2K Games Unveils Project ETHOS: A Bold New Hero Shooter

Project ETHOS, a new free-to-play roguelike hero shooter developed by 2K and 31st Union, is now open for playtesting. Dive into the details of this exciting game and discover how you can participate in the playtest.

Project ETHOS Playtest Runs from October 17th to October 21st

2K’s Project ETHOS: A Free-to-Play Roguelike Hero Shooter

2K Games, in collaboration with 31st Union, has unveiled Project ETHOS, a free-to-play roguelike hero shooter poised to redefine the genre. Project ETHOS blends the dynamic progression of roguelike games with the strategic depth of hero-based shooters, all presented in a thrilling third-person perspective.

What makes Project ETHOS stand out in the bustling hero-shooter market? From the gameplay footage available on Twitch and insights from early testers, it's clear that Project ETHOS offers a unique blend of roguelike adaptability and hero shooter dynamics. Each hero comes with unique abilities, and the game introduces randomized "Evolutions" that change your hero's capabilities during matches. This feature allows players to dynamically adjust their strategies, such as turning a sniper into a close-range combatant or enhancing a support character's solo capabilities.

Project ETHOS features two primary game modes. The first, Trials, is the developers' "signature mode" introduced during the playtest announcement on October 17, 2024. In Trials, players collect Cores, decide when to extract, and use these Cores to unlock new progressions and abilities. In true roguelike style, losing a match means forfeiting your Cores, which are vital for acquiring Augments—upgrades that enhance future runs. To optimize Core collection, players must strategize to survive longer and gather more resources before cashing out.

Trials mode involves teams of three competing against both human and AI opponents. You can join ongoing matches, encountering enemies that have been actively engaged for some time. If the challenge feels too intense, you can check the remaining match duration before joining. Trials offers no safe zones; you might land in the thick of battle right from the start.

If overwhelmed, you can navigate the map to gather Cores and XP. Levels are earned through various activities, including collecting XP shards from loot bins, defeating enemies, and completing random events scattered across the map.

The second mode, Gauntlet, offers a more traditional competitive experience with a tournament-style PvP format. Players progress through brackets, upgrading their heroes with each victory, leading to a final showdown where the last team standing claims victory. If eliminated, players must wait for the next round to continue.

How to Join the Project ETHOS Community Playtest

Project ETHOS, like many live-service games, will evolve with regular updates, new heroes, and adjustments based on community feedback. The community playtest began on October 17th and will run until October 21st. To participate, watch participating Twitch streams for 30 minutes to earn a playtest key. Additionally, you can register on the official website for a chance to join future playtests.

The current playtest is available to players in the United States, Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Spain, and Italy. No global release date has been announced yet. Be aware of scheduled server maintenance times:

North American Countries
⚫︎ October 17th: 10 AM – 11 PM PT
⚫︎ October 18th-20th: 11 AM – 11 PM PT

European Countries
⚫︎ October 17th: 6 PM - 1 AM GMT+1
⚫︎ October 18th-21st: 1 PM - 1 AM GMT+1

Project ETHOS: 31st Union’s Debut Major Title

Project ETHOS represents 31st Union's first significant project since its inception, led by Michael Condrey, co-founder of Sledgehammer Games and a veteran of the Call of Duty series. Condrey's expertise in multiplayer shooters is evident in the design and mechanics of Project ETHOS.

While 2K and 31st Union have yet to announce a release date, the innovative approach to the hero shooter genre and unique marketing strategies through Twitch and Discord are set to be closely watched. Whether this bold move will resonate with gamers worldwide is yet to be determined.