Horizon Steel Frontiers is set to expand the Horizon universe into the MMORPG genre, offering a fresh and massive multiplayer experience focused on giant machine hunts. Developed through a collaboration between NCSOFT, Guerrilla Games, and supported by PlayStation Studios, this new title is designed specifically with mobile players in mind, while also being accessible on PC through NCSOFT’s proprietary PURPLE platform.
A New Horizon for MMO Fans
Unlike previous Horizon games, Steel Frontiers embraces an MMO structure, placing players in the vast open world of the Deadlands a region inspired by the landscapes of Arizona and New Mexico.
As machine hunters, players can expect to encounter thousands of others, creating a dynamic environment where cooperation and competition go hand in hand. Whether teaming up to take down colossal robotic beasts or vying against rival tribes for scarce resources, the game promises a living, breathing world rich with emergent gameplay moments.
The game’s combat system draws inspiration from the original Horizon series but adapts it to suit large-scale multiplayer battles. Players will engage in strategic fights against mechanical monsters, utilizing a mix of ranged and melee weapons.
A standout feature is the continuation of Horizon’s iconic weak-point targeting mechanic, allowing hunters to dismantle specific machine parts to weaken foes and claim valuable loot.
Additionally, players can climb onto enemies using tools like the Pullcaster, set traps, and even commandeer weapons dropped by defeated machines for use in future battles.
Deep Customization and Social Features
Customization plays a central role in Horizon Steel Frontiers, reflecting a strong influence from Korean MMO design philosophies.
Players can craft their own unique machine hunter, choosing from various tribes known from the Horizon lore such as the Nora, Tenakth, Utaru, or Oseram. The character creation system offers extensive options, covering facial features, body types, hairstyles, and intricate details like makeup, allowing for truly personalized avatars.
Sharing these customized characters with the community is encouraged, fostering a vibrant social scene within the game. Beyond character design, the MMO aspect incorporates social features and raid-style boss fights, emphasizing teamwork and strategic planning among players.
This focus on collective gameplay aims to capture the thrill of hunting giant machines together, a core appeal that NCSOFT and Guerrilla Games are eager to expand.
Platforms and Release Outlook
Horizon Steel Frontiers will primarily launch on mobile devices, both iOS and Android, ensuring players can dive into the action anywhere, anytime. The PC version will be available through NCSOFT’s PURPLE platform, enabling cross-play between mobile and desktop users. Notably, there is no current confirmation of a PlayStation or wider console release, despite the franchise’s strong history on PlayStation systems.
Currently, no official release date has been announced. However, industry expectations suggest a launch window in the second half of 2026 or later. Meanwhile, Guerrilla Games continues to develop other Horizon projects, including a multiplayer live-service game for PlayStation 5 and PC, as well as a sequel to Horizon: Forbidden West.
As we anticipate Horizon Steel Frontiers, it’s clear that the collaboration between NCSOFT and Guerrilla Games aims to bring the rich, immersive world of Horizon to a broader audience through the exciting lens of MMORPG gameplay. The promise of vast machine hunts, deep customization, and a bustling online community positions Steel Frontiers as a standout addition to the franchise’s evolving legacy.