PlayStation and Guerrilla Games have officially pulled the curtain back on Horizon Hunters Gathering, a standalone multiplayer spin-off that takes the franchise in a bold new direction. Announced just days ago, this three-player cooperative action-adventure brings a stylized art direction and rogue-lite mechanics to the beloved post-apocalyptic universe. With a confirmed PC and PS5 release and a closed beta playtest kicking off later this February, fans won't have to wait long to squad up and take down massive machines together.
A New Era of Machine Hunting
Breaking away from the hyper-realistic visuals of Horizon Forbidden West, Horizon Hunters Gathering introduces a vibrant, slightly more cartoony aesthetic that complements its arcade-style gameplay. Guerrilla Games describes the title as a tactical, squad-based experience where coordination is key. Unlike Aloy's solitary journeys, this game is built entirely around team synergy.
Players will choose from a diverse roster of unique Hunters, each filling specific class roles such as tank, sniper, or stealth specialist. The gameplay loop draws clear inspiration from the Monster Hunter genre, focusing on replayable, high-stakes missions where preparation and loadout customization are just as critical as your aim in the heat of battle.
Gameplay Modes and Rogue-Lite Mechanics
The reveal highlighted two primary game modes that will be available during the upcoming Horizon Hunters Gathering playtest. These modes offer distinct challenges for veteran machine hunters and newcomers alike:
Machine Incursion
This wave-based survival mode pits your squad against escalating swarms of machines pouring out from underground gateways. It's a test of endurance and crowd control, culminating in a climactic boss fight that demands perfect team coordination to survive.
Cauldron Descent
For players seeking a more dungeon-crawler experience, Cauldron Descent offers a multi-stage trial. Teams must navigate through shifting, procedurally generated rooms filled with brutal encounters and environmental puzzles. This mode leans heavily into the game's rogue-lite elements, offering temporary perks and upgrades that reshape your build for that specific run.
Canon Storyline and Familiar Faces
Despite the stylized look, Guerrilla has confirmed that the narrative is fully canon within the Horizon timeline. Set after the events of Forbidden West, the story sees Aloy taking a backseat role. Instead, fan-favorite character Erend takes center stage, tasked with recruiting elite machine hunters to combat a rising threat of increasingly aggressive machines.
This narrative approach allows the studio to expand the world-building without interfering with Aloy's core journey. The game features a dedicated social hub called the "Hunters Gathering," where players can interact, upgrade gear, and customize their characters between missions, fostering a sense of community central to the Horizon multiplayer game experience.
How to Join the Horizon Hunters Gathering Playtest
The most exciting news for fans is that you can play the game as early as this month. Sony has announced a "small-scale closed playtest" scheduled for the end of February 2026. Access will be granted to select players on both PlayStation 5 and PC, featuring full cross-play and cross-progression support from day one.
To register, players need to sign up via the official PlayStation Beta Program website. While entry isn't guaranteed, this early testing phase is crucial for Guerrilla to refine the game's balance and network stability before a wider release. With the PS5 games 2026 calendar heating up, this beta offers a first glimpse at one of Sony's most significant live-service distinctives.
Analysis: A Strategic Pivot for Guerrilla Games
This announcement confirms the long-standing rumors of a Horizon Online reveal. By opting for a stylized art direction, Guerrilla ensures the game remains visually distinct from the mainline series while potentially allowing for better performance in chaotic multiplayer scenarios. The inclusion of rogue-lite elements suggests a focus on replayability, a necessary component for any successful modern live-service title.
For fans waiting on the next mainline installment, co-op machine hunting offers a fresh way to engage with the universe. It bridges the gap between major releases and fulfills the community's longtime request to hunt Thunderjaws and Slaughterspines alongside friends.
