Forza Horizon 6 launches May 19, with early access kicking off May 15 for eligible players. The preload is already live as of May 1, meaning you can grab the full download right now and be ready to race the moment the servers open. The catch: this game is heavy, and if you haven't checked your storage recently, you're going to want to do that before you hit download.
How do you preload Forza Horizon 6?
Preloading is only available if you've digitally pre-ordered the game. Physical copies don't qualify, and the preload won't appear for players who haven't committed to a purchase yet. According to Insider Gaming, the preload began rolling out on May 1 across both Xbox Series X|S and PC via the Xbox PC store.
Once you've pre-ordered, the process is straightforward:
- Pre-order Forza Horizon 6 digitally on your platform of choice.
- Make sure your console or PC is connected to the internet.
- Navigate to the game in your library and start the download.
The game should begin downloading automatically in some cases, but if it doesn't appear, check back over the next few days leading up to launch. Your console's background download settings can also affect whether it kicks off on its own.
Even after the preload finishes, the game stays locked until the official release date. You won't be able to play it early just because the download completed ahead of schedule, unless you have early access.
What is the Forza Horizon 6 file size?
This is where things get serious. Forza Horizon 6 comes in at over 140 GB on both platforms, and the PC version is the heavier of the two. Here's the breakdown, as reported by Insider Gaming based on figures visible on the Xbox dashboard:
These numbers could shift slightly before launch, but the changes would be minor. Treat 157 GB as your planning number on PC and 145 GB on Xbox.
If you're on a standard 1 TB Xbox Series X with a full library, you may be working with less free space than you think after system files and other installs. Check your available storage before starting the preload.
For context, that PC file size puts Forza Horizon 6 in the same weight class as some of the largest games currently available. You're likely looking at clearing out at least one or two other titles to make room, depending on your setup.
When can you play Forza Horizon 6?
The standard release date is May 19. Players with early access can get in on May 15, which is four days ahead of the general launch. Early access is tied to specific editions of the game, so check your pre-order details if you're not sure whether you qualify.
The preload being live now means there's no reason to wait. A 156 GB download on a typical home connection can take several hours, and starting it today means you're guaranteed to be ready on day one without scrambling.
Is Forza Horizon 6 on Xbox Game Pass?
If you're wondering whether you need to buy the game outright or whether Game Pass covers it, that's a separate question worth checking before you spend anything. Insider Gaming has a dedicated breakdown on Forza Horizon 6 and Game Pass availability that covers the current status.
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