Towerborne is an action game developed by Stoic that offers a fresh mix of fast-paced combat, cooperative multiplayer, and a lively art style. Known for the studio’s The Banner Saga series, Stoic shifts gears from the turn-based tactical formula to a more action-oriented experience, offering a fresh yet familiar style. 

Towerborne is similar to games like Diablo IV, Enshrouded, The First Descendant, and Monster Hunter: World, as it provides an action-RPG gameplay experience to players that lets them save humanity. This game focuses on teamwork and combat, offering a thrilling experience with some notable caveats. 

Conquer the City of Numbers 

In Towerborne, the sprawling ruins of humanity and the City of Numbers serve as a haunting backdrop to the resilient stronghold known as the Belfry. Within this bastion is the beacon of hope and safety among the ruins as monsters lurk outside its walls. Here, you play as an Ace, who emerges anew, reborn from the spirit realm with a unique set of skills, determination, and commitment to safeguard the Belfry’s people.  

Players must assume the role of being the defender of the people wherein they also have spirit companions that are fighting alongside them. Either you play as a lone hero as the game offers a single-player campaign as well or you play with the company of up to four other Aces. As an Ace, you can recruit Umbra companions, who can bolster your strength with their enhanced skills and bestow upon your unique abilities.  

The combat in this game is fluid and responsive, featuring a range of customizable weapons and skills. Whether players prefer fast, agile strikes or heavy, powerful blows, the game offers a good amount of freedom to craft their combat style. Additionally, the ability to mix and match weapon types and abilities offers tactical flexibility, making each mission feel unique. Moreover, the missions in this game are procedurally generated, meaning that enemy placements and layouts change with each playthrough. This encourages players to return to old areas with newly unlocked abilities, making exploration rewarding.  

Fight off monsters to save humanity 

In this game, you can explore the world map with various jobs and missions, battling through short levels filled with diverse monsters. As a player, you need to defeat monsters to progress in the game. Along the way, players can collect different loot and gear while leveling up their class, weapons, gear, and overall rank. Here, combat is centered around light and heavy attacks, launchers, and special abilities called "Focus Attacks."  

The game also features various classes where each class has its own unique Class Mechanic that relies on the Weapon Meter, which builds up as you deal or take damage. For example, the shield-bearing Sentinel can block and parry enemy strikes using this mechanic. Additionally, your Umbra companion brings its own special abilities and attacks, further enhancing your loadout and offering customization options. It also serves as a cute reward for completing certain milestones in the game world. 

Visually, the game takes a different approach from Stoic’s previous titles, adopting a colorful, comic-book-inspired aesthetic with vibrant environments and striking character designs. This art style contrasts with the game’s darker post-apocalyptic setting, creating a playful, adventurous tone despite the grim backdrop. However, since the focus is on defending humanity, the game lacks character development features, making it less appealing to players seeking character-focused gameplay. 

Evolving world and storyline 

If you’re into action-packed games with monster elements, Towerborne is a must-try game. In this game, players take on the role of an Ace, a powerful warrior tasked with defending the people of the Belfry against the encroaching threats. The game offers a mix of exploration, teamwork, combat, and progression. With its single-player and multiplayer campaigns, players have the option to play solo or with their friends.