What’s Happening With Rugby League 26 on Xbox?
Upon launch, Rugby League 26 players on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S encountered a game-breaking message:
“A new version of the game is available, please update and restart.”
But no update appeared on the Xbox Store, leaving users stuck on the title screen, unable to play online or offline. This issue persisted for hours after release, with no clear ETA from the publisher or Microsoft.
Players worldwide flooded forums and social media, sharing screenshots and venting their anger, noting that refunds were being processed at retail stores and digitally.
The Main Issues Reported
- Game stuck on a loading or title screen demanding a non-existent update.
- Online play, career, and “Pro Team” modes were inaccessible at launch.
- Frustration compounded by the $99+ price after an eight-year wait for a new rugby league title.
- Reports of bugs, outdated rosters, and gameplay that feels like a reskin of older titles
Why Did This Happen?
The “update required” error was due to the day-one patch not being published on Xbox’s servers, a problem attributed to coordination failures between the developer Big Ant Studios and Microsoft.
PlayStation and Steam launches went more smoothly, further frustrating Xbox users.
Big Ant’s CEO communicated that the update was awaiting approval, but users saw delays similar to past sports game launches.
Can You Play Rugby League 26 on Xbox Right Now?
As of July 17, 2025, the issue has reportedly been resolved for some users. The update eventually rolled out via Xbox Live, but not before massive community backlash and calls for refunds.
Offline “Solution” (now outdated):
Some Redditors found temporary relief by playing in offline mode (no Xbox Live connection), but this only allowed access to basic matches, not online features or careers.
Common Rugby League 26 Xbox Issues at Launch
| Issue Type | Description | Community Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Update Required / Won’t Start | Game stuck at start, demands non-existent update | Unplayable for most users |
| Offline Mode Only | Workaround for single matches, no career or Pro Team | Poor substitute, limited features |
| Refunds Requested | Users returning digital/retail copies | High, negative sentiment |
| Price Complaints | $99 for broken/dated product | Near-universal frustration |
| Social Media Backlash | Outrage, memes, calls for NRL/Big Ant accountability | Trending topics, viral posts |
Users Reaction
Developers Reply
FAQ
Question 1: Why is Rugby League 26 not working on Xbox?
Answer: The main reason is a missing day-one update on Xbox’s servers, which left copies unplayable at launch. The developer stated they were waiting on Microsoft to push the update through.
Question 2: Is there a fix yet for Xbox users?
Answer: Yes, the update has reportedly rolled out after several hours of outage. If problems persist, try restarting your console, checking for system/game updates, or reinstalling.
Question 3: Can I get a refund for Rugby League 26 if it’s unplayable?
Answer: Microsoft and certain stores have processed refunds due to the unprecedented launch issues and negative reviews
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article reflects the situation as of July 17, 2025. The issues discussed were related to the launch of Rugby League 26 on Xbox platforms and may have changed over time. For the most up-to-date information regarding game patches, refunds, and solutions, please refer to official updates from Big Ant Studios and Microsoft.
