Returning enemies
Several enemy types from earlier Fable games are back. They were shown during the Xbox Developer Direct in January 2026.
Hobbes
Small goblin-like creatures. They attack in groups and are not particularly smart. During the Developer Direct demo, a Hobbe accidentally killed its own ally with a stray swing. Playground Games kept the moment in the footage because it fit the game's comedy. Hobbes have appeared in every mainline Fable game. They are weak individually but dangerous in numbers. Style Weaving melee combos work well against them.
Balverines
Fable's version of werewolves. Fast, aggressive, and dangerous. They were one of the most feared enemies in the original trilogy. They require a different approach than Hobbes: raw sword-swinging does not work as well here.
Hollow Men
Also called Hollowfolk. Undead skeletal enemies. They tend to appear in darker parts of the world. Returning from Fable 2 and 3.
Trolls
Large creatures. In earlier games they were massive rock-like beings. Confirmed to return but not shown in detail during the Developer Direct.
Bandits
Human enemies. They show up throughout the world and are usually among the first enemy types you encounter.
New enemies
Cockatrice
A fire-breathing chicken boss. The Cockatrice is a creature from real-world mythology (a two-legged dragon with a rooster's head), and Playground Games' version leans into the absurdity. It is new to the franchise and fits the game's long-running obsession with chickens.
Giant frogs
Mentioned as a new adversary type. No detailed footage shown yet.
Dave
A gardener voiced by Richard Ayoade who accidentally transforms into a giant. He is a boss encounter. You can kill or spare him. See Characters for the full story on Dave and the lasting consequences of that choice.
Combat behavior
Each enemy type has unique behaviors and weak points. Hitting a weak point triggers specific reactions. The Style Weaving system means you can experiment: a Hobbe might fold to a sword combo, a Balverine might need Will magic to slow it down first, and a Troll might need ranged attacks to chip at its armor.
Enemies can hit each other. Friendly fire between enemies creates chaotic moments that Playground Games leans into. These fights happen in Albion's open world with no arena transitions.