'Forza Horizon 6' Debuts as the Best Video Game of 2026, According to Metacritic

Forza Horizon 6 is, ironically, on the horizon of finally being released, and review scores are out today. Not only is Forza Horizon 6 being reviewed as one of the best racing games of all time, but it is also now officially the highest-rated game of 2026, beating out other massive 2026 releases.

According to Metacritic, based on 63 reviews thus far, Forza Horizon 6 is sitting at an impressive 92 metascore, making it the only video game release so far this year to break into the 90s. On Metacritic's Best Games of This Year list, the game is now at number one, quite a few points ahead of the second and third place spots: Pokémon Pokopia and Resident Evil Requiem.

Reviews praise the game's progression system, the open world (which is based on real-life Japan), and the amount of content. MondoXbox called Forza Horizon 6, "a majestic racing game and a true masterpiece that will keep players engaged for years to come. An absolute must-play for any racing fan."

In Men's Journal's review of the game, our author praised the game's visuals as "one of the best-looking games I've ever played." The author did note, though, that some parts of the game may be familiar to established Forza Horizon fans.

The game features more than 550 vehicles, all of which are customizable. The setting of Japan was requested for years by fans.

There have been some massive video game releases so far in 2026, like Crimson Desert, Resident Evil Requiem, and Pragmata, with several more to come, like 007 First Light, Grand Theft Auto 6, and the recently revealed Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced, but it seems Forza Horizon 6 will stand as one of the greatest games of 2026.

Forza Horizon 6 will release on May 19, 2026, for Xbox Series X/S and PC. The game will also be available on Xbox Game Pass on release day. A PlayStation 5 version is in development, to be released sometime later this year.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 14, 2026, where it first appeared in the Entertainment section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published May 14, 2026 at 7:19 PM.