Forza Horizon 6 is here, and it’s packed with new features, settings, and a massive map set in Japan. From the neon-lit streets of Tokyo to the majestic peaks of Mount Fuji, this game brings the adrenaline of racing to a whole new level. Whether you’re aiming to become a Horizon Legend or simply cruising around the beautifully recreated landscapes, here’s everything you need to know to get started and hit the ground running.
1. Master the New Progression System
In Forza Horizon 6, progression is based on wristbands, and it’s a big shift from the recent “sandbox” approach where everything was unlocked quickly. Here’s how to tackle it:
Qualify First
To officially join the festival, you’ll need to complete the Horizon Qualifiers and the Horizon Invitational. These events introduce you to the game’s various race types and give you a chance to earn your first wristband. Once you’ve completed these, you can officially participate in the Horizon Festival, where the real fun begins!
Unlock Legend Island
As you progress through the game and earn higher-tier wristbands, you’ll eventually reach “Gold” status. This is the ultimate level, granting you access to Legend Island—an exclusive area filled with unique rewards, hidden tracks, and rare cars. It’s worth grinding to get there, as the rewards are one-of-a-kind and totally worth the effort.
Explore on Foot
For the first time in Forza Horizon history, you can step out of your car. Social hubs like garages and car meets allow you to walk around, get a closer look at other players’ cars, and even show off your own custom builds. It’s a cool feature that adds a social aspect to the game.
2. Driving & Credits Strategy
Driving isn’t just about going fast—it’s about making smart choices that will help you earn FH6 credits and build a stable foundation for your career. Here are some strategies to help you succeed:
Tweak Your Assists
As you get more comfortable with the game, start experimenting with the assists. Turn off things like ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) or Traction Control for better throttle control. Also, bumping up the Drivatar difficulty can lead to more FH6 credits per race. It’s a bit tougher, but it’s worth the extra challenge.
Invest in Property Early
While it may be tempting to splurge on cars at the beginning, it’s smarter to save your credits for Player Houses. These houses come with perks like Fast Travel, which lets you zip across the map without the hassle of long drives. You’ll also unlock more bonuses by smashing enough bonus boards scattered across the world.
Manual Shifting
Learning how to shift manually with the clutch can dramatically improve your lap times and car control. Plus, you won’t need to spend as much on costly transmission upgrades. It’s a learning curve, but once you’ve got the hang of it, manual shifting is one of the fastest ways to climb the ranks.
3. Tuning and Customization
Customization is one of the core features of Forza Horizon 6, and it’s not just about changing the color of your car. From performance upgrades to aesthetics, there’s a lot you can do to make your ride unique.
AWD for Control, RWD for Speed
If you’re new to racing games, starting with an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) car might be your best bet. AWD offers better grip and control, making it easier to handle tight turns. But if you’re looking for pure speed and are up for a challenge, Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) is the go-to option for seasoned racers who want maximum performance.
Deep Dive Customization
The new Visual Customization system is more detailed than ever before, with widebody kits, custom Forza Aero, and more. You can completely change the look of your car, from the body shape to the aerodynamic features. Experiment with different parts to find the perfect setup that fits your racing style.
Use the Braking Line
If you’re struggling to master the tricky streets of Tokyo, keep the “Braking Only” line enabled. This feature shows you where to start braking for corners without cluttering the screen with a full racing line. It’s especially useful in the city, where you’ll be dealing with sharp turns and tight corners.
4. Essential Beginner Tips & Tricks
If you’re just starting out in the game, these ultimate beginner’s guide to Forza Horizon 6 will give you a solid foundation and help you progress faster.
Master the Progression
The first thing you should focus on is completing Horizon Qualifiers to earn your first wristband. As you go, you’ll unlock Road, Dirt, and Cross-Country events, which are essential for progressing through the game. Follow the campaign’s structure to unlock higher tiers and eventually access the Legend Island.
Initial Upgrades (Speed)
When upgrading your car, always prioritize weight reduction first. A lighter car will have better acceleration and handling. Afterward, focus on driveline upgrades, which will give you better tuning for your differential and improve handling even more.
Assist Settings
At first, it’s best to keep some assists on, like Traction Control. But as you get better, try turning it off for improved throttle control and more speed. Changing the braking setting from “Assisted” to “ABS On” will give you a small bonus, and switching steering to “Normal” will give you a good balance between control and speed.
Explore Early
Take time to explore the world of Forza Horizon 6 early on. Drive down every road and find bonus boards that grant XP and Fast Travel locations. Not only does this help with progression, but it also unlocks handy perks that make traveling easier later on.
Manage Drivatars
Drivatars are the AI-controlled opponents in races. If they seem too aggressive or crash into you too often, don’t hesitate to lower their aggression level in the settings. This will make races a bit more fair and less frustrating for you.
New Features
There are plenty of new customization features in Forza Horizon 6, such as painting on windows and adding two different sets of rims. These options give you even more creative freedom when designing your car, so experiment with them to stand out from the crowd.