2K Games and 31st Union's innovative free-to-play roguelike hero shooter, Project ETHOS, is now open for playtesting! Discover more about this exciting title and how to participate below.
Project ETHOS Playtest: October 17th - 21st
Project ETHOS: A Fresh Take on the Hero Shooter Genre
2K Games and 31st Union have joined forces to deliver Project ETHOS, a free-to-play hero shooter aiming to redefine the genre. Blending the dynamic progression of roguelikes with intense hero-based combat in a fast-paced third-person perspective, Project ETHOS offers a unique gameplay experience.
What distinguishes Project ETHOS? Gameplay footage and player feedback reveal a thrilling combination of constant adaptation and distinct hero abilities. Randomized "Evolutions" dramatically alter hero capabilities mid-match, forcing players to strategize on the fly. Transform your sniper into a close-quarters combatant or empower your support character to become a solo powerhouse – the possibilities are endless.
Project ETHOS features two core game modes:
Trials: This signature mode challenges three-player teams against human and AI opponents. Collect cores, strategically choose when to extract, and invest your earnings to unlock new advancements and abilities. Death means losing your cores, so survival and efficient core collection are paramount. Join ongoing matches and face seasoned opponents, but be aware of the match timer before joining.
Gauntlet: A classic competitive PvP tournament mode. Battle through brackets, upgrading your hero with each victory, culminating in a final showdown. Elimination means waiting for the next round.
Leveling up occurs through various means: collecting XP shards, defeating enemies, and completing map events.
Accessing the Project ETHOS Playtest
Project ETHOS will evolve with regular updates, new heroes, and community-driven refinements. The playtest, running October 17th to 21st, offers access through watching participating Twitch streams for 30 minutes to receive a playtest key. Alternatively, register on the official website for future playtest opportunities.
The current playtest is limited to players in the US, Canada, Mexico, UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Spain, and Italy. Global release plans are yet to be announced. Server maintenance will occur during the following times:
North America:
- October 17th: 10 AM – 11 PM PT
- October 18th-20th: 11 AM – 11 PM PT
Europe:
- October 17th: 6 PM – 1 AM GMT+1
- October 18th-21st: 1 PM – 1 AM GMT+1
