As of February 26, 2026, Towerborne 1.0 is live on Xbox Series X|S, Steam, and now PlayStation 5. However, this launch is not just about a new platform. It marks a complete identity shift. The free-to-play model is gone. Microtransaction currency has been retired. Offline mode is fully supported.
Towerborne has officially entered its full release era.
Search interest for Towerborne 1.0 launch update and PS5 features surged immediately after release. Players are now trying to understand what changed, what carried over from Early Access, and whether the premium pivot improves the experience.
Here is the complete breakdown.
The Great Pivot: From Free-to-Play to Premium
The most searched topic today is simple: Is Towerborne still free to play?
The answer is no.
Towerborne 1.0 transitions from a free-to-play live-service structure to a premium model priced at $24.99 for the Standard Edition and $29.99 for Deluxe.
More importantly, the monetization structure has been rebuilt.
“Belfry Bucks” have been removed entirely. Instead, players now earn Writs through gameplay. All cosmetics and gear unlock through in-game progression. This shift eliminates the previous microtransaction loop and re-centers progression around skill and time investment.
For many returning players, this model change feels less grind-focused and more contained.
The pricing shift may surprise some, but the structural overhaul explains the move.
Towerborne Offline Mode: Full Solo Support
One of the highest-trending searches today is how to play Towerborne offline.
Towerborne 1.0 introduces full offline functionality. Players can complete the entire campaign without an internet connection. This client-side architecture differs significantly from the always-online Early Access version.
Offline mode does not limit content. The full story campaign, side quests, and gear progression remain intact.
This addition reshapes how players experience the game. Instead of relying on constant server checks, Towerborne now supports solo-focused sessions with stable performance.
For many players, this represents the biggest improvement in the 1.0 update.
Systems Overhaul and Brutal Difficulty
The phrase Towerborne 1.0 patch notes continues trending because the combat and progression systems have been rebuilt.
The new Forge System allows players to re-roll and upgrade gear stats. Previously, players chased perfect drops through extended grinding. Now, gear refinement offers more control.
Additionally, Brutal difficulty serves as the endgame challenge tier.
Brutal unlocks after completing the 15+ hour story campaign. It introduces Vanguard enemies—elite leaders that buff surrounding mobs and alter battlefield pacing.
These encounters require coordinated builds and refined timing. The difficulty spike feels intentional rather than inflated.
New content also includes the Coastal Biome. This maritime-themed region features two major bosses and new gear sets tied to sea-based enemy factions.
Towerborne 1.0 does not simply add content. It restructures the loop.
PS5 Release and Cross-Play Clarification
A major point of confusion today involves Towerborne PS5 crossplay.
While Towerborne is now available on PlayStation 5, cross-platform play is disabled at launch. Stoic confirmed this decision ensures stability under the new offline-first infrastructure.
However, Xbox Play Anywhere remains active. Players can continue progress between Xbox consoles and Windows PC.
Cross-progression is intact within the Xbox ecosystem. Cross-play between PlayStation and other platforms is currently unavailable.
Clear communication around this limitation prevents misunderstanding for multiplayer-focused players.
Early Access Progress and Character Import
Searches for Towerborne 1.0 character import increased sharply after launch.
Yes, Early Access progress carries over. Characters, gear, and progression remain accessible.
However, Stoic recommends starting fresh to experience the revised narrative flow and rebalanced progression systems.
The 1.0 campaign structure differs from Early Access pacing. New players benefit from the redesigned onboarding experience.
Model Transition Overview
Feature | Early Access Version | Towerborne 1.0 Full Release
Pricing | Free-to-Play | Premium ($24.99)
Internet Requirement | Always Online | Offline Supported
Currency | Belfry Bucks | Writs (Earned In-Game)
Platforms | Xbox, PC | Xbox, PC, PS5
This transition explains why Towerborne 1.0 launch update remains a top search phrase.
The identity shift is substantial.
Frequently Asked Questions about Towerborne 1.0
Is Towerborne free to play in 2026?
No. As of the 1.0 release on February 26, 2026, Towerborne uses a premium pricing model starting at $24.99.
Does Towerborne have an offline mode?
Yes. Towerborne 1.0 supports full offline solo play for the entire campaign.
Does Towerborne support PS5 cross-play?
No. Cross-platform play with PS5 is disabled at launch, though Xbox Play Anywhere cross-progression remains active.
What is Brutal difficulty in Towerborne?
Brutal is the endgame challenge tier. It unlocks after the campaign and introduces Vanguard enemies that significantly increase combat complexity.
Why Towerborne 1.0 Matters
Towerborne’s shift away from free-to-play signals a broader industry pattern. Developers are reconsidering live-service fatigue and experimenting with contained premium experiences.
By removing microtransactions, introducing offline support, and refining progression, Towerborne 1.0 attempts to reposition itself as a stable brawler rather than a grind-driven service game.
Whether this premium pivot strengthens long-term engagement remains to be seen. However, the 1.0 update undeniably resets the conversation.
The Belfry is no longer always-online.
It is rebuilt.
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