{"id":4233,"date":"2026-05-16T08:05:47","date_gmt":"2026-05-16T08:05:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/overhypedgamer.com\/?p=4233"},"modified":"2026-05-16T08:05:48","modified_gmt":"2026-05-16T08:05:48","slug":"forza-horizon-6-smashes-series-player-records","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/overhypedgamer.com\/hr\/forza-horizon-6-smashes-series-player-records\/","title":{"rendered":"Forza Horizon 6 Smashes Series Player Records Before Full Launch"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-block-type=\"core\"><a href=\"https:\/\/forza.net\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Forza Horizon 6<\/a> is already becoming an absolute monster for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.playground-games.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Playground Games<\/a> i <a href=\"https:\/\/www.xbox.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Xbox<\/a>, breaking franchise player records before the game has even officially launched worldwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">Despite currently being available only through Early Access, the latest Horizon entry has already more than doubled the Steam peak player count of <a href=\"https:\/\/forza.net\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Forza Horizon 5<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"forza-horizon-6-already-breaking-steam-records\" data-block-type=\"core\">Forza Horizon 6 Already Breaking Steam Records<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">According to Steam player tracking data spotted by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gamesradar.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GamesRadar<\/a>, Forza Horizon 6 has already reached an all-time Steam peak of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\" data-block-type=\"core\">\n<li data-block-type=\"core\"><strong>172,093 concurrent players<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">That number absolutely dwarfs previous entries in the series.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"previous-steam-peaks\" data-block-type=\"core\">Previous Steam Peaks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\" data-block-type=\"core\">\n<li data-block-type=\"core\"><em>Forza Horizon 6<\/em> \u2014 172,093<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li data-block-type=\"core\"><em>Forza Horizon 5<\/em> \u2014 81,096<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li data-block-type=\"core\"><em>Forza Horizon 4<\/em> \u2014 75,689<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li data-block-type=\"core\"><em>Forza Motorsport<\/em> \u2014 4,703<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">What makes the achievement even crazier is the fact that Forza Horizon 6 has not fully launched yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">Right now, only players who purchased:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\" data-block-type=\"core\">\n<li data-block-type=\"core\">the Premium Edition,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li data-block-type=\"core\">the $120 bundle,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li data-block-type=\"core\">or the Game Pass Premium Upgrade<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">\u2026can access the game early.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">The full global launch arrives on <strong>May 19<\/strong>, meaning player numbers could climb significantly higher very soon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\" data-block-type=\"core\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"526\" data-src=\"https:\/\/overhypedgamer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/forza-1024x526.jpg\" alt=\"forza horizon 6\" class=\"wp-image-4212 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/overhypedgamer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/forza-1024x526.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/overhypedgamer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/forza-300x154.jpg 300w, https:\/\/overhypedgamer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/forza-768x394.jpg 768w, https:\/\/overhypedgamer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/forza.jpg 1416w\" data-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/526;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"japan-setting-clearly-paying-off\" data-block-type=\"core\">Japan Setting Clearly Paying Off<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">One of the biggest reasons behind the massive player surge is likely the game\u2019s long-awaited Japan setting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">For years, Japan has easily been the most requested location in Horizon community discussions, and Playground Games finally delivering on that demand has generated enormous excitement around the release.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">The game\u2019s recreation of Japan has already been heavily praised for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\" data-block-type=\"core\">\n<li data-block-type=\"core\">mountain roads,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li data-block-type=\"core\">neon-lit cities,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li data-block-type=\"core\">countryside routes,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li data-block-type=\"core\">drifting locations,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li data-block-type=\"core\">and overall visual atmosphere.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"reviews-have-also-been-extremely-strong\" data-block-type=\"core\">Reviews Have Also Been Extremely Strong<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">The massive player numbers are also being fueled by outstanding review scores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\"><a href=\"https:\/\/forza.net\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Forza Horizon 6<\/a> currently sits around:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\" data-block-type=\"core\">\n<li data-block-type=\"core\"><strong>91-92 Metacritic<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li data-block-type=\"core\"><strong>91 OpenCritic<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">\u2026making it one of the highest-rated games of 2026 so far.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">Several major outlets awarded perfect scores, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\" data-block-type=\"core\">\n<li data-block-type=\"core\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">IGN<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li data-block-type=\"core\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.eurogamer.net\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Eurogamer<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li data-block-type=\"core\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.videogameschronicle.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">VGC<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">Xbox CEO Asha Sharma even publicly congratulated Playground Games following the game\u2019s review success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pc-version-getting-huge-praise-for-graphics-settings\" data-block-type=\"core\">PC Version Getting Huge Praise for Graphics Settings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">Beyond gameplay itself, the PC version is also receiving praise for one surprisingly overlooked feature: its graphics settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">Forza Horizon 6 introduces a new <strong>Live Preview<\/strong> system that allows players to instantly preview graphical changes directly within gameplay without needing to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\" data-block-type=\"core\">\n<li data-block-type=\"core\">restart the game,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li data-block-type=\"core\">reload areas,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li data-block-type=\"core\">or stare at tiny comparison images.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">Every graphical setting updates dynamically in real time while playing, regardless of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\" data-block-type=\"core\">\n<li data-block-type=\"core\">weather,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li data-block-type=\"core\">time of day,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li data-block-type=\"core\">or current location.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">Honestly, it\u2019s the kind of feature that probably should become standard in modern PC gaming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"forza-horizon-6-reviews-are-in-playground-games-delivers-another-racing-masterpiece\" data-block-type=\"core\"><a href=\"https:\/\/overhypedgamer.com\/hr\/forza-horizon-6-is-a-masterpiece\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"4229\">Forza Horizon 6 Reviews Are In \u2014 Playground Games Delivers Another Racing Masterpiece<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"xbox-might-have-its-biggest-game-of-the-year-before-gta-6\" data-block-type=\"core\">Xbox Might Have Its Biggest Game of the Year Before GTA 6<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">With GTA 6 still months away, Forza Horizon 6 has suddenly become one of the gaming industry\u2019s biggest active releases right now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">And considering the game hasn\u2019t even fully launched yet\u2026 these numbers are kind of ridiculous already.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h2>Sadr\u017eaj<\/h2><nav><ul><li><a href=\"#forza-horizon-6-already-breaking-steam-records\">Forza Horizon 6 Already Breaking Steam Records<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#previous-steam-peaks\">Previous Steam Peaks<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#japan-setting-clearly-paying-off\">Japan Setting Clearly Paying Off<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#reviews-have-also-been-extremely-strong\">Reviews Have Also Been Extremely Strong<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#pc-version-getting-huge-praise-for-graphics-settings\">PC Version Getting Huge Praise for Graphics Settings<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#forza-horizon-6-reviews-are-in-playground-games-delivers-another-racing-masterpiece\">Forza Horizon 6 Reviews Are In \u2014 Playground Games Delivers Another Racing Masterpiece<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#xbox-might-have-its-biggest-game-of-the-year-before-gta-6\">Xbox Might Have Its Biggest Game of the Year Before GTA 6<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Forza Horizon 6 is already becoming an absolute monster for Playground Games and Xbox, breaking franchise player records before the game has even officially launched worldwide. Despite currently being available only through Early Access, the latest Horizon entry has already more than doubled the Steam peak player count of Forza Horizon 5. Forza Horizon 6 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3693,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_gspb_post_css":"","_shortscore_rating":"","_shortscore_game":"","_shortscore_summary":"","iawp_total_views":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[],"ohg_news_type":[170],"ohg_game":[],"ohg_company":[184],"ohg_platform":[],"class_list":["post-4233","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","ohg_news_type-news","ohg_company-microsoft"],"blocksy_meta":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/overhypedgamer.com\/hr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4233","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/overhypedgamer.com\/hr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/overhypedgamer.com\/hr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/overhypedgamer.com\/hr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/overhypedgamer.com\/hr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4233"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/overhypedgamer.com\/hr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4233\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4294,"href":"https:\/\/overhypedgamer.com\/hr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4233\/revisions\/4294"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/overhypedgamer.com\/hr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3693"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/overhypedgamer.com\/hr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4233"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/overhypedgamer.com\/hr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4233"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/overhypedgamer.com\/hr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4233"},{"taxonomy":"ohg_news_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/overhypedgamer.com\/hr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ohg_news_type?post=4233"},{"taxonomy":"ohg_game","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/overhypedgamer.com\/hr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ohg_game?post=4233"},{"taxonomy":"ohg_company","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/overhypedgamer.com\/hr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ohg_company?post=4233"},{"taxonomy":"ohg_platform","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/overhypedgamer.com\/hr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ohg_platform?post=4233"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}