PlayStation Reveals New Look At Next Horizon Game, Free Hands-On Coming

Later this month, PlayStation 5 users will be able to once again step inside the beloved world of Horizon.

That’s because the franchise’s next entry, Horizon Hunters Gathering, is holding a free playtest that anyone can get involved with, as long as you follow one simple step.

Fair to say, it’s a shame that Guerrilla Games isn’t working on Aloy’s third, and likely final, mainline outing, but Horizon Hunters Gathering doesn’t look like a bad alternative.

Developers have controversially decided to take a break from those beloved mainline games in favour of creating a co-op live-service title.

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Coming to PlayStation 5 and PC, it isn’t to be confused with Horizon: Steel Frontiers, the upcoming free-to-play MMO from NCSOFT that’s launching on PC and mobile.

Horizon Hunters Gathering will be a canon instalment and is referred to as a “tactical co-op action game”.

Player teams of heroic hunters will set out to put a stop to an array of deadly machines across multiple game modes including Machine Incursion and Cauldron Descent.

If you’re eager to test Horizon Hunters Gathering’s roguelike structure out for yourself, the next playtest has been confirmed to be held from 22 to 25 May.

How To Get Involved In Horizon Hunters Gathering’s Playtest

It’s very simple to sign up to the Horizon Hunters Gathering playtest if you have a PS5.

You simply need to register for the PlayStation Beta Program.

Once you’ve done so, you’ll be able to register your interest in Horizon Hunters Gathering and if successful, you’ll be contacted with information about the playtest.

If you want to get involved on Steam, you can still join the playtest but you’ll also need to use the PlayStation Beta Program system to register.

It’s the second playtest the game has held so there’s some new content this time around.

There are two new hunters, Ensa and Shadow. Ensa is “an Oseram smuggler with a mercenary edge” while Shadow is “a Carja operative who commands a deadly Stalker machine”.

Rem, Sun, and Axle return from the previous test albeit having undergone some improvements.

There’s a new playable story episode set within the Ashwater Valley.

“Push back against the growing machine threat; these narrative missions introduce new mechanics, characters, and mysteries,” devs tease.

Hard and Merciless difficulty options have been added to Machine Incursion while Cauldron descent is now available.

Alongside the previously available Devil’s Thirst and The Gathering, players will also be able to explore new region Breakers’ Bounty this time around.

“Explore a new environment combining dense jungle, ruined settlements, and desert edges filled with dangerous machines,” the description reads.

Guerrilla has teased additional gameplay reveals and deep dives in the week’s ahead. I personally wouldn’t be surprised if a launch date was confirmed at one of this summer’s showcases.

For now, register your interest to get involved in this free pre-launch sample.

READ MORE: Horizon 3 Quietly Confirmed, Aloy’s Finale Is on the Way