Guerrilla Unveils Horizon Hunters Gathering Co-Op Action Game

In a bold expansion of the beloved Horizon universe, Guerrilla Games has officially announced Horizon Hunters Gathering, a fresh co-op action title designed to bring multiplayer thrills to the machine-infested world fans know and love. Revealed today via the PlayStation Blog, this upcoming game promises tactical, skill-driven gameplay for up to three players on PS5 and PC. As the studio behind Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West, Guerrilla is leveraging its expertise in crafting immersive open worlds and intense combat to deliver a cooperative experience that's been years in the making.

The Vision Behind Horizon Hunters Gathering

Game Director Arjan Bak shared in the announcement that the seeds of Horizon Hunters Gathering were planted during the early conceptual phases of the Horizon series. Back then, a small team—including Bak himself as Design Director—envisioned players banding together to hunt colossal machines. Drawing inspiration from Guerrilla's multiplayer roots in the Killzone series, the developers aimed to infuse the Horizon franchise with dynamic team-based action. After extensive iteration, playtesting, and feedback loops, the game has evolved into a polished co-op adventure that emphasizes strategy, adaptability, and camaraderie.

What sets this title apart is its deep integration into the Horizon canon. While keeping major story spoilers under wraps, Guerrilla teases a narrative campaign that introduces new mysteries, compelling characters, and escalating threats. These heroic Hunters aren't just blank slates; each comes with personal motivations and struggles, weaving individual arcs into a larger tale of survival against mechanical overlords. The story won't end at launch either—expect ongoing expansions that keep the world alive and evolving.

Core Gameplay: Tactical Co-Op and Hunter Customization

At its heart, Horizon Hunters Gathering is about tactical, reactive combat that builds on the precision bow-shooting and melee combos of previous Horizon games. Players assemble as Hunters, selecting from a roster of unique characters with specialized melee or ranged playstyles. Whether you're a close-quarters brawler dismantling machine limbs or a sniper picking off weak points from afar, the choice shapes your role in the team.

Customization takes it further with a rogue-lite perk system, allowing you to craft builds tailored to your style and squad needs. Experiment with perks that enhance mobility for flankers, boost team synergies for supports, or amplify damage for DPS-focused players. This replayability ensures no two hunts feel the same, as procedural elements and risk-reward decisions keep missions fresh. Between hunts, the vibrant social hub—Hunters Gathering—serves as a bustling base. Here, players can customize gear, visit vendors for upgrades, and forge alliances before diving back into the fray.

Exploring Diverse Environments

The game's world spans a variety of biomes that amplify the co-op experience. From dense, overgrown forests teeming with ambush predators to arid wastelands hiding underground lairs, each location presents unique challenges and opportunities. Teams must adapt to environmental hazards—like corrosive storms or treacherous terrain—while uncovering hidden secrets that reward bold exploration. This variety not only enhances immersion but also encourages strategic planning, making every mission a test of teamwork and ingenuity.

Game Modes: High-Stakes Hunts Await

Guerrilla is spotlighting two core modes at launch: Machine Incursion and Cauldron Descent, both designed for intense, replayable action.

Machine Incursion: Waves of Mechanical Fury

In Machine Incursion, players face relentless waves of machines emerging from subterranean gateways, culminating in a showdown with a massive boss. This high-intensity mode demands quick thinking and coordinated attacks—flank the boss while your teammates handle adds, or use the environment to funnel enemies into kill zones. It's pure adrenaline, perfect for short, explosive sessions that scale with team skill.

Cauldron Descent: Multi-Stage Trials

For those craving deeper challenges, Cauldron Descent offers a multi-stage gauntlet through ever-shifting underground chambers. Brutal encounters mix with puzzle-like elements, such as hidden doors that unlock powerful rewards for teams willing to risk detours. Procedural generation ensures variety, with rooms that could trap you in close-quarters chaos or open arenas for ranged dominance. Success here feels earned, blending combat prowess with clever problem-solving.

Both modes will feature in the upcoming closed playtest, giving early access players a chance to influence development through hands-on feedback.

Playtests, Cross-Play, and Community Engagement

Excitement is building with the first small-scale closed playtest slated for late February 2026 via the PlayStation Beta Program. PS5 and PC users can sign up now, with cross-play and cross-progression supported using a linked PlayStation account. This seamless integration means you can switch platforms without losing progress, broadening accessibility for global squads.

Guerrilla is committed to transparency, promising regular updates and more playtests in the coming months. To foster community, they've launched a dedicated Discord server for Horizon Hunters Gathering, where fans can discuss theories, share builds, and stay tuned for reveals. As the game nears release—though no firm date is set—this Discord will be the hub for all things Hunters.

Why Horizon Hunters Gathering Matters for the Franchise

This announcement marks a pivotal evolution for Guerrilla and the Horizon series. While single-player epics like Zero Dawn and Forbidden West captivated with their narratives and visuals, Hunters Gathering shifts focus to multiplayer, potentially attracting a wider audience hungry for co-op depth in AAA titles. In an era where live-service games dominate, Guerrilla's rogue-lite twist and canon commitment could set a new standard for cooperative storytelling.

Critically, it addresses fan desires for more social elements in Horizon. Early playtests suggest the tactical combat shines in groups, where one player's override can set up another's override chain for devastating combos. If Guerrilla nails the balance between accessibility and challenge, this could be the multiplayer hit that elevates the franchise to new heights.

As we await more details, Horizon Hunters Gathering embodies Guerrilla's passion for innovation. Whether you're a veteran machine slayer or new to the post-apocalyptic wilds, this co-op adventure invites you to gather your hunters and reclaim the horizon—one tactical takedown at a time.

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