Reforj has received its biggest visual change so far with Title Update 8, which introduces the game’s new Rixel-based art direction to the Xbox playtest. Microsoft detailed the update in its Xbox Wire announcement on July 31, 2026.
Rixels are the new building blocks behind Reforj’s visuals. Unlike traditional pixel art, which relies on square shapes, Rixels can currently use up to 23 different forms. Each shape can also carry material properties such as metallic levels and roughness.
That change affects more than the game’s appearance. Rixels were created to address some of the problems that came with Reforj’s earlier faceted style, especially around diagonal lines and small details. The new geometric approach is designed to keep those edges crisp while giving environments, characters, mobs, and materials a consistent look.
The new system also uses much less storage. A texture that previously needed a 512×512 image and around 4MB of space can now be represented in roughly 72KB. That works out to a 98.2% reduction, giving the development team more room for new content and material experiments in future builds.
Players can try the update through the Xbox Insider Hub on Xbox Series X|S consoles. The enrollment steps are:
- Sign in on an Xbox Series X|S console and open the Xbox Insider Hub. Install the app from the Store first if needed.
- Open Previews > Reforj.
- Select Join.
- After registration finishes, install Reforj Pre-Alpha from the Store.
A console restart is recommended after enrollment so the latest preview build can arrive. The playtest is limited to Xbox Series X|S consoles.
Players can report bugs, performance problems, and visual issues from the console by holding the Xbox button, choosing Report a problem, selecting Games, and then choosing Reforj Pre-Alpha. The official Xbox Insider feedback instructions provide more information about that process.
The Xbox Insider Hub support page and the Xbox Insider FAQ cover installation and program details for players who need them.
Reforj’s visual makeover is now playable in the Xbox preview, giving the community an early look at how Rixels will guide the game’s art and technical direction. Share your thoughts on the new style in the comments, and follow us on X, Bluesky, YouTube, and Instagram.
