Horizon Hunters Gathering announces second playtest
Intelligence Summary
- Horizon Hunters Gathering hosts a second playtest from May 22 to 25 with new hunters and game modes. See the details.
Horizon Hunters Gathering announces second playtest
Following the first closed beta test in February this year, Guerrilla Games has announced a second playtest for Horizon Hunters Gathering. The event will take place from May 22 to 25, 2026, and will be available on both PS5 and PC via Steam.
New content and game modes
In this second playtest, players will be able to try out new content and improvements made based on feedback from the first test. Two new hunters, Ensa and Shadow, will be available. Ensa is a charismatic Oseram smuggler with a mercenary past, while Shadow is a Carja covert operative who commands a fearsome Stalker machine.
In addition, two familiar game modes are returning: Machine Incursion and Cauldron Descent. Machine Incursion will feature new difficulty levels called Hard and Merciless. The second playtest will also include an all-new narrative playable episode that will give players a glimpse of Horizon Hunters Gathering's story campaign.
Timeline
2026-05-05 12:28:00: Horizon Hunters Gathering's next test starts soon, here's how to sign up.
2026-05-05 14:43:10: Horizon Hunters Gathering reveals new content and second playtest announcement.
2026-05-05 15:29:40: Horizon Hunters Gathering sets second PS5 and PC playtest for late May with new hunters, narrative episode, and region.
Gameplay and co-op element
Horizon Hunters Gathering is designed as a tactical co-op action game where up to three players can work together to protect the world from deadly machines. The playable characters Rem, Sun, and Axle are returning, while the new area called Breakers' Bounty will also be available. This region features dense jungles and ruined ruins, as well as a scorched desert landscape full of dangerous machines.
The focus on co-op play means new AI companions will be available for players who want to play solo. These NPCs will help fill empty slots in co-op teams, allowing players to focus more on the challenging gameplay.
Future of Horizon Hunters Gathering
Guerrilla Games has said that Horizon Hunters Gathering is still in an early stage of development. However, the team is determined to build the game together with the community, which means frequent updates and playtests will be an integral part of the development process. While no concrete release date for the final game has been announced yet, it is clear that progress through development stages will depend on feedback from participants in these playtests.
Players interested in taking part in this new test can sign up through the PlayStation Beta Program, but it is important to note that not all applicants will gain access.
