Fable release window, Game Pass, PS5, gameplay and more

It's been 22 years since Fable first launched on the Xbox, and 16 since we got the most recent game in the series – Fable 3.

But Fable is back, and after years of relative silence, we now are inching closer to its release.

So, with more information than ever available, thanks to the Xbox Developer Direct, when does Fable release? Will it be on Game Pass? What about PS5?

For the answers to all of these questions, and a quick look at Fable's gameplay, read on!

When is the Fable release date?

Although it previously had a 2025 release date, Fable has now been pushed back to autumn 2026 – or fall, for you Americans out there.

This was confirmed in the 22nd January 2026 Xbox Developer Direct, alongside news about fellow Playground Games title Forza Horizon 6.

As for when, exactly, Fable will come out, we don't know yet. What we can guess, however, is that it will likely be in September or October, so as not to clash with November's GTA 6.

Can I pre-order Fable?

You can't pre-order Fable, currently.

It was previously listed at GAME in the UK, but appears to be gone as of writing.

When we near the game's launch, you should be able to pre-order it from stores including GAME.

Time will tell with Fable of course, but it looks as though Xbox is moving away from traditional physical copies, instead releasing more expensive 'Deluxe Editions' as physical only.

Will Fable be on Xbox Game Pass?

Fable will be launching on Xbox Game Pass, but only with selection subscription plans.

For console players, you will need to be subscribed to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate – Standard and Premium won't cut it.

For PC players, things are a bit easier, with the game launching on the far cheaper PC Game Pass plan.

If you're looking to save a few bob on your Game Pass subscription, make sure to check out the best Game Pass deals!

Will Fable be on PS5?

Yes, Fable is launching on PS5 from day one.

While developer Playground Games is an Xbox studio, the game will be coming to PS5 on launch, as well as Xbox consoles.

This represents part of Xbox's recent shift away from console exclusives, and will be the first time a Fable game has launched on a PlayStation console.

Is Fable on Steam?

Yes, Fable will be available to PC players through Steam.

While Xbox would probably prefer that you bought it through the Xbox store, seeing as the vast majority of PC players are on Steam, it would have been silly not to put it there, too.

At the time of writing, it doesn't look like Fable will be on the Epic Games Store, though again, I can't imagine many people were planning on buying it there anyway.

Fable gameplay details

Thanks to January's Xbox Developer Direct, we now know a fair amount about Fable's gameplay.

The game will be fully open world, meaning you can wander around and visit any of the many settlements the game has to offer, and in those settlements, you'll find a huge number of NPCs, too.

All the hallmarks of Fable are back! Marrying NPCs, having kids, buying your own house and being a horrible little landlord – you can do it all!

NPCs are fully voiced and will react to the things that you do (like evicting them, because you're a horrible little landlord).

The game also has a morality system that affects how people view you. If a whole town watches you kick chickens, they are going to remember you as a chicken kicker, so just make sure you do your evil deeds in private.

A big change from the original is the approach to combat. Instead of focusing on one of Strength, Skill or Will (melee, ranged and magic), you can now swap fluidly between the three, providing a much more flexible and varied combat system.

Is there a Fable trailer?

There is a Fable trailer, and, as promised, here it is, complete with Richard Ayoade:

There's also another one with Matt King (Super Hans from Peep Show):

Lastly, we've got a gameplay teaser trailer from January's Developer Direct:

Read more on Xbox:

• The very best Xbox Series X games
• How to charge Xbox Series X controllers
• What is Xbox Game Pass and how much does it cost?
• How to connect any Xbox controller to Xbox Series X/S

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