Publisher Sony Interactive Entertainment and developer Guerrilla Games have confirmed that the second closed test for Horizon Hunters Gathering will run from May 22 to May 25. Players interested in participating can register now through the official PlayStation Beta Program via PlayStation.com, with access available on both PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam.

This upcoming test represents a significant step forward for the cooperative action title, introducing new playable content, gameplay refinements, and expanded systems shaped by community feedback from the first test phase.

Expanded Content and New Hunters

The Horizon Hunters Gathering second closed test introduces two new hunters to the roster, adding more variety to team compositions and playstyles. Players will be able to try Ensa, an Oseram smuggler with a mercenary background, and Shadow, a covert Carja operative capable of commanding a powerful Stalker machine. These newcomers join returning characters Rem, Sun, and Axle, all of whom have received further refinements based on player feedback.

In addition to new characters, a fresh narrative episode will be playable during the test period. Episodes form the backbone of Horizon Hunters Gathering’s campaign structure, delivering story-driven missions that introduce new mechanics, enemies, and lore. In this instance, players will venture into Ashwater Valley to confront a growing machine threat.

Increased Challenge and New Region

For players seeking a more demanding experience, the second closed test raises the difficulty ceiling across its core modes. Machine Incursion returns with new Hard and Merciless difficulty options, intensifying encounters with waves of hostile machines and formidable bosses such as Thunderjaws and Ravagers. Meanwhile, Cauldron Descent expands into a more complex multi-stage challenge, requiring tight coordination and teamwork to overcome increasingly punishing encounters.

A brand-new region, Breakers’ Bounty, will also be available. This area blends dense jungle environments with ruined landscapes and a harsh desert biome populated by dangerous machines. Players can also revisit Devil’s Thirst and the Gathering hub, which serves as the central social space for preparation, customization, and team coordination.

Improved Accessibility and Solo Options

To improve onboarding and accessibility, Training Modules have been added to guide players through core systems and mechanics. Solo players are also better supported in this test, with AI-controlled hunter companions—Rem, Sun, or Axle—available to assist in missions or fill empty slots in three-player teams.

Ongoing Development and Future Updates

Horizon Hunters Gathering remains in active development, and Guerrilla Games continues to emphasize the importance of early, small-scale playtesting to refine the core gameplay experience. Feedback gathered during this phase will directly influence future updates and larger testing waves.

The game is currently in development for PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam, with no confirmed release date at the time of writing. More details, including additional test content and updates, are expected to be shared in the coming weeks through official channels.