At long last, The Precinct has a confirmed release date—and even better, it’s getting a physical edition in Europe. Originally postponed to 2024, Fallen Tree Games has now locked in a May launch for its unique police-focused open-world title.

Open-world games modeled after the Grand Theft Auto formula are a dime a dozen. They typically revolve around criminal underworlds, gang conflicts, and high-speed chases. However, few titles opt to flip the script and let players experience the world from the perspective of law enforcement. That’s exactly what Fallen Tree Games set out to do with The Precinct—an overhead-view sandbox where players step into the shoes of a cop rather than a criminal. Patrol the streets, issue citations, chase down suspects, or book an arrest—all in a city brimming with tension and style. Best of all, we finally know when it’s coming.

Initially expected to arrive in 2024, The Precinct saw its launch postponed due to the scope of the project and the size of the development team. As an ambitious indie effort, trying to release before the end of the year proved unrealistic. Months passed without updates—until now. Fallen Tree Games has officially announced that the game will launch on May 13, 2024, for PC (via Steam and Epic Games Store), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

Patrolling the Crime-Infested Streets of 1980s Avernus

Players take on the role of Nick Cordell Jr., a rookie cop in a gritty 1980s metropolis called Avernus. The city is plagued by crime, decay, and violent turf wars. As an officer, your job is to respond to a wide variety of incidents—ranging from minor parking violations to full-blown bank heists. But that’s only half the challenge; internal corruption within the Avernus Police Department is just as threatening as the criminals roaming the streets.

Avernus itself plays a starring role. Inspired by 1980s Chicago, the city features a living, breathing world with a full day-night cycle. Darkness brings more than just atmosphere—it changes the behavior of its citizens. Robberies and assaults become more frequent after nightfall, enhancing the immersion. The visual style leans heavily into a neon-soaked noir aesthetic, with wet pavement, rain-drenched alleyways, and moody lighting capturing the essence of crime thrillers.

Chases, Tactics, and Cop Drama—With a Physical Bonus

Among The Precinct’s standout mechanics is its dynamic pursuit system. Whether you’re tailing suspects on foot, in a squad car, or even via helicopter, high-speed chases across the city are core to the experience. There’s also a layered support system: players can call in backup, request roadblocks, and deploy spike strips to halt fleeing criminals. It adds tactical depth to an otherwise fast-paced crime-fighting adventure.

For collectors and fans of boxed games, there’s more good news. Publisher Kwalee, in partnership with Microids, has confirmed that The Precinct will receive a physical release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Alongside the standard edition, a limited edition will be available, which includes the full game, a Steelbook case, a digital soundtrack, and a detailed map of Avernus.

Source: 3djuegos