Forza Horizon 6 Is Raising The Early Access Tax On Its Biggest Fans
Game Pass Ultimate subscribers have to spend $60 to play the latest entry in the racing series a few days early
kotaku.comHere’s the latest on Forza Horizon 6 Premium Edition for Xbox Series X as of May 2026.
Key updates
- Release and access: Forza Horizon 6 launched on May 19, 2026 for Xbox Series X|S and PC. Premium Edition players get four days of Early Access starting May 15, 2026 [6][5][3].
- Premium Edition inclusions: Full game plus Early Access, VIP Membership, Welcome Pack, Car Pass (30 cars delivered weekly), Time Attack Car Pack, Italian Passion Car Pack (post-launch), and two Premium Expansions (post-launch).[3][4][6]
- Early Access details: Premium Edition and Premium Upgrade offer Early Access; early unlocks differ by platform (PC/Joysticks via Xbox app and Steam; Steam unlock times are listed in UTC).[1][3]
- Game content and platforms: Available on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC (Microsoft Store and Steam), and playable via Xbox Cloud Gaming with Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass; PS5 release is planned later in 2026 but in a later wave (not part of the initial launch) [6][5].
- Editions and pricing context: Premium Edition remains the most feature-rich option, incorporating the larger content drops and early access; Premium Upgrade provides most of the same benefits for existing owners/different purchase paths, while Deluxe Edition offers base content with selected bonus items.[5][6][3]
What this means for players in Santa Clara, CA
- If you’re aiming for the earliest hands-on experience, upgrading to or purchasing the Premium Edition will grant you four days of Early Access starting May 15 local time, plus the full package of extras, regardless of whether you play on Xbox Series X|S or PC [3][6].
- The game supports Xbox Game Pass on PC and console; if you’re a Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass member, you can access the base game with your subscription and consider Premium upgrades if you want Early Access and additional content packs.[6][1]
- Cross-platform options mean you can start playing on your Xbox console, your Windows PC, or via cloud gaming, depending on your subscription and device availability in Santa Clara.[9][6]
Usage tips
- Pre-order early to secure the Ferrari J50 pre-tuned in-game reward and ensure you’re eligible for Early Access if you want to jump in ahead of launch day.[7][8]
- If you’re primarily a Steam user, monitor the May 15 unlock (UTC 4:01 am) for Premium Edition Early Access on Steam, with standard unlocks rolling in aligningly for non-Steam sources.[3]
Want me to pull the exact prices for each edition or map out a quick decision guide based on your platform (Xbox Series X|S, PC via Microsoft Store, Steam, or Cloud Gaming)? I can also summarize the differences between the Premium Edition, Premium Upgrade, and Deluxe Edition in a concise side-by-side.