Towerborne was first revealed during last summer’s Xbox Games Showcase, but since then, there hasn’t been much new detail, so it’s easy to see why you might not feel fully up to speed.
That said, the game is scheduled to arrive in early access on PC today, with a game preview and a full launch planned for Xbox (including Game Pass) next year. In fact, this early access strategy is a key part of how Towerborne is rolling out—taking cues from the approach used by Baldur’s Gate 3, Hades, and others. Of all those influences, Towerborne seems to align most closely with Diablo 4.
For some context, Towerborne mixes ARPG elements with beat ’em up action from Stoic Studios, the team behind the bold yet finely animated Banner Saga tactical series. It’s a noticeable stylistic shift, though it keeps a lively, cartoon-like look. Alongside an emotionally resonant story, it also delivers a kind of straightforward appeal that’s easy to latch onto.
Aside from the central hub town where players can handle standard character customization and management, the world map is built from hexagonal spaces that gradually grow as you explore. Each tile points to battles, bosses, collectible finds, and more, and they’re labeled with a danger rating from one to four (which could change by the time the full game releases). This helps players weigh risk against reward.
Inside these encounters, the action shifts into a side-scrolling 2.5D beat ’em up style that works either solo or in co-op with up to four players. Couch co-op is expected to arrive next year, so it won’t be included during early access, and crossplay is also planned. You’ll face a mix of beasts and creatures, dispatched in a way that feels refreshingly direct. The camera keeps players in place until all enemies are cleared, then you move on to the next fight. Combat includes light and heavy attacks, signature skills, and magical companions (Umbras), giving you plenty of options alongside dodges and jumps. The overall tone leans a bit carefree, and it’s easy to imagine players getting hooked on the waves of enemies—much like the pull Diablo 4 offers—though this preview didn’t go into any story details.
Diablo, in particular, appears to be a major influence. Over the past year, Stoic has updated Towerborne’s class and loot system in a manner reminiscent of Blizzard’s approach. There are four core classes, each tied to a specific weapon category: Sentinel (sword and shield), Pyroclast (warclubs), Rockbreaker (gauntlets), and Shadowstriker (daggers). More classes will be added as the game continues to develop. On top of that, a traditional loot setup lets players find weapon and armor drops, each coming with a variety of stats, abilities, and aspects.
Aspects are especially interesting since they can be improved and swapped around. For instance, you can take an aspect that adds bleed to one weapon and move it onto another. You can also tune legendary gear by attaching an aspect that grants a poison effect. After that, it’s back to the hex tiles to keep exploring, pick up fresh loot, and fine-tune your builds.
The game follows a classic gameplay rhythm that can feel somewhat familiar, though there’s room for additional depth and complexity. That’s one of the reasons early access matters here: Stoic wants to build a community around the title, collect input on builds, and adjust the game’s balance based on what players report. At the moment, there’s no confirmed launch date for the complete version beyond 2025. Instead, the studio will decide when it’s ready by looking at player feedback.
Since Stoic’s publisher is Xbox Game Studios, it may seem unusual that early access is limited to PC, while Xbox consoles will get a game preview later next year. However, this decision is intentional. Towerborne will launch properly from day one on Game Pass, but a Stoic representative at Gamescom said the subscription service is “too powerful” for early access. Put simply, a Game Pass launch could draw in such a large number of players that it would interfere with the targeted, constructive feedback the team is trying to gather.
Early access has clearly benefited Baldur’s Gate 3, Hades, and other games, and it’s encouraging to see a studio so openly inviting feedback to support the title’s lifespan. Still, there are a few caveats. When the studio eventually sets an official release for Towerborne, your progress will be wiped so everyone can start again. Also, early access includes the option to buy one of two founder’s packs for £21.99 or £39.99, with each pack containing different rewards. When the full game launches, Towerborne will shift to a free-to-play format with optional in-game purchases.
At the very least, Stoic is being transparent about how pricing works. “Founders play a vital role in shaping the game’s progression, allowing them to directly influence its development,” states an explanation on the game’s website. “Your support during Early Access helps us craft a game that resonates with the community and endures the test of time.”
That all sounds promising, but will players feel comfortable putting both their time and money into a version that will ultimately be reset? The studio says it has a “special relationship” with its community and has gone on to describe what players contribute during development.
“As we have done previously, we are dedicated to playing alongside you, the gamer,” the website notes. “In addition to our Discord where we interact and engage with you, we will also run special surveys, posts, and other updates that we share with Founders on a regular basis. Just as importantly, we’re active in these channels—ensuring we stay engaged with you.
“While we can’t respond to every piece of feedback or turn every idea into reality, focusing on the best suggestions gives us room to work together efficiently. Your reactions and preferences will guide how we refine and expand the game. This is a long-term, evolving effort, and we want to build that conversation with you early!”
Towerborne has the makings of a genuinely enjoyable experience, and a large part of it should be available during early access. Still, even with clear communication, the question remains: is Stoic expecting too much from its players?