The Next Fable Game Faces Setback as Release Date Shifts
The highly anticipated new Fable release for Xbox Series X and PC has been officially delayed until 2026, Microsoft confirmed this week. The upcoming Fable game, often referred to by fans as Fable 4 or Fable IV despite no official numbering, was previously targeted for a 2025 launch on Xbox platforms and Steam.
To soften the blow of this extended wait for the latest Fable game, Microsoft has revealed the first pre-alpha gameplay footage of the new Fable video game being developed by Playground Games, giving eager fans a glimpse into what the next Fable has to offer.
New Xbox Series X Fable 4 Footage Shows Unreal Engine 5 in Action
The 50-second preview of the new Fable game coming out showcases several gameplay elements that bring the world of Albion to life using Unreal Engine 5. Combat sequences feature a variety that would please fans of Fable: The Lost Chapters, with one-handed sword combat, two-handed hammer strikes, and magical fireball attacks that appear more fluid than anything seen in previous Fable games.
In a sequence that captures the distinctive British humor the Fable Xbox games are known for, the protagonist lays sausages to lure a werewolf-like creature into a trap, leading to what appears to be an intense battle. The footage also displays scenic city exploration, horseback riding through lush fantasy forests rendered in stunning detail, and the return of the beloved chicken-kicking mechanic that fans of Fable on Xbox have cherished since the original game.
While this latest Fable game won't be coming to PlayStation 4 or PS5 (disappointing those looking for games like Fable for PS4), the visual quality displayed in the new Fable video game footage suggests Playground Games is making full use of Xbox Series X hardware capabilities and the power of Unreal Engine 5.
Fable Xbox Review: Quality Takes Priority Over Launch Timeline
Craig Duncan, head of Xbox Game Studios, addressed the Fable new release date during the latest Xbox Podcast, emphasizing Microsoft's commitment to making the new Fable Xbox game meet expectations.
"I want to start by saying we're really excited about the progress on the upcoming Fable game. While we previously announced the new Fable game would release in 2025, we've decided to give it more time, and now the Fable 4 Xbox Series X version is slated for release in 2026," - Duncan stated.
For fans wondering if Fable 4 on PC will release simultaneously, Duncan confirmed that the next Fable would launch on both Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam on the same day, continuing Microsoft's commitment to simultaneous platform releases.
Duncan expressed confidence in the Fable game review scores to come, citing Playground Games' impressive track record with Forza Horizon. "The version of Albion that Playground is creating for the newest Fable game will be the most beautifully realized one we've ever seen," he added. "It's a blend of the iconic British humor and gameplay elements that fans loved in Fable: The Lost Chapters and other series entries, mixed with Playground's signature visual polish we'll bring to Fable 4 for PC and console."
Fable Four: A New Chapter for Xbox's Beloved Fantasy RPG
For many gamers, the Fable games represent more than just another RPG series. Since the original Fable Xbox game debuted in 2004, followed by enhanced re-release Fable: The Lost Chapters, the franchise pioneered player-driven narrative design where choices affected not just the story but also the protagonist's appearance and the world itself.
After the mixed reception of Fable: The Journey and the cancellation of Fable Legends before its release, many feared that the Xbox new Fable ambitions had been permanently shelved, especially following the closure of original developer Lionhead Studios in 2016.
The new Fable coming out marks the first mainline entry in the series since 2010's third installment. While some fans wished for Fable for PlayStation or a Fable Nintendo Switch version, the series remains an Xbox exclusive. Microsoft's decision to entrust the new Fable Xbox Series X flagship to Playground Games – a studio with proven expertise in creating gorgeous, immersive open worlds – has rejuvenated hope among the fanbase.
Fable Game New Technical Ambitions on Xbox Series X and PC
While Fable 4 review anticipation builds, technical details about the next Fable game remain limited. However, the confirmation that Playground Games is utilizing Unreal Engine 5 for the new Fable release date in 2026 suggests a significant visual leap from previous entries.
The original Fable games were often constrained by Xbox and Xbox 360 hardware limitations, with series creator Peter Molyneux famously promising features that couldn't ultimately be delivered. With modern hardware like Xbox Series X and the power of Unreal Engine 5, the new Fable game Xbox Series X version may finally realize the full potential of what Fable was always meant to be.
For PC gamers, the Fable 4 Steam release will likely follow optimization trends seen in other Microsoft first-party titles, with scalable settings to accommodate various hardware configurations beyond what's possible on Fable 4 Xbox consoles.
The New Fable Game: Worth the Extended Wait?
While the Fable new game release date being pushed to 2026 will undoubtedly disappoint eager fans looking for new Fable video game experiences, the gaming community has increasingly embraced the "it's ready when it's ready" philosophy following several troubled launches in recent years.
Given the beloved status of the Fable Xbox review history and the significant expectations surrounding its revival, Microsoft's decision to give Playground Games additional development time for the upcoming Fable game appears to be a prudent one. While no Fable for PlayStation 4 or Fable PS5 version will be available (and no Fable 4 Nintendo Switch port is planned), Xbox and PC players can take comfort knowing the additional development time will likely benefit the final product.
For those eager to return to Albion with the latest Fable game, the newly released gameplay footage of Fable 4 Xbox Series S offers enough magic to make the wait for the new Fable game coming out a little more bearable – even if we'll have to wait until 2026 to kick those chickens ourselves.
Frequently Asked Questions About The New Fable
Q1: Will Fable 4 be on PS4 or PS5? No, Fable 4 is not planned for PlayStation 4 or any PlayStation platform. As an Xbox first-party title developed by Microsoft-owned Playground Games, the new Fable will be exclusive to Xbox Series X|S and PC. Players looking for games like Fable for PS4 might want to explore similar fantasy RPGs available on PlayStation platforms.
Q2: Is Fable coming to Nintendo Switch? There are currently no plans for a Fable 4 Nintendo Switch version. The technical requirements of Unreal Engine 5 and the scope of the game make a Fable 4 Switch port highly unlikely. The new Fable game will only be available on Xbox Series X|S and PC.
Q3: Will Fable 4 be available on Xbox One? Microsoft has not confirmed if Fable 4 will be playable on Xbox One. Unlike some cross-generation titles, Fable 4 on Xbox One might not be possible due to the game's technical requirements and 2026 release timeframe, which is well into the current console generation. The game is being optimized specifically for Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S hardware.
Q4: Can I play the new Fable game on Xbox 360? No, Fable 4 Xbox 360 compatibility is not possible. The technical specifications required for the newest Fable game far exceed what the Xbox 360 console can handle. Players will need an Xbox Series X|S console or a gaming PC to experience Fable Four when it releases.
Q5: Is this officially called "Fable 4" or "Fable IV"? Microsoft is currently referring to the project simply as "Fable" rather than Fable 4 or Fable IV. However, as this is the fourth mainline entry in the series (following the original Fable, Fable II, and Fable III), many fans and media outlets unofficially refer to it as Fable 4 or The Fable 4.
Q6: When is the new Fable 4 release date? The new Fable game release date is now set for 2026, following the recent delay announcement. Microsoft has not provided a specific month or quarter within 2026 for the latest Fable game launch.
Q7: Will the new Fable game be available on Game Pass? Yes, like other Xbox first-party titles, the next Fable game will be available on Xbox Game Pass from day one. Subscribers will be able to play the full Fable Xbox Series X version without additional purchase.
Q8: What happened to Fable Legends? Fable Legends was a multiplayer-focused spin-off that was canceled in 2016 during its beta phase when Microsoft closed Lionhead Studios. The upcoming Fable game represents a fresh start for the franchise rather than a continuation of the Fable Legends concept.
Q9: How will Fable on Xbox Series X compare to previous entries? Based on the pre-alpha footage, the latest Fable game appears to maintain the series' distinctive humor and fantasy setting while significantly upgrading visuals and gameplay mechanics. The Fable game review expectations are high due to Playground Games' technical expertise and Microsoft's investment in the franchise.
Q10: Is there a Fable collection or remasters available while waiting for the new Fable release? While waiting for the next Fable, players can experience Fable Anniversary (a remaster of Fable: The Lost Chapters) via backward compatibility on Xbox consoles or through Fable Steam releases. Fable II and Fable III are also playable on modern Xbox consoles through backward compatibility, though they haven't received dedicated Xbox Series X enhancement patches.
