Guerrilla Games Unveils Horizon Hunters Gathering: A New Era of Cooperative Combat
After years of quiet development and mounting speculation, Guerrilla Games has officially pulled back the curtain on its ambitious multiplayer expansion of the Horizon universe. Titled Horizon Hunters Gathering, this cooperative action experience is destined for the PlayStation 5 and PC, offering a fresh perspective on the vibrant world first established in Zero Dawn and Forbidden West.
Set within the untamed reaches of the American West, Horizon Hunters Gathering challenges teams of up to three players to assume the roles of Hunters tasked with protecting humanity from lethal mechanical behemoths. Guerrilla describes the core gameplay as tactical, reactive, and heavily reliant on player skill. Notably, the game departs from the hyper-realistic visuals of the mainline series in favor of a striking, stylized aesthetic that evokes the look of a high-end animated feature.
At launch, players can choose from a roster of three distinct Hunters, each boasting unique weaponry and combat philosophies. One specializes in the raw power of a rocket-propelled hammer, another utilizes the precision of a spear for close-quarters dismantling, while the third masters the series’ iconic bow. While the fast-paced, over-the-top action feels like a departure from the traditional Horizon rhythm, the fundamental mechanic of targeting specific machine components remains central to the experience.
The game introduces a robust class system, allowing Hunters to specialize as healers, damage dealers, or tanks. This depth is further enhanced by a roguelite-inspired build system, where players earn randomized perks throughout a session. Success depends on finding the perfect synergy of upgrades to survive increasingly difficult encounters.
A Canon Narrative and Expanded World
For those who value storytelling, Horizon Hunters Gathering includes a full narrative campaign that is officially canon to the series lore. This mode can be tackled solo with AI companions or alongside friends. Guerrilla intends to expand this narrative over time, introducing new characters, mysteries, and adventures through post-launch updates.
The game features four sprawling maps at launch, all connected to a central social hub appropriately named “Hunters Gathering.” This community space serves as the heart of the experience, where players can customize their appearance, upgrade their equipment, and form parties before heading out on their next hunt.
In addition to the main story, two distinct multiplayer modes provide varied challenges:
- Machine Incursion: A survival-focused mode where players fend off waves of machines and a powerful boss while navigating a shrinking play area.
- Cauldron Descent: A multi-stage dungeon crawl through the series’ mysterious subterranean facilities, blending intense combat with intricate platforming and hidden secrets.
Connectivity and the Future of the Franchise
Guerrilla has confirmed that Horizon Hunters Gathering will support full cross-play and cross-progression between PlayStation 5 and PC, provided players use a unified PlayStation account. Eager fans can get a head start by signing up for a closed playtest scheduled for the end of this month via the PlayStation Beta Program.
Addressing potential concerns about the studio’s direction, Studio Director Jan-Bart Van Beek clarified that this multiplayer venture does not replace their commitment to single-player epics. “We absolutely love making single-player games, and we’re going to keep making them,” Van Beek stated. “But alongside that, we have this long-standing dream to explore the world of Horizon together as a team.”
This project is separate from Horizon Steel Frontiers, the MMORPG currently in development at NCSoft. With Hunters Gathering, Guerrilla is looking to prove that its machine-hunting loop can thrive in a social, cooperative environment. If it manages to capture the same magic that made titles like Monster Hunter or last year’s Elden Ring: Nightreign so successful, fans are in for a treat.
