Horizon Hunters Gathering announces second playtest with new features
Horizon Hunters Gathering is set to conduct a second playtest from May 22 to May 25, introducing new Hunters, a playable Episode, and a new region. The playtest will focus on incorporating player feedback and enhancing the game’s core experience.
The developers behind Horizon Hunters Gathering have announced significant updates and details for their upcoming second playtest. Following the initial playtest held in February, the team has been working diligently to enhance the game based on valuable player feedback. The next playtest is scheduled to take place from May 22 to May 25 and will be accessible on both PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam, with registration available through the PlayStation Beta Program.
The first playtest introduced players to the game’s core mechanics, including the Machine Incursion mode and the Cauldron Descent challenges. Players could engage with characters such as Rem, Sun, and Axle, in their quest to tackle the trials of Cauldron Descent. The team expressed gratitude to the participants for their feedback and engagement on the official Discord server, which has been instrumental in shaping the game’s development.
The upcoming playtest will feature new content, including two additional Hunters. Players will now be able to choose between Ensa, an Oseram smuggler with a mercenary background, and Shadow, a Carja covert operative commanding a Stalker machine. These new characters add depth and variety to the gameplay experience.
In addition to new characters, a playable Episode will be introduced, allowing players to delve deeper into the game’s narrative by exploring Ashwater Valley and confronting a wave of machines. This Episode will contribute to the overall storyline, presenting new mysteries, characters, and mechanics.
The developers have also introduced higher difficulty levels for existing game modes. Machine Incursion will now include Hard and Merciless modes, challenging players to defeat formidable foes such as a Thunderjaw and a Ravager simultaneously. Cauldron Descent will also offer more demanding stages, requiring teamwork and coordination among players.
A new region, Breakers’ Bounty, will be available for exploration. This area features dense jungles, ruins, and a desert filled with dangerous machines. Players will also have access to Devil’s Thirst and the Gathering, the social hub where players can interact, customize their loadouts, and prepare for missions.
To enhance player onboarding, Training Modules have been added, along with NPC support in Solo Mode, allowing players to team up with AI-controlled Hunters during missions. The development team emphasizes that Horizon Hunters Gathering is still in its developmental phase, and the playtests serve to refine the core experience based on player input.
Further information about the playtest and future developments will be shared on the Hunters Gathering Discord and social media channels. Players interested in participating in the playtest can register through the PlayStation Beta Program to receive updates and invitations.