In Forza Horizon 6, Rivals mode lets you compete against "ghosts" of other players or even your own best times. But how does the ghost system actually work? What can you learn from analyzing them to improve your own performance? Let’s break it down step by step and focus on practical tips that will help you get the most out of this feature.

What Is a Ghost in Forza Horizon 6?

A ghost in Forza Horizon 6 is a virtual representation of another player’s best run, or your own best time, shown as a translucent car moving along the track. This allows you to race alongside their performance, giving you an opportunity to see exactly where they gained time or made mistakes. Ghosts aren’t actual players—they’re more like time trials you can race against in real time.

The primary purpose of ghosts is to let you compare your driving to others, without the pressure of real-time competition. The more you race against these ghosts, the better you can get at understanding where your performance needs improvement.

How Do Rivals Ghosts Work in Practice?

When you enter Rivals mode, you’ll typically race against the ghost of the current top player or your personal best. It might seem a bit overwhelming at first, but once you start breaking down your performance, you’ll notice patterns in the way you and other players drive. Here’s how it plays out:

1. Timing & Segments: The race is divided into several segments. If you’re racing against another player’s ghost, each segment shows a comparison of how you’re doing in relation to their time at that exact point in the race. You can focus on improving just one part of the race, instead of feeling like you need to beat the entire thing at once.

2. Ghost Transparency: The ghost is often transparent, which makes it easier to focus on the road. However, you can also adjust how visible the ghost is, based on your preference.

3. Car Performance & Handling: The ghost also reflects how the other player handled the car. For instance, did they brake hard before a turn or did they take it with more throttle? By analyzing these differences, you can get better insight into how to approach certain sections of the track.

How Can You Improve Using Ghosts?

One of the best ways to improve your racing skills is by carefully studying the ghost, and then trying to replicate—or improve upon—their actions. Here’s a simple guide on how to get the most out of it:

1. Focus on Individual Sections

Instead of racing against the whole ghost, break it down into smaller chunks. Focus on how the ghost behaves during each corner or section of the track. Do they hit a certain apex better? Do they brake a bit later than you? These are the things to pay attention to.

When you see where your ghost is faster than you, try to understand why. Are you braking too early or not accelerating early enough out of a corner? These small details add up, and over time, you’ll see your times improve.

2. Use the Ghost as a Benchmark

If you’re aiming for consistency, racing against your own personal best ghost is a great way to test your skills. However, if you want to challenge yourself, trying to beat a top player’s ghost can help you identify areas for improvement. But keep in mind that top players may have special setups or mods that give them an edge. For example, some might be using FH6 Modded Accounts with custom parts or setups, which can skew your comparison. So, focus on improving your core skills, regardless of the opponent.

3. Analyze Your Mistakes

When you see your ghost ahead of you in a certain section, don’t just try to match their performance. Watch where you’re losing time. Are you too slow through a high-speed corner? Are you getting too much wheel spin off the line? Understanding these weaknesses will help you adjust your driving style.

4. Pay Attention to Brake and Throttle Inputs

In Forza Horizon 6, throttle control is key, and so is braking. When you’re racing against the ghost, make note of how hard they brake and when they start accelerating. Often, experienced players will brake just enough to make the turn but not too much, as that can slow them down.

You’ll also notice that some players will floor the throttle right after a corner to get maximum acceleration. If you’re not doing this already, it’s time to start practicing it.

5. Match Racing Line, But with Your Own Style

Every player has their own racing style, but it’s important to study their racing line. Ghosts often take the optimal line through a corner, so it’s useful to follow their path. However, you don’t have to copy them exactly. Feel free to experiment with your own braking points and throttle control while following their basic line. With practice, you’ll be able to improve and adapt your own unique style.

How Do Mods and Tuning Impact Ghosts?

One thing you’ll quickly notice is that some top players have very fast times, and often, they use mods or specific tuning setups. If you’re racing against ghosts from these players, there’s a possibility they have FH6 Modded Accounts with custom setups that provide certain advantages, like increased car stats or better handling. While it’s helpful to compare your ghost to these top players, don’t let it discourage you. Focus on your own improvement and use their times as a benchmark rather than a direct comparison.

If you're tuning your car for optimal performance, keep in mind that fine-tuning your gear ratios, suspension, and tire pressure can all make a big difference in your times. Try adjusting these settings in small steps, testing them, and seeing how your ghost’s performance compares afterward.

Is the Rivals Mode Really Competitive?

Yes, Rivals mode can be competitive, but it’s not about direct head-to-head racing. The goal here is to push yourself to get better with every run. Whether you’re going for your personal best or challenging top players, the competitive aspect comes from improving your own time and racing more efficiently.

That being said, some players might be using special mods or FH6 Modded Accounts to get an edge. If you’re racing against these players’ ghosts, try not to focus too much on comparing your times to theirs. Instead, use their ghosts as learning tools to understand how they navigate the track faster.

Racing against ghosts in Forza Horizon 6 is a fun, low-pressure way to improve your skills. By focusing on individual sections, paying attention to throttle and brake inputs, and analyzing your mistakes, you can use ghosts to enhance your racing technique. While there’s always a possibility that you’ll encounter FH6 Modded Accounts in the top ranks, it’s essential to focus on what you can control: your own driving performance.