Guerrilla Games’ co-op action game Horizon Hunters Gathering holds its second closed playtest from May 22-25 on PS5 and PC. Here’s everything new and how to register.
Guerrilla Games is running the second closed playtest for Horizon Hunters Gathering from May 22 to May 25, 2026, on both PS5 and PC via Steam. The test is free to join, features significantly more content than the first small-scale playtest held in late February, and sign-ups are already open through the PlayStation Beta Program. Cross-play between PS5 and PC is fully supported during the test.
What Is Horizon Hunters Gathering?
Horizon Hunters Gathering is a cooperative action game set in the Horizon universe, developed by Guerrilla Games for PS5 and PC. Teams of up to three players choose from a roster of uniquely skilled Hunters and take on deadly machines across challenging, replayable missions. Combat is tactical and skill-based, building on the precision of Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West while introducing roguelite perk systems, randomised power-ups, and team-oriented mechanics.
The game was officially announced on February 4, 2026, and is described as a “tactical co-op action game.” Its structure has drawn frequent comparisons to Monster Hunter, with a social hub, mission-based loop, and class-style character roles. The story is fully canon within the Horizon timeline, set roughly a thousand years in the future in the American West, and Guerrilla has confirmed the narrative will continue beyond launch.
What Is New in the Second Playtest?
The first playtest offered three playable Hunters (Rem, Sun, and Axle) and the Devil’s Thirst environment. The second test expands on this considerably. Here is what is included:
Five Playable Hunters
- Rem: A spear-focused melee fighter who can flex between support and damage dealer roles.
- Sun: A highly mobile Hunter built around ranged combos.
- Axle: An experienced close-range burst damage specialist wielding a jet-powered hammer.
- Ensa (new): A charismatic Oseram smuggler with a mercenary past.
- Shadow (new): A Carja covert operative who commands a fearsome Stalker machine.
The three returning characters have all received improvements based on player feedback from the first test.
New Region: Breakers’ Bounty
In addition to Devil’s Thirst and the Gathering social hub, players can now explore Breakers’ Bounty. This environment combines dense jungles, ruined settlements, and desert edges filled with dangerous machines. The objective in this region centres on saving the Oseram and stopping a machine incursion.
Playable Episode
For the first time in a playtest, a narrative Episode is available. Set in Ashwater Valley, this story mission introduces new mechanics, characters, and mysteries. Episodes are described as central to the game’s full narrative campaign at launch.
New Difficulty Modes
Machine Incursion now features Hard and Merciless difficulty options alongside the standard mode. Cauldron Descent returns with more challenging rooms to explore.
Solo Play With NPC Hunters
Training Modules have been added to improve onboarding. Players who want to go solo during Episode or Machine Incursion modes can now use Hunter NPCs (Rem, Sun, or Axle) as battle assists or automatic team fillers.
How to Sign Up for the Playtest
Registration works through one channel only, regardless of platform: the PlayStation Beta Program. Follow these steps:
- Sign in on PlayStation.com with your PSN account.
- Visit the PlayStation Beta Program registration link and flag your interest in Horizon Hunters Gathering.
- If selected, you will receive an email invite via the Beta Program in the week before the test begins.
- PC players who receive an invite must activate a Steam key: open Steam, click “Add a Game,” select “Activate a Product on Steam,” and enter the provided code.
PC players need a PSN account to register and to enable cross-play and cross-progression. If you do not already have one, you can create a free PSN account on PlayStation.com. Sign-ups are open globally, though the playtest itself will be available in select regions that Sony will confirm closer to the test date.
Does Registration Guarantee Access?
No. Sony selects participants from the PlayStation Beta Program, prioritising those who have noted interest in Horizon Hunters Gathering or similar titles. Invites roll out gradually during the week before the playtest. If you are not selected this time, Guerrilla has confirmed there will be further opportunities to test the game later in 2026.
One notable detail: if you receive an invite, you can bring up to two friends along, effectively filling out a full three-player squad.
NDA and Streaming Rules
The second playtest operates under a strict NDA. Participants may discuss their experience only with other testers in private Discord channels during the test period. Streaming, screenshots, and video capture are not allowed. After the test concludes, limited impressions may be shared, but still without any captured media. Violating the NDA may result in a ban from future playtests.
Progress made during the playtest will not carry over to the final game.
Game Modes Explained
Horizon Hunters Gathering currently features two core mission types, both available in the upcoming test:
- Machine Incursion: A high-intensity wave-based mode where machines pour from underground gateways. Teams collect randomised power-ups before facing a powerful boss machine, with a violent storm closing in to limit preparation time. Now available in three difficulty tiers.
- Cauldron Descent: A longer, multi-stage dungeon trial with branching paths. Players choose between brutal machine encounters and obstacle-laden rooms, with cleared chambers shaping the run and granting power-ups for deeper descent. Teamwork and coordination are essential.
Both modes are designed to be tough, replayable, and built for squads who want to master them over time.
When Does Horizon Hunters Gathering Launch?
Guerrilla Games has not announced a release date or even a launch window for Horizon Hunters Gathering. The game is still in active development, and many systems are evolving based on playtest feedback. The title is confirmed for PS5 and PC (Steam), with PS5 as the exclusive console platform. It should not be confused with Horizon: Steel Frontiers, the separate free-to-play MMO developed by NCSOFT for PC and mobile.
Guerrilla has teased additional gameplay reveals and deeper content dives in the coming weeks, and many observers expect a potential launch date announcement at one of the summer 2026 showcases.
What Players Usually Ask
Is Horizon Hunters Gathering free to play?
No pricing model has been confirmed yet. The playtests are free, but the final game’s business model has not been officially disclosed by Guerrilla or Sony.
How many Hunters will be in the full game?
Guerrilla has confirmed six Hunters at launch, with more to be added over time. Five are playable in this second test.
How many environments will be available at launch?
Four large environments are planned for launch, each with a distinct look, atmosphere, and set of challenges.
Can I play alone?
Yes. The full game will support a solo story campaign with NPC companions. The second playtest introduces solo support through Hunter NPCs in Episode and Machine Incursion modes.
What language is the test in?
The second playtest supports English only. Additional language options will be added in future tests.
If you are looking to top up your PlayStation wallet ahead of the test or for any upcoming PlayStation Store purchases, PlayStation Gift Cards are available on GamerMarkt with fast delivery. PC players preparing their Steam libraries can also find Steam Wallet Codes on GamerMarkt.
