Forza Horizon 6 Reboots Progression — You Start as a Nobody in Japan

Playground has revealed a major rethink of Forza Horizon 6's structure that intentionally puts players at the bottom of the ladder when the game begins in Japan. The team says progression will be more measured at the start, removing the flood of immediate unlocks that made FH5 feel overwhelming for some players.

• New start: Rather than arriving as an established star, you’ll begin as a relative unknown in Japan, with progression designed to let recognition and rewards accumulate over time rather than all at once.
• Simpler early game: The developer aims to reduce initial complexity by spacing out activities and unlocks so newcomers — and latecomers to the series — aren’t hit with too many choices immediately.
• Freedom retained: While the opening is more guided, Playground emphasizes that the franchise’s signature open-world freedom won’t be sacrificed; players can still branch out and tackle events at their own pace once they’re ready.
• Better onboarding for late arrivals: For those who jumped into FH5 late on consoles and felt swamped by constant progression, the new approach should make getting started less intimidating and more rewarding.
• Design intent: The overhaul appears focused on delivering a clearer sense of growth and achievement, reshaping how players approach car collection, events, and reputation without removing long-term depth.