Towerborne: Official Date, PS5 Version, and Premium Pivot

The wait is finally over, and the gaming world is buzzing with news that redefines the release schedule for early 2026. Towerborne, the highly anticipated action RPG brawler developed by the talented team at Stoic (already famous for The Banner Saga trilogy) and published by Xbox Game Studios, finally has an official release date. Mark this date on your calendar: February 26, 2026. But the real bombshell isn’t just the “when”, but the “where”. In a move that underscores Microsoft’s new strategy of openness, the title will not only arrive on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC gaming, but will also debut at launch on PlayStation 5.

This news has positively shaken the community, bringing a wave of enthusiasm among players of all factions. After an Early Access period that allowed developers to refine mechanics thanks to user feedback, Towerborne is ready to flex its muscles in its complete version 1.0. And the surprises don’t end there: Stoic has announced a radical change of course regarding the business model, abandoning the initially planned free-to-play nature to embrace a classic premium model, a courageous choice that promises to elevate the quality of the final experience.

One Date, Three Platforms: Kicking Off February 26

February 26, 2026, will mark Towerborne’s official exit from Early Access on Steam and the Game Preview program on Xbox. Confirmation comes directly from Stoic and official Xbox channels, which revealed that the game will be available simultaneously on all major platforms. The inclusion of PlayStation 5 from day one (Day One) is a very strong signal of how the video games landscape is evolving towards a more fluid ecosystem, less tied to rigid hardware exclusive barriers.

For Sony console owners, this is an unmissable opportunity to get their hands on a title that bears the Xbox Game Studios quality stamp, an event that would have seemed unthinkable just a few years ago. According to the developers, the goal is to reach the largest number of players possible, allowing friends to join in cooperative play regardless of the plastic box they have under their TV. Although there is currently no official news for the Nintendo world, the declared optimization for portable devices (like Steam Deck) gives hope for the future, perhaps in view of the Kyoto company’s next generation.

Goodbye Free-to-Play: Towerborne Goes Premium

One of the most relevant pieces of news emerging in these hours concerns the game’s economic structure. Initially conceived as a free “live service” title with microtransactions, Towerborne has undergone a complete metamorphosis. Stoic listened to the community’s voice and decided to transform the game into a paid Premium product. The price set is decidedly aggressive and inviting: 24.99 euros for the Standard Edition and 29.99 euros for the Deluxe Edition.

What does this change entail? First and foremost, the removal of all predatory mechanics typical of free-to-play games. There will be no in-game shops to purchase cosmetics with real money; every armor, every skin, and every aesthetic element will be unlockable exclusively by playing. Furthermore, this transition has allowed the developers to implement an offline mode. A permanent internet connection will no longer be necessary to enjoy the adventure solo, a detail that will delight many PC gaming and console enthusiasts who prefer to keep their games untethered from servers.

According to the development team, this decision is the result of over a year of work to restructure game systems that were born to be “always-online”. Now, players will be able to own the complete experience forever, without the fear that one day the servers will be shut down, rendering the title unplayable. Obviously, the online cooperative component will remain a fundamental pillar for those who want to face the Belfry challenges in company.

All the New Features in Version 1.0

The February 26 release is not just a label change, but brings with it a massive update that transforms the game into its definitive form. Those who tried the title in preview will find a deeply enriched and refined experience. Version 1.0 will finally introduce the conclusion of the story: the narrative arc will be complete, allowing players to face the main antagonist in an epic clash that promises sparks.

Among the content novelties, the following stand out:

• New Bosses and Enemies: In addition to the final boss, two new intermediate bosses and variants of “Umbra” enemies have been added to increase combat variety.
• New Biome: The world map has been redesigned and enriched with a new coastal zone, offering unseen scenarios compared to the forests and ruins seen so far.
• Forge System: A completely revised crafting and upgrade system will allow modifying and recalibrating equipment statistics, offering depth worthy of the best RPGs.
• Brutal Mode: For players seeking an extreme challenge, almost esports level (even if in a PvE context), a new difficulty has been introduced that will put the team’s reflexes and coordination to the test.

The sound department has also received luxury treatment, with new tracks composed by the legendary Austin Wintory, which will accompany our raids in the world of Towerborne. The promise is that of a game that not only entertains with a controller in hand but also knows how to move and engage thanks to top-tier art direction.

Availability on Game Pass

Despite the switch to the paid model, Microsoft has not forgotten its faithful subscribers. It has been confirmed that Towerborne will be available from launch day (Day One) within the Xbox Game Pass catalog (in the Ultimate and PC plans). This means that millions of players will be able to download the complete game at no additional cost, enjoying all the benefits of the Premium version.

This strategic move guarantees the title a potentially huge installed base from day one, vital for a game that makes cooperative play one of its strengths. Whether you are on Xbox Series S, on a powerful gaming PC, or playing via cloud, access to the world of Towerborne will be immediate. For PlayStation users, however, purchasing the game at a budget price still represents an offer of great value, considering the quantity of content promised.

Conclusions

Towerborne is preparing to become one of the first big hits of 2026. The decision by Stoic and Xbox Game Studios to postpone the launch to refine the product and, above all, to listen to players by changing the economic model from free-to-play to premium, deserves applause. In an industry often criticized for aggressive monetization, seeing a team take a step back to offer a more honest and complete experience is a breath of fresh air.

The arrival on PlayStation 5, Xbox, and PC this coming February 26 unites the community under a single banner: that of quality cooperative fun. Prepare your Aces, sharpen your weapons, and call your friends: the defense of the Belfry is about to start for real, and this time no one will be left behind.

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Francesco Zinghinì

Engineer and digital entrepreneur, founder of the TuttoSemplice project. His vision is to break down barriers between users and complex information, making topics like finance, technology, and economic news finally understandable and useful for everyday life.

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