Forza Horizon 6 has reportedly suffered a major leak after preload files distributed through Steam were allegedly left unencrypted ahead of launch. Multiple online reports and community discussions claim that nearly 155GB of playable game files appeared on SteamDB over the weekend, allowing the game to spread rapidly across piracy websites days before release.
The leak surfaced roughly four days before the game's early access rollout and more than a week before general availability. Forza Horizon 6 is currently scheduled for full release on May 19, while early access for Premium Edition buyers is expected to begin on May 15.
Forza Horizon 6 Preload Files Allegedly Included Decryption Data
Under normal circumstances, Steam preload files are encrypted before launch, allowing users to download game data early without accessing the game itself. The files are later unlocked through a separate decryption update once the official release goes live.
According to reports circulating online, the Forza Horizon 6 preload may have accidentally included unencrypted or prematurely unlocked files, making the game fully playable ahead of schedule. Shortly after the leak surfaced, pirated copies of the game reportedly began appearing on torrent and file-sharing websites. Several users also claimed that gameplay streams and screenshots from the leaked build had started circulating online.
Some Reddit threads discussing the leak were later partially removed, with users noticing moderation messages referencing Reddit Legal Operations.
However, Playground Games has now publicly denied that the incident was caused by a preload encryption issue.
In a statement shared on X, the studio said: "We are aware of reports that a build of Forza Horizon 6 has been obtained prior to its release and can confirm this is not the result of a preload issue."
The developer also confirmed that strict enforcement action is being taken against individuals found accessing the leaked build before launch.
According to the statement:
"We are taking strict enforcement action against any individuals found accessing this build, including franchise-wide and hardware bans."
The studio encouraged players to wait for the game's official May 19 release.
Forza Horizon 6 Was Performing Strongly on Steam Before the Leak
Before the reported leak, Forza Horizon 6 was already performing strongly on Steam charts. The racing title had climbed near the top of Steam's global revenue rankings and was reportedly among the platform's most wishlisted upcoming games. The leak could create complications for the game's Premium Edition early access model, where buyers typically pay extra for several days of advance gameplay before the wider launch. If pirated versions continue spreading before launch, some players may bypass the premium edition entirely.
The situation is particularly notable because Forza Horizon 6 is also launching day one on Xbox Game Pass, meaning direct Steam purchases remain an important revenue stream for Microsoft and Playground Games among PC users who prefer permanent ownership over subscription access.
Microsoft Could Increase Enforcement Ahead of Launch
While the leaked files are already circulating online, Microsoft may still attempt to limit further spread through copyright takedowns, account enforcement, and stream removals ahead of launch.
It also remains unclear whether the leaked version requires online authentication for certain features or how much of the live-service functionality is accessible before official server activation. For now, Microsoft has not announced any changes to the launch schedule. Large-scale preload leaks remain relatively rare for major first-party titles, especially on Steam, where preload encryption is typically tightly managed. Forza Horizon 6 leaking more than a week ahead of release not only hurts the value of paid early access but also risks disrupting one of Microsoft's biggest gaming launches of the year before reviews, promotional events, and the official rollout fully begin.
