JOIN THE NEXT HORIZON HUNTERS GATHERING PLAYTEST – RALLY FOR THE HUNT

Hunters, we’re gearing up for the next Horizon Hunters Gathering playtest, and this one brings new content, major improvements, and more ways to team up and take on machines.

Following our first closed playtest earlier this year, we’ve been refining the experience based directly on your feedback - while expanding the world, adding new challenges, and introducing more ways to play.

Whether you’re returning or jumping in for the first time, this is your chance to experience the hunt on PC.

PLAYTEST DETAILS

The next closed playtest runs from May 22–25, 2026

• Available on PC (Steam) and PlayStation 5

• Registration via the PlayStation Beta Program

• Bring 2 of your friends along with Friend Invite codes

Spots are limited so sign up for a chance to join the hunt!

PC FEATURES

Play Horizon Hunters Gathering the way you want:

• Up to 4K resolution support

• Unlocked framerate for smooth gameplay beyond 60 FPS

• Upscaling support with DLSS, FSR, and PICO for high performance on demanding settings

• Controller & mouse + keyboard support

WHAT’S NEW IN THIS PLAYTEST

NEW HUNTERS

Two new Hunters enter the Gathering:

• Ensa: an Oseram smuggler with a mercenary edge

• Shadow:  a Carja operative who commands a deadly Stalker machine

They join Rem, Sun, and Axle, all of whom have received gameplay improvements since the last test.

A PLAYABLE STORY EPISODE

Jump into a new Episode set in Ashwater Valley and push back against the growing machine threat; these narrative missions introduce new mechanics, characters, and mysteries.

CO-OP CHALLENGES, TURNED UP

Machine Incursion

Fight through waves of machines culminating in a boss encounter. Now featuring Hard and Merciless difficulty modes for players looking to push their builds and their teamwork to the limit.

Cauldron Descent

A multi-stage co-op gauntlet filled with brutal machine encounters and hidden rewards. Success depends on coordination, teamwork, and smart loadouts.

NEW REGION: BREAKERS’ BOUNTY

Explore a new environment combining dense jungle, ruined settlements, and desert edges filled with dangerous machines.

You’ll also return to Devil’s Thirst and the Gathering, your social hub to customize loadouts, meet other players, and prepare for the next hunt.

SQUAD UP OR GO SOLO

• Team up in 3-player co-op for maximum efficiency against the chaos!

• Or play solo with Hunter NPCs (either Sun, Rem, or Axle) who support you in combat*

  • *During Episodes or Machine Incursions only.

YOUR FEEDBACK MATTERS

HUG is still in development, and every playtest helps shape the game. The changes you’ll see in this build are directly influenced by community feedback from our first test, and we’re just getting started!

SIGN UP TO PLAY

Ready to rally for the hunt?

Join via the PlayStation Beta Program for a chance to play during the May 22–25 playtest on PC (or PS5).

We’ll notify selected players ahead of the test, so keep an eye on your inbox.

There’s more to come in the weeks ahead, including gameplay reveals and deeper dives into the new Hunters.

Until then, see you in the wilds.