Forza Horizon 6 PC build files leaked online before the official early access launch, Playground Games confirmed on May 15, 2026 [1, 2]. The leaked files are estimated at 155 gigabytes in size [1]. Playground Games said the leak was not caused by a Steam pre-load issue, dismissing speculation about a platform error [1, 2]. Instead, SteamDB stated the leak likely originated from someone with early access credentials, such as a reviewer, rather than from Steam's backend systems [1, 2]. A spokesperson said, "Forza Horizon 6 was very likely leaked by someone with early access to the build (reviewer or similar)." [2]

In response, Playground Games has taken strict enforcement measures to stop access to the leaked build [1, 2]. They are issuing franchise-wide and hardware bans to users found playing the unauthorized version. One pirate caught posting gameplay footage received a hardware ban lasting until December 31, 9999 — effectively a lifetime ban [1]. Playground Games urged fans to "sit tight for the game’s release on May 19," emphasizing their commitment to protecting the release [2].

Despite the bans, some users have circumvented restrictions by using alternate accounts, continuing to play and upload videos [1]. One pirate dismissed the hardware bans, saying, "I’m free to play online as much as I want, and there’s nothing they can do to really stop it." [1]

Forza Horizon 6's preload went live on May 12, 2026, across all platforms [3]. Early access for the PC version began at 12:01 a.m. Eastern on May 15, limited to Premium edition buyers, while Game Pass subscribers will receive full access with the May 19 global release [3]. The game is verified to run on Steam Deck, Xbox ROG Ally, and other hardware [3].

The timeline shows preload on May 12, Xbox early access on May 14 at 9:01 p.m. Pacific, PC early access on May 15 at 12:01 a.m. Eastern, the leak occurring during the weekend before May 14, and the full global release scheduled for May 19 [1, 3, 2].

The official global release remains on track for May 19, 2026, despite the leak and piracy issues [3, 2].