Guerrilla Games Announces Horizon Hunters Playtest: Dates & Details

By Mohammad Haris • Senior Writer, In Game News

• **Playtest Window:** Horizon Hunters Gathering is running a limited-time playtest from February 27th to March 1st, 2026.
• **Platform Availability:** The playtest will be accessible to PC players via Steam and PlayStation 5 users.
• **Sign-Up Process:** Participation requires signing up through PlayStation's beta program, with no guarantee of selection.
• **Timed Sessions:** The playtest operates within specific daily time slots: 7pm-10pm CET for Europe and 4pm-7pm PST for North America.
• **Future Opportunities:** Guerrilla Games has confirmed additional playtest chances will be available later in 2026.
• **Game Identity:** Horizon Hunters Gathering is described as a co-op action live service spin-off from the Horizon universe, drawing inspiration from titles like Fortnite, Hades, and Monster Hunter.

This weekend, the gaming sphere is buzzing with more than just robo-dinos and ancient tech. While many players might be eyeing Bungie's return to the classic sci-fi shooter with the *Marathon* server slam, another contender from a celebrated franchise is dropping its own playtest. That's right, we're talking about Guerrilla Games' recently announced live service spin-off, *Horizon Hunters Gathering*, which is set to kick off its own limited-time run, giving players a tough choice for their precious weekend gaming hours. We've been keeping a close eye on *Horizon Hunters Gathering* since its announcement earlier this month. The idea of a co-op action take on the beloved *Horizon* universe, complete with its unique blend of futuristic and ancient aesthetics, has certainly piqued our interest. And now, the opportunity to get hands-on has arrived sooner than some might have expected.

The Gathering Commences: Playtest Details Revealed

For those itching to dive into this new chapter of the *Horizon* saga, mark your calendars. The playtest for *Horizon Hunters Gathering* is scheduled to run from **February 27th to March 1st**. That's a tight window, folks, meaning if you're keen, you'll need to act fast and be ready to jump in.

Signing Up and Slotting In

Now, before you go clearing your schedule entirely, there are a few important caveats to keep in mind. First off, gaining access isn't a guaranteed affair. You'll need to sign up through **PlayStation's beta program**. Yes, even for PC players, it seems the initial gatekeeping is through Sony's channels. We recommend heading over to their official page to put your name in the hat, but don't hold your breath just yet, as selection is not assured. Another key piece of information for planning your weekend is the playtest schedule itself. This isn't an open-ended, 24/7 affair. Guerrilla Games is running specific time slots. For our European friends, you're looking at a window of **7pm-10pm CET**. Over in North America, the action will be happening from **4pm-7pm PST**. This limited timeframe suggests the developers are keenly focused on specific stress testing or data gathering, so prepare to adjust your usual gaming routine if you get in. For the PC faithful among our readership, rest assured, the playtest will indeed be available on **Steam**. Console enthusiasts, naturally, can try their luck on **PS5**. It's good to see both major platforms for the game represented right out of the gate for this initial test. And for those who might miss out this round, the developers have offered a glimmer of hope, stating that there will be "more opportunities to try the game out in 2026." So, no need to cry into your gaming headset just yet if you don't receive an invite.

"Hunters! 🏹 We know you've got questions about the upcoming playtest, so here you can find the most important answers to get you ready 🔽" - Horizon Hunters Gathering Official Twitter Account, February 24, 2026.

What's Horizon Hunters Gathering Anyway?

If you're wondering what all the fuss is about, let's recap what we know about *Horizon Hunters Gathering*. This isn't a direct sequel to Aloy's mainline adventures, but rather a distinct **live service spin-off**. Guerrilla Games, the masterminds behind the original series, are at the helm, promising a fresh perspective within the rich *Horizon* lore. The game is described as a **co-op action** title, which immediately brings to mind visions of teaming up with fellow players to take down colossal robotic creatures. What's particularly intriguing is the blend of influences cited: **Fortnite, Hades, and Monster Hunter**. That's quite the cocktail! We're talking about the potential for fast-paced action and procedural elements à la *Hades*, perhaps robust crafting and monster-felling mechanics reminiscent of *Monster Hunter*, all wrapped up in a potentially accessible, ongoing service model similar to *Fortnite*. The idea of "robo dinos on the menu this weekend" definitely gets our veteran gamer blood pumping for some serious hunting.

Our Take: A Weekend of Choices

The timing of this playtest is undeniably interesting. With Bungie's *Marathon* server slam running almost concurrently (Feb 26th to March 2nd), players are being presented with a genuine gaming dilemma. Do you stick with a proven, albeit reimagined, sci-fi shooter, or do you take a leap of faith into a brand-new live service offering from a beloved IP? For us at In Game News, this presents a fascinating microcosm of the current gaming market. Developers are clearly vying for player attention, especially in the live service space. *Horizon Hunters Gathering* entering the arena against a heavyweight like *Marathon* speaks volumes about Guerrilla's confidence, or perhaps the urgency to get their new venture in front of players. We're particularly curious to see how the "Fortnite, Hades, and Monster Hunter" influences translate into actual gameplay. Will it be a seamless blend, or will certain elements feel tacked on? The success of such a spin-off often hinges on how well it carves out its own identity while still respecting its roots. A limited playtest like this is the perfect proving ground, allowing developers to gather critical player feedback on core loops, server stability, and overall player experience before a wider launch. Ultimately, this weekend offers a fantastic opportunity for players. Whether you're a *Horizon* die-hard, a fan of co-op action, or simply curious about the next big live service game, *Horizon Hunters Gathering*'s playtest is definitely worth trying to get into. If you're lucky enough to secure a spot, prepare to venture into a world of "robo dinos" and perhaps, a glimpse at the future of the *Horizon* franchise.