In Forza Horizon 6, Horizon Qualifying races are your first challenge to earn a spot in the prestigious Horizon Festival. Unlike the previous games where you started as an established superstar, FH6 kicks off with you as a “Festival Tourist” in Japan. To officially join the festival and unlock the full game, you must prove your driving skills through a series of qualifying events.

How Horizon Qualifiers Work

The qualifying races serve as an introduction to both the game’s mechanics and the diverse landscapes of Japan. This is where you get a taste of what’s to come, as you tackle different terrains and race types.

Structure

• Series of Races: You’ll face 3 to 4 qualifying races. These events use fixed, lower-class cars that help level the playing field.
• Race Types: The qualifiers consist of a mix of Road, Dirt, and Cross Country races, designed to test your versatility as a driver. Each type challenges different aspects of your driving, from handling tight city roads to dealing with off-road paths.

The Goal

The ultimate goal of these races is to prove yourself worthy of the Horizon Festival. After completing the initial races, you’ll participate in the Horizon Invitational, the final event in this qualifying phase. Winning the Invitational will unlock your Yellow Wristband, granting you rookie status in the festival.

Progression & Rewards

Completing Horizon Qualifying races is your gateway to a deeper, more expansive journey through the festival. These races are not just about earning your place; they kickstart a progression system that will carry you throughout the game.

Unlockable Progression

• Achievement: The moment you complete your first qualifier, you’ll earn the “First of Many” achievement, which gives you 10 Gamerscore.
• Wristband System: After qualifying, you’ll advance through seven colored wristbands, from Yellow to Gold. Each new wristband unlocks access to faster cars and tougher, more complex events.
• Collection Journal: As you progress, you’ll start filling your Collection Journal. This journal tracks your journey, earning you "Stamps" by photographing and collecting cars. It’s a fun way to keep track of your growth as a driver, culminating in the ultimate goal—becoming a Horizon Legend.
• Legend Island: Once you reach the Gold Wristband, you’ll unlock Legend Island. This exclusive area offers high-stakes challenges for the top-tier players.

Tips for Early Success

The Horizon Qualifying races are the foundation for your journey, and mastering these early stages is key to advancing quickly through the game. Here are some tips to help you succeed in the qualifiers:

Master Specific Themes

• Car Themes: FH6’s festival races often feature curated car themes for specific race types, such as Dirt or Cross Country. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of different car types will give you an edge.
• Experiment Early: Since the game focuses on versatility, take time to experiment with various vehicles and race types to figure out which ones you excel at.

Explore PR Stunts

• Side Activities: As you go through the qualifiers, take the time to engage with nearby PR Stunts like Drift Zones and Speed Traps. Completing these stunts not only earns you extra XP but also helps you level up and unlock the next wristband faster.

Check Car Specs

• Class Limits: Early races often have strict class limits, so make sure your car doesn't exceed the required PI (Performance Index). Hypercars and other high-performance vehicles are often restricted until you reach the Purple Wristband.

By following these strategies and mastering the qualifying events, you'll be on your way to becoming a top-tier Horizon driver and eventually unlock all the exciting features the festival has to offer.