Guerrilla Games has announced a new game, but it's not a classic single-player adventure. Horizon Hunters Gathering is a cooperative action game for PS5 and PC, designed for three players, focusing on tactical machine hunts, repeatable missions, and clear role assignments. Closed game test According to the developers, it is already planned for the end of February.
The project marks a noticeable shift in direction for the studio, which has primarily been known for story-driven solo experiences. According to Game Director Arjan Bak, however, the co-op idea is not a spontaneous trend, but rather a concept that Guerrilla "since the first Horizon concepts“ has accompanied.
Horizon Hunters Gathering focuses on co-op rather than open world.
In essence, Horizon Hunters Gathering A mission-based co-op game. Up to three players team up as a hunter squad and face off against machines that appear in clearly defined missions. Guerrilla describes it as “tactical, reactive battles“, which strongly emphasize skills, positioning and teamwork.
Two game modes have already been confirmed – both, according to the developers, are part of the closed test. Machine overrun sends teams into wave battles including boss fights, while breeding ground descent It focuses more on longer runs with variable rooms, risks, and optional rewards. That sounds like clear roguelite influences – but it only works if variety and balancing are sustainable in the long run.
Roles, builds, and the roguelite factor
Players choose from various hunters with fixed abilities, weapons, and roles, which can be further customized via a roguelite perk system. Builds are intended to promote synergy, not reward solo players. This seems like a sensible approach, but in practice, fine-tuning is key: too much meta-constraint stifles creativity, too much freedom disrupts team play.
Guerrilla also promises unique backstories for each hunter, as well as a narrative campaign whose details are still under wraps. The story is intended to continue after launch. Whether this will happen through free updates or traditional live services remains to be seen.
Hub, Crossplay – and open questions
Between missions, a hunter settlement serves as a social hub where equipment can be upgraded, traders visited, and groups found. Crossplay between PS5 and PC, as well as cross-platform progression, has been confirmed – a definite plus.
Horizon Hunters Gathering It's a bold but understandable move. The ideas sound well thought out, the co-op focus fits the brand – now the game has to prove itself in everyday use. The beta will show whether Horizon can thrive even without a classic open world.
What do you all mean: Does the Horizon universe even need a co-op game – or is that the next logical step?
“According to Game Director Arjan Bak, the co-op idea is not a spontaneous trend, but a concept that has accompanied Guerrilla “since the first Horizon concepts.”
Whoever believes that…
Horizon blatantly borrowed from Monster Hunter back then. They copied entire attacks, movements, and even some of the monsters' shapes.
Then Sony tends to take legal action against Light of Mortiram because they claim it copies Horizon, their own intellectual property, etc., while ignoring the fact that they themselves quite explicitly and obviously stole from Monster Hunter and blended that with Far Cry.
Now they're bringing out a Fortnite-style service game for multiple players, complete with a co-op mode and little story. Even more in the direction of Monster Hunter... probably with lots of microtransactions, etc.
The trailer immediately shows the hammer with fire on the back again, also stolen from Monster Hunter, and the scene with the guardian being attacked and bombarded with attacks is also taken from Monster Hunter in terms of gameplay (special attack, multiple hits, especially with wilds -> weak point hit).
That's pretty damn cheeky...
Especially given the fact that they have taken on Tencent so extremely
But hey, best time to play ^^
I'm curious how long it will take before the defense force arrives again and verbally lashes out.
Monster Hunter here we go again.
Since I like MH and especially loved Helldivers2 (600 hours) and Nightreign (also 600+ hours), and have completed both Horizon models, I'm very curious and interested (despite justified skepticism 😉).