Forza Horizon 6 Leak Exposes 155 GB of Unencrypted Steam Files

Forza Horizon 6 was hit by a major distribution failure when a Steam preload reportedly exposed the full game in unencrypted form, opening access to roughly 155 GB of files before launch. SteamDB listed a Forza Horizon 6 depot at 155.63 GiB on disk, compressed to 139.53 GiB, with a build dated May 6, 2026. The timing was especially damaging: the leak surfaced only days before Premium Edition early access on May 15 and less than two weeks before the full release on May 19.

The breach cuts to the core of how PC storefronts are supposed to protect unreleased games. Steam preloads are meant to let buyers download data ahead of launch while keeping the content locked until the release window opens. In this case, the files were reportedly not encrypted, which meant the preload did not function as a safeguard at all. Instead of reducing launch-day strain and preserving the surprise, it created a path for spoilers, reverse engineering and unauthorized distribution. In practical terms, a preload that large can become a ready-made piracy package if the packaging is wrong.

That matters well beyond one racing game. Publishers use preloads to shape launch strategy, manage bandwidth, and control the reveal of new content. Forza Horizon 6 had already been rolled out as a carefully staged campaign: Forza.net published a music and radio reveal on May 4, followed by a preload, radio stations, quality and performance modes, loyalty rewards and accessibility details on May 5, then a launch trailer on May 8. The leak landed in the middle of that marketing push, undercutting a release plan designed to build momentum in a narrow window.

The stakes were heightened by the scale of the game itself. Forza.net said Forza Horizon 6 was set in Japan, would include more than 550 real-world cars, and would arrive on Xbox Series X|S and PC through the Microsoft Store and Steam, with a PlayStation 5 release planned later in 2026. It also carried a pre-order bonus, a pre-tuned Ferrari J50 for buyers of a full edition or Premium Upgrade before May 19. When a preload exposes that much content without encryption, it does more than spoil a few surprises. It weakens trust in the storefront safeguards publishers rely on to protect launches, pricing power and fan anticipation at the same time.