Forza Horizon 6 Is Raising The Early Access Tax On Its ...
Game Pass Ultimate subscribers have to spend $60 to play the latest entry in the racing series a few days early
kotaku.comHere’s what’s current about Forza Horizon 6 Premium Edition on Xbox Series X as of now:
- Release and access: Forza Horizon 6 Premium Edition includes full game access with Early Access starting May 15, 2026, meaning you can play four days before the official launch on May 19, 2026. This is stated by the official product pages and launch materials. [source: official Xbox product page] [source: Xbox newsroom/Developer Direct coverage]
- Contents: The Premium Edition bundles the full game, VIP Membership, Welcome Pack, Car Pass (30 cars delivered weekly), Time Attack Car Pack, Italian Passion Car Pack (post-launch), and two Premium Expansions that release after launch. Some listings also highlight the Premium Upgrade option that grants early access and the same post-launch content. [source: Xbox store listing] [source: Xbox press materials]
- Pricing notes to be aware of: Pricing has been reported around standard pricing for premium editions and a separate Premium Upgrade option that unlocks early access for a smaller upcharge, but in many regions the Premium Edition itself is a one-time price. If you’re considering Game Pass, a Premium Upgrade can grant early access without purchasing the full premium bundle, depending on your region and subscription plan. [sources: Kotaku recap of pricing discussions; IGN coverage] [source: Xbox store and regional listings]
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- If you picture it as a “concert ticket bundle,” the Premium Edition is the full concert experience with early entry, extra cars, and post-launch expansions, whereas the standard edition is the entry to the show with the base soundtrack and no bonus tracks. The Premium Upgrade acts like a late add-on pass that grants early entry and some extras without buying the full premium bundle.
What to check before you buy
- Region and platform: Confirm the exact contents and early-access eligibility for your country and whether Game Pass benefits apply to you. Some regions show slightly different packaging or timing for post-launch content. [source: regional Xbox pages]
- Game Pass alignment: If you already subscribe to Game Pass Ultimate, verify whether the Premium Upgrade is available for your plan and whether it would be more cost-effective than the Premium Edition itself. [source: coverage of premium upgrade pricing]
- Early access timing: If you want four days of early play, ensure you purchase or upgrade in time to start on May 15. [source: official product pages]
If you’d like, I can assemble a quick price comparison for your region (Prague, CZ) across Standard, Premium Edition, and Premium Upgrade options, and pull the exact content list from the local Xbox store. I can also provide a direct link to the local product page.