If you are comparing Forza Horizon 6 Premium Upgrade vs Premium Edition, the real question is simple: Do you already have access to the base game?
That is what changes the better choice.
If you already own FH6, or you plan to play through Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass, the Premium Upgrade may be the better fit. If you do not own the game and want everything in one purchase, Premium Edition is the clearer option because it includes the full game.
Because FH6 is still in the pre-release stage, many players are trying to decide which version makes the most sense before launch. That makes this comparison important for anyone who wants early access, Premium add-ons, and better value for their setup.
Quick Answer: Which One Should You Buy?
Here is the short answer.
Choose Premium Edition if:
- You Do Not Own The Base Game
- You Want The Full Game And Premium Content In One Bundle
- You Want The Simplest Pre-Order Option
Choose Premium Upgrade if:
- You Already Own The Base Game
- You Already Bought Standard Edition Or Deluxe Edition
- You Use Game Pass Ultimate Or PC Game Pass
- You Only Need The Premium Extras
So, in plain terms, Premium Edition is the full package, while Premium Upgrade is the add-on package.
What Is The Difference Between Premium Upgrade And Premium Edition?
The names sound similar, which is why many players get confused.
Both options are built around Premium content such as Early Access, VIP, Car Pass, bonus car packs, and expansions. The key difference is that Premium Edition includes the full game, while Premium Upgrade does not. Premium Upgrade requires separate game access, either through ownership or a qualifying Game Pass subscription.
That means this comparison is not really about which one has more Premium extras. It is mostly about whether the game itself is included.
What Premium Edition Includes
Premium Edition is designed for players who want the complete FH6 package in one purchase.
It includes:
- The Full Base Game
- 4 Days Early Access
- VIP Membership
- Welcome Pack
- Car Pass
- Time Attack Car Pack
- Italian Passion Car Pack
- Expansion 1
- Expansion 2
This makes Premium Edition the easiest choice for players starting from zero. You do not need to think about separate game access or combine different purchases.
If the Welcome Pack is one of the main reasons you are considering the higher edition, you can read more in this separate guide on how to get the Forza Horizon 6 Welcome Pack.
What Premium Upgrade Includes
Premium Upgrade is built for players who already have a way to access FH6.
It includes the Premium-level extras, but not the base game. That is the part many people miss when they compare bundles too quickly.
It includes:
- 4 Days Early Access
- VIP Membership
- Welcome Pack
- Car Pass
- Time Attack Car Pack
- Italian Passion Car Pack
- Expansion 1
- Expansion 2
So if you are doing an FH6 upgrade comparison, remember this: Premium Upgrade is not a cheaper full edition. It is the Premium add-on route for players who already have the game covered.
Do You Need To Own The Base Game First?
Yes, this is the biggest decision point.
If you buy Premium Upgrade, you still need access to FH6 separately. That access can come from owning the game or from having an active qualifying Game Pass subscription.
If you do not already have that access, then Premium Edition is the safer and more complete choice.
This is also why the topic of Base Game Ownership matters so much for this keyword. Many players compare the names and features first, but the real buying logic starts with ownership.
Premium Upgrade Vs Premium Edition For Different Players
If You Already Own FH6
Premium Upgrade usually makes more sense.
You already have the base game, so paying for Premium Edition may not be necessary if your only goal is to unlock the extra content, VIP, Car Pass, and future expansions.
If You Own Standard Or Deluxe
Premium Upgrade is usually the smarter next step.
It lets you move toward the full Premium experience without buying the full game again. For players looking at Upgrade Value, this is often the strongest case for choosing the Upgrade.
If You Use Game Pass
Premium Upgrade can be a strong option for Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass players.
It lets you pair your subscription access with Premium content and early access benefits. If your qualifying Game Pass access ends, Premium Upgrade does not replace base-game ownership. You would still need separate access to FH6. You would still need separate ownership to keep full game access.
If early access is one of the main reasons you are comparing these versions, this guide on how to play Forza Horizon 6 early
If You Do Not Own The Game At All
Premium Edition is the better buy.
It is clearer, simpler, and built for players who want the full game plus the Premium extras in one place.
Is Premium Upgrade Better Value?
It depends on what you already have.
If you already own the base game, Premium Upgrade can offer better value because you are only paying for the Premium extras. If you do not own FH6, Premium Edition is usually the cleaner value option because it includes everything in one purchase.
That price debate has already come up in gaming media too, with IGN highlighting that FH6’s Premium Upgrade costs close to a full game in its own right, which is why the value only really looks strong if you already have base-game access through ownership or Game Pass.
So the better value is not the same for every player. It depends on:
- Base Game Ownership
- Game Pass Access
- Edition Choice
- How Much You Care About Early Access And Add-Ons
This is also why broad edition pages often confuse buyers. The smarter choice is not about picking the most expensive option. It is about choosing the one that matches your current access.
Are The Add-Ons Basically The Same?
For most players, yes.
The main Premium content is largely the same across Premium Upgrade and Premium Edition. That includes major extras such as:
- VIP Membership
- Welcome Pack
- Car Pass
- Bonus Car Packs
- Expansion 1
- Expansion 2
- Early Access Benefits
That is why these two versions look close at first.
But the key difference never changes:
- Premium Edition = Full Game + Premium Content
- Premium Upgrade = Premium Content Only
What About Early Access?
Early access is part of the appeal for both options.
Premium Edition includes 4 Days Early Access with the full game. Premium Upgrade also unlocks Early Access, but only for players who already have valid base-game access through ownership or qualifying Game Pass membership.
So if starting early matters to you, make sure you are choosing the version that matches your actual game access.
Final Verdict
When comparing Forza Horizon 6 Premium Upgrade vs Premium Edition, the difference is not hard once you focus on the right question:
Do you already have the base game?
If the answer is yes, Premium Upgrade is often the more practical option.
If the answer is no, Premium Edition is the better choice because it gives you the full game and all the Premium extras in one bundle.
So the real difference is not the word “Premium.” It is whether you already have game access.
FAQs
1. Does Forza Horizon 6 Premium Upgrade include the full game?
No. Premium Upgrade does not include the full base game. It adds the Premium content and requires separate game access or qualifying Game Pass access.
2. Is Forza Horizon 6 Premium Edition the full version?
Yes. Premium Edition includes the full game along with the Premium extras, including VIP Membership, Welcome Pack, Car Pass, car packs, and the planned expansions.
3. Is Premium Upgrade worth it if I already own Standard Edition?
Usually, yes. If you already own Standard Edition and want the Premium add-ons, Premium Upgrade is normally the more sensible route than buying the full Premium Edition again.
4. Can Game Pass players buy FH6 Premium Upgrade?
Yes. Players with Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass can use Premium Upgrade to add Premium content and early access benefits while their subscription provides access to the base game.
5. Can MitchCactus help Forza Horizon players with cars, credits, or account progress?
Yes. Players who want progression support later can check the currently available Forza Horizon 6 help options once the game is live.
