Free Tests for Horizon: Hunters Gathering and Marathon This Weekend

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Sony recently concluded a closed test for Horizon: Hunters Gathering, the upcoming multiplayer spinoff from Guerrilla Games’ Horizon series. Running from February 27 to March 1 on PC and PS5, the test coincided with a server slam for Marathon, Bungie’s upcoming title, giving players a look at two new PlayStation games in the same genre during a single window. The Horizon: Hunters Gathering playtest, open to PlayStation beta members, featured the characters Sun, Rem, and Axle. Participants had access to two game modes: Machine Incursion and Cauldron Descend, and could explore the shared social space called The Gathering. Testers could also play cooperatively with other players, though the final game will include a solo mode with NPC companions. The test offered an explorable environment and the option to play as the Viking character.

Multiplayer Crossover Showdown: Marathon & Horizon’s Hunters Gathering Playtests

Bungie’s Marathon server slam began on February 26 and ended on March 2, providing continuous access across all platforms throughout the Horizon: Hunters Gathering test. According to Bungie, the Marathon test included two zones (Perimeter and Shroudswamp), unlocked contracts for five factions, all six runner shells, solo queue, and proximity chat. Participants in the Marathon test could unlock rewards for the full game, including special emblems, player banners, and a gear package containing weapons, body modifications, and other items. During the Horizon: Hunters Gathering event, one player spotted a Horizon character model positioned next to a fallen Marathon character model. The European play times for Horizon: Hunters Gathering ran from 7 PM to 10 PM CET, while in the US, it was available from 4 PM to 7 PM PST. These playtests arrive at a time when some of PlayStation’s other live service projects have faced cancellation, leading to speculation about the future of the platform’s online gaming strategy. With the Horizon: Hunters Gathering test now complete, players await further news and developments for the upcoming title.

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