Guerrilla Games has officially lifted the curtain on its next major project, and it’s a bold new direction for the Horizon universe. Titled Horizon Hunters Gathering, the newly announced game shifts the focus from solo, open-world exploration to tightly coordinated co-op action for up to three players. Set in the same canon timeline as Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West, this spin-off aims to blend the franchise’s signature tactical combat with replayable, team-based challenges designed for both console and PC players.

A Fresh Take on the Horizon Formula

At its core, Horizon Hunters Gathering is built around cooperative play. Instead of controlling Aloy, players choose from a roster of uniquely skilled Hunters, each with their own weapons, abilities, and combat roles. Some Hunters excel at ranged precision, others dominate close-quarters melee, and team composition plays a crucial role in success. The combat system builds on Horizon’s familiar emphasis on targeting weak points and reacting to machine behavior, but now adds the complexity of synergy between teammates.

Guerrilla Games has emphasized that combat will be “tactical, reactive, and deeply skill-based,” encouraging communication and coordination rather than button-mashing. This approach should appeal to longtime Horizon fans while also attracting players who enjoy structured co-op experiences on PS5 with PlayStation Store Gift Cards.

Game Modes Designed for Replayability

To keep the experience fresh, Horizon Hunters Gathering launches with two distinct game modes. The first, Machine Incursion, is a high-intensity mode where waves of machines emerge from underground gateways. Each mission escalates in difficulty and culminates in a boss encounter that tests a team’s ability to manage resources, positioning, and timing under pressure.

The second mode, Cauldron Descent, leans into longer, multi-stage runs with rogue-lite elements. Players will navigate ever-changing rooms filled with deadly machines, environmental hazards, and optional hidden doors that can grant powerful rewards. Choosing whether to take risks for better loot or play it safe becomes a strategic decision, especially as difficulty ramps up the deeper a team goes.

Both modes are designed to be highly replayable, reinforcing Guerrilla’s goal of creating a live experience that evolves over time.

Hunters, Progression, and Story

Progression in Horizon Hunters Gathering goes beyond simple gear upgrades. Each Hunter can be customized through a rogue-lite perk system, allowing players to craft builds that suit their preferred playstyle and complement their team. Between missions, players return to Hunters Gathering, a shared social hub where they can upgrade equipment, visit vendors, and prepare for the next hunt.

Narrative remains a key pillar. Guerrilla has confirmed that the game is fully canon and features an ongoing story that will continue beyond launch. Each Hunter has personal motivations and struggles, offering new perspectives on the Horizon world. While details of the narrative campaign are still under wraps, the promise of new mysteries, characters, and threats should intrigue fans invested in the franchise’s lore.

Platforms, Playtests, and Cross-Progression

Horizon Hunters Gathering will launch simultaneously on PlayStation 5 and PC, with full support for cross-saves and cross-progression. This means players can seamlessly switch between platforms without losing progress, a feature increasingly expected in modern multiplayer titles.

Ahead of release, Guerrilla Games plans to run a closed playtest starting at the end of February, accessible via the PlayStation Beta Program. For players eager to get hands-on early, this will be the first opportunity to experience how Horizon’s combat translates into a co-op format.

Expanding the PS5 Experience

With its emphasis on fast-paced action, dynamic environments, and team-based gameplay, Horizon Hunters Gathering looks well-suited to the PS5’s capabilities. Faster load times, detailed machine designs, and smooth performance should enhance the intensity of each hunt. As with other PlayStation titles, players may choose to expand their digital libraries or pick up cosmetic content using PSN Gift Cards, making it easy to prepare for launch or future updates. Likewise, PSN Gift Cards remain a popular option for players who prefer flexible, prepaid access to new releases and downloadable content.

A Promising New Chapter

Horizon Hunters Gathering represents an ambitious evolution of the Horizon universe. By combining co-op action, replayable modes, rogue-lite progression, and a canon story that continues post-launch, Guerrilla Games is clearly aiming to keep players engaged for the long term. Whether you’re a veteran machine hunter or a newcomer drawn in by cooperative gameplay, this new title has the potential to carve out its own identity while staying true to what makes Horizon special.

As more details emerge and the ctest approaches, Horizon Hunters Gathering is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing PlayStation and PC releases on the horizon.