The Death of the "Forever Game": Why Towerborne is Reverting to a Premium RPG

Towerborne is doing the unthinkable: it’s giving up on the live-service dream before it even hits version 1.0. When the action-RPG exits Early Access and Xbox Game Preview on February 26, 2026, it won't be the free-to-play, always-online grinder we were promised. Instead, Xbox and developer Stoic are pivoting to a "buy once, play forever" model that works entirely offline.

Pricing, Platforms, and the End of Microtransactions

The 1.0 launch effectively resets the game's economy. Towerborne will now carry a $24.99 price tag for the Standard Edition ($29.99 for Deluxe). The cosmetic microtransactions originally intended to keep the lights on have been scrapped entirely. In their place is a traditional progression system where every piece of gear and every aesthetic option is earned through blood, sweat, and gameplay.

The expansion to PlayStation 5 alongside the existing Xbox and PC versions signals a desire for a wider, more traditional install base. For those in the Microsoft ecosystem, the transition is a bit of a double-edged sword. While Towerborne remains a Day One title for Xbox Game Pass (Premium and Ultimate tiers), the "Free-to-Play" label is officially dead. Subscribers are getting a premium $25 game for "free," but the general public will no longer be able to just download and play without an entry fee. To soften the blow, Early Access veterans can import their characters and loot, while new features like multiple save slots have been added to reflect the shift to a self-contained, multi-character experience.

Reclaiming the Stoic Pedigree in 1.0

The 1.0 update is more of a content drop than a patch. It introduces:

• The Story Finale: A cohesive narrative conclusion that brings the game closer to the "Banner Saga-style" depth fans expected.
• A New Frontier: A reimagined world map featuring a coastal biome.
• Endgame Challenges: Two new bosses and a "Brutal Mode" designed to test veteran players who have already mastered the combat loop.
• Atmospheric Polish: New compositions from Austin Wintory and a suite of performance upgrades to ensure the brawler feels as sharp as it looks.

By walking away from the "live service grind," Stoic is making a high-stakes gamble on the value of a finished product. It’s a bold bet: Can a $25 price point sustain a studio in an era where most developers are still chasing the "infinite" upside of battle passes? In 2026, where players are increasingly protective of their time and their hard drives, Towerborne’s refusal to be a "second job" might be its most lucrative feature.