- Horizon Hunters Gathering is a co-op rogue-lite game being developed by Guerrilla Games.
- The game has not set a release date, but will feature a closed playtest towards the end of February.
- Players play as Hunters in teams of 3, embarking on different missions in 2 core game modes.
Guerrilla Games, the developers behind Horizon Zero Dawn, have just announced their next project, titled “Horizon Hunters Gathering.” This new title serves as the Horizon universe’s new venture into co-op gameplay, allowing players to play as a variety of characters in a rogue-lite setting.
After the announcement of the mobile-first Horizon Steel Frontiers, it will be exciting to see what Guerrilla Games is bringing over to consoles and PC. If you’re interested in this new title from the Horizon Forbidden West developers, keep reading as we break down everything we know about Horizon Hunters Gathering so far.
Horizon Hunters Gathering Release Date
As of writing, Guerrilla has not confirmed a specific global launch date for Horizon Hunters Gathering. However, the project is set to move into active testing very soon, with a small-scale closed playtest being scheduled for the end of February 2026.
If you are interested in joining this closed playtest, you can do so through the PlayStation Beta Program. This playtest will help Guerrilla gather player feedback on the game’s core mechanics.
Horizon Hunters Gathering Platforms
Sony has confirmed that Horizon Hunters Gathering will be available on PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam. The developers have also confirmed that Horizon Hunters Gathering will feature full cross-play and cross-progression capabilities. This will allow you and your friends on different platforms to hunt together seamlessly as long as they are logged into their PlayStation account.
Horizon Hunters Gathering Gameplay Details
Horizon Hunters Gathering, despite being a part of the Horizon universe, features a shift towards tactical co-op gameplay, allowing up to three players to play in a squad. You get to choose from a roster of Hunters, and each Hunter comes with their unique melee or ranged playstyles, weapons, and personal stories.
The developers have revealed that players will be able to play with these Hunters during the upcoming playtest:
- Rem
- Sun
- Axle
Additionally, Sony confirmed in their blog post that Horizon Hunters Gathering is completely canon to the stories told in Horizon Zero Dawn and Forbidden West. The developers have promised that the game will feature an evolving narrative campaign, revealing new stories and mysteries for each Hunter.
Core Game Modes
The gameplay in Hunters Gathering will focus on repeatable missions, allowing players to experiment with different weapons, perks, and other gear (something along the lines of Elden Ring Nightreign). The game will feature two distinct modes at launch and during the upcoming playtest:
- Machine Incursion: A high-intensity mode where players need to defend against waves of machine enemies coming out of underground gateways, culminating in a challenging boss fight.
- Cauldron Descent: A take on the classic dungeon-crawling modes, Cauldron Descent will be a multi-stage trial through evolving rooms. The mode will feature brutal battles and hidden doors that could hold powerful tools.
Hunters Gathering: The Social Hub
Between heading on dangerous missions to take down hordes of machines, you can return to a vibrant social hub called the Hunters’ Gathering. This hub will serve as a central team base where you can engage in multiple activities, such as:
- Customizing and upgrading your Hunters.
- Visiting vendors and crafting new gear.
- Assemble your squad for the next mission.
Horizon Hunters Gathering Combat
Hoorizon Hunters Gathering brings a whole new wave of tactical, reactive, and deeply skill-based combat to the Horizon universe. The game’s combat system focuses on team synergy in a rogue-lite perk system. This will allow you to select specific perks and gear to craft your ideal build, depending on the enemies you are about to face.
Players will get to use a variety of weapons, including a heavy warhammer, curved swords, precision bows, and much more. Your focus will be on how your Hunter’s abilities complement your teammates’ to take down powerful machines. Each Hunter will fall into one of these three roles:
- Tanks: These characters will focus on holding the line, using heavy weapons like rocket-powered hammers to draw hordes away from teammates.
- Support: These Hunters will provide utility, using items like healing arrows or buffing potions to keep the squad kicking during intense situations.
- Tacticians/DPS: These Hunters will focus on precision damage and crowd control, using tools like traps to exploit machine weaknesses and put out big damage numbers.
Despite the new announcement, Guerrilla Games has confirmed that the game is still in development, and elements about the game are subject to change throughout the development cycle. However, it is safe to say that players will be waiting to explore the Horizon universe with a brand new perspective when Horizon Hunters Gathering launches.
Are you excited about Horizon Hunters Gathering? What do you wish to see in Guerrilla’s new title? Tell us in the comments below!
Yes, you can play Horizon Hunters Gathering solo by teaming up with two AI-controlled NPC Hunters.
Yes, the game will feature a narrative-driven campaign, including individual stories for Hunters that are fully canon to the Horizon universe.
Aryan Singh
