Horizon Hunters Gathering is apparently it for Guerrilla Games, at least until the next single-player title reportedly launches in three to five years. Nevertheless, for those interested in its co-op hunting premise, new closed playtest is confirmed for May 22nd to 25th on PS5 and PC via Steam.
It includes feedback from the previous closed test alongside two additional playable Hunters – Ensa, who wields a massive cane hook, and Shadow – yes, Shadow – who has a saber and can call in a Stalker machine to help out. While they’ll receive more details “in the coming weeks,” there’s also a new region, Breakers’ Bounty, to explore and a new Episode from the campaign, which sees players venturing to Ashwater Valley.
Machine Incursion includes new Hard and Merciless difficulty modes, the latter seemingly throwing a Thunderjaw and Ravager at the team to battle at once. Cauldron Descent is also getting “even more challenging rooms to explore.” And to ensure better onboarding for players, you can now take the help of Hunter NPCs when playing solo in either the Episodes or Machine Incursion. They’ll even take up a spot if your team is missing a player, Monster Hunter Wilds-style.
Of course, Horizon Hunters Gathering is still very much in development, and there’s no concrete release date. Nevertheless, it’s shaping up into something – time will tell if it’s enough to buck Sony’s live-service curse.