Guerrilla Games released a teaser trailer today for the second closed test of Horizon Hunters Gathering, the upcoming third-person action-adventure monster hunting game set in the Horizon universe. The trailer, which the studio called a "Closed Test 2 Teaser Trailer," shows players teaming up to hunt signature Machines from the Horizon franchise.

According to the announcement, Horizon Hunters Gathering lets players team up with friends to embark on action-packed hunts. The game makes use of character-specific abilities, allows exploration of multiple regions, and reveals an unfolding narrative. The second closed test is scheduled to run from May 22 through May 25.

What the teaser trailer shows

The teaser trailer offers a glimpse of the cooperative monster hunting gameplay. Players can be seen using character-specific abilities to take down Machines — the robotic creatures that have become the hallmark of the Horizon series. The trailer emphasizes teamwork, with multiple hunters coordinating attacks and using their unique skills against the same target. It also shows snippets of different environments, suggesting the multiple regions mentioned in the announcement.

Platforms and availability

Horizon Hunters Gathering is coming soon to PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam. Sign-ups for the second closed test are open now. Players interested in participating can register through the official sign-up page. The test will be available on both platforms, giving more players a chance to try the game before its full release.

What the game is about

Horizon Hunters Gathering is a third-person action-adventure monster hunting game. It takes place in the world of Horizon, a franchise known for its post-apocalyptic setting where robotic creatures roam vast landscapes. The game focuses on cooperative play: players form parties to hunt Machines, each bringing a unique set of abilities to the hunt. The announcement mentions an "unfolding narrative," indicating that the game has a story beyond just the hunts, though specific plot details have not been revealed.

Character-specific abilities are a key feature. Unlike the main Horizon games where Aloy uses a single skill tree, Horizon Hunters Gathering appears to offer different playable characters, each with distinct skills and roles. This design is common in cooperative action games, where team composition and synergy matter.

Closed test details

The second closed test runs for four days, from May 22 through May 25. It follows an earlier closed test, though details about that test have not been released. The sign-up page is live now, and players can register for a chance to participate. The test will be available on PS5 and PC, suggesting Guerrilla Games is targeting both platforms from the start.

What it means for fans

For fans of the Horizon franchise, Horizon Hunters Gathering represents a significant expansion. The series has so far been single-player, focusing on Aloy's story. This game introduces cooperative multiplayer, letting players experience the world of Horizon with friends. The teaser trailer confirms that the core gameplay — fighting Machines — remains intact, but now in a party-based format.

The second closed test suggests the game is moving toward completion. With only a few months since the first closed test, Guerrilla Games appears to be iterating quickly and gathering player feedback. The test period is short — four days — which is typical for focused multiplayer tests where the developer wants to stress-test matchmaking and server performance.

How it compares to other monster hunting games

Horizon Hunters Gathering enters a crowded genre. Games like Monster Hunter: World and Dauntless have established the cooperative monster hunting formula. Horizon Hunters Gathering differentiates itself with the Horizon IP, including its iconic Machines and world. The character-specific abilities also set it apart from Monster Hunter's weapon-based system, which allows any hunter to use any weapon. Horizon Hunters Gathering seems to follow more of a class-based approach, where each character has fixed abilities.

The "unfolding narrative" element is another differentiator. Most monster hunting games have thin stories, using the plot as a backdrop for hunts. Guerrilla Games is known for strong storytelling in the Horizon series, so Horizon Hunters Gathering may feature a more robust campaign than its competitors.

Practical details for players

If you want to participate in the second closed test, sign up now through the official sign-up page. The test runs from May 22 to May 25. It will be available on PS5 and PC via Steam. Make sure you have a PlayStation Network account or a Steam account to register. The test is closed, meaning access is limited to selected participants, so sign up early to maximize your chances.

No word yet on the full release date or pricing. The "coming soon" language suggests the game could launch later this year or in early 2026. The closed tests indicate the development cycle is in the late stages.

Closing thoughts

Horizon Hunters Gathering looks to be a promising entry in the cooperative action-adventure space. The teaser trailer shows polished gameplay and a faithful adaptation of the Horizon aesthetic. The second closed test gives players a concrete date to look forward to. For fans who have wanted to hunt Machines in a group, this game might be exactly what they've been waiting for.