Guerrilla unveils Horizon Hunters Gathering co-op spin-off for PS5 and PC
Guerrilla announces Horizon Hunters Gathering, a three-player co-op spin-off set in the Horizon universe for PS5 and PC.
Sony and Guerrilla Games have announced Horizon Hunters Gathering, a new co-operative action title set in the Horizon universe. The spin-off is designed for PlayStation 5 and PC and allows up to three players to team up to hunt machines and explore a familiar post-apocalyptic world.
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The studio describes the project as a new chapter for the franchise that builds on the combat systems and worldbuilding seen in Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West. While the core Horizon series has focused on single-player storytelling, this new entry shifts the emphasis towards shared gameplay and team-based tactics.
Game director Arjan Bak said the idea of co-operative hunting has existed since the earliest concepts for the franchise. “With the very first ideas that shaped the world of Horizon, we dreamed of players hunting machines together,” Bak said. He explained that the concept developed over time alongside Guerrilla’s experience with multiplayer projects and the growth of the Horizon brand.
Tactical co-operative gameplay and evolving modes
Horizon Hunters Gathering is positioned as a tactical action game that requires players to coordinate their skills and respond dynamically to threats. Bak described the combat as “tactical, reactive, and deeply skill-based” and said it combines the precision of Horizon’s combat with team-based mechanics.
The studio showcased a colourful new world inspired by the main series, alongside a roster of Hunters that players can control. Each Hunter is designed with distinct melee or ranged weapons and abilities, encouraging varied team compositions and strategies. Some roles will feature a rogue-lite perk system that lets players customise their playstyles and experiment with different builds.
Guerrilla revealed two core modes during the announcement. Machine Incursion is a mission-based mode where players fight waves of machines culminating in a boss encounter. Cauldron Descent is presented as a longer, multi-stage challenge with shifting rooms, environmental hazards and secret paths that reward exploration and risk-taking.
Both modes will be available during an upcoming playtest through the PlayStation Beta Program on PS5 and PC. The studio has not confirmed a release date, but it indicated that development is progressing and that player feedback will continue to shape the game.
Bak reflected on the development process and early testing, saying, “Throughout its development, we’ve done extensive testing, patching, and feedback iteration. One of my favourite moments was our first in-studio playtest with the entire team: a special milestone where the vision and hard work from every discipline finally came together in a playable form.”
Narrative ambitions and character-driven storytelling
Although Horizon Hunters Gathering focuses on co-operative gameplay, Guerrilla has confirmed that it will include a narrative campaign. The studio has not yet shared details about the story, but it said the Hunters will have their own motivations and personal struggles that unfold through new storylines in the Horizon world.
Players will be able to return to a social hub known as the Hunters’ Gathering between missions. This hub will allow them to prepare for hunts, interact with other players and customise their characters before heading back into the field. The hub serves as both a gameplay feature and a narrative space where characters and story elements develop.
Bak emphasised that the story will be part of the official Horizon timeline. He said the narrative will be “fully canon” and will continue to evolve beyond the game’s launch. This suggests that Guerrilla plans to expand the title over time with additional content and story developments.
The decision to integrate a canonical story into a multiplayer-focused title marks a significant step for the franchise, which has traditionally centred on Aloy’s single-player journey. By introducing new Hunters and their interconnected stories, Guerrilla aims to broaden the Horizon universe and offer players a fresh perspective on its world and lore.
Guerrilla’s move into co-op and plans
Horizon Hunters Gathering reflects Guerrilla’s broader interest in expanding beyond single-player experiences. Bak noted that multiplayer has long been part of the studio’s identity, referencing its earlier work on the Killzone series. He described the project as both exciting and challenging, given the expectations attached to the Horizon name.
“On a personal note, this is both an exciting and daunting step for us,” Bak said. “Multiplayer games have always been part of our studio’s DNA, and it’s where I began my own career. Bringing a co-op hunting experience into the Horizon universe is something we’ve envisioned for a long time, and we’re approaching it with care, ambition, and passion.”
The studio plans to share more details in the coming months and encourages players to participate in the playtest to experience the game firsthand. Bak suggested that hands-on feedback will be crucial as Guerrilla refines the game’s systems and scales its ambitions.
Horizon Hunters Gathering represents a strategic expansion for Sony’s Horizon franchise as it explores new formats and player experiences. With its focus on co-operative gameplay, tactical combat and evolving storytelling, the spin-off aims to attract both existing fans and new players interested in shared action-driven adventures.
