Summary
GTA-style cop gameThe Precinctis now available for pre-order, but only for console owners. The PC version ofThe Precinctstill cannot be pre-purchased.
The Precinctis an open-world urban sandbox that kind of looks like aGTAgamestarring a police officer and played from a somewhat isometric perspective reminiscent ofGTA: Chinatown Wars. Developed by British company Fallen Tree Games, it was first revealed in June 2023 and is presently targeting a 2025 release.
Ahead of the game’s market debut, publishers Kwalee and Microids revealed a limited edition ofThe Precinct, which isnow available for pre-ordervia a variety of distributors, including Amazon, GameStop, Walmart, Target, and Best Buy. Aside from a physical copy of the game, this bundle includes a sleeve and a steelbook. A digital version ofThe Precinct’s soundtrack is also part of the package, as is an Averno City map poster with collectible marks. Since this limited edition is a physical release, it’s only available for thePS5 and Xbox Series X/S. This isn’t surprising, given that the vast majority of games have avoided physical PC releases for many a year.
The Precinct Reiterates Console Release Window
What’s a bit more surprising is that the start ofThe Precinct’s pre-orders doesn’t include any of its digital editions, with the game still being unavailable for pre-purchase on the PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, and Steam. Microids and Kwalee’s latest announcement saw the publishers reiterateThe Precinct’s release window as the first half of 2025, but with a catch: this commitment specifically applies to the console-only limited edition. Meanwhile, a recent age rating suggested thatThe Precinctcould skip PC at launch, which is a possibility that this limited edition announcement doesn’t exactly help dispel.
The Precinct Limited Edition Contents
The Precinctwas initially targeting an August launch, which was pushed back to late 2024 in July. Four months later, the game faced another delay, with its release rescheduled for the current H1 2025 target. In spite of these setbacks, fan anticipation for the upcoming title seems high, as underlined by the fact thatThe Precinct’s PC demo was downloaded over 100,000 timeson Steam within days of its October 2024 debut.
Gameplay-wise,The Precinctpromises to deliver a vibrant open world that players can navigate on foot, in a squad car, or by helicopter. A day-night cycle with dynamic weather will also be part of the package, together with a neo-noir story set in a fictional metropolis, which is seemingly inspired by ’80s New York City.
The Precinct
WHERE TO PLAY
You are Officer Nick Cordell Jr. As a rookie beat cop fresh out of the Academy, you’re on the front line of defence for Averno’s citizens. Dive into a world of thrilling car chases, procedurally-generated crimes, and a healthy dose of 1980s noir as you protect the populace and solve the mystery of your father’s murder in the line of duty.A love letter to classic cop movies, The Precinct combines police sim detail with action sandbox spectacle. Patrol the streets and respond to callouts to fight criminals petty and powerful. Choose your own tactics in thrilling chases and shootouts. Feel the shifting power struggles of Averno’s gangs in a living city full of procedurally generated crimes, from parking infractions to bank heists, street racing to drug deals.
