Sony’s multiplayer spinoff Horizon Hunters Gathering is set for another public playtest on May 22. This gives PS5 and PC players a chance to check out the game ahead of its full release.
What Is Horizon Hunters Gathering?
If you’ve played any of the main Horizon titles — Zero Dawn or Forbidden West — you’re familiar with the series’ open-world, robot-dinosaur hunting action. Horizon Hunters Gathering takes that idea and turns it into a multiplayer experience, allowing players to team up and hunt machine creatures together instead of tackling it solo.
This isn’t the first time players will get to try the game. Sony has already conducted at least one playtest, gathering early feedback to refine the multiplayer mechanics before a broader launch. A second playtest indicates the studio is actively improving the experience and seeks more input from real players.
How To Join the May 22 Playtest
You can access the playtest on two platforms:
- PS5 — via the PlayStation Network
- PC — through Steam, Valve’s digital game store
If you want to participate, keep an eye on the official Horizon social channels and the game’s Steam page for sign-up information. These playtests are usually free, but you might need to register in advance.
Why Run Another Playtest?
Having multiple public playtests before launch has become a go-to strategy for online multiplayer games. Think of it like stress testing a bridge — you need to see how it holds up under real use before letting everyone drive across it. For a multiplayer game, this means checking server stability, matchmaking (the system that pairs players), and whether the gameplay loop keeps people engaged after the first hour.
The fact that Sony is organizing a second playtest suggests the first round provided valuable feedback that they want to address. It also shows they’re keen to ensure those fixes work before setting a launch window.
What This Means
For Horizon fans, this playtest is a great chance to try the game for free and potentially shape its future before it launches. PS5 owners, in particular, will find another multiplayer option, adding to a platform that’s been focusing heavily on solo story games.
PC players getting access through Steam is also noteworthy. Sony has been gradually bringing its PlayStation titles to PC over the years. Including Steam in this playtest — rather than just PS5 — shows they view the PC version as a major release, not an afterthought.
If you’re unsure about whether the game is worth your time, a free playtest is a low-risk way to find out.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Playtest Date | May 22 |
| Platforms | PS5, PC (Steam) |
| Playtest Number | At least 2nd public test |
| Cost to Join | Free |
Community Reactions
“The first playtest was actually more fun than I expected. The co-op loop felt smoother than most live service games at that stage. Cautiously optimistic.”
“Good to see them doing another round. The matchmaking in the first test was rough. Hopefully they’ve fixed the wait times.”
What To Watch
- May 22 — The playtest goes live on PS5 and Steam. Watch for any sign-up deadlines in the days leading up to it.
- Post-playtest — Developer feedback summaries or patch notes usually follow these events within a week or two, providing a clearer picture of what’s changing.
- Summer 2026 — A second playtest this close together might indicate the game is aiming for a late 2026 launch window, although no official date has been confirmed.
- Keep an eye on Sony’s State of Play presentations for a possible release date reveal alongside other PS5 announcements.
Sources: Engadget
Ava Mitchell
Ava Mitchell is a digital culture journalist at Explosion.com covering social media platforms, streaming services, and the creator economy. With 4 years reporting on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and the apps that shape daily life, Ava specializes in explaining platform policy changes and their impact on everyday users. She previously managed social media strategy for a tech startup, giving her firsthand experience with the platforms she now covers.
