For years, murmurs of a multiplayer experience nestled within the Horizon universe have circulated among fans, energized by the announcement of Horizon Steel Frontiers MMO.
Today marks a pivotal moment: welcome Horizon Hunters Gathering to the PS5 and PC platforms, complete with crossplay. The concept intrigues me; it seems to mirror the exhilarating essence of Monster Hunter while cleverly twisting the formula.
You’ll choose from a roster of uniquely skilled Hunters—each with distinct playstyles and weapons—and team up, either with friends or NPCs, to confront deadly machine adversaries. Combat promises to be tactical and skill-driven, positioning it at the heart of your experience.
The game plays with roguelite mechanics, inviting players to gather abilities and buffs during hunts. Taking down enemies unlocks perks and upgrades, pushing you to discover the ideal combinations of power-ups for vanquishing formidable foes.
Though still in early development, two notable game modes have emerged: Machine Incursion, a high-octane mission where relentless waves of machines surge from subterranean portals, led by a daunting boss; and Cauldron Descent, a multi-stage challenge filled with ever-evolving rooms that will test Hunters to their limits—not just through combat, but also through strategic navigation of hidden pathways.
There’s also a communal hub known as Hunters Gathering—a customizable campsite where you can enhance your gear and connect with other players, whether for gameplay or simply to share a moment. Notably, the narrative thread intertwines with the established Horizon canon, enriching the lore.
I can sense the skepticism surrounding its cartoonish, Fortnite-esque aesthetic; many might immediately dismiss it. Personally, I find a certain charm in it. While my excitement isn’t fully realized yet, this spin-off has piqued my curiosity. Could Sony’s confidence in the Horizon franchise be well-placed, or is there a risk of overestimating its appeal?
A playtest for Horizon Hunters Gathering is around the corner, set for the end of this month on both PS5 and PC. Sign up via the PlayStation Beta Program to join in and leave your mark on its development.