Guerrilla has announced the second closed playtest for Horizon Hunters Gathering, scheduled for May 22–25, 2026. The tech demo will be available on PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam, with registration open through the PlayStation Beta program.
The update introduces two new playable hunters alongside the returning Rem, Sun, and Axle: Ensa, an Oseram smuggler, and Shadow, a Carja agent who uses a Pirscher machine in combat. New content includes a narrative mission called Episode, set in Ashwater Valley, and a new explorable region called Breakers Bounty, featuring environments ranging from jungles to desert ruins.
In terms of game modes, the developers have implemented Hard and Ruthless difficulty levels for the Machine Incursion and Cauldron Descent activities. For solo players, training modules and NPC support (Rem, Sun, or Axle) have been introduced, who can provide assistance in combat or fill vacant spots in three-person squads.
Participants will also have access to the Gathering, the central social hub where they can interact with other users, manage their equipment, and customize their camp. A constant internet connection is required to access the playtest.