Towerborne is a free-to-play, side-scrolling action role-playing game developed by Stoic and published by Xbox Game Studios. It was released as an early access game on Steam on September 10, 2024, with a full launch scheduled for 2025 for Windows and Xbox Series X/S.
This RPG offers a fresh take on the genre, set in a post-apocalyptic fantasy world where players embody the Aces, heroes tasked with protecting the last bastion of humanity. The game combines side-scrolling action with deep customization options and cooperative gameplay, all set against a backdrop of stunning visuals and intriguing lore.
Players will explore the ruins of the City of Numbers, battling monsters and uncovering secrets as they venture beyond the safety of the Belfry. Towerborne emphasizes player choice, allowing for extensive customization of characters, gear, and weapons. The game features four distinct weapon styles: War Clubs, Gauntlets, and two yet-to-be-revealed options, each offering unique special moves and combat strategies.
One of Towerborne’s standout features is its adjustable difficulty system, which allows players to modify their danger level while exploring, tailoring the challenge to their preferences. This flexibility also extends to the multiplayer experience, enabling friends to join forces and tackle the game’s challenges together. With its engaging gameplay mechanics and rich world-building, Towerborne aims to captivate both solo players and those seeking a cooperative adventure.
Towerborne: Side-Scrolling Action RPG Coming to Consoles in 2025
What is Towerborne?
Towerborne is an upcoming side-scrolling action RPG. It’s being developed by Stoic Studio, known for the Banner Saga series. It combines action combat with RPG elements in a visually striking world.
Gameplay Style
Towerborne emphasizes action-packed combat. Players will engage in real-time battles against various enemies. The side-scrolling perspective provides a classic arcade feel. The game also incorporates RPG elements:
- Character Customization: Players can customize their characters with different skills, abilities, and equipment.
- Loot and Progression: Defeating enemies and completing quests rewards players with loot and experience. This allows them to improve their characters.
- Story and Exploration: Towerborne features a story-driven campaign and explorable environments.
Setting and World
The game is set in a world called The Reach. This world is filled with diverse landscapes and dangerous creatures. The art style is distinctive, blending hand-painted visuals with a modern aesthetic.
Features
- Side-Scrolling Action Combat: Fast-paced, engaging combat with various weapons and abilities.
- RPG Elements: Character progression, loot, and customization.
- Unique Art Style: Hand-painted visuals with a modern touch.
- Story-Driven Campaign: A narrative that drives the player’s journey.
- Cooperative Multiplayer: Players can team up with friends for cooperative play.
Developer: Stoic Studio
Stoic Studio is known for the Banner Saga trilogy. This series is praised for its mature storytelling, beautiful art style, and strategic turn-based combat. Towerborne marks a departure for the studio. It moves into the action RPG genre.
Release Date and Platforms
Towerborne is scheduled for release in 2025 on Xbox Series X/S and PC. It will also be available on Game Pass on day one.
Comparison to Other Games
Towerborne’s side-scrolling action and RPG elements draw comparisons to games like Dragon’s Crown, Odin Sphere, and other classic beat ’em ups with RPG progression.
What to Expect
Players can anticipate a visually stunning and engaging action RPG experience. It will combine fast-paced combat with meaningful character progression. The game’s unique art style and story-driven campaign are also key aspects.
The Significance of Cooperative Play
The inclusion of cooperative multiplayer adds another dimension to the gameplay. It allows players to team up with friends. This enhances the social experience.
Future Updates and Information
More information about Towerborne is expected to be revealed as the release date approaches. Keep an eye on gaming news websites and the developer’s channels.
Towerborne represents an exciting new direction for Stoic Studio. The game’s blend of side-scrolling action, RPG elements, and distinctive art style has generated considerable interest. The cooperative multiplayer feature and the story-driven campaign further enhance its appeal. As its 2025 release approaches, more details will likely emerge, solidifying its place as a highly anticipated title.
Key Takeaways
- Towerborne offers customizable characters and adjustable difficulty for personalized gameplay
- The game features side-scrolling action with four unique weapon styles and cooperative multiplayer
- Players can expect a post-apocalyptic fantasy setting with deep lore and stunning visuals
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Genre | Action RPG |
| Setting | Post-apocalyptic fantasy |
| Gameplay | Side-scrolling, customizable, cooperative |
| Release | Coming to Xbox and PC in 2025 |
| Availability | Xbox Game Pass, Steam Early Access |
Game Overview
Towerborne is an action RPG set in a vibrant world where players battle malevolent forces. The game offers both solo and cooperative gameplay options, with fast-paced combat and a unique setting.
Core Concept
Towerborne takes place in a world where humanity seeks refuge in the Belfry, a towering structure that serves as a beacon of hope. Players take on the role of defenders, venturing out to face monsters and threats lurking beyond the tower’s walls.
The game’s narrative unfolds in the ruins of the City of Numbers, creating an intriguing backdrop for player adventures. This setting blends elements of fantasy and post-apocalyptic themes, offering a fresh take on the action RPG genre.
Players must protect the last bastion of civilization while uncovering the mysteries of the world around them.
Features and Gameplay
Towerborne boasts exhilarating combat as its core gameplay element. Players can choose to face challenges alone or team up with companions for cooperative play.
Key gameplay features include:
- Fast-paced action combat
- Solo and multiplayer options
- Character customization
- Diverse enemy types
- Exploration of the world beyond the Belfry
The game emphasizes player choice in both combat style and story progression. As defenders venture out, they’ll encounter various challenges and make decisions that shape their journey.
Towerborne also includes RPG elements, allowing players to develop their characters over time. This progression system adds depth to the gameplay, encouraging long-term engagement.
Free-to-Play Model
Towerborne adopts a free-to-play model, making it accessible to a wide audience. This approach allows players to jump into the game without an upfront cost.
The game offers various options for player support and engagement:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Base Game | Free access to core gameplay |
| Founder’s Packs | Early access and exclusive items |
| In-Game Purchases | Optional cosmetic and gameplay enhancements |
While the main game is free, players can opt for additional content. Founder’s Packs provide early access and special bonuses for dedicated fans.
In-game purchases are available but not required to enjoy the core experience. These may include cosmetic items, additional character options, or other enhancements that don’t affect game balance.
The developers aim to balance free content with premium options, ensuring a fair experience for all players regardless of spending habits.
Setting and Lore
Towerborne’s world blends fantasy and mysticism, centering on the City of Numbers, a spirit realm, and humanity’s struggle for survival. These elements create a rich backdrop for the game’s action-packed adventures.
The City of Numbers
The City of Numbers serves as the main hub in Towerborne. This towering structure, known as The Belfry, acts as more than just a menu screen. It’s a living, breathing community where players interact, prepare for missions, and uncover the game’s deeper lore.
The Belfry features distinct areas for different activities:
- Crafting stations
- Merchant shops
- Quest givers
- Social spaces
As players progress, they unlock new levels of the tower, revealing additional facilities and story elements. The city’s architecture blends medieval and fantastical designs, creating a unique visual style that sets the tone for the game world.
The Spirit Realm
Beyond the City of Numbers lies the Spirit Realm, a mysterious and dangerous place players must explore. This ethereal dimension holds both threats and rewards for those brave enough to venture into it.
Key features of the Spirit Realm include:
- Shifting landscapes
- Otherworldly creatures
- Ancient ruins
The realm’s ever-changing nature ensures that each expedition feels fresh and challenging. Players must adapt their strategies to overcome the unpredictable environment and formidable foes that inhabit this mystical plane.
Lore of Humanity
In Towerborne’s setting, humanity faces constant threats from supernatural forces. The game’s narrative explores how people have adapted to survive in this harsh world.
Central themes in the lore include:
- The origins of the City of Numbers
- Humanity’s relationship with the Spirit Realm
- Ancient prophecies and forgotten technologies
Players uncover bits of lore through quests, item descriptions, and environmental storytelling. This gradual revelation of the world’s history adds depth to the gameplay experience and motivates exploration.
| Lore Element | Description | Impact on Gameplay |
|---|---|---|
| Prophecies | Ancient predictions guiding humanity | Unlocks new quests and areas |
| Artifacts | Powerful relics from the past | Enhances player abilities |
| Spirit Pacts | Agreements with otherworldly entities | Grants unique powers and challenges |
Gameplay Mechanics
Towerborne offers diverse player classes, a wide array of weapons, and captivating combat. The game blends action-packed battles with exploration and discovery across its vibrant world.
Player Classes
Towerborne features multiple character classes, each with unique abilities and playstyles. Players can choose from melee-focused warriors, ranged attackers, and support-oriented classes. Each class has distinct strengths and weaknesses, encouraging teamwork and strategic play.
Class progression allows players to unlock new skills and customize their characters. As players level up, they gain access to more powerful abilities and can specialize their builds. This system provides depth and replayability, letting players experiment with different playstyles.
Some classes excel at crowd control, while others focus on single-target damage or healing. Understanding class synergies is key to success in challenging encounters.
Weapons and Combat
Combat in Towerborne is fast-paced and skill-based. Players have access to a variety of weapons, from swords and axes to bows and magical staves. Each weapon type has its own move set and combo potential.
The game emphasizes dodging, blocking, and positioning. Enemies telegraph their attacks, allowing skilled players to avoid damage and counterattack. Combat encounters range from one-on-one duels to large-scale battles against hordes of foes.
Weapon upgrades and customization play a significant role. Players can enhance their gear, adding elemental effects or special properties. This system allows for diverse build options and encourages experimentation.
| Weapon Type | Strength | Weakness |
|---|---|---|
| Swords | Versatile | Short range |
| Bows | Long range | Low defense |
| Axes | High damage | Slow swings |
| Staves | Area effects | Fragile |
Adventure and Discovery
Towerborne’s world is filled with secrets and hidden areas. Players are encouraged to explore off the beaten path, uncovering lore, treasure, and optional challenges. The game features a mix of handcrafted environments and procedurally generated elements, ensuring each playthrough feels fresh.
Puzzles and environmental hazards add variety to gameplay. Players must use their wits and abilities to overcome obstacles and reach new areas. Some locations require specific class abilities or items to access, promoting replay value.
The game world changes over time, with new content being added regularly. This includes new biomes, enemy types, and quests. Dynamic events and world bosses provide challenging encounters for groups of players, fostering a sense of community and shared adventure.
Game Progression
Towerborne’s progression system revolves around power advancement, mission structures, and enemy challenges. Players engage in various activities to strengthen their characters and tackle increasingly difficult content.
Power Progression
Weapons, gear, and power-progression are not locked behind paywalls in Towerborne. Players gain strength through gameplay and loot acquisition. Character development focuses on obtaining better equipment and enhancing abilities.
The game features a class system that impacts progression. This system has undergone improvements during development. Players should expect at least two full progress wipes during Early Access.
Towerborne supports cross-platform progression. This allows players to maintain their advancement across different gaming platforms.
Missions and Danger Levels
Towerborne offers various mission types to drive player progression. These include discovery missions and venture missions. Each mission presents unique challenges and rewards.
Danger levels add depth to the game’s difficulty system. As players grow stronger, they can tackle missions with higher danger ratings. This system ensures a consistent challenge and encourages ongoing character improvement.
The game’s World Map plays a crucial role in mission selection and progression. It provides a visual representation of available activities and helps players navigate their advancement.
Enemies and Monsters
Towerborne pits players against a diverse array of foes. Enemy types range from common threats to formidable bosses. The difficulty of these adversaries scales with player progression and mission danger levels.
Monsters in the game present unique combat challenges. Players must adapt their strategies and gear to overcome different enemy types effectively. Defeating powerful monsters often yields valuable loot, furthering character progression.
The game’s combat system is described as enticing, suggesting that enemy encounters are a key part of the gameplay experience. Players can expect engaging battles as they advance through the game’s content.
| Progression Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Power Sources | Weapons, gear, abilities |
| Mission Types | Discovery, Venture |
| Difficulty Scaling | Danger levels |
| Enemy Variety | Common foes, bosses, unique monsters |
Multiplayer Experience
Towerborne offers a dynamic multiplayer experience with diverse character classes and cooperative gameplay options. Players can team up to tackle challenges and explore the game’s vibrant world together.
Classes of Aces
Towerborne features several distinct character classes known as Aces. Each class brings unique abilities and playstyles to the battlefield:
- Warrior: Frontline fighters with heavy armor and powerful melee attacks
- Archer: Ranged specialists who excel at picking off enemies from afar
- Mage: Spellcasters with devastating area-of-effect abilities
- Support: Team players who can heal allies and boost their effectiveness
Players can customize their Ace’s appearance and gear to further refine their role. The game encourages experimenting with different class combinations to find synergies and tackle various challenges.
| Class | Strength | Weakness |
|---|---|---|
| Warrior | Durability | Limited range |
| Archer | Long-range damage | Low defense |
| Mage | Area-of-effect spells | Fragile in melee |
| Support | Team buffs and healing | Low damage output |
Multiplayer and Co-op
Towerborne shines in its multiplayer offerings, allowing up to four players to join forces in cooperative play. The game scales difficulty based on party size, ensuring a balanced experience for solo and group play alike.
Online matchmaking helps players find companions for their adventures. Cross-platform play is planned for the future, expanding the potential player pool.
Co-op missions range from defending settlements to exploring dungeons. Communication and teamwork are key, as players must coordinate their Aces’ abilities to overcome increasingly tough foes and puzzles.
Gameplay footage showcases the fluid combat and cooperative elements that make Towerborne’s multiplayer a standout feature. The developers continue to refine and expand multiplayer options based on player feedback.
Economic Model
Towerborne’s economic structure balances free access with optional purchases. The game aims to provide a fair experience for all players while supporting ongoing development.
In-Game Purchases
Towerborne will adopt a free-to-play model after its Early Access period. Players can access the core game without cost, but optional in-game purchases will be available. These transactions will not give significant gameplay advantages, maintaining fairness for non-paying users.
The developers plan to offer cosmetic items, character customizations, and convenience features. This approach allows for regular content updates and ongoing support without fragmenting the player base.
A table comparing free and paid features might look like this:
| Free Features | Paid Options |
|---|---|
| Core gameplay | Cosmetic items |
| Basic characters | Character skins |
| Standard progression | Convenience boosters |
Founder’s Packs
During Early Access, Towerborne offers Founder’s Packs for dedicated players. These packs include exclusive items and perks as a reward for early support.
Founder’s Packs typically contain unique cosmetics, titles, and early access to certain features. Players who purchase these packs often receive ongoing benefits as the game evolves.
The contents of Founder’s Packs are designed to provide value without disrupting game balance. This approach aims to thank early supporters while maintaining a level playing field for all players.
Aesthetics and Customization
Towerborne offers players a rich array of visual options to personalize their Ace characters. The game’s customization system allows for extensive appearance modifications and unique cosmetic items.
Cosmetic Items
Towerborne’s cosmetic system functions similarly to transmogrification in other popular games. Players can change their character’s appearance using the Facewright, a special feature in the game. This tool gives access to the Character Customization menu, allowing modifications at any time without cost.
The customization options include:
- Body types
- Skin tones
- Head shapes
- Hairstyles
- Eye colors
- Mouth variations
Players can express themselves through their Ace avatars with these diverse choices. The development team has invested significant effort in creating a range of options to suit different player preferences.
Exclusive Skins and Sets
Towerborne introduces exclusive skins and cosmetic sets to further enhance character individuality. These special items offer unique visual themes for players to stand out in the game world.
Notable exclusive items include:
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Longship Cosmetic Set | Themed after Viking vessels |
| Valhalla Iska Umbra Skin | A mythical Norse-inspired appearance |
These exclusive options provide players with thematic choices to customize their Ace beyond basic appearance changes. The game balances artistic aesthetics with player freedom, creating a visually cohesive yet diverse character roster.
Technical Requirements
Towerborne has specific hardware and platform requirements for optimal gameplay. These specifications ensure smooth performance and compatibility across different systems.
System Requirements for PC
Towerborne demands certain hardware specifications for PC gamers. The minimum requirements include a 64-bit processor and operating system. Players need at least an Intel Core i5-4460 or AMD FX-8350 CPU, paired with 8 GB of RAM. For graphics, a GeForce GTX 970 or AMD Radeon RX 590 is necessary.
The game requires DirectX 11 and 25 GB of available storage space. A broadband internet connection is essential for online features. These specs allow for 1080p resolution at low to medium settings, delivering 30-60 fps.
For an enhanced experience, higher-end hardware is recommended. This ensures better frame rates and visual quality at higher resolutions.
Support for Consoles
Towerborne is set to launch on Xbox Series X|S consoles. As an Xbox Game Studios title, it’s optimized for Microsoft’s latest gaming hardware. The game takes advantage of the consoles’ advanced features, providing smooth performance and improved graphics.
Xbox Game Pass subscribers can access Towerborne as part of their membership. This allows instant play without additional purchase. The game’s availability on Game Pass increases its accessibility to a wider audience of console gamers.
Cross-platform play between PC and Xbox may be supported, expanding the player base and enhancing multiplayer experiences.
| Platform | Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PC | Yes | Steam, Windows Store |
| Xbox Series X|S | Yes | Optimized for next-gen |
| Xbox Game Pass | Included | Day one release |
Release and Availability
Towerborne’s release strategy involves a phased approach, starting with Early Access and culminating in a full launch. The game will be available on multiple platforms, with integration between Steam and Game Pass.
Early Access Details
Towerborne enters Early Access on September 10, 2024. This initial phase allows players to experience the game before its full release and provide feedback to shape its development.
Early Access will be available on Steam. Xbox Game Preview follows later, though specific dates remain unannounced.
The full free-to-play launch is planned for 2025. This staged release gives developers time to refine the game based on player input.
Game Updates and Wipes
During Early Access, Towerborne will receive regular updates to improve gameplay and add new features. These updates may include balance changes, bug fixes, and content additions.
Full wipes are expected to occur periodically throughout Early Access. These wipes reset player progress, allowing developers to test major changes and ensure a fair start for all players when new systems are implemented.
Players should be prepared for progress resets during this phase. The frequency of wipes will be communicated by the development team as the Early Access period progresses.
Steam and Game Pass Integration
Towerborne will be available on both Steam and Xbox Game Pass. The game features cross-progression, enabling players to carry their progress across platforms.
| Platform | Availability | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Steam | Early Access | Full game access, early supporter rewards |
| Xbox Game Pass | Game Preview (date TBA) | Included with subscription |
Game Pass subscribers will have access to Towerborne as part of their membership when it enters Game Preview. This integration broadens the player base and provides additional value for subscribers.
Steam players can purchase founder’s packs for early access and exclusive rewards. These packs offer varying levels of bonuses and in-game items.
Additional Content and Bonuses
Towerborne offers various rewards and bonuses for players who support the game during its early access phase. These incentives range from monthly perks to different tiers of founder’s packs, each providing unique benefits.
Monthly Founder Rewards
Players who purchase a founder’s pack receive monthly bonuses. These rewards aim to keep early supporters engaged and invested in the game’s development. The standard Monthly Founder Bonus includes in-game currency, cosmetic items, and occasional exclusive gear.
Premium founders get enhanced rewards. The Monthly Premium Founder Bonus typically offers larger amounts of currency, rarer cosmetics, and early access to new content.
These monthly rewards help players progress faster and stand out with unique appearances. They also provide a steady stream of new content to explore between major updates.
Pack Tiers and Benefits
Towerborne offers different founder’s pack tiers, each with its own set of benefits:
| Pack Tier | Key Benefits |
|---|---|
| Silver | Early access, basic monthly rewards, starter cosmetics |
| Gold | Enhanced monthly rewards, exclusive skins, bonus currency |
The Silver Founder’s Pack grants entry to the early access phase. It includes the Longship Cosmetic Set and the Bellower’s Scream Emote.
Gold pack holders receive additional perks. These include the Jarlbone Cosmetic Set, Berserker Pox, and Raider Sten. They also gain access to premium monthly bonuses.
Both packs allow players to experience the early access storyline. This storyline introduces players to the game’s world and mechanics while shaping its future development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Towerborne’s release details, pricing, and gameplay features have generated significant interest among gaming enthusiasts. Players are keen to learn about its availability across platforms and the various modes it will offer.
What is the official release date of Towerborne?
Towerborne’s exact release date remains unannounced. The game is currently in Early Access, allowing players to experience and provide feedback on its development.
Developers are actively working on refining the game based on player input. Updates on the official release will likely be shared through Towerborne’s official channels as development progresses.
Is Towerborne considered free-to-play or will there be a cost?
Towerborne is not a free-to-play game. Players will need to purchase the game to access its content.
The exact pricing structure has not been finalized. It may follow standard pricing for similar games in its genre, but official confirmation is pending.
Will Towerborne be available for download on different gaming platforms?
Towerborne’s platform availability is limited. The game is set to release on Xbox consoles and PC.
Cross-platform play between Xbox and PC versions may be a possibility, but this feature has not been confirmed. Players should check official announcements for the most up-to-date information on platform availability.
What gaming genres does Towerborne encompass?
Towerborne blends several gaming genres. It primarily functions as an action role-playing game (ARPG) with roguelike elements.
The game incorporates cooperative multiplayer features, allowing players to team up and face challenges together. Its combat system emphasizes skill-based gameplay, adding depth to the action elements.
Will there be a single-player mode available in Towerborne?
Towerborne offers a single-player experience. Players can embark on solo adventures through the game’s world.
While cooperative play is a significant feature, the game caters to those who prefer to tackle challenges alone. The single-player mode likely provides the full story and gameplay experience.
What are the expected pricing details for Towerborne upon its release?
Specific pricing details for Towerborne have not been announced. The game is expected to follow standard pricing for similar titles in its genre.
Players should anticipate a price point comparable to other action RPGs or roguelike games. Pre-order options or special editions may be available, potentially offering additional content at different price tiers.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | TBA (Early Access available) |
| Platforms | Xbox, PC |
| Genres | Action RPG, Roguelike |
| Multiplayer | Cooperative |
| Single-player | Available |
| Pricing | To be announced |
