Forza Horizon 6 players who gained early access to the PC version via leaked copies are reportedly receiving hardware bans.
Reddit user NegotiationNew9264 has reported that PC players who gained early access to the PC version of Forza Horizon 6 via leaked copies using cracks appear to be receiving hardware bans. As seen in the image below, users at fault are receiving a message directly from the Forza Community Team, in which they are told that they have been suspended due to cheating/unallowed modding. For further details, they are asked to visit aka.ms/ForzaBanInfo.
According to Reddit member THPSJimbles, the individual who got banned is a known modder who “messes around with mod menus,” suggesting that they may have triggered the game’s anti-cheat that likely checks for files being injected into its executable.
The PC version of Forza Horizon 6 leaked ahead of launch after game files were reportedly made accessible through Steam, allowing users to download the title before release. The files were accidentally published through Steam and later surfaced on platforms such as SteamDB. The situation quickly drew attention across online communities, including major piracy-focused forums and subreddits, where users claimed the game had already been cracked and made playable. Reports suggested that pirates were able to run the game shortly after accessing the leaked files, though the extent of functionality and whether the build represents the full retail version remains unclear.
Microsoft and Playground Games have yet to make a statement regarding the leak, though it looks like action is already being taken against those who illegally obtained access.
Forza Horizon 6 is set to launch on May 19, 2026, for Windows PC and Xbox Series X|S, with a PlayStation 5 version planned for later in the year. Developed by Playground Games with support from Turn 10 Studios and published by Xbox Game Studios, the upcoming entry moves the Horizon Festival to a fictionalized version of Japan.
