Stage Tour: Everything We Know

Time for a refresher on the five-fret guitar. A new Guitar Hero successor is on the way, called Stage Tour. With Guitar Hero’s first launch in 2005 and the last Guitar Hero Live release date in 2015, we’re looking at potentially major changes in the rhythm gaming genre. Even when the studio devs are the same, the tech has changed and evolved so much, the possibilities seem practically endless. But let’s get down to the facts of what’s to come. Here’s everything we know about Stage Tour thus far.  

What is Stage Tour?

Stage Tour is an upcoming rhythm game by Guitar Hero devs at Red Octane Games. Its playthrough will include action gameplay elements, which will incorporate familiar note-highway mechanics, but also new, innovative twists –definitely exciting. 

Slinging your plastic instrument around your shoulder and keeping up with the beat of the music of fast-paced rhythm gaming has faded over the years in favor of VR gaming. But now, we might be looking at a potential return to form of the original Guitar Hero control system that popularized the genre.

At present, we’re getting teasers about new features and modes. The new game is primed to feature diverse bandmates and instruments. Ready yourself for some friendly competition with deep mechanics. And seasonal events that will add fresh content every so often. 

Story

“Dozens of bandmates,” says Stage Tour’s Steam description of what’s to come. And different instruments you can experiment with and find your perfect fit. Meanwhile, you’ll have seasonal events and live events keeping you busy. 

More specifics about the story include a sort of career mode that focuses on building your band. You’ll be aiming for the highest scores that enable you to unlock unique bandmates. Each bandmate will have a unique look, personality, and most importantly, stage presence. And the goal here is to choose your best fit from the roster, combining the styles and variations that make the perfect band. 

It’ll be interesting to see how this system goes, how you’re able to synchronize your selections when building your band, for instance, matching personalities and all. Anyway, you at least need a lead, groove, drums, and vocals. 

Gameplay

Customization is included in Stage Tour, allowing you to choose from official Gibson guitar and bass designs. As for your band, they will get better the more you play. Their skills will evolve alongside yours. You’ll be free, though, to mix and match different bandmates to create the perfect band that you feel best expresses your taste. 

There’s solo play, but also teaming up with a maximum of four players. From here, it’s completing as many challenges as you can, leveling up your skills based on the notes you’re able to master. You’ll climb the ranks, receiving rewards for your efforts, as well as exclusive content and bragging rights. 

Development

RedOctane is the studio and publisher behind Stage Tour, with previous experience working on Guitar Hero. They are focused on building a community-driven game, incorporating your feedback. While the release date has been slated for some time this year, you can still give feedback and hopefully influence Stage Tour’s future, especially considering that the devs intend for the game to be an evolving one rather than releasing sequels. Look out for upcoming closed alpha testing in the spring or early summer, and closed beta, which will be communicated via email to signees. This is where you’ll get information on behind-the-scenes content, playtest opportunities, and potentially get access to exclusive reveals.

The partnership with Gibson is also exciting for the authentic guitars and instruments the game will likely feature. Partnerships with Eidos Montreal (Deus Ex and Guardians of the Galaxy) and Third Kind Games (DJ Hero and GHLive) are also promising. I’m curious, though, about the licensing RedOctane will be able to acquire for the songs featured in the game. Hopefully, the red tape caves to the demand.

Trailer

Although Stage Tour has a teaser out now, it’s only the beginning of more reveals to come. The video reveals very little, beyond a five-fret guitar controller. Spot some of the eccentric bandmates you’ll be controlling, and the note highway you’ll be keeping up with, and hopefully not cursing. It’s unclear whether you’ll have to buy a dedicated guitar controller, as the devs suggest that the instruments will have control pads you can use a keyboard and mouse to drive inputs. 

It’s confusing since the devs have confirmed a drum controller to be made available before launch. More details are to come about the features and timing over the coming months. Microphones as well, both wired and wireless options. And these will all likely be Stage Tour-confined. 

Release Date, Platforms, & Editions

It won’t be too long, hopefully. Sometime in 2026, when Stage Tour is planned to launch. RedOctane intends to keep you busy in the meantime, with “detailed future reveals and deeper breakdowns,” in the coming months. The game will release on PC platforms and consoles, with the Steam page already up. And the devs are encouraging you to add the game to your wishlist to receive notifications of future announcements. Alternatively, you can sign up for updates on their website or follow their socials. 

Also, the devs say there’ll absolutely be a Guitar bundle, likely a “digital download paired with the guitar rather than a physical disc.” The game will likely be a digital download overall, but there might be a physical copy. Perhaps a special collector’s edition. There’s plenty still being ironed out over at RedOctane, with more details to come in the summer, ahead of the Fall 2026 launch. 

Have concerns about pricing? Controller use case, designs, and features? From RedOctane themselves: “We will listen. We will adjust, and together, we can put this genre back where it belongs, in the spotlight.” It’s about community and helping to polish up Stage Tour together with the devs, even after launch, providing input for the tunes, special events, themes, and general updates you’d like to see implemented.