Guerrilla Games has confirmed an extended second playtest for Horizon Hunters Gathering, its forthcoming multiplayer cooperative title set in the Horizon universe. The closed playtest will run from 22 to 25 May, offering players the opportunity to experience two newly unveiled Hunters alongside established fan favourites. The playtest will be accessible via both PlayStation 5 and PC through Steam, with registration exclusively through the PlayStation Beta Program. The studio has integrated substantial feedback from its first playtest in February whilst preparing fresh content, featuring a playable narrative Episode and improved difficulty settings. Players keen to take part can sign up via the official PlayStation Beta Program portal to obtain their place.
Second Playtest Brings Fresh Content and Broader Challenges
Guerrilla Games has significantly expanded the breadth of its second playtest in response to the positive reception of its February outing. The studio has meticulously incorporated player suggestions whilst simultaneously preparing an range of new features designed to deepen the multiplayer gameplay. The May gathering will introduce two entirely new Hunters to the lineup, expanding the gameplay possibilities available to players. Additionally, a fully playable narrative Episode will let participants to discover the narrative campaign firsthand, giving perspective into how Guerrilla plans to integrate narrative elements within the multiplayer framework.
Beyond new characters and narrative content, the second playtest introduces heightened difficulty modes that promise to test even veteran players. The existing game modes have been improved with higher stakes, reflecting the continuous machine conflict that threatens the wilds. Guerrilla’s focus on iterative development is evident in the extensive improvements made since February, with the developer committing to reveal specific enhancements at a future date. This phased approach to playtesting demonstrates the studio’s commitment to building a robust multiplayer experience before the game’s official release.
- Two fresh Hunters: Ensa, an Oseram smuggler, and Shadow, a Carja agent
- Playable narrative Episode presenting fresh gameplay elements and mysteries
- Enhanced difficulty modes with higher stakes for familiar game modes
- Extensive player feedback implemented across every gameplay system
Meet the Newly Recruited Hunters Embarking On the Expedition
Ensa: The Oseram Smuggler
Ensa constitutes a compelling addition to the Horizon Hunters Gathering roster, bringing the cunning and resourcefulness of an veteran Oseram smuggler to the team-based combat. Her mercenary background delivers a unique playstyle that highlights strategic flexibility and unconventional approaches to fighting machines. As a character forged through a background in deception and survival, Ensa’s skills are probably crafted to favour players who prioritise stealth and strategic deception. Her engaging character should introduce innovative character interactions into cooperative gameplay during the campaign.
Guerrilla Games has purposefully concealed particular information about Ensa’s operational features confidential, letting participants experience her capabilities in person during the May gathering. The developer’s decision to showcase an Oseram main character demonstrates the studio’s focus on investigating diverse cultures in the Horizon world. Players acquainted with the franchise will recognise the Oseram as ingenious makers and commerce experts, suggesting Ensa’s toolkit may incorporate innovative gadgetry or unconventional weaponry. Additional details about her capabilities will be shared in the coming weeks.
Shadow: The Carja Agent
Shadow emerges as the shadowy contrast to Ensa’s compelling persona, reflecting the clandestine character of Carja covert operations. This Hunter commands a formidable Stalker beast, making her a dominant threat able to direct machine companions in confrontations. The Stalker’s aggressive traits and sophisticated concealment abilities suggest Shadow excels at intelligence gathering and targeted attacks against robotic foes. Her background as a covert operative points to gameplay mechanics built around data acquisition, tactical positioning, and devastating burst damage potential.
The addition of Shadow brings intrigue to the Hunters Gathering storyline, as her loyalties and intentions are intentionally kept hidden. Guerrilla’s choice to pair her with the Stalker machine showcases thoughtful design philosophy, fostering narrative alignment between character and mechanical elements. Players will undoubtedly be eager to learn about her past and understand how her operative background influences her approach to the machine conflict destroying Ashwater Valley. More information regarding her abilities will be disclosed in upcoming developer communications.
Discovering Breakers’ Bounty and New Gaming Features
The May playtest introduces Breakers’ Bounty, an engaging new gameplay mode that tests Hunters to confront progressively difficult machine encounters with mounting incentives. This mode emphasises strategic planning and resource allocation, asking players to weigh bold manoeuvres with defensive strategy. The introduction of Breakers’ Bounty paired with established favourites showcases Guerrilla’s pledge to offering diverse playstyle options that cater to diverse approaches and challenge levels. Whether players prefer methodical approaches or high-risk strategies, the increased mode options delivers strong incentives to revisit Ashwater Valley.
| Game Mode | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Machine Incursion | High-intensity mission with increased difficulty; requires tactical teamwork and precision against relentless machine waves |
| Breakers’ Bounty | Escalating machine encounters with progressive rewards; emphasises risk-reward decision-making and adaptive strategies |
| Cauldron Descent | Challenge-focused gameplay with enhanced difficulty modifiers; tests Hunter coordination and individual skill mastery |
These enhanced gameplay modes showcase Guerrilla’s incremental refinement strategy to refining the Horizon Hunters Gathering proposition. By adding increased challenge levels and fresh challenge variations, the developer confirms both veteran playtesters and newcomers experience new content that calls for involvement and trial-and-error gameplay. The layered difficulty progression permits players to gain confidence progressively before attempting the most difficult content on offer.
Access Features and Single-Player Enhancements
Guerrilla has prioritised accessibility enhancements in preparation for the May playtest, recognising that Hunters originate from diverse backgrounds with differing needs and preferences. The developer has introduced a variety of customisation options designed to make Horizon Hunters Gathering inclusive for all players, regardless of their experience level or physical capabilities. These improvements go further than traditional difficulty settings, encompassing visual adjustments, audio options, and control remapping features that enable players to tailor their experience to suit their individual requirements. The commitment to inclusive design reflects Guerrilla’s philosophy that cooperative gameplay should stay accessible without compromising the challenge that veteran players desire.
Solo play functionality has attracted significant attention during development, permitting players to explore the narrative campaign and game modes without needing a full squad. This adaptability allows Hunters to move forward through Ashwater Valley at a pace of their choosing, with adjustable AI companion conduct and difficulty scaling that suit single-player scenarios. The improvement proves especially valuable for those with unpredictable schedules or inclinations towards solitary exploration, whilst upholding the cooperative essence that distinguishes the Gathering. Guerrilla’s approach ensures that whether tackling challenges alone or alongside friends, players experience a seamless and rewarding experience throughout their journey.
- Configurable display filters, colour-blind modes, and display sizing controls
- Detailed sound options with subtitle options and directional audio cues
- Flexible control layouts with button remapping and response tuning
How to Sign up for the May Playtest
Aspiring Hunters keen to join the second closed playtest can secure their place through the PlayStation Beta Program, which functions as the exclusive registration gateway for both PlayStation 5 and PC (Steam) participants. The sign-up process is simple, though Guerrilla recommends confirming you’re signed into PlayStation.com before accessing the sign-up link, as this addresses common verification issues. Registrations will stay open until the playtest starts on 22 May, giving interested players a reasonable period to complete their registrations and prepare for the expanded experience ahead.
- Register solely via the PlayStation Beta Program portal for both versions
- Ensure you’re signed into PlayStation.com prior to selecting the registration link
- Playtest runs from 22 to 25 May with select play windows available
- Both PlayStation 5 and PC (Steam) versions available during the testing period