Why Early Access?

“From the moment we started work on Banner Saga, one thing that has been important to
us is bringing the players along for the journey. We have always valued players getting
into early builds and giving us feedback on what we’re making. While the game has
changed, the philosophy hasn’t.

Towerborne is the biggest game we’ve ever undertaken, and we need you more than
ever. While we set out to make a game we could play with our friends and family, at the
end of the day, it’s about you–our players. And we believe building the coolest, most fun,
most exciting game means we built it with you, not just for you.
Early Access gives us–Stoic and you–the opportunity to improve the game, expand the
world, and ultimately tweak and tune our newest game so that it can be a multi-year
experience. You’re the ones playing this day-in and day-out, help us get it right!”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“Our goal is to release the game when it’s ready. In this early build you can expect an
early access storyline, tons of enemies, gear to find, and 4 full player classes to choose
from.

Players can expect dozens of hours of gameplay which will expand throughout Early
Access when we add new Ventures, Danger Levels, enemies, Legendary items, and
more systems!

There is a lot more we want to add, but it is important to see how our players respond to
the game. We will remain in Early Access long enough to tune, balance, and polish the
experience.”

How is the full version planned to differ from the Early Access version?

“Alright, here’s the most important thing you need to know before you buy-in: When we
leave Early Access, Towerborne will be released as a free-to-play live game.

Wait, so why isn’t it free to play right now??
Well, put simply – the best free-to-play build will be informed by feedback and what
players want to see. So, we want to welcome those who want to build with us – to help
us get Towerborne into the best place it can be before the games are wide open.
Stoic has a special relationship with our players. Banner Saga was born because you
believed in us, and you invested in us, and while our studio and our ambitions and our
capabilities have grown - we are committed to honoring this special relationship. With
Towerborne, we can ship an Early Access game we think is fun, and we know will improve – because of all of the players who choose to be a part of an active community
that engages with us to shape what Towerborne will be at launch. We want you along for
the ride!

Also, please read the section Will the game be priced differently during and after
Early Access, we discuss our ethical philosophy about going Free-to-Play!”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“Our goal is to release the game when it is ready. With this early build you will experience
an early access storyline and features we want to test and build with the players.

Early Access release will include:
● 4 Classes, which you can switch between at any point during the game (except
mid-combat)
○ The Pyroclast, who uses Warclubs
○ The Sentinel, who uses Sword and Shield
○ The Rockbreaker, who uses Gauntlets
○ The Shadowstriker, who uses Daggers
● 4 Danger Levels to conquer, with a plan to release more when we can.
● Hundreds of Discovery Missions to fight through and unlock
● 13 Venture Missions (replayable dungeon-esque encounters) with multiple
bosses to fight and a variety of challenging lieutenants.
● Tons of gear and weapons to find and equip
● A myriad of Aspects will modify your Class build
Players can expect anywhere from 30 - 60 hours of play that will expand throughout the
Early Access period as we add new Ventures, Danger Levels, enemies, Legendary
items, and systems!

PLEASE NOTE: The game will have a number of FULL WIPES, one of which will
happen at the transition from Early Access to the Free launch!

Please understand that this is important as we implement new and update systems and
improve the content and progression of Towerborne. We want to be able to let you have
fun and break things without worrying too much. This will not impact Founder’s Pack
exclusive items.”

Will the game be priced differently during and after Early Access?

“Towerborne is sold for a fixed price during Early Access. Becoming a Founder by
purchasing a Founder’s pack will get you early access to play Towerborne, and with your
help we will fine tune the game on its way to a full, free-to-play release.
We want to take a moment and let you know that Stoic is committed to the following:
● To play during Early Access, players must purchase a Founder’s Pack.
○ As a Founder, you play a crucial role in bringing our vision of a dynamic
and immersive world to life. Your support helps us create an experience
that will captivate and entertain for years to come.
○ As a Founder, you will receive an item each month upon login during
Early Access, as a reward for your ongoing support and to enhance your
in-game experience.
● When Towerborne exits Early Access it will be free-to-play.
● For both Early Access and Free Players, ALL updates will be free and NO
gameplay will ever be gated behind paid DLC.
○ Weapons, gear, or any and all forms of power-progression will never be
behind a paywall. We will be selling exciting cosmetics and must-have
convenience items – but those will not influence your power progression."”

How are you planning on involving the Community in your development process?

“As we have done in the past, we are focused on playing with, and listening to, you, the
player. In addition to our Discord where we hang out and engage with you, there will also
be special surveys, posts, and other information that we put out to Founders on a regular
basis. That said, the most important thing is that we are active in these spaces and
engaging with you.

Look, of course, we can’t take every note or turn every suggestion into reality, but
figuring out the best ideas means we have the space to do it together. How you feel and
what you want will drive how we update and improve the game.

This is a long-term, living game and we want to establish our communication with you
early!”