Horizon fans hoping for quick Aloy news got a reality check this week. A fresh Reddit leak on r/GamingLeaksAndRumours echoes Kotaku’s report: Guerrilla Games pulled staff from Horizon Zero Dawn 3 (HZD3) to prioritize Horizon Hunters Gathering, their new co-op multiplayer spin-off. Don’t hold your breath for a 2026 or 2027 sequel – sources say 3-5 years minimum.
The Reddit Leak and Kotaku Scoop
The post cites insiders claiming HZD3 isn’t Guerrilla’s top focus. Last week, they unveiled Hunters Gathering, a colorful tactical co-op game in the Horizon universe – think Fortnite-style action with machine hunts and three-player squads. Playtests kick off end of February on PS5 and PC.
Kotaku’s sources confirm: Many HZD3 devs shifted to make Sony’s multiplayer push a hit post-Concord flop. Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier backs it, noting most of the studio is on Hunters Gathering. One tipster even calls HZD3 a potential PS6 title, though cross-gen on PS5 is likely.
Guerrilla’s Multiplayer Shift
Hunters Gathering isn’t a side gig – it’s the main event right now. Guerrilla announced new leadership in 2023 promising Aloy’s next adventure alongside online projects. Sony wants live-service wins, so resources flowed there. Expect Hunters Gathering to launch first, freeing up teams for HZD3 later.
Fans fret over delays, but AAA cycles run 5+ years. Forbidden West hit 2022 after Zero Dawn’s 2017 bow. A 2029-2031 HZD3 fits, especially with PS6 whispers for 2027-2028.
Timeline of Horizon Rumors
- 2022: Forbidden West launches, Burning Shores DLC follows.
- 2023: Guerrilla hints at sequels and multiplayer.
- 2025: TCMF leaks claim 2027 HZD3 (now debunked).
- Feb 2026: Hunters Gathering revealed, HZD3 staff poached.
- Movie Tie-In: Live-action Zero Dawn eyes 2027 filming/release.
| Project | Focus | Status | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hunters Gathering | Multiplayer Co-op | Playtest Feb 2026 | 2027+ Launch |
| HZD3 | Mainline Single-Player | Pre-Production | 2029-2031 |
| Zero Dawn Movie | Live-Action Film | Script Ready | Filming 2026 |
What This Means for Aloy
HZD3 rumors paint a darker tale with Nemesis AI from Forbidden West’s finale. Expect bigger worlds, deeper lore on Old Ones tech. But multiplayer success could fund it – or flop and refocus on single-player. State of Play Feb 12 might tease more Horizon, but not HZD3.
Comics, VR spin-offs keep the universe alive meantime. Patient fans will reap bigger rewards.
FAQs
Is HZD3 canceled?
No, just deprioritized for multiplayer.
When’s Hunters Gathering out?
No date; playtest end-Feb 2026.
HZD3 release guess?
3-5 years per leaks, maybe PS6 era.
Why the delay?
Staff shifted to multiplayer priority.
State of Play mention?
Possible Hunters update, not HZD3.
Movie impacting games?
Separate; filming 2026, release 2027.
Guerrilla size?
~400 staff, split across projects.
Final Take
Guerrilla’s multiplayer bet stings for solo Aloy fans, but Hunters Gathering could expand Horizon smartly. HZD3 will return grander – just not soon. Mark calendars for playtests and brace for a long hunt. Thoughts on the pivot?