Forza Horizon 6 Image Comparison Shows Big Upgrade From Preview Version

New images from the Forza Horizon 6 title screen compare its graphics and visual details with an earlier preview build of the game, and the difference is striking. Forza Horizon 6 has already gone gold and is set to launch soon, but these new shots reassure fans that the final product will deliver on its promises, especially when it comes to high-end visuals.

Playground Games hasn’t been as secretive as some other AAA game developers, sharing multiple Forza Horizon 6 screenshots and videos with fans over the past few months. Even so, players may still be surprised by the difference in visual effects and detail between the preview build and the final version of the game.

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Forza Horizon 6’s Preview Build and Release Version Comparison

Posted by Reddit user Clarky_077, a comparison image shows four frames from the Forza Horizon 6 title screen, placing the preview build beside what appears to be the game’s final release version. The upgrade is immediately noticeable, with many fans agreeing that the newer build looks far more realistic. The most impressive change, however, is the lighting and reflections, which appear to have been heavily refined or polished for the final version of Forza Horizon 6.

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It’s no secret that the Forza Horizon series is known for delivering some of the most realistic racing visuals on the market. But if these pre-release images are any indication, the sixth installment could end up being the most visually impressive entry in the franchise so far. These visual upgrades aside, another detail that has caught the attention of keen-eyed fans is that one of the cars in the preview build, the Dodge Viper, has been repainted yellow with black stripes, likely as a tribute to the car’s popularity in the first Forza Horizon game.

The enhanced lighting and ray tracing in the upcoming game are especially important for one key reason: Forza Horizon 6 is set in Japan, a country known for neon-lit cities like Tokyo and lively nightlife. Seeing those vibrant city lights reflect off the sleek bodies of sports cars should add even more immersion to the experience. That becomes even more exciting when combined with the fact that the upcoming installment is expected to feature one of the largest maps in the series, the biggest car roster yet, and more advanced customization options.

On top of the impressive pre-release visual upgrades that have fans excited, developer Playground Games has also confirmed several other promising features for Forza Horizon 6, including a reworked progression system and new base-building elements. For now, fans can mark May 19 on their calendars, or May 15 for Premium Edition owners, to jump in and experience the immersive racing simulation firsthand. Forza Horizon 6 will be available on Xbox Series X/S and PC through Steam and the Microsoft Store. The PlayStation 5 version, however, is scheduled to launch later in 2026.