ever crafted… Forza Horizon 6 is unequivocally the best. The new standard in open-world racing is here, and it’s a goddamn masterpiece.” (Highlights the map, exploration, handling, and UGC tools; minor note that mechanics feel familiar.)
- TMI 10/110 F**king amazing top contender for Game of the year. Off the charts GFX and sounds which really feels like you’re driving in Japan. With 550 rides to choose from the hardest part of the game is deciding what ride to drive and trust me you will want to take them all for a spin. Playground Games outdid themselves again setting the new standard.
- Eurogamer (5/5): “Playground Games does it again… Forza Horizon 6 is the highlight in a pantheon of already great racing experiences… the best racing series in gaming.”
- VGC (5/5): “Forza Horizon 5 was already an exceptional racing game, but Forza Horizon 6 takes everything up a notch… Few games are as essential as this.”
- TrueAchievements (100/100): “Forza Horizon 6 is the series at its best, combining meaningful progression with the franchise’s strongest open world yet. Japan is stunning… Playground Games has delivered its best Forza Horizon experience to date.”
- Pure Xbox (9/10), Game Informer (9.3/10), DualShockers (9.5/10), and others echo the same: a polished, joyful evolution that will keep players hooked for hundreds of hours.
A few reviews note it’s somewhat iterative (“more of the same” in a good way) or mention minor gripes like occasional grind, shallower customization in spots, or the Japan setting not fully clicking for them—but even those still rate it highly as one of the top arcade racers around.
The hype is real and building fast.
It was already the best-selling game on Steam last week (pre-launch), and early player reactions from Premium Edition access are pouring in with praise for the visuals, audio, and “best map yet.”
Xbox and Playground Games are celebrating the universal acclaim, especially with day-one Game Pass availability.
It ties the series’ high-water mark (FH5 was also 92) and stands as a strong early GOTY contender in the racing/open-world space.
If you’re into open-world racers, this one sounds like a must-play—especially on Game Pass.
Early access starts tomorrow, so expect even more player impressions soon!
