Pirates are already playing Forza Horizon 6 days before its launch

May 12, 2026 - 03:00

A group of software crackers has managed to access and play Forza Horizon 6 nearly a full week before its official release date. The early breach stems from a brief window where unencrypted files appeared on Steam's backend, allowing unauthorized users to extract and repackage the game's core data.

According to reports from multiple gaming forums, the leaked build is functional but lacks several online features and day-one patches. Players who have accessed the pirated version report that the game runs in a limited state, with some car models missing textures and certain weather effects disabled. However, the core driving physics and open-world map are fully explorable.

The incident highlights a recurring vulnerability in digital distribution pipelines. While Steam typically encrypts pre-load files until launch, a configuration error reportedly exposed raw assets for a short period. Crackers seized this opportunity to strip the DRM and redistribute the title through private torrent sites.

Microsoft and Playground Games have not issued an official statement regarding the leak. Industry observers note that the impact on sales may be minimal, as the pirated version lacks the online multiplayer and seasonal events that form the backbone of the Forza Horizon experience. Still, the breach raises questions about security protocols for high-profile releases.

For now, legitimate players will have to wait until the scheduled launch later this week. Those who obtained the early copy are advised that their save files may not transfer to the official version, and that connecting to the game's servers could result in account bans.