Forza Horizon 6 has reportedly leaked ~155 GB of full game files online via an unencrypted Steam preload update, just days before its official launch.
What Happened
Playground Games (and Microsoft) accidentally pushed a complete, unencrypted build of the game through a Steam update for preloading. This ~155 GB package (containing thousands of assets) was quickly spotted on SteamDB. Pirates downloaded it rapidly, and reports indicate the full retail build was cracked and made playable within hours.
- This mirrors a similar incident with Death Stranding 2 earlier in 2026.
- Gameplay footage and screenshots from the leaked build have already surfaced on YouTube and forums.
- The leak happened around May 10, 2026 — roughly 9-10 days before the standard release.
Note: Downloading or playing leaked/pirated versions is illegal and against Steam/Microsoft terms. It can also expose users to malware risks. Official preloads are available for legitimate buyers.
Official Details (Unaffected by Leak)
- Release Date: May 19, 2026 (Xbox Series X|S, PC via Steam/Microsoft Store, and Game Pass day one).
- Premium Edition Early Access: May 15, 2026 (4 days early).
- PS5 Version: Later in 2026.
- File Sizes (official preload): ~135 GB on Xbox Series X, ~130 GB on Series S, up to ~156-160 GB on PC. An SSD is required.
- Setting: Open-world Japan with massive scale (Tokyo area significantly larger than previous games), JDM culture focus, 600+ cars (including unrevealed ones in the leak), deep customization, and co-op.
The game “went gold” recently, meaning it’s content-complete, and preloads have been rolling out legitimately.
Community Reaction & Hype
The leak has sparked massive buzz (and memes) on Reddit, X, and piracy communities, with excitement about the car’s list, map size, and performance. Legitimate players are still hyped for the official launch, especially with the Japan setting and visuals. Some are debating storage needs, as the install is one of the largest for a racing game.
Forza Horizon 6 is already one of Steam’s most-wishlisted titles. If you’re planning to play legitimately, wishlist/pre-order on Steam or check forza.net for the latest official updates. The leak won’t change the rollout for paying customers.36
Stay tuned — official reviews and day-one patches should drop soon after launch!
