If you are trying to work out how early access works in Forza Horizon 6, don’t worry, it’s way simpler than it looks.
The short version is this: yes, you can jump in early, but not with the Standard Edition alone. If you want to hit the road before the full launch crowd piles in, you need to go through the Premium side of things. That can mean buying the full Premium Edition, or using Game Pass and picking up the Premium Upgrade.
Ultimately, this entire guide revolves around just one point. So how do you enter early without spending your hard-earned cash on something that won’t work?
Can You Play Forza Horizon 6 Early?
Yes, you can.
But this is where people mess it up. A lot of players see pre-order pages, Game Pass listings, or edition bundles and assume early access is just included somewhere by default. It isn’t.
Early access is locked behind the Premium route. So if you only buy the base game, you are waiting for the full release like everyone else. If you want those extra few days to settle in, explore the map, and get rolling before the big wave of players shows up, you need Premium Edition or the Premium Upgrade path.
When Does Forza Horizon 6 Early Access Start?
The real release date of this game will be 19th May 2026.
But you can actually play the game during the early access which starts on 15th May 2026, thereby providing you four full days of playing the game while everyone else starts playing the game. In the case of Horizon games, such early access is rather good since it provides you time to mess around in the game.
Do not assume that all stores will open at the same exact time. The front times for stores may differ somewhat based on the platform or location, hence it is always advisable to check your own front times.
How to Get Early Access in Forza Horizon 6
There are two proper ways to do this, and the best one depends on how you normally buy your games.
Buy the Premium Edition
If you want the easiest route, buy the Premium Edition.
This is the simple, no-headache option. You get the base game, the early-access window, and the big extra content bundle in one shot. No upgrade steps later. No messing around with subscriptions. No wondering if you bought the wrong version.
If you already know you are going to sink real time into FH6, this is the straight-up cleanest play. Buy it, preload it, and you are ready for May 15.
Use Game Pass and Buy the Premium Upgrade
If you already have Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass, this is usually the smarter move.
You let Game Pass handle the base game, then you buy the Premium Upgrade to unlock early access and all the Premium extras. That way, you still get the head start without paying for the full Premium Edition on top of a subscription you already use.
For a lot of players, this is the sweet spot. You still get in early, you still get the extra stuff, and you do it without throwing more cash at the game than you need to.
Make Sure You Pre-Order Before Launch
If you already know you want early access, don’t leave it until the last second.
Buying pre-order before launch is the better play because you get the full early-access window instead of whatever scraps are left. Once early access starts, the value starts dropping fast. Pretty simple.
But then again, just because all the stores open up at the same time does not mean that they will open up on the dot. The timers in each store may vary slightly depending on the platform used or even depending on the area.
It will also ensure that you are prepared for the pre-order bonus.
What Does the Forza Horizon 6 Premium Edition Include?
This is the version for players who want the full package from day one.
It includes:
- Full game
- 4 days early access
- VIP Membership
- Welcome Pack
- Time Attack Car Pack
- Car Pass
- Italian Passion Car Pack
- Two Premium Expansions
That is why Premium makes more sense for players who know they are going to be properly active in the game. You are not just paying for four early days. You are paying for the bigger bundle around those days.
If you only plan to dip in here and there, it can feel expensive. If you already know Forza Horizon 6 is going to be one of your main games, it starts to look way more reasonable.
Is Premium Edition Worth It for Early Access?
For the right player, yeah, it is.
If you are going to put serious hours into Forza Horizon 6, Premium is a strong buy. The early access is cool, but the real value is getting the full package up front. You jump in early, get the important extras, and do not have to circle back and upgrade later.
If early access is the only thing you care about, though, the price can feel heavy. That is where the Premium Upgrade makes more sense for Game Pass players. But if you want the complete version from the start, Premium is still the strongest all-in option.
Does Game Pass Give You Early Access to Forza Horizon 6?
Not on its own.
That’s going to be a difficult one for most of the new gamers. Game Pass allows your eligible members to jump into the game right at its launch. Early access comes without being auto-included here.
If you have been considering playing this game on the 15th of May rather than the 19th, you’ll require the Premium Upgrade too. So, it’s best if you just remember that:
The Ultimate Game Pass or PC Game Pass gets you access right at launch time.
While the Premium Upgrade offers early access along with all the premium benefits.
Game Pass only doesn’t get you the privilege of early access.
And then after that, things become pretty simple.
Forza Horizon 6 Pre-Order Bonus Explained
Any pre-order includes a pre-tuned Ferrari J50, which you can redeem from the Autoshow after the game releases.
This is how you will be rewarded for placing an order beforehand. It is not what gets you your early access; many people do get confused here, which is where the confusion lies.
All you need to do is realize that the Ferrari J50 is what you get for your pre-order, while your early access depends on you being a Premium member. In the game, you get the Ferrari J50 at the Autoshow.
That split matters:
- Pre-order bonus = Ferrari J50
- Early access = Premium Edition or Premium Upgrade
Get ready for Forza Horizon 6 launch perks:
Which Edition Should You Buy for Early Access?
This depends on how you play, how much you care about getting in early, and whether you already use Game Pass.
Choose Standard Edition If
If you just need the base game, then Go Standard. If you do not need anything fancy, and you are not interested in having access to the game early, then this would be your best choice since it is the most affordable route.
Choose Premium Edition If
Go Premium if you want the easiest all-in option.
This is the best fit if you want to play on May 15, want all the main launch extras, and already know you are going to spend a lot of time in the game.
Choose Premium Upgrade If
Go with the Premium Upgrade if you already plan to play through Game Pass.
It is the most cost-effective way for members because you get early access without having to purchase the entire Premium Edition separately.
Will Forza Horizon 6 Early Access Be Available on All Platforms?
Don’t be concerned, as I have arranged it all very systematically. Early access begins on May 15 for Xbox Series X|S and PC players using the Premium route. PlayStation 5 is planned for later in 2026, so this early-access window applies to Xbox and PC first.
Nevertheless, the PlayStation 5 will be introduced later in the year 2026, hence giving gamers on this platform the liberty of scheduling when to purchase them. In light of this, it is important to note that the updates of PS5 should be followed and not those of Xbox and PC.
What Happens If You Buy After Early Access Starts?
There is still a chance that you can purchase the Premium Edition or Premium Upgrade even after early access commences, provided that it remains available on sale.
The game will automatically unlock for you once you buy it. However, the downside is very clear, as all that you will get will be the remaining hours of the early access period.
So the rule is easy:
- Buy on May 15 and you get the full early-access period
- Buy later and you only get the remaining time before launch
- The later you buy, the less value early access gives you
It still works for late buyers. It just is not as strong a deal.
FAQs
Can you get Forza Horizon 6 early access without Premium Edition?
Yes. If you have Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass, you can buy the Premium Upgrade and still play early.
What date can you play Forza Horizon 6 early?
You can start on May 15, 2026.
Does Standard Edition include early access?
No. The Standard Edition does not include early access.
What bonus do you get for pre-ordering Forza Horizon 6?
You get the Ferrari J50.
Is Forza Horizon 6 on Game Pass at launch?
Yes. Eligible Game Pass tiers get access on May 19, 2026.
