Forza Horizon 6 is available to preload now on Xbox Series X|S and PC via the Xbox app. Official listings require between 130GB and 167GB of free storage, depending on platform and storefront. Playground Games lists 135GB on Xbox Series X, 130GB on Xbox Series S, and 160GB on PC via the Xbox app, while Steam lists 167GB of available space for its PC version — with an SSD mandatory on PC regardless of storefront. Premium Edition players get early access on May 15, 2026. The standard launch for Xbox Series X|S and PC follows on May 19, 2026.
Forza Horizon 6 Storage Requirements by Platform
These figures are required storage — the free space you need before the install begins — not necessarily the compressed download size your storefront will pull. Actual download sizes can differ due to compression, edition, region, and day-one patches.
| Platform | Required Storage |
|---|---|
| Xbox Series X | 135GB |
| Xbox Series S | 130GB |
| PC via Xbox app | 160GB (SSD required) |
| PC via Steam | 167GB (SSD required) |
PC storage requirements vary slightly by storefront. Playground Games lists 160GB for PC via the Xbox app, while Steam’s store page lists 167GB of available space under both minimum and recommended specs. Both storefronts require an SSD — a hard drive is not supported.
Some players may see slightly different displayed download sizes before or during installation. The official storage requirements listed above are the safest figures to follow. Displayed download sizes may vary by storefront, package, region, updates, or compression.
Is Forza Horizon 6 Preload Available Now?
Yes, for Xbox Series X|S and PC via the Xbox app. Playground Games confirmed the preload is live on both platforms in their official preload post.
Steam preload was listed as “coming soon” at the time of Playground’s official preload post. Check the Steam store page for the current status before assuming it is available.
Who Can Preload Forza Horizon 6?
The following players can pre-download the game ahead of launch:
- Pre-order buyers on Xbox Series X|S or PC via the Xbox app
- Game Pass Ultimate subscribers with an active subscription
- PC Game Pass subscribers with an active subscription
- Xbox disc pre-orders can initiate the digital preload through the Xbox smartphone app
If you previously downloaded a placeholder file, check for updates to confirm the full game files are installed.
Early Access and Full Launch Dates
| Edition | Access Date |
|---|---|
| Premium Edition / Premium Upgrade | May 15, 2026 |
| Standard Edition — Xbox Series X|S and PC | May 19, 2026 |
The four-day early access window applies to players who purchased the Premium Edition or the Premium Upgrade add-on. Standard and Deluxe editions unlock with the full launch on May 19. For regional unlock times and a full breakdown of what each edition includes, see our Forza Horizon 6 early access and start times guide.
Forza Horizon 6 is available day one through Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. A PS5 version is confirmed for later in 2026, but no specific release date has been announced. If you’re planning ahead, we’ve compiled the full list of all 57 Forza Horizon 6 achievements and how to unlock 1,000 Gamerscore.
Why Steam Players May See a Different Size
Steam lists 167GB of available space in its system requirements — 7GB more than the 160GB Playground Games published for the Xbox app PC version. Both require an SSD.
The discrepancy appears to be a storefront listing difference rather than a contradiction. Playground Games lists 160GB for PC in its preload post, while Steam lists 167GB in its own system requirements. Neither listing should be treated as wrong; PC players should follow the requirement shown by the storefront they plan to use.
Steam may also show different calendar dates depending on how it displays local unlock timing — May 18 for launch and May 14 for Advanced Access have appeared on the US Steam page, compared to the May 19 and May 15 dates on official Forza and Xbox pages. The Playground Games and Xbox dates are the confirmed official figures.
The Preload Leak: What Playground Games Actually Said
Separately from the official preload, reports emerged that a pre-release PC build of Forza Horizon 6 appeared online before launch.
Early coverage linked the situation to Steam files, but Playground Games has since said the leak was not a preload issue. For the full breakdown of what was reported and how it spread, see our coverage: Forza Horizon 6 Reportedly Leaked Online After Unencrypted Files Appeared on Steam.
Playground issued a statement warning that players who access or distribute the reported leaked build face strict enforcement, including franchise-wide bans and hardware bans. Do not download or run any pre-release build through unofficial channels.
Playground’s public position is that the leaked build was not caused by the official preload.
What to Do Before Launch
- Xbox Series X: Clear at least 135GB of free storage
- Xbox Series S: Clear at least 130GB of free storage
- PC via Xbox app: Clear at least 160GB and confirm your install drive is an SSD
- PC via Steam: Clear at least 167GB and confirm your install drive is an SSD
- If you downloaded a placeholder file previously, check for a preload update in your library
- Do not access any unofficial pre-release builds — Playground Games has warned of franchise-wide and hardware bans for doing so
