The Horizon franchise is getting a little confusing, and it’s starting to feel crowded. Last November, Korean developer NCSoft announced Horizon Steel Frontiers, an MMORPG heading to mobile and PC, but not to PlayStation. That game is entirely different from what Guerrilla Games announced today, Horizon Hunters Gathering. Now, Guerrilla Games is the developer behind the mainline Horizon titles, so Horizon Hunters Gathering isn’t coming from a third-party team. It is, however, a multiplayer spinoff that reminds me of Elden Ring Nightreign.
Horizon Hunters Gathering is a co-op game in development for PlayStation 5 and PC. In it, up to three players take on the roles of different Hunters to take down some of the Horizon franchise’s most iconic machines. For the initial announcement, Guerrilla Games shared two modes: Machine Incursion and Cauldron Descent. Machine Incursion features waves of machines pouring out of underground gateways, led by a boss, while Cauldron Descent is a longer, multi-stage trial with ever-changing rooms. Players will be able to try both modes in an upcoming closed playtest through the PlayStation Beta Program on PlayStation 5 and PC.
Similar to Elden Ring Nightreign, each Hunter in Horizon Hunters Gathering has unique skills and distinct melee or ranged playstyles. There’s also a roguelite perk system, so players can build and customize their Hunters each run. The game will feature a narrative campaign to explore the stories of each Hunter, but for now, Guerrilla Games is keeping that under wraps. To be clear, though, this game is canon to the story and might tie into the third mainline entry, whenever that comes.
Horizon Hunters Gathering will also feature a customizable social hub, where players connect, prepare, and celebrate victories together. This is where players will customize their Hunters, visit vendors, upgrade gear, and team up for their next mission.
The first closed playtest will arrive at the end of February, and players can sign up through the PlayStation Beta Program. The game will support cross-play between PlayStation 5 and PC, as well as cross-progression so long as you’re logged into the same PlayStation account. There’s also a Horizon Hunters Gathering Discord so you can stay up-to-date with news on the upcoming title.
