Horizon Goes Multiplayer?! What Will Guerrilla Games Reveal Next?!

Guerrilla Games just dropped a bombshell: forget solitary exploration, the Horizon universe is going multiplayer! Their new title, "Horizon Hunters Gathering," promises cooperative machine hunting action for PlayStation 5 and PC. And honestly, the premise sounds pretty darn exciting.

Horizon Goes Multiplayer?! What Will Guerrilla Gam...

Forget Aloy’s lone wolf routine. "Horizon Hunters Gathering" casts up to three players as, well, Hunters, tasked with keeping the American West safe from those pesky (and increasingly lethal) machines. Guerrilla describes the combat as "tactical, reactive, and deeply skill-based," which, let's be honest, is exactly what you'd hope for. But here's the twist: it seems the game's art direction is taking a step away from the realistic visuals of the main series, opting for a more stylized, almost animated feel. Interesting choice, but I'm intrigued to see how it plays out.

At launch, we're getting three distinct Hunters, each rocking unique weapons and playstyles. Think massive rocket-powered hammer versus a more traditional spear and bow. The core Horizon gameplay loop remains – targeting specific machine components for maximum dismantling efficiency. The cool part? Players can combine abilities for coordinated takedowns. It's like a blend of Horizon's strategic combat and Monster Hunter's cooperative spirit, but with a faster, more over-the-top vibe. I can already picture the epic coordinated takedowns we'll be seeing on Twitch.

Hunters can be assigned classes – healer, damage dealer, etc. – further shaping their roles in combat. And here's where things get a little roguelite-ish: you'll be equipping randomly earned perks during gameplay. Finding that perfect perk combination sounds like it'll add a layer of replayability and strategic depth. More than that, there’s a narrative campaign playable solo (with NPCs) or with friends, and it’s all considered canon within the Horizon universe. So, expect new characters, unraveling mysteries, and the promise of ongoing story expansions – new adventures and narrative arcs. I’m relieved it seems the game has depth beyond simply shooting robots with friends.

The game launches with four expansive maps centered around a social hub called Hunters Gathering. Picture this: a place to connect with friends, customize your Hunter, visit shops, and upgrade your gear. It’s your typical online-game social space, but I assume it will be gorgeous as Horizon environments always are.

Beyond the campaign, there are two multiplayer modes: Machine Incursion, a wave-based survival mode with a shrinking arena and a tough boss, and Cauldron Descent, a multi-stage challenge within the series' signature dungeon-like Cauldrons. Expect platforming, puzzles, hidden doors, and, of course, plenty of machine mayhem. Oh, and good news for the cross-platform crowd: "Horizon Hunters Gathering" supports cross-play and cross-progression between PS5 and PC, as long as you're using the same PlayStation account. Smart move, Guerrilla.

Want to get your hands on "Horizon Hunters Gathering" early? A closed playtest is coming at the end of the month on both PS5 and PC. Registration is available via the PlayStation Beta Program. Get signed up if you want to be one of the first to experience this new chapter in the Horizon saga. Now, the big question on everyone's mind: what does this mean for a potential third mainline Horizon title? Guerrilla will be sure to let us know soon enough.