On February 5, 2026, Guerrilla Games and PlayStation revealed Horizon Hunters Gathering, a new tactical co-op action game set in the Horizon universe for PS5 and PC. The title features up to three players teaming up against machines in replayable hunts, with a closed playtest planned for late February. It marks a shift toward multiplayer experiences while maintaining the franchise's canonical storytelling.
Guerrilla Games, the studio behind Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West, introduced Horizon Hunters Gathering as its next project in the post-apocalyptic series. Unlike the single-player open-world adventures of previous entries, this spin-off emphasizes cooperative gameplay for up to three players, with solo options supported by NPC bots. Players take on the role of heroic Hunters, each with unique skills, motivations, melee or ranged weapons, and personal struggles, to defend a machine-threatened world.
The game includes tactical, reactive, and skill-based combat across replayable hunts in two main modes. Machine Incursion involves high-intensity waves of machines emerging from underground gateways, culminating in a boss fight. Cauldron Descent offers a longer, multi-stage trial with ever-changing rooms, brutal encounters, hidden doors, and rewards for prepared teams. A rogue-lite perk system allows character customization during hunts, encouraging replayability and team synergy. Between missions, players return to a vibrant social hub to meet up, upgrade gear, customize Hunters, visit shops, and plan outings.
Horizon Hunters Gathering features a narrative campaign introducing new mysteries, characters, and threats, fully canon to the Horizon timeline. The story continues post-launch with updates, aligning with live-service elements. It supports crossplay and cross-progression between PS5 and PC via a PlayStation account.
Guerrilla lead Jan-Bart van Beek stated that while single-player games remain core to the studio, "it was time to try something new." Game director Arjan Bak expressed enthusiasm: "Multiplayer games have always been part of our studio’s DNA... Bringing a co-op hunting experience into the Horizon universe is something we’ve envisioned for a long time, and we’re approaching it with care, ambition, and passion."
A closed playtest is set for the end of February 2026, accessible via the PlayStation Beta Program for PS5 and PC participants. The Horizon franchise has surpassed 40 million copies sold as of last year. No release date has been announced, and the project is still in early development.
