Horizon Festival Reinvented: Japan's Open-World Racing Adventure

This overview introduces the latest announcements from the Developer Direct session, where new details for the upcoming racing experience were unveiled. Multiple aspects of the game were revealed, drawing attention to its expansive vehicle roster, immersive landscapes, and innovative gameplay elements.

The event is still underway, but the first look at the game has already been delivered. Extensive reveals by the development team have been compiled here, summarizing the primary points discussed during the presentation.

The developers have clearly prioritized variety, confirming that the game will feature a wide selection of vehicles. At launch, enthusiasts will have access to approximately 550 different cars. Among these, the standout option chosen for the cover is the GR GT Prototype, with notable recognition also given to the Toyota Land Cruiser—an appropriate choice for an open-world adventure set in Japan.

The new environment is set in Japan, which promises a rich blend of open fields, dramatic mountain trails, and the vibrant urban sprawl of Tokyo. The city is said to be five times larger than any previously featured in the series, with detailed districts adding to the authenticity of the setting.

The gameplay is anchored in a time-honored design, wherein players advance from the beginning by unlocking various wristbands as they climb through the levels of the Horizon Festival. Key features include:

• Showcase events that occur at significant tier transitions
• New Rush challenges that simulate an obstacle course style of racing
• A fresh progression system that requires passing through qualifying rounds as a tourist before reaching the main festival
• A revamped Journal mechanic designed to track advancement and enhance exploration value

The game also revisits familiar elements such as allocating credits on vehicles and discovering numerous collectibles scattered across the open world. In addition, returning to the formula is the option to purchase homes, with eight choices available. A new property called The Estate introduces a highly customizable area where players can build and modify their surroundings, adding a fresh life-sim element to the gameplay.

Recognizing the significance of car gatherings in Japanese automotive culture, the game will enable players to participate in car meets. This feature allows drivers from around the world to congregate, showcase their custom rides, experiment with innovative paint designs, and even consider acquiring vehicles from fellow competitors.

Finally, the release schedule has been set with the game debuting on May 19 for Accessible on both PC and Xbox Series X/S systems, while the… PlayStation 5 version will arrive later in 2026. Additionally, an early access period is planned for Premium Edition owners starting on May 15.