Forza Horizon 6 Early Access: Release Time, Game Pass And Premium Upgrade Explained

InnovationGamingForza Horizon 6 Early Access: Release Time, Game Pass And Premium Upgrade ExplainedByBrian Mazique,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Brian Mazique has covered combat sports and video games since 2011.Follow AuthorMay 15, 2026, 01:19am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.Forza Horizon 6Credit: Forza Horizon 6Forza Horizon 6 is in a great place as early access is set to begin. Sterling reviews are beginning to roll in and the videos available — some of which I've included here — show off a visually stunning open-world racing title that has a chance to eat well before Grand Theft Auto 6 puts the world in a chokehold in November.Let's take a look at the early access info and more.Key Facts at a GlanceTitle: Forza Horizon 6Developer: Playground GamesPublisher: Xbox Game StudiosEarly Access Date: Friday, May 15, 2026 (Premium owners and Premium Upgrade buyers only)Standard Launch: Tuesday, May 19, 2026Xbox Early Access Unlock: 12:01 AM local timeSteam Early Access Unlock: 4:01 AM UTC (May 15)Launch Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC (Microsoft Store + Steam)Game Pass: Day-one on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass at standard launchPS5: Later in 2026, no date confirmedWhat Time Does Forza Horizon 6 Early Access Unlock?By the time you read this, Early Access might have already begun in your neck of the woods.Xbox Series X|S and the Xbox app on PC unlock at 12:01 AM local time, which means U.S. West Coast players got in at 9:01 PM PT on May 14. Steam runs on a 4:01 AM UTC global anchor, which maps cleanly to midnight in most U.S. time zones. The standard May 19 launch follows the same staggered pattern for everyone else.MORE FOR YOUWho Gets Forza Horizon 6 Early Access?Let's break it down because there's layers.The simple version: Early Access is gated to two groups only. You either bought the Premium Edition o...