Guerrilla has announced a second closed playtest for Horizon Hunters Gathering, scheduled to take place from May 22 to May 25 across PlayStation 5 and PC. The upcoming test will introduce new playable content, additional characters, and expanded gameplay systems as development continues to evolve following feedback from the initial session earlier this year.
The next playtest will once again be accessible through the PlayStation Beta Program, with registration open to players interested in trying the latest build. According to the developer, this new phase incorporates improvements based on player feedback while also adding a range of fresh content designed to deepen the experience.
Among the headline additions are two new Hunters joining the roster. Ensa, an Oseram smuggler with a background in mercenary work, and Shadow, a covert Carja operative capable of controlling a Stalker machine, expand the playable lineup alongside returning characters Rem, Sun, and Axle, who have also received adjustments.
The playtest will also feature a new narrative-driven Episode, which introduces players to a mission centered on protecting Ashwater Valley from a growing machine threat. Episodes are described as a key component of the game’s story structure, blending character development with evolving gameplay mechanics.
In terms of gameplay challenges, Guerrilla is raising the difficulty ceiling with new modes for Machine Incursion, adding Hard and Merciless options. These missions involve defending against waves of machines, including powerful bosses, while Cauldron Descent returns as a multi-stage cooperative challenge that emphasizes coordination and teamwork under increasingly demanding conditions.
A new region called Breakers’ Bounty will also be available during the test. The area combines dense jungle environments with ruined landscapes and desert edges, offering a fresh setting filled with hostile machines. Players will still be able to visit previously introduced locations such as Devil’s Thirst, as well as the central hub known as the Gathering.
Additional features aim to make the experience more accessible and flexible. Training Modules have been introduced to help players learn core systems, while solo players can rely on AI controlled Hunters to fill out teams during missions. These companions can assist in combat or occupy empty slots in three player squads, offering more options for those who prefer to play alone.
Guerrilla emphasized that Horizon Hunters Gathering remains in active development, with playtests serving as a way to refine the core experience through community feedback. More updates are expected in the coming weeks as the studio continues to prepare for future testing phases.
