Horizon Hunters Gathering offers three-player cooperative hunting for your PS5 and PC.

      Guerrilla is enhancing the Horizon universe with Horizon Hunters Gathering, a new cooperative action game set to launch on PS5 and PC. The game revolves around tactical hunts where a team of three must quickly assess the situation, manage their roles effectively, and survive as machines start to swarm.

      A small closed playtest is slated for the end of February as part of the PlayStation Beta Program, which will be available on both platforms. Upon release, the game will feature cross-play between PS5 and PC, as well as cross-progression for users with the same PlayStation account.

      There is currently no announced release date or price, making the February test the best early opportunity to gauge whether the combat loop has lasting appeal.

      Two modes to explore

      Machine Incursion is the fast-paced mode, designed as a high-intensity mission that involves waves of machines emerging from underground gateways. This mode culminates in a boss fight that challenges teams lacking coordination or those who misuse their cooldowns.

      Cauldron Descent is presented as the longer experience. It takes your squad through several stages with increasingly difficult encounters and optional paths that can yield powerful rewards. However, these side routes come with trade-offs, as they offer more loot but also increased risk, potentially derailing a run.

      Both modes will be available during the closed playtest on PS5 and PC.

      Hunters, perks, and a social hub

      In this game, players will not create custom characters. Instead, they will choose from a selection of Hunters, each designed around a specific melee or ranged combat style and equipped with unique weapons. Players will then focus on Hunter roles and a rogue-lite perk system that allows for different builds with each playthrough. This structure is streamlined for cooperative gameplay, ensuring every player has a defined role.

      Sony

      Guerrilla is also connecting this to a fully canonical story campaign, introducing new threats and mysteries that have yet to be revealed. The studio indicates that the narrative will evolve post-launch, suggesting additional missions and story developments will be added over time.

      Between quests, players will return to Hunters Gathering, a communal hub for customizing their Hunters, visiting vendors, upgrading equipment, and preparing for the next hunt.

      What to anticipate next

      Sign-ups for the closed playtest at the end of February are available through the PlayStation Beta Program, with the test including both PS5 and PC from the outset. If you enjoy repeatable runs with a consistent group, it’s worth attempting to join, as you'll quickly discover whether the three-player structure feels cohesive or limiting.

      Following the initial test, Guerrilla has stated that more playtests and development updates will be forthcoming in the months ahead, with further announcements to be made via its new official Discord.