What if hunting machines was finally a team effort? Guerrilla Games announced on February 5, 2026, that they are developing an entirely new game set in the Horizon universe, titled Horizon Hunters Gathering. The game is set to release on PC and PS5, though a release date has yet to be revealed. Published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, Horizon Hunters Gathering marks a bold new chapter for the franchise. This time, it’s not about exploring a vast open world solo, but about teaming up to take down lethal machines. Three players step into the shoes of distinct Hunters, combining their skills to defend a world still as perilous as ever.
On the gameplay side, the video game focuses on tactical battles where teamwork makes all the difference. Each Hunter has unique skills, weapons, and combat styles—be it melee or ranged. The experience is divided into two main modes: Machine Incursion, an intense mission filled with waves of enemies culminating in a boss fight, and Cauldron Descent, a longer, multi-phase adventure with evolving rooms and high-stakes choices that can yield powerful rewards. The game also features a perk system inspired by rogue-lite design, allowing players to tailor their build to their team’s strengths and encouraging multiple playthroughs.
The adventure fits seamlessly into the official Horizon timeline. Each Hunter has their own story, motivations, and secrets, all woven into a narrative campaign that remains largely under wraps. Guerrilla confirms, however, that the game is fully canonical and that its story is designed to evolve after launch. The studio summarizes the project's origin as follows: "From the earliest sketches shaping the world of Horizon, we were already dreaming of hunting machines together." This vision is reflected in a collaborative exploration of new environments, each offering its own unique challenges and atmospheres.
If you’re a fan of cooperative action games that rely on communication and are designed to be replayed, Horizon Hunters Gathering is sure to catch your attention. The game is tailored for multiplayer enthusiasts, those who enjoy honing their strategies and experimenting with different team setups. The social hub, Hunters Gathering, bolsters this multiplayer aspect by serving as a central gathering point to plan missions, upgrade gear, and customize your Hunter.
However, players who favor a storytelling-driven solo experience similar to Horizon Zero Dawn or Forbidden West might find themselves a bit lost. Here, open-world exploration takes a backseat to structured missions and gameplay that's primarily focused on teamwork. Without a team or a preference for multiplayer, this experience could lose some of its appeal.
Note that Horizon Hunters Gathering will feature cross-progression, allowing players to transfer their progress seamlessly from the PS5 to PC via a PlayStation account. A closed beta test is scheduled for the end of February, accessible through the PlayStation Beta Program. Guerrilla plans to use player feedback to fine-tune the game. The studio itself admits that the project is still in development, but it aims for a long-term vision. It represents a new approach to Horizon, one that's more collaborative, faster-paced, and clearly focused on team play.
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