Horizon Hunters Gathering Announced: A New 3-Player Co-op Adventure Enters Closed Playtest

For years, the fantasy of the Horizon series has been one of solitary triumph. A lone hunter, armed with a bow and wits, facing down impossible mechanical beasts. Today, Guerrilla Games has fundamentally reimagined that fantasy.

The studio has just announced Horizon Hunters Gathering, a brand-new, fully cooperative action game that shifts the focus from solo survival to tactical teamwork. This move directly answers a fervent, long-standing community request. Players will soon be able to experience this new take firsthand: a closed playtest is scheduled for the end of February 2026. Registration is now open, offering a select group the first chance to step into this ambitious, rogue-lite infused adventure together.

What is Horizon Hunters Gathering?

Horizon Hunters Gathering is not a sequel, but a bold new pillar in the Horizon universe. Developed internally by Guerrilla Games for PlayStation 5 and PC, this title is a dedicated, canon cooperative experience built from the ground up. The core premise is elegantly focused: tactical, three-player co-op centered on the series’ signature activity—hunting machines.

Gone are the days of solely controlling Aloy. Instead, players will choose from a roster of unique Hunters, each bringing specialized skills and weaponry to the fray. The game will support full cross-play between PS5 and PC, ensuring friends can team up regardless of platform. This announcement marks a significant expansion of the Horizon IP, transforming a narrative-driven solo journey into a shared, action-focused playground.

Tactical Co-op & Rogue-Lite Gameplay

This is not simply Horizon Zero Dawn with extra players. Guerrilla is implementing systemic changes to foster true cooperation and replayability. The foundation is the Hunter roster, with characters specializing in distinct combat roles, from up-close melee brawlers to long-range tactical supports. Team composition and communication will be key to overcoming the game’s greatest challenges.

Layering onto this is a rogue-lite perk system. This introduces a compelling meta-progression loop where each hunting expedition, or "run," allows for deep character customization. Players can acquire and combine different perks between missions, enabling vast build variety and encouraging experimentation to find powerful synergies with their teammates’ loadouts.

Between missions, players will regroup at the "Hunters Gathering," a social hub that serves as the game’s central base. Here, teams can strategize, customize their Hunters, and prepare for the next contract, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose that extends beyond the heat of battle.

Revealed Missions & Modes

The initial announcement detailed two core mission types that showcase the game’s range. Machine Incursion is a high-intensity, wave-based survival mode. Teams must hold their ground against escalating waves of machines, culminating in a climactic boss fight that will test every ounce of their coordinated skill.

For a more exploratory, sustained challenge, Cauldron Descent offers a longer, multi-stage trial. Evoking the spirit of classic dungeon delves, this mode features evolving rooms with unique environmental challenges and puzzles, demanding adaptability and teamwork from start to finish.

Crucially, Guerrilla has confirmed that Horizon Hunters Gathering will also include a fully canon narrative campaign with new stories. While details are scarce, this promise ensures the co-op experience will be deeply woven into the lore of the world, offering more than just disconnected skirmishes.

How to Join the February 2026 Playtest

With its compelling mix of tactical co-op and rogue-lite progression, Horizon Hunters Gathering is poised to offer a fresh challenge. For players eager to be the first to test their teamwork, here is how to get in.

A closed playtest is scheduled for the end of February 2026. Interested hunters on both PS5 and PC can register for a chance to participate by signing up through the official PlayStation Beta Program.

Key technical details for the test have been confirmed: cross-play between PS5 and PC will be active, allowing for seamless team formation. Furthermore, cross-progression will be supported via a linked PlayStation account, letting players switch platforms without losing their hard-earned progress or perks.

Developer Vision & Studio Future

In a statement accompanying the reveal, Game Director Arjan Bak framed the project as a foundational shift. "This is a monumental step for Guerrilla," Bak said. "Horizon Hunters Gathering fulfills a vision we’ve long held of bringing the thrill and tension of cooperative machine hunting to our players. We’re building a game where strategy, teamwork, and mastery of your Hunter are the keys to survival."

For fans concerned about the future of the series’ single-player roots, Guerrilla offered clear reassurance. The studio confirmed that developing rich, narrative-driven single-player games remains a core focus alongside this project. Horizon Hunters Gathering is an expansion, not a replacement—a sign of the franchise’s growing breadth and the studio’s ambition to explore its world through new genres and playstyles.

Horizon Hunters Gathering represents an ambitious evolution of the franchise’s core fantasy, transforming the intimate struggle against the machines into a shared, strategic action experience. The February playtest isn't just a preview; it's the first step in transforming Aloy's solitary struggle into a legendary group effort. The hunt is on—and for the first time, you won't have to face it alone.