The Horizon universe just got exponentially bigger. Sony and Guerrilla Games have officially unveiled Horizon Hunters Gathering, a brand-new live service co-op game that promises to deliver everything the community has been begging for since the franchise first launched. Cross-platform multiplayer? Check. Evolving story content? Absolutely. A chance to team up with your squad and take down Thunderjaws without arguing over whose turn it is on the console? Finally, yes.

For those who’ve spent hundreds of hours perfecting their aim in Zero Dawn and Forbidden West, this announcement feels like validation. The Horizon world was always meant to be shared, and now Guerrilla is making that vision a reality.

What Exactly Is Horizon Hunters Gathering?

At its core, Horizon Hunters Gathering is a cooperative multiplayer experience built from the ground up for teamwork. Unlike the mainline single-player Horizon games, this title is designed to be played with friends across both PlayStation 5 and PC. The reveal trailer showcased diverse hunter characters, each with unique abilities and playstyles, suggesting a class-based system that rewards strategic team composition.

Players will form hunting parties to tackle quests, explore vibrant environments, and face off against some of the most dangerous machines in the franchise. Think Monster Hunter meets Horizon, with all the tactical bow combat and explosive elemental traps fans adore. Perhaps most exciting is the promise of ongoing narrative content—Arjan Bak confirmed that the game’s story will evolve continuously with each update.

Why Guerrilla’s Multiplayer Return Matters

Here’s something many fans might not know: Guerrilla Games built their reputation on multiplayer shooters. Before becoming synonymous with Aloy and robot dinosaurs, they created Killzone, a series known for intense competitive multiplayer. Horizon Hunters Gathering marks their first return to multiplayer design in years, bringing all that expertise back to the table.

This isn’t some tacked-on mode chasing live service trends. Guerrilla understands pacing, balance, and the addictive loop of perfecting skills with a coordinated team. The trailer hints at hub areas filled with bustling activity where players can meet, customize hunters, and prepare for the next big hunt. If Guerrilla nails the balance between social interaction and intense gameplay, this could become the go-to game for friend groups seeking their next obsession. Speaking of strategic thinking and calculated risks, many gaming enthusiasts also enjoy testing their analytical skills in other arenas—for those interested, exploring sportsbooks in Canada to consider this 2026 offers another way to engage with competitive entertainment.

Cross-Platform Play Changes Everything

One of the most revolutionary aspects of Horizon Hunters Gathering is its commitment to cross-platform functionality. PC and PS5 players will hunt together seamlessly, erasing platform boundaries that have divided gaming communities for decades. Too many studios lock their ecosystems behind closed walls, and Guerrilla’s decision to prioritize player choice deserves recognition.

This approach makes practical sense for a live service game. A healthy, active player base is essential for long-term success, and allowing cross-play maximizes matchmaking speed and community engagement. Whether you’re on a high-end gaming PC or a PS5, you’ll team up with friends without technical barriers.

The Bigger Picture

Horizon Hunters Gathering isn’t Sony’s only bet on expanding the franchise. NCSoft is simultaneously developing Horizon Steel Frontier, an MMORPG set in the same universe. Between these two projects, Sony clearly sees Horizon as more than a flagship PlayStation series—it’s a multimedia universe with room for multiple genres and player experiences. This strategy mirrors successful franchises like The Elder Scrolls.

While there’s no official release date yet, the studio is inviting interested players to join the PlayStation Beta Program for early playtest access. Key questions remain about progression systems, PvP modes, and squad sizes—details that will determine whether this becomes a long-term staple or fleeting novelty.

For now, fans will settle for speculation and that tantalizing reveal trailer. But if you’ve ever wished to share the thrill of downing a Stormbird with your gaming crew, Guerrilla Games is about to make that dream reality. Keep your bows strung and your teamwork sharp—the hunt is about to get a whole lot more social.