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Horizon Hunters Gathering Closed Playtest

Upcoming playtest: May 22-25, 2026

Sign up1 below for a chance to play Horizon Hunters Gathering

Sign up now via the PlayStation Beta Program

Key information

Playtest dates

22 May 2026 to 25 May 2026

Daily Playtest Times

8:00 PM - 5:00 AM CEST 

11:00 AM - 8:00 PM PDT 

Platforms

PS5 and PC (Steam)

Crossplay is available

1Please note that signing up for a playtest does not guarantee access. Successful applicants will be contacted with details of how to participate. 
Please note participation in the test is confidential; you will be invited to the closed playtest channels in the Hunters Gathering Discord server and may not stream or post screenshots of the game. 

What to expect

  • Five playable Hunters: Axle, Rem, Sun, Shadow and Ensa 
  • Two game modes: Machine Incursion and Cauldron Descent, with added difficulty settings
  • Explore Devil's Thirst or the newly added Breakers' Bounty with your squad
  • Episodic content: experience a playable Episode for the first time
  • Hunter NPC support (Rem, Sun or Axle) available in Solo Mode
  • Access to The Gathering: a shared social space including campsite customisation

Why participate? Your feedback helps shape development as many game systems are still evolving; we’re on this journey together.

Sign up now via the PlayStation Beta Program

Two game modes – and a sneak peek Episode

  • Machine Incursion: a high-intensity mission where hordes of machines, led by a fearsome boss, pour out from underground gateways. New difficulty options have been added for those looking for an even greater challenge.
  • Cauldron Descent: teamwork is key as this mode pushes Hunters to their limits in an evolving series of trials set in the familiar Horizon-style machine bunkers.
  • Experience a playable Episode for the first time. This content plays a central role in HUG's narrative campaign, introducing new mysteries, characters and game mechanics.

Closed playtest FAQ

Registration and access
Platforms and regions
Playing with friends
Gameplay and progression

No, registration does not guarantee an invite. We’re selecting folks from the PlayStation Beta Program, especially those who have noted their interest in Horizon Hunters Gathering or similar games. You can use this link to register for the playtest directly.

If you’re not selected this time, stay tuned for the next one.

Invites will roll out gradually over the week leading up to the playtest. We will be sure to post multiple times on our Discord and social channels.

If you don’t receive an invite this time around, you may still be eligible for future tests.

If selected, you’ll receive an email invite via the PlayStation Beta Program.

No. This playtest is under a strict NDA. Participants may discuss their experience only with other testers in our private Discord channels during the test period.

You may share some impressions after the test concludes, but not with any capture or screenshots. Breaking the NDA may result in a ban for future playtests.

Join our Discord to stay in the loop on our future playtests or development news.

Our playtests will be available on PS5 and PC.

This second closed playtest will be available in select regions which we’ll communicate closer to testing time. Sign ups are open globally.

If your region won’t be available this time, don’t worry! There will be more opportunities to play.

This playtest only supports English language. Additional language support will be added in future tests.

 Participants must:

  • Be 18 years or older
  • Have access to PS5 or PC (Steam)
  • Be located in an eligible region
  • Play in English

  1. Log into your Steam account

  2. Click “Add a Game”

  3. Select “Activate a Product on Steam”

  4. Enter your key and follow the instructions

The game will only be playable during the scheduled test hours on May 22-25, 2026.

The test hours are as follows:

8:00 PM - 5:00 AM CET
11:00 AM - 8:00 PM PDT

PC specs will be shared closer to the start of the playtest.

Yes, if you receive an invite, you can bring up to two friends along to join you.

Yes, between PC and PS5.

No. Progress will not carry over.

You’ll be able to play as five different Hunters (Axle, Rem, Sun, Shadow and Ensa); explore Devil’s Thirst or Breakers’ Bountry; try out Machine Incursion, Cauldron Descent, and even some Episodic content; or enjoy some time in the Gathering social space.