At Korea’s G-Star 2025 event, NCSoft, in collaboration with Guerrilla Games, announced Horizon Steel Frontiers — an ambitious new MMORPG set within the popular Horizon universe. Developed specifically as a mobile-first title with cross-platform play on PC, the game transports players to the “Deadlands,” a vast, machine-infested frontier inspired by Arizona and New Mexico.
Gameplay and Features
Horizon Steel Frontiers builds on the core hunting-action formula that made the franchise famous, blending it with MMORPG elements such as large-scale raids, player versus player competition, and deep character customization. Players can choose from diverse tribes like the Nora, Tenakth, Utaru, or Oseram and build their unique machine hunter. Combat combines traditional weapons with futuristic technology to fight powerful mechanical beasts.
The game’s open-world offers a living, breathing ecosystem where natural environments clash with towering war machines. Solo and cooperative players can hunt machines, gather resources, complete missions, and engage in territory wars or rival tribe conflicts.
Cross-Platform and Mobile Optimization
Utilizing NCSoft’s proprietary Purple platform, Horizon Steel Frontiers supports seamless cross-play between mobile devices and PC. The mobile design prioritizes accessibility and performance without compromising the depth expected from a Horizon title.
Developer Insights
Jan-Bart Van Beek from Guerrilla Games highlighted the collaborative effort to bring the Horizon universe to a broader audience. NCSoft CEO Taekjin Kim emphasized this project represents a strategic global partnership to expand Horizon beyond traditional consoles and sessions.
Release Window
While no exact release date was provided, the game is expected to launch globally sometime after NCSoft’s Aion 2 releases in late 2025 and early 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What platforms will Horizon Steel Frontiers be available on?
Mobile (iOS and Android) and PC through NCSoft’s Purple platform.
Is this the first MMORPG in the Horizon universe?
Yes, Steel Frontiers is the franchise’s first MMORPG.
Will the game support cross-play?
Yes, between mobile and PC players.
Who is developing Horizon Steel Frontiers?
NCSoft and Guerrilla Games are co-developing the title.
When will it release?
Exact date unknown, expected post-Aion 2 launch in early 2026.
Conclusion
Horizon Steel Frontiers promises to bring the beloved Horizon universe to mobile and PC with a fresh MMORPG experience designed from the ground up for accessible, large-scale, and cross-platform gameplay. With the combined expertise of NCSoft and Guerrilla, players can anticipate an expansive and dynamic frontier full of machines, rival hunters, and new stories in the Deadlands.