Hi Hunters, we’re excited to be back with a big update on Horizon Hunters Gathering; let’s talk about what we’ve been up to since the first playtest a few months ago, and what you can expect from the next one. If you can’t wait, skip to the next paragraph for all the details on when it’s happening and what you can expect.

At the end of February, we invited a small group of players into the Gathering for the first time. For three days during select play windows, we saw folks get their first taste of Machine Incursion, try to master the playstyles of either Rem, Sun, or Axle (or all three.), and work together through the challenges of Cauldron Descent. We are incredibly grateful to those who took the time to play, gave us invaluable feedback on their experience, or stuck around on our official Discord server.

Since then, we’ve been focusing on a host of improvements based on that first playtest,  as well as getting additional content ready for the next one. A lot of people have also been asking questions about the game, the world of the Gathering, or some of our planned features, so if you haven’t yet: check out our ongoing developer Q&As we’ve been hosting on Discord and socials. We’ve really enjoyed sharing more about our ideas, processes, and development with you.

New playtest in May

Whether you want to return for another round, couldn’t make it into the first playtest, or prefer to experience the game firsthand, we’re happy to share that the next closed playtest will take place between May 22 and 25.*

Just like last time, the game will be playable on both PlayStation 5 and PC (Steam), with registration exclusively through the PlayStation Beta Program for both platforms. (Note: if you’re having trouble with the link, first sign in on PlayStation.com and then try clicking the link again.)

Aside from quite a bit of implemented player feedback (which we will highlight at a later date), there will be a bunch of new content to explore.

• Two new Hunters: Aside from Rem, Sun, and Axle (who have each received improvements.), you can now get to know Ensa; a charismatic Oseram smuggler with a mercenary past. Or the mysterious Shadow, a Carja covert operative who commands a fearsome Stalker machine. We will be sharing a little more about them in the coming weeks.
• A playable Episode: Episodes play a central role in the game’s narrative campaign by introducing new mysteries, characters, and mechanics. Pick your Hunter, ready up, and head into the wilds to save Ashwater Valley from a horde of machines.
• Added difficulty: Two familiar game modes return with higher stakes than ever, as the war against the machines continues to ravage the wilds:
  • Machine Incursion is a high-intensity mission where waves of machines pour out from underground gateways, led by a formidable boss. To make things more interesting and encourage you to return for an even greater challenge, we’ve added two additional difficulty modes: Hard and Merciless. We dare all Hunters to try and beat a Thunderjaw and a Ravager at the same time…
  • Cauldron Descent is a longer, multi-stage trial pushing Hunters to their limits, from brutal machine encounters to hidden doors that promise power and reward for teams prepared to open them. Coordination and teamwork with other Hunters here are key to success, and our second playtest features even more challenging rooms to explore.
• New Region: Travel to Breakers’ Bounty, featuring dense jungles and ravaged ruins bordering a scorching desert home to dangerous machines, in order to save the Oseram and stop the incursion. You’ll also still have access to Devil’s Thirst, and of course the Gathering: the central social space where you can meet other players, build your loadout, and customize your camp.
• Play your way: Training Modules have been added to improve general onboarding for the game and its systems. For players wanting to master the hunt in Solo Mode, Hunter NPCs will be available for this playtest during Episode or Machine Incursion modes. These NPCs (either Rem, Sun, or Axle) offer battle assists where possible or can automatically fill an empty spot on a three-player team.

We want to emphasize again: Horizon Hunters Gathering is a game in development; we choose to playtest early and with small numbers to focus on the core experience and implement player feedback before opening to bigger groups of players. We learn a lot from each playtest and this second one is no different; we appreciate each of you who take the time to leave us your honest thoughts.

There’s much more to explore on your next adventure into the wilds. Over the coming weeks, we will be dropping more playtest information on our Hunters Gathering Discord and social channels, so keep an eye out for news there.

For a chance to play the game between May 22 to 25, sign up via the PlayStation Beta Program. This link will automatically flag you as interested in Horizon Hunters Gathering. We will be sure to let you know when invites for the playtest are being sent.

Thanks for the continued support and all of us at Guerrilla look forward to welcoming you (back) for another hunt!

*Internet connection required for the playtest