Towerborne transforms completely February 26, 2026. Xbox Game Studios publishes Stoic’s side-scrolling brawler leaving early access across Xbox Series, PC, Steam, and new PS5 version with full premium release. Complete story campaign, brutal difficulty, coastal biomes replace free-to-play grind – $24.99 standard, $29.99 Deluxe, Game Pass day one.
Early Access to Premium Pivot
Towerborne launched Steam Early Access September 2024, Xbox Game Preview April 2025 building live-service extraction shooter. Six weeks before 1.0, Stoic announces radical rebuild:
- Complete story arc with major antagonist
- Two new bosses plus lieutenants
- Fully reworked difficulty (Brutal mode added)
- Reimagined World Map, coastal biome
- New Forge system for gear customization
- All cosmetics earnable through gameplay
- Multiple save slots, character import
PS5 version debuts day one alongside platform expansion. Offline single-player joins 4-player co-op maintaining Belfry social hub charm.
Stoic’s Bold Strategy Shift
“Deep structural rebuilding transformed systems designed around constant connectivity,” Stoic explains. Live-service pivot delivers stronger offline experience over endless online grind. Combo-based brawler combat gains RPG depth through gear experimentation and skill mastery.
Austin Wintory scores 1.0 soundtrack elevating City of Numbers lore. Umbra companion system enhances solo play while co-op preserves shared world discovery. No cosmetic purchases – everything unlocks through progression.
1.0 Content Overhaul Details
| Feature | Early Access | 1.0 Launch |
|---|---|---|
| Story | Fragmented quests | Complete campaign + finale |
| Bosses | 3 encounters | 5+ including main antagonist |
| Difficulty | Basic scaling | 5 tiers + Brutal mode |
| Monetization | Free-to-play + cosmetics | $25 premium ownership |
| Platforms | Xbox/PC | PS5 + Xbox + PC |
Ace Combat Evolution
Players control immortal Aces defending Belfry against City of Numbers corruption. Gear customization, combat style experimentation, relentless progression define core loop. New Forge system lets players modify, upgrade, re-roll stats creating personalized builds.
World Map overhaul adds coastal regions expanding beyond ruined urban core. Bounty Board redesign offers clearer progression goals. Side quests flesh out lore explaining humanity’s fall and Belfry’s isolation.
Game Pass Day One Sweetener
Xbox Game Pass subscribers access complete 1.0 immediately. Early access veterans import characters retaining gear/progression. PS5 enters late joining multi-platform ecosystem – cross-progression confirmed across stores.
Stoic addresses community concerns around late pivot timing. “Sudden change reflects confidence in final vision,” developers state. Live-service abandonment prioritizes complete experience over ongoing support grind.
FAQs
Is Towerborne free-to-play anymore?
No. $24.99 standard edition, $29.99 Deluxe. Game Pass day one access. All cosmetics earnable.
Early access progress carries over?
Yes. Character import preserves gear, progression, unlocks into 1.0.
PS5 version new or port?
Native PS5 alongside Xbox Series/PC. Full feature parity day one.
Offline or online only?
Complete offline single-player. Optional online co-op preserves Belfry social hub.
Live service post-launch?
No seasonal model. Premium release focuses complete campaign experience.
Brutal difficulty details?
New top tier for hardcore players. Complete system rework balances accessibility and challenge.
Game Pass included?
Day one availability across Standard, Ultimate tiers.
Stoic Delivers Premium Vision
Towerborne’s radical pivot transforms promising early access into complete premium brawler. February 26 delivers Stoic’s true vision – offline campaigns, brutal challenges, cosmetic freedom replace live-service uncertainty.
PS5 expansion, Game Pass accessibility maximize reach while $25 price rewards early adopters. Belfry awaits – Ace your combat legacy February 26 across all platforms.