Horizon Hunters Gathering opens new playtest window with expanded content

Horizon Hunters Gathering, the tactical multiplayer spinoff developed by Guerrilla Games, has announced a new closed playtest window scheduled to commence on May 22 and conclude on May 25. The title, which distinguishes itself from the open-world exploration of the main franchise by focusing on skill-based co-op combat, is available for testing on PS5 and PC via Steam.

Participants can secure their access through the PlayStation Beta Program, which remains open for registration. This latest testing phase follows an initial session conducted in late February, providing the studio with an opportunity to refine mechanics based on community feedback gathered during the earlier period.

The current playtest introduces several significant updates designed to enhance the tactical depth of the experience. Guerrilla has incorporated feedback from the previous round to tweak existing systems and has added two new playable avatars for players to utilise during the trial.

New content for this session includes a multi-stage trial named Cauldron Descent, which challenges players with a series of escalating encounters. Additionally, a brand-new region called Breakers' Bounty has been added to the map, offering fresh environments for the team-based hunting mechanics that define the game.

Game director Arjan Bak has emphasised that the combat design remains tactical, reactive and deeply skill-based, building on the precision of the main Horizon titles while embracing the dynamics of team play. This approach ensures the experience feels distinct from traditional open-world adventures, prioritising reactive gameplay over exploration.

While the playtest offers immediate engagement for fans, it also serves as a precursor to the wider release of the title. Guerrilla has confirmed that a third official entry in the Horizon franchise is in active development, though no official release date has been announced at this time.