Towerborne left a solid first impression when I played it at an Xbox event last month. Now, after playing even more in the lead-up to its launch, I’ve seen that its unique approach to online beat ’em ups genuinely works. While this early access game still has room to grow, the core of something special is already evident. If you can accept its always-online nature and understand that its journey is just beginning, Towerborne has the potential to become something truly unique.
Though it draws inspiration from games like Destiny 2 and Diablo 4, Towerborne’s focus on beat ’em up combat sets it apart in the crowded multiplayer gaming landscape. The game’s unique selling point is its concept of “Aces,” amnesiac warriors who help refugees reach a Belfry after monsters destroy the magical City of Numbers. While the story isn’t as prominent as Stoic Studio’s The Banner Saga series, it provides a compelling reason for the Aces to venture out and fight their way through hordes of monsters.
Before embarking on this quest, players explore the Belfry, a central hub similar to the Tower in Destiny 2. Here, players can upgrade their gear, receive quests from NPCs, and socialize with fellow players. The Belfry currently feels a little bare, with limited activities beyond talking to vendors. However, I hope future updates will expand upon the Belfry’s functionality with more interactive NPCs and activities.
The heart of Towerborne lies within its procedurally generated world map. This map is a hexagonal grid where each hexagon represents a unique encounter. Some offer chests and resources, while most are side-scrolling beat ’em up stages that feel reminiscent of classic titles like Street of Rage 4 and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge. Players traverse these stages from left to right, battling enemies and acquiring loot.
While I wish the stages offered more interactive elements, the variety of weapons available helps keep gameplay engaging. Currently, there are four weapons to choose from, each with its unique strengths and weaknesses. My personal favorite is the Warclub, which inflicts burning damage and delivers slow but powerful strikes.
The core gameplay loop revolves around completing stages and challenges, earning better gear for your Ace. This familiar loot-driven system keeps players engaged as they strive for stronger equipment. Scattered across the world map are “Ventures,” more challenging missions with boss encounters. These require greater skill and are best tackled with a friend.
Although Towerborne’s systems are not revolutionary, its strength lies in its unique position within the gaming landscape. As a beat ’em up with limited direct competition, it stands out from other live-service games.
However, its reliance on an always-online connection comes with its own set of challenges. Players will need a stable internet connection to enjoy the game, as Towerborne currently lacks offline play or couch co-op (though the latter is planned for future updates).
While I experienced mostly smooth gameplay during my time with the game, there were occasional instances of latency that negatively affected my experience. These hiccups caused combo breaks and inaccurate hit detection, frustrating the otherwise enjoyable combat. In some cases, I was even disconnected and sent back to the title screen after completing a mission.
While latency issues are not exclusive to Towerborne, it’s a concern for this online-focused game. Players with unstable connections might find their experience marred by these issues. However, if you have a solid internet connection, you’ll be able to appreciate the core fun that Towerborne offers.
From this solid foundation, Towerborne has immense potential for future growth. I’d love to see more interactivity within levels, more activities in the Belfry, and a more stable online experience. The developers at Stoic seem dedicated to achieving these goals, and given its niche appeal, Towerborne has the potential to cultivate a passionate community that will help the game flourish.
If you prefer to wait for its free-to-play release on Xbox in 2025, that’s perfectly fine. But if you’re eager to jump into the action early, you can purchase an early access Founder’s Pack on Steam.
