Guerrilla Games has officially confirmed the first closed beta test for Horizon Hunters Gathering, giving players an early look at the cooperative spin-off set in the Horizon universe. The beta will run from February 27 to March 1 and will be available in both Europe and North America, with limited access through the PlayStation Beta Program.
This test phase marks the first hands-on opportunity for selected players to experience the game’s core mechanics, characters, and multiplayer-focused gameplay loop ahead of its full release.
Beta Schedule and Access Details
The closed beta will operate during specific daily server windows depending on the region. In Europe, servers will be live from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, while North American players will be able to join between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM PST.
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Access is primarily tied to the PlayStation Beta Program, suggesting that Guerrilla is aiming for a controlled test environment to gather focused feedback on gameplay balance, performance, and online stability.
Playable Hunters and Game Modes
During the beta, players will be able to choose between three Hunters: Axle, Rem, and Sun. Each character features a unique playstyle, distinct weapons, and specialized abilities designed to encourage teamwork and role-based cooperation in combat scenarios.
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The test build will include multiple gameplay modes:
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Machine Incursion
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Cauldron Descent
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Gathering (social hub experience)
All modes will take place on the Colorado Springs map, which serves as the main playable environment for the beta phase.
Gathering Hub and Social Features
One of the standout additions in Horizon Hunters Gathering is the “Gathering” hub, a social space where players can customize their campsite, interact with others, and prepare for missions. This feature indicates a stronger live-service and community-driven structure compared to the traditional single-player focus of the main Horizon series.
The hub also suggests long-term progression systems and personalization elements that could play a key role in the final release.
Cooperative Gameplay Against Machine Threats
Horizon Hunters Gathering centers on cooperative gameplay, with players forming teams as the last line of defense against hostile machines. Combat will involve fighting alongside friends or AI companions against enemies that use varied attack patterns and elemental abilities.
This design places a strong emphasis on coordination, strategic positioning, and the synergy between different Hunters, rather than purely solo combat experiences seen in previous Horizon titles.
A Multiplayer Expansion of the Horizon Universe
With Horizon Hunters Gathering, Guerrilla Games is clearly expanding the Horizon franchise into the multiplayer and co-op space. While the mainline entries focus heavily on narrative and open-world exploration, this project shifts toward team-based missions, replayable modes, and social interaction systems.
The closed beta will likely play a crucial role in refining gameplay systems, matchmaking performance, and overall balance before the game moves closer to a wider release window.
