Racing players are exploring Japan's scenic roads or smashing through forests to build massive Skill Chains, but they should understand that "Forza Horizon 6" car damage settings can make a big difference.
Unlike traditional racing simulators that heavily penalize collisions, "Forza Horizon 6" gives players the freedom to drive aggressively, especially when chasing Skill Scores or completing Festival Playlist challenges.
Fortunately, changing the game's damage settings only takes a few seconds. Here's everything players need to know about how to turn off car damage, different damage modes, and which setting is best for various playstyles.
How to Turn Off Car Damage in 'Forza Horizon 6'
Players looking to disable damage entirely can do so through the game's difficulty settings.
Follow these simple steps:
- Pause the game.
- Open Settings.
- Navigate to the Difficulty tab.
- Scroll down to Damage & Tire Wear.
- Press left until the setting changes to Off.
Once disabled, the vehicle becomes immune to both cosmetic and mechanical damage, allowing players to drive without worrying about collisions affecting appearance or performance.
This setting is especially useful during free roam, exploration, and challenges that encourage driving through destructible objects.
What Does Cosmetic Damage Mean?
By default, "Forza Horizon 6" uses Cosmetic Damage Only.
Under this setting:
- Scratches and dents appear on the vehicle.
- Body panels show visible wear after collisions.
- Windows and exterior components may appear damaged.
- Vehicle performance remains completely unaffected.
Although the car may look heavily damaged after crashing through bamboo forests, fences, or roadside objects, acceleration, steering, braking, and top speed remain exactly the same.
For many players, cosmetic damage offers the perfect balance between visual realism and arcade-style gameplay.
What Happens in Simulation Damage Mode?
For players seeking a greater challenge, Simulation Damage introduces realistic mechanical consequences.
When enabled, collisions can affect several vehicle systems, including:
- Engine performance
- Tire wear
- Steering alignment
- Suspension
- Overall handling
Even a single high-speed collision can noticeably impact drivability.
For example, crashing head-on into a wall may leave a vehicle pulling to one side, reducing cornering precision and making races considerably more difficult.
Simulation mode rewards careful driving but can punish even small mistakes during competitive events.
Which Damage Setting Is Best?
The ideal setting depends on how players enjoy "Forza Horizon 6."
Damage Off
Best for:
- Free roam exploration
- Skill Point farming
- Destroying environmental objects
- Festival Playlist challenges
- Casual gameplay
Cosmetic Damage
Best for:
- Players who enjoy visual realism
- Standard Horizon gameplay
- Long driving sessions without performance penalties
Simulation Damage
Best for:
- Hardcore racing enthusiasts
- Players seeking realistic driving physics
- Competitive self-imposed challenges
- Immersive racing experiences
Each option changes the overall experience without affecting progression or rewards.
Why Turning Off Damage Helps During Skill Chain Farming
One of the biggest advantages of disabling damage is uninterrupted Skill Chain farming.
The world of "Forza Horizon 6" is filled with destructible objects such as:
- Trees
- Bamboo
- Wooden fences
- Road signs
- Bushes
- Small walls
Smashing through these obstacles continuously increases Skill Scores and multipliers.
With damage disabled, players never have to worry about repeated impacts affecting their vehicle's handling, making it easier to build longer combos and earn additional Skill Points.
Can Damage Settings Affect Rewards or Progression?
The answer is no.
Changing Damage & Tire Wear does not prevent players from completing races, earning credits, unlocking vehicles, or progressing through the campaign.
Difficulty settings primarily alter the driving experience rather than restricting content.
Players are free to switch between damage modes at any time, allowing them to tailor gameplay for exploration, racing, or seasonal objectives.
When Should Players Use Simulation Damage?
Although many players prefer cosmetic or disabled damage, simulation mode has its own appeal.
It is particularly suited for:
- Practicing clean racing techniques
- Learning proper braking points
- Improving cornering precision
- Experiencing more realistic vehicle behavior
Simulation damage also encourages players to avoid unnecessary collisions, adding another layer of strategy during races.
Tips for Choosing the Right Damage Setting
Before starting an event, players should consider what they plan to do.
For Skill Score farming:
- Turn damage off.
For immersive free-roam driving:
- Leave Cosmetic Damage enabled.
For realistic racing:
- Select Simulation Damage.
Switching between these options takes only a few seconds and can dramatically change how the game feels.
Customize Your 'Forza Horizon 6' Driving Experience
The "Forza Horizon 6" car damage settings give players the flexibility to shape their own driving experience. Different sim racers have different reasons for that.
Regardless, the best part is that understanding how these settings work allows players to choose the level of realism that best matches their preferred style of racing and exploration.
Check our previous guide on how to find the Tokyo City Treasure Hunt in "Forza Horizon 6."
