Guerrilla expands the Horizon universe with new co-op experience

The lush, machine-dominated landscapes of the Horizon series are about to become a shared playground. Guerrilla has officially pulled back the curtain on Horizon Hunters Gathering, a fresh tactical co-op action title designed for PlayStation 5 and PC. Moving away from the solitary journey of a lone hunter, this new entry focuses on the power of the pack, inviting up to three players to stand together as humanity’s front line against an ever-evolving mechanical threat.

While Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West built a legacy on sprawling open worlds and isolated exploration, Horizon Hunters Gathering shifts the perspective toward team-based dynamics. The game introduces a diverse roster of Hunters, each possessing unique backstories, personal motivations, and specialized combat roles.Players can choose between agile ranged specialists and heavy-hitting melee warriors, tailoring their approach through a sophisticated rogue-lite perk system. This progression ensures that no two hunts feel identical, allowing teams to experiment with synergies that suit their collective playstyle.

The core gameplay loop revolves around high-stakes, replayable missions that test the tactical limits of the group.Guerrilla highlighted two distinct modes to showcase the game's variety. Machine Incursion offers a relentless, high-intensity challenge where players must repel waves of machines emerging from underground gateways, culminating in a showdown with a massive boss. For those seeking a more methodical trial, Cauldron Descent provides a multi-stage gauntlet. In this mode, teams navigate shifting environments and hidden chambers that reward exploration and careful coordination, pushing the survival instincts of even the most veteran Hunters.

A significant departure for the series is the visual direction. Horizon Hunters Gathering embraces a more stylized,vibrant aesthetic compared to the hyper-realism of the main entries. This change reflects the game’s focus on fast-paced action and distinct character silhouettes, though the world remains unmistakably Horizon. Central to the social experience is a new hub known simply as Hunters Gathering. Here, players can meet, plan their next moves, and celebrate their hard-won victories in a lively communal atmosphere before heading back into the dangerous wilds.

Despite its new format, Guerrilla has confirmed that the game is fully canon within the Horizon timeline. It features a narrative campaign that promises to deepen the lore with new mysteries and threats. The studio emphasized that this is an ongoing adventure, with the story and world expected to evolve well past the initial launch. To ensure a seamless community experience, the title will support full cross-play and cross-progression between PS5 and PC, allowing friends to hunt together regardless of their chosen platform.

As development continues, fans won't have to wait long to get a taste of the action. Guerrilla is opening sign-ups for upcoming playtests via the PlayStation Beta Programme. This early phase will allow the developers to fine-tune the tactical balance and server stability, ensuring that when the gates finally open to the public, the hunt is as polished as it is thrilling. Horizon Hunters Gathering represents a bold step for the franchise, proving that while the world may be dangerous, you don't have to face it alone.