Six tips for getting started in Forza Horizon 6
19/5/2026
Translation: Patrik Stainbrook
Pictures: Simon Balissat
Starting off in virtual Japan can be a bit of a struggle. There’s so much experience to gain and so many achievements to unlock that you might lose sight of your goal amid all the success. Allow me to help you with these six tips.
In typical Forza Horizon style, you race through Japan at breakneck speed during the intro before slowing down a bit and choosing one of three vehicles to start the game with… which brings me to my first tip:
1. It doesn’t matter which starting car you choose
At the start, you can choose between a Nissan Silvia, a Toyota Corolla and a GMC Jimmy. Even though you have to choose one model, the other two cars will also end up in your garage. So there’s absolutely no pressure here.
2. Take a photo during every race, no exceptions!
Every car you photograph for the first time earns you 10 Horizon points. That might not sound like much at first, but every bit helps. And the points are freebies. Right after a race starts, simply open photo mode by pressing the up arrow on the D-pad, aim at the entire starting grid, take a picture and collect your reward. I’ve already earned up to 100 points this way.
3. Don’t forget about Discover Japan events
Your virtual assistant ANNA will suggest upcoming events when you click right on the D-pad. There will always be festival events, but you’ll also see Touge battles, street races and story missions. ANNA always recommends festival events that’ll earn you your next wristband. With Discover Japan, on the other hand, you can find rare cars for free and continue the story.
4. Learn the basics of tuning
Are you having trouble beating a rival, even though you’re supposed to have the better car? Then brush up on tuning 101. You can get a lot out of it just by adjusting the gear ratio and aerodynamics. If you’re going too slow at top speed, select a higher gear ratio and lower the spoiler. Does your car tend to understeer in tight turns? Raise the spoiler. The game explains all these settings pretty well.
You can also automatically upgrade your car to the maximum level in its current class. When I need to get things done quickly, this is the approach I take. However, Forza automatically prioritises speed over grip, which is why I always install an Aero package and the right tyres first before clicking Auto-update. This ensures I’ll have enough traction on the road and can pull away in the corners.
5. Find out where you can still earn points
In the Collection Journal, you can see where there are still Horizon or Discover Japan points to earn. For example, rival races grant oodles of rewards, allowing you to unlock Legend Island as quickly as possible. In addition, jumps, power-up boxes and drift zones earn you points when you complete them successfully.
6. Having trouble drifting? Turn off driving aids and enable the drift camera
Rear-wheel-drive cars are your best choice here. Drifting is controlled oversteering, which in turn is a loss of traction. Two driver assistance systems – traction and stability control – actively counteract this. Turn them off and set the transmission to manual. This way, you can select the perfect gear to spin the car out. Under HUD and Gameplay, you can also enable the drift camera. This way, the camera will always be pointed at the road, even if your car’s perpendicular to the street.
Simon Balissat
Teamleader Editorial
Simon.Balissat@digitecgalaxus.chWhen I flew the family nest over 15 years ago, I suddenly had to cook for myself. But it wasn’t long until this necessity became a virtue. Today, rattling those pots and pans is a fundamental part of my life. I’m a true foodie and devour everything from junk food to star-awarded cuisine. Literally. I eat way too fast.
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