Since its initial PC release in June 2013 I’ve put a solid chunk of time into Neverwinter and the numerous modules that followed. While the game was always destined to see a proper console port, it’s taken nearly two years, but that day has finally arrived. In fact, as I write this, the Neverwinter client is installing on my Xbox One to be ready for the official launch time at 10:01 AM PST tomorrow (March 31, 2015).

The game has naturally grown by leaps and bounds since it first hit PC, adding new classes, races, zones and countless gameplay tweaks and upgrades with each new expansion. Neverwinter will largely be the same game we all know and love on Xbox One, though there are some major differences to be aware of.

Neverwinter Xbox One Client Includes

The Xbox One client won’t be a 1:1 port of the current PC client, instead launching with the base game and the Tyranny of Dragons expansion. This is important to note, because Xbox One won’t be getting immediate access to the numerous modules that came out prior to Tyranny of Dragons. The following expansions and major content updates are slated for future expansion release on Xbox One:

• The Sharandar
• Dread Ring
• Icewind Dale
• PvP Campaigns
• Gauntylgrym (zone)

Dread Ring has always been a personal favorite of mine, so hopefully we won’t have to wait too long for its Xbox One release. The good news is that all seven classes that were present for the Tyranny of Dragons release will be hitting Xbox One:

• Control Wizard
• Devoted Cleric
• Great Weapon Fighter
• Guardian Fighter
• Hunter Ranger
• Scourge Warlock
• Trickster Rogue

This is definitely a good thing, because it means there will be quite a bit more class diversity than the original PC release, and players will be able to get their hands on things like the mighty Scourge Warlock immediately. The most recent class – Oathbound Paladin – will definitely be hitting Xbox One, though not for the initial release.

In terms of playable races, you’ll have the same default starting lineup from the PC client, but will need to purchase access to the Menzoberranzan Renegade, Moon Elf, and Dragonborn races. This is important to note as you’ll also be starting completely fresh on Xbox One, so won’t be porting over your PC characters and account unlocks (such as the race options slated for DLC on Xbox One).

Additional Notes

For those of you who will be playing Neverwinter for the first time with the Xbox One release, the game hits that sweet spot of paring very active combat with plenty of proper RPG depth. Neverwinter doesn’t follow the traditional MMO path of attempting to cram as many players into a seamless world as possible, but instead properly injects modular gameplay befitting its Dungeons & Dragons lineage.

Like the PC version of Neverwinter, the game is completely free to download and play on Xbox One, so there really aren’t any major barriers for entry to be concerned with provided you have the roughly 10.5 gigs of HDD space available.

From the outset, the combat in Neverwinter has been heavily influenced by console action RPGs so should be a much smoother transition than you’d find with most MMOs. However, if you primarily play MMOs on PC there are bound to be some of the common gamepad hindrances of things like wonky camera control to be prepared for. But if aiming with your thumbs is your thing, chances are you’ll feel right at home with Neverwinter’s combat.

We’ll be diving into the Xbox One client once it become available this week, so be sure to check back for our full report.