Towerborne Officially Launches as Xbox Game Studios’ First Release of 2026
It may not have the blockbuster fanfare of a surprise AAA drop, but today marks the first Xbox Game Studios release of 2026. After years in early access, Towerborne has officially launched in its full 1.0 form — and it arrives as a very different game from the one players first encountered.
Developed by Stoic Studio, best known for The Banner Saga, Towerborne is a side-scrolling action RPG that blends brawler-style combat with loot-driven progression. While it has been playable in early access and through Xbox Game Preview for some time, today’s release represents a sweeping overhaul rather than a simple version number update.
From Free-to-Play to Buy-to-Own
One of the most significant changes is the business model. Originally planned as a free-to-play experience, Towerborne has now shifted to a “buy once” structure, priced at $24.99. The decision reflects what the developers describe as a “deep structural rebuilding” of the game over the past year.
Instead of relying on free-to-play systems, Towerborne 1.0 is designed as a fully featured, offline-capable title. Players can experience the entire campaign solo without needing a constant online connection. That said, the game still supports online co-op for up to four players, preserving its social, team-based roots for those who prefer to squad up.
The move away from free-to-play signals a broader design shift. Systems have been rebalanced, progression reworked, and monetization simplified to focus on a complete premium experience rather than ongoing microtransaction-driven updates.
A Rebuilt Experience
The 1.0 release isn’t just a technical milestone — it’s a content-rich expansion and redesign. Among the most notable updates:
- A fully completed story campaign with new narrative content and refinements
- Two brand-new boss encounters
- A completely rebalanced difficulty system, including a new “Brutal” difficulty setting
- A reimagined and reworked World Map
- New gear, abilities, and a revamped Forge crafting system
- Additional music tracks
- New cosmetics earnable through gameplay
- Multiple save slots
For returning players, this means the launch version may feel like an entirely new game. For newcomers, it offers a more cohesive and polished experience than ever before.
At its core, Towerborne casts players as Aces — heroes defending the Belfry, humanity’s last refuge, against encroaching corruption. Missions unfold across a world map structure, blending fast-paced side-scrolling combat with RPG-style customization and loot collection. The combination of colorful art direction and fluid combat gives it a distinct identity, separate from Stoic’s earlier tactical RPG work.
Game Pass Availability — With a Catch
The good news for subscribers is that Towerborne launches day one on Xbox Game Pass. However, access is limited to the Ultimate, Premium, and PC tiers. Players on other tiers will need to purchase the standard edition for $24.99 or opt for the Deluxe Edition, which includes bonus cosmetic sets and crafting materials.
Beyond Xbox consoles and PC, the game is also launching on Steam and PlayStation 5, marking a broader multi-platform rollout than some may have expected from an Xbox Game Studios-published title.
A Community-Driven Evolution
In a statement accompanying the launch, the developers emphasized how much player feedback shaped the final product.
“We’re excited to announce that we will be exiting early access and Xbox Game Preview and launching our full game on February 26, 2026,” the team said. “This major update represents a huge shift for the game and the community, and we have worked hard to incorporate as much of your feedback as we could.”
That acknowledgment underscores how dramatically Towerborne has evolved. Early access players experienced a version built around long-term service-style systems. Today’s 1.0 release represents a pivot toward a more traditional, complete RPG experience — one that can be enjoyed offline, replayed through multiple save slots, and mastered on higher difficulty settings.
A Quiet but Meaningful Start to 2026
While it may not dominate headlines like a major franchise sequel, Towerborne serves as an interesting tone-setter for Xbox’s 2026 lineup. It highlights a willingness to rethink monetization, respond to community feedback, and reshape a project mid-development to better align with player expectations.
For those who skipped early access, now may be the ideal time to jump in. And for returning players, the 1.0 version promises enough new systems, balance changes, and content additions to justify another climb up the Belfry.
In short, Towerborne isn’t just launching — it’s relaunching, redefined and rebuilt for a fresh start in 2026.
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