🌌 NCSOFT Unveils Horizon Steel Frontiers A Next-Gen MMORPG Set in the Horizon Universe

The beloved Horizon franchise known for Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West is expanding far beyond the PlayStation world. In a major surprise reveal, NCSOFT and Guerrilla Games have officially announced Horizon Steel Frontiers, a brand-new MMORPG set in the same breathtaking universe of mechanical beasts and ancient mysteries.

This marks one of the most ambitious cross-studio collaborations in recent years combining Sony’s storytelling mastery with NCSOFT’s MMO expertise.

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🦾 A New Era for the Horizon Universe

Horizon Steel Frontiers transports players into a vast, shared open world set decades after Horizon Forbidden West. Civilization has begun rebuilding but old threats remain. Players will explore towering ruins, face off against re-engineered machines, and forge alliances to survive humanity’s next chapter.

Unlike Aloy’s solo adventures, Steel Frontiers focuses on custom-built characters, faction warfare, and large-scale cooperative hunts.

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🎮 Developed by NCSOFT, in Partnership with Guerrilla

This project represents the first large-scale collaboration between PlayStation Studios and NCSOFT, the Korean developer behind legendary MMOs like Blade & Soul, Guild Wars, and Lineage.

Sony has long sought to expand the Horizon IP into live-service territory, and NCSOFT’s proven track record in managing online worlds makes them the perfect partner.

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⚙️ Gameplay and Features (Expected Highlights)

• Open-World Exploration: Vast biomes inspired by the Horizon series snowy peaks, jungle ruins, deserts filled with metallic creatures.
• Faction Choice System: Players can align with new tribes, each with unique weapons, mounts, and political motives.
• Dynamic Combat: Real-time third-person battles with signature Horizon weaponry bows, traps, and hacking tools now adapted for multiplayer.
• Raid-Scale Machine Hunts: Massive boss encounters where dozens of players cooperate to take down apex mechanical beasts.
• Base Building & Crafting: Construct outposts, craft rare machine parts, and trade resources across player hubs.

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🧭 Timeline and Platforms

While Sony hasn’t confirmed a release date, early reports indicate the game will launch on PC and PlayStation 5, with potential cross-play support. A 2026 release window seems likely, with closed beta testing rumored for mid-2025.

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🧠 Why This Matters

This is Sony’s boldest push yet into the online multiplayer market. By opening the Horizon universe to shared-world storytelling, it may rival titles like Final Fantasy XIV and Black Desert Online.

Fans are excited to finally experience Horizon’s world together — not just as observers of Aloy’s story.

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💬 Fan Reactions

Gamers on social media are calling this “the MMO Horizon was born to be.” Others remain cautiously optimistic, hoping NCSOFT maintains the rich narrative quality that defines the franchise.

Still, the combination of Korean MMO systems with PlayStation world-building could redefine open-world online RPGs.

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🔮 The Future of Horizon

Between Horizon Call of the Mountain, Netflix’s upcoming live-action series, and Horizon 3 reportedly in development, Steel Frontiers cements Horizon as one of Sony’s most versatile IPs. It’s no longer just an action-adventure — it’s a living universe.

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❓ FAQs

Q1: What is Horizon Steel Frontiers?
A new MMORPG developed by NCSOFT in collaboration with Guerrilla Games, set in the Horizon universe after the events of Horizon Forbidden West.

Q2: Will Aloy appear in the game?
While not confirmed, developers suggest the story occurs long after Aloy’s timeline, focusing on new heroes rebuilding civilization.

Q3: What platforms will it launch on?
Horizon Steel Frontiers is expected for PlayStation 5 and PC, with full cross-platform support.

Q4: When will the game release?
A 2026 release is likely, with beta testing rumored for 2025.

Q5: Who is developing the game?
NCSOFT, known for Lineage and Blade & Soul, is leading development, supported by Guerrilla Games for narrative and world design.

Q6: Will it be free-to-play?
No pricing model has been announced yet, but given NCSOFT’s track record, a hybrid subscription or premium model with optional microtransactions is possible.

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