Meet some of our talented designers shaping Towerborne’s gameplay – Isaac Torres, Lead Combat Designer; Mckenna Bearce, Lead Player Journey Designer; and Tyler Bearce, Principal Systems Designer – as they give us snapshots of Towerborne's world, combat and player experience.
Becoming an Ace: A Hero's Journey in Towerborne
In Towerborne, you step into the role of an Ace—a hero charged with defending what remains of civilization. As the City of Numbers falls, your mission becomes clear: protect the survivors journeying back to the tower. Isaac Torres, Lead Combat Designer, breaks down what it means to be an Ace:
"It’s all about mastering different weapon classes and figuring out how you want to play. You’re not locked into one path; you can switch classes and experiment with the playstyle that feels right for you."
Whether you prefer to brawl up close or take a more tactical approach from a distance, Towerborne gives you the freedom to adapt and evolve. It’s a game where flexibility is key, and the more you explore your options, the stronger you become.
The Belfry: Your Hub of Adventure
The Belfry isn’t just your home base; it’s where your adventure begins. From interacting with NPCs to gearing up for your next mission, the Belfry is the heart of Towerborne. Mckenna Bearce, Lead Player Journey Designer, shares how this central hub ties into the game’s core loop:
"The Belfry is where you come back after a hard-fought battle to regroup, upgrade your gear, and plan your next move. It's your connection to the story and the key to growing stronger over time."
From the Belfry, you’ll embark on missions, fight enemies, and collect loot. Each return makes you more formidable, with better gear and new quests waiting to be discovered.
Explore a World of Mystery: One Hex at a Time
Towerborne introduces a unique hex-based world map that encourages exploration at your own pace. Tyler Bearce, Principal Systems Designer, on how this system lets players uncover new treasures and quests:
"The world map is where the magic happens. You’re not following a straight path; you can explore wherever you want, finding hidden rewards along the way. It's that 'just one more mission' feeling we all know and love."
This isn’t a linear journey. Instead, the game gives you the freedom to choose where to go next, whether that’s chasing a treasure chest or diving into a new mission.
Combat: Easy to Pick Up, Fun to Master
Towerborne’s combat system is designed to cater to both casual players and those looking for more depth. Isaac Torres explains:
"We wanted to make combat fun for everyone. Whether you're here for some button-mashing or want to master complex combos, the system gives you the tools to play how you want."
Each Ace comes equipped with light and heavy attacks, focus skills, and Umbra companions—spirits that grant unique abilities to enhance your combat style. While solo play offers plenty of excitement, co-op unlocks a new level of strategy. One player can launch an enemy into the air while a teammate follows up with a crushing blow, creating a dynamic and collaborative experience
In Towerborne, teamwork isn’t just about surviving—it’s about crafting unique strategies with your friends, building on each other’s strengths, and unleashing powerful combos that make every battle feel fresh and exciting.
Loot and Progression: The Thrill of Discovery
The Towerborne loot system ensures every mission is rewarding. From enemy drops to end-of-quest treasure chests, the variety keeps you coming back for more. Mckenna Bearce talks about the joy of discovery:
"You never really know what you’re going to find. Maybe it's a new weapon, a piece of armor, or a special ability that changes how you play. There's always something exciting waiting in that next chest."
The randomness of loot ensures that every session feels fresh, while the progression system makes sure you always feel stronger with each adventure.
A Living, Breathing Game: Shaped by You
At Stoic, we’re committed to making Towerborne a living game—one that evolves with your feedback. With regular updates, new content, and constant tuning, we’re building a game that stays fresh for everyone. As Tyler Bearce puts it:
"This is just the beginning. We want Towerborne to grow and change with our players. Their feedback is crucial in making this the best game it can be."
With the Steam Early Access launch on September 10, 2024, we’re inviting you to jump in, explore the world, and help us shape the future of Towerborne. Whether you’re tackling new enemies or unlocking fresh gear, this adventure is one that will continue to evolve for years to come.
Join Us on the Belfry and Beyond
We’re just getting started. Towerborne is more than a game—it’s a world we’ve built with love, and we can’t wait to share it with you. Join us on this journey, become an Ace, and help us make Towerborne the best it can be. We’ll see you on the Belfry and beyond!