Horizon MMORPG 'Steel Frontiers' Announced by Sony and NCSoft
The wilds of the far-future are about to get a lot more crowded. Sony Interactive Entertainment and the renowned MMO developer NCSoft have officially pulled back the curtain on a massive new project set in the world of Guerrilla Games' acclaimed Horizon series. Titled Horizon Steel Frontiers, this new venture is an ambitious massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) poised to bring the franchise's signature machine-hunting action to a vast online world.
For years, fans have dreamed of exploring the post-apocalyptic Earth of the 31st century alongside friends, and now that dream is taking shape. Horizon Steel Frontiers will allow players to create their own custom characters and carve out a legend as a machine hunter in a persistent world shared with thousands of others. The core thrill of tracking, trapping, and taking down awe-inspiring robotic creatures remains the central focus, reimagined for a cooperative and competitive online environment.
What is Horizon Steel Frontiers?
Horizon Steel Frontiers is a new MMORPG that trades the solitary journey of Aloy for a shared global experience. Developed by NCSoft, a studio with a legendary pedigree in the online gaming space, the project aims to translate the unique combat and exploration of the Horizon universe into a persistent online setting.
This collaboration brings together the creative vision of Sony and the technical expertise of a seasoned MMO developer. The game will be built upon the rich lore and established world of the Horizon series, featuring the iconic robotic fauna—from the nimble Watchers to the colossal Thunderjaws—that players have come to know and respect. The key difference will be the social element; instead of experiencing the world alone, you'll be able to form hunting parties, join tribes, and tackle monumental threats with other players from around the globe.
Key details confirmed for the upcoming MMORPG include:
- A New Online World: Explore a massive, open-world version of the Horizon universe.
- Custom Characters: Create and customize your own unique hunter, choosing your skills and appearance.
- Cooperative Hunts: Team up with other players to take down the most formidable machines.
- Signature Combat: The game will feature the series' celebrated action combat system, focusing on tactical positioning, targeting weak points, and using elemental attacks.
A New Frontier: Gameplay and Features
While specific gameplay systems are still under wraps, the announcement emphasizes that Horizon Steel Frontiers will retain the "signature hunting action and advanced combat system" that defines the franchise. This suggests that the tactical depth of the single-player games will be a cornerstone of the MMO experience.
Players can likely expect a gameplay loop centered on preparing for and executing complex hunts. This could involve:
- Crafting and Preparation: Gathering resources from the wild and from downed machines to craft specialized ammunition, traps, and gear.
- Tracking and Strategy: Studying machine patrol paths, identifying elemental weaknesses, and setting up the battlefield with tripwires and snares before initiating combat.
- Dynamic Combat: Engaging in fast-paced, third-person combat that requires dodging, sliding, and precise aiming to strip components and armor from massive robotic foes.
- Player Progression: Leveling up your character, unlocking new skills, and acquiring more powerful bows, slings, and other unique weaponry to tackle ever-greater challenges.
The social dynamics of an MMO will add new layers to this formula. Guilds or tribes could control territories, players might engage in large-scale world events, and a player-driven economy could emerge around the trading of rare machine parts and crafted equipment.
PC and Mobile Platforms on the Horizon
Initial reports and expectations have pointed toward a PC release, bringing the graphically rich world of Horizon to a platform celebrated for its deep and engaging MMO experiences. A PC version would allow for the high-fidelity visuals and complex controls necessary to do justice to the series' intense combat.
However, more recent information has also highlighted that the project is being designed with mobile platforms in mind. This dual focus suggests a potential cross-platform strategy, allowing players to engage with the world of Steel Frontiers whether at their desktop or on the go. An ambitious cross-platform release could significantly broaden the game's audience, uniting PC and mobile gamers in the same sprawling world. For now, players on both platforms have a reason to be excited as more details are expected to be clarified in the coming months.
The Powerhouse Partnership: Sony and NCSoft
The collaboration between Sony and NCSoft is a significant development for the project. Sony brings one of its most valuable and fastest-growing modern properties to the table, complete with a visually stunning art style, compelling lore, and a globally recognized brand. The Horizon universe is a perfect setting for an MMO, filled with danger, mystery, and breathtaking landscapes.
NCSoft, meanwhile, provides decades of proven experience in creating, launching, and maintaining successful and long-lasting MMORPGs. As the creative force behind landmark titles in the genre, the studio has a deep understanding of what it takes to build a stable, engaging, and enduring online world. This partnership leverages the strengths of both companies, pairing a world-class IP with a world-class MMO developer—a combination that holds immense promise for the final product.
Frequently Asked Questions about Horizon Steel Frontiers
What is Horizon Steel Frontiers?
Horizon Steel Frontiers is an officially announced massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) set in the universe of the Horizon video game series.
Who is developing Horizon Steel Frontiers?
The game is being developed by NCSoft, a veteran MMO studio, in a partnership with Sony Interactive Entertainment.
What platforms will Horizon Steel Frontiers be on?
While a PC version has been widely anticipated, recent information also confirms a focus on mobile platforms, suggesting a potential cross-platform release. Official platform details are expected to be finalized closer to launch.
Is Horizon Steel Frontiers a single-player game?
No, Horizon Steel Frontiers is a multiplayer-focused MMORPG where you will play alongside thousands of other players in a shared online world. It is a separate project from the mainline single-player games starring Aloy.