Theory of Evolution is the third weekly challenge in the Forza Horizon 6 Horizon Decades festival playlist, built entirely around the 2001 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI GSR TM Edition. It runs during the Winter season, which started on July 2, 2026, and stays live until July 8, 2026. The Evo VI carries rally roots, so it holds its line on tarmac and dirt without a heavy handling penalty, which matters here because most of the objectives push you off the pavement.
Quick answer: Drive the 2001 Lancer Evolution VI GSR, run 3 laps at Sekibe Time Attack, earn 3 stars at the Festival Loop Speed Zone, then win any Dirt Race — all in the Evo VI. Finishing all four pays out 25,000 Credits and 5 Forzathon points.
Before you start: unlock weekly challenges and grab the car
Weekly challenges only appear once you earn the Yellow Wristband, which opens the Festival Playlist. Race and complete Discover Japan events until you cross that threshold, then head to the Festival Playlist from the main menu to find Theory of Evolution under the Winter tab.
The four tasks must be done in order, so you cannot jump straight to the final Dirt Race. If you do not already own the required car, open the AutoShow and buy the 2001 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI GSR TM Edition for 70,000 Credits.
Task 1: Own and drive the 2001 Lancer Evolution VI GSR
This one clears the moment you get behind the wheel. Own the Evo VI, then drive it anywhere in the open world and the objective ticks off on its own. If you sold it or never picked it up, the AutoShow purchase above covers you.
Task 2: Run 3 laps at Sekibe Time Attack
Sekibe Time Attack sits at the eastern edge of the map, and it is a dirt circuit. Drive there in the Evo VI and complete three laps to satisfy the objective. You do not need to win, only to finish the laps.
Because the surface is loose, a dirt setup keeps you competitive and posts cleaner lap times. A B600 rally build works well here. Load the share code 217 948 137 from the Tunes menu before you roll into the event.
Task 3: Earn 3 stars at the Festival Loop Speed Zone
Head to the Festival Loop Speed Zone and score three stars in a single run. The rally build from Task 2 may not have enough top-end to hit three stars on the first try, so a faster setup helps.
Swap to an S1 800 dirt tune using share code 129 741 033. The extra performance class makes the star target far easier to reach. If you fall short, restart the same Speed Zone and try again — the run is short.
Task 4: Win a Dirt Race
The final task asks for a first-place finish in any Dirt Race. A good pick is the Chiheisen Scramble Dirt Racing circuit, which loops around the Festival stands and mixes road and dirt sections. Revert to the B600 rally tune (217 948 137) from Task 2, since this event fits that class.
Drop the difficulty to a lower Drivatar level if you want the win in one attempt — the difficulty setting does not affect whether the task counts. Watch for patches of snow around the circuit and ease off there so you keep control.
All four tasks and the tuning codes
| Task | What to do | Recommended tune |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Own and drive the 2001 Lancer Evolution VI GSR | Stock is fine |
| 2 | Run 3 laps at Sekibe Time Attack | B600 rally · 217 948 137 |
| 3 | Earn 3 stars at Festival Loop Speed Zone | S1 800 dirt · 129 741 033 |
| 4 | Win a Dirt Race (e.g. Chiheisen Scramble) | B600 rally · 217 948 137 |
Rewards and how to confirm the challenge is done
Each task marks complete on the Festival Playlist as you finish it, and the fourth one clears the whole challenge. Once all four show as done, you receive 25,000 Credits and 5 Forzathon points that feed your weekly and seasonal Forzathon bank for the Horizon Decades playlist.
If an event does not appear on the map, it likely has not unlocked yet through your Wristband progression, so run a few more Festival events and check again. And since the Winter season closes on July 8, 2026, wrap all four tasks before that date to secure the payout.
