Overview
Playground Games’ Fable reboot has been in development for years, but the developer finally revealed more details about its return at Xbox Games Showcase 2026. The game is set in a new open-world version of Albion, where you’ll explore villages like Briar Hill to find answers and fight enemies with your own unique combat style.
What happens in Briar Hill?
The hero’s powers emerge in childhood, before the story moves to adulthood in Briar Hill. The story kicks off when a mysterious stranger turns everyone in Briar Hill, including the hero’s grandmother, into stone statues. The hero leaves to find the stranger and reverse the curse. The adventure follows your journey across Fable’s open-world as you search for allies and answers.
The game retains British humor, fairytale influences, and choices that carry consequences.
Style-weaving combat
Fable’s gameplay will feature style-weaving combat that lets you switch between melee attacks, ranged weapons or magic depending on the situation. Enemies are also designed with strengths and weaknesses in mind so players can use different tactics against them. Enemies include Hobbes and Balverines.
Reputation in Albion
Reputation will play an important role as well since you’ll be able to interact with NPCs throughout the game. Playground Games revealed that up to six reputations could exist at once in any given settlement, and each one would affect how people react to your character. For example, kicking chickens might make someone known as a “Chicken Chaser” while others disagree about whether they like it.
Playground Games revealed over 1000 hand-crafted NPCs who have their own homes and jobs in the game. The studio is aiming for an open-world experience where you’ll encounter different opinions depending on your reputation, but there’s no guarantee every interaction will always be available. NPCs remember your actions long after conversations end. Rewarding an NPC with work can improve their opinion of you.
Homes and businesses
As a grown-up hero living among NPCs (non-playable characters), you can buy properties to become a landlord or invest in businesses as an employer. Houses allow you to rent out homes for income, while shops let you hire workers with their own opinions of you.
Can you build a family?
You can date adult NPCs, marry them and have children. NPCs have different dispositions (like friendly, romantic, and hostile) toward your hero. Some may be open to dating while others have their own partners or reasons not to engage.
When does Fable release?
Fable launches Feb. 23, 2027 on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Steam and PS5. Game Pass access depends on the applicable plan.