Horizon Hunters Gathering closed test announced for PS5 and PC (February 27 - March 1)

Published: 20:35, 24 February 2026
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Horizon Hunters Gathering closed test announced for PS5 and PC (February 27 - March 1)
Horizon Hunters Gathering closed beta runs February 27 to March 1, 2026 on PS5 and PC (Steam)

Key Points from the Article

  • Registration available through PlayStation Beta Program with invite-only access via email
  • Two game modes will be available during the three-day test period
  • First multiplayer experience for the Horizon franchise, which has traditionally focused on single-player gameplay
  • Limited test aims to gather feedback from smaller, dedicated player groups rather than stress-test servers
Horizon Hunters Gathering closed beta runs February 27 to March 1, 2026 on PS5 and PC (Steam)

Horizon Hunters Gathering will host a closed test from February 27 to March 1, 2026 on PS5 and PC via Steam. Here’s how to register and what to expect.

Guerrilla isn’t waiting long to start building on Horizon’s lore. After announcing its new multiplayer experience, the developer has announced players will have early access to the game via closed beta soon.

Players will have access to the game for a brief period towards the end of February where they’ll be able to experience a slice of multiplayer gameplay and gameplay mechanics.

Including two modes in the playtest, this will be the first look at how the Horizon experience will work as a multiplayer online game. The test will take place across PS5 and PC via Steam.

Closed Test Dates and Platforms

Guerrilla Games have confirmed that Horizon Hunters Gathering will run a closed test between 27 February and 1 March 2026. Due to the limited duration of the test, it’s likely that Guerrilla is aiming to trial aspects of the game with smaller crowds and dedicated feedback, rather than fielding large numbers of players to ensure servers can handle the player count. For that reason, entry into the closed beta will be invite-only.

How to Register for Access

Players can register for access to the closed test through the PlayStation Beta Program. Registration alone will not earn you a spot in the closed test though. Users who are invited to take part will be emailed an invitation. 

For that reason, keep an eye out for emails if you decide to register for the beta.The beta only has three days before the servers are shut down, so be sure to download the game quickly if you receive an invite. 

Game Modes to Expect

Details on the game modes players can access during the closed test have yet to be shared, but Guerrilla did confirm that there will be two separate modes available during the beta. 

While we don’t know what these modes are, we do know that Horizon Hunters Gathering will launch with multiple multiplayer playlists, rather than a singular “core” playlist.

Horizon games have always focused primarily on delivering strong single-player experiences. Guerrilla shifting focus to multiplayer will be interesting to see, and feedback from the closed test will likely help them balance and shape progression and gameplay.


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