Forza Horizon 6 has leaked online one week ahead of its scheduled launch on May 19, according to Video Games Chronicle. Reports indicate that a cracked version of the game appeared on sharing sites such as GameDrive after Steam users accessed an unencrypted preload version.
Playground Games appears to have unintentionally uploaded the preload files on Steam without encryption, leading to widespread piracy. The leaked files, totaling around 150GB, were quickly shared by users before links on Reddit were removed, though they remain available on other websites.
Despite being a highly online-centric title, the cracked version of Forza Horizon 6 is reportedly playable offline, which could frustrate gamers who purchased the Premium Upgrade Bundle for $120 for early access starting May 15. A gaming fan page remarked on X that the situation is “an insane screw up.”
Following the leak, Playground Games issued a statement on X, warning of strict enforcement actions against anyone accessing the leaked build, including potential franchise-wide and hardware bans.
Set in Japan, Forza Horizon 6 showcases elements such as cherry blossoms and Mount Fuji, reflecting the country’s unique culture, according to art director Don Arceta. The recent leak comes amid ongoing struggles for Xbox, which is facing declining hardware and game sales alongside rising Game Pass prices, complicating expectations for the game’s success.
This report was updated on May 11, 2026, at 3:05 PM ET to include Playground Games’ statement regarding the cracked build.
