How to Choose Your First Car in Forza Horizon 6: A Beginner's Guide

[LioraHarris]

Forza Horizon 6, set against the stunning backdrop of Japan, is the newest and most anticipated entry in the series. Picking your first car is an exciting part of the game, and since the Japanese terrain is full of unique challenges, it’s important to match your car choice to the environment. Here’s a beginner’s guide to help you choose the best car for your early days in the festival.

1. The Starting Trio: Which One Fits You?

After completing the Horizon Qualifier at the start of the game, you’ll be asked to choose your first car from three C-Class (PI 500) options. While you can eventually collect all of them, your first choice will set the tone for your early career. Each car has its own strengths:

1993 Nissan Silvia S13 (Retro Sports)

• Best for: Touge (Mountain) racing and drifting
• Why: This rear-wheel-drive (RWD) beauty is perfect for Japan’s tight, technical mountain roads. It has tons of customization potential, especially for drift builds later on. If you enjoy precision control around sharp corners and want to get into drifting, this car is your go-to.

1994 Toyota Celica GT-Four (Retro Rally)

• Best for: All-rounder / Beginners
• Why: With its all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, this car provides stability on both tarmac and dirt roads, making it the best option for new players. It handles better in the rain and can easily tackle off-road sections. If you want a car that can do it all, the Celica is a great pick.

1991 GMC Jimmy (Classic All-Terrain)

• Best for: Off-roading and exploration
• Why: This rugged all-terrain vehicle is ideal if you want to venture off the beaten path. It’s perfect for smashing through forests, exploring the map, and collecting Bonus Boards. If you enjoy the freedom of off-roading, the GMC Jimmy will be your trusty companion.

Pro Tip: If you're just starting, I recommend the Toyota Celica. Its AWD system offers extra stability, making it easier for new players to win races and rack up Credits (CR) faster.

2. The Wristband System

Forza Horizon 6 uses a Festival Wristband system to gate your progression through the game. You start with a White Wristband, limiting you to lower-class races (D and C Class). The more you race, the more you level up your wristband and unlock access to higher-class events.

Pro Tip: Don’t rush to buy Supercars just yet! You won’t be able to use them in official events until you earn a Purple Wristband. For now, focus on upgrading your starter car's Tires and Brakes to stay competitive.

3. Early Game Checklist

Check the "Aftermarket Hub": Here, you’ll find pre-modified cars, often cheaper than buying from the Autoshow. These cars come with cool body kits like Rocket Bunny, which can improve their look and performance without breaking the bank.

Barn Finds: Listen out for rumors from Mei, your festival guide. Japan’s map is filled with hidden Barn Finds—classic cars that cost you $0 to add to your garage. These cars can be some of the best deals in the game.

Photo Challenges: Use the "Promo" mode to take photos of every car you see. This not only helps you learn the ropes but also earns you quick XP to level up your wristband faster.

4. Recommended Difficulty Settings

To make your early experience smoother, tweak the settings to suit your playstyle. Here’s a quick setup:

• Braking: Set ABS to On for more forgiveness in your braking.
• Steering: Use Standard if you're on a controller for balanced handling.
• Traction Control (TCS): Turn it On, especially if you’ve chosen the RWD Nissan Silvia. This will help you avoid spinning out during hard accelerations.
• Driving Line: Keep Braking Only turned on. This helps you learn when to brake for Japan’s sharp corners, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the track layout.